Steinhardt, Paul

Paul Steinhardt (1952-) is an American theoretical physicist and cosmologist at Princeton University whose work on eternal inflation and cyclic universe models has significant implications for theological and philosophical discussions about cosmic origins. His book "Endless Universe: Beyond the Big Bang" (2007), co-authored with Neil Turok, presents the ekpyrotic and cyclic universe theories as alternatives to standard Big Bang cosmology. These models propose that the universe undergoes infinite cycles of expansion and contraction, eliminating the need for a singular beginning. This work challenges traditional cosmological arguments for God's existence that rely on the universe having an absolute temporal origin. Steinhardt's theories have influenced contemporary debates in philosophy of religion regarding creation, temporality, and the relationship between cosmology and theology, particularly concerning whether cyclic models obviate the need for a transcendent cause or creator.