A former professor at Harvard University has ignited discussions about the intersection of science and theology by proposing a specific location for Heaven, estimated to be an astonishing 273 billion trillion miles from Earth. Dr. Michael Guillen, an expert with doctorates in physics, mathematics, and astronomy, suggests that established principles of cosmology may align with ancient religious descriptions of a transcendent realm.
Dr. Guillen’s argument draws from a foundational tenet of modern cosmology: the expansion of the universe. Based on the observations of American astronomer Edwin Hubble, it is known that galaxies are moving away from Earth, with those farther away receding at accelerated speeds. He states, “Theoretically, a galaxy that’s 273 billion trillion (273,000,000,000,000,000,000,000) miles away from Earth would move at 186,000 miles per second, which is the speed of light.” This distance corresponds to what astronomers refer to as the cosmic horizon, the outermost boundary of the observable universe.
Beyond this cosmic horizon, galaxies may exist, yet their light has not traveled to Earth due to the universe’s accelerating expansion. Dr. Guillen emphasizes that certain areas are receding so rapidly they will remain unobservable, regardless of future technological advancements. Most astronomers view the cosmic horizon as a practical limit for observation, rather than a definitive edge of existence.
In a recent opinion piece for Fox News, Dr. Guillen presents a more profound interpretation. He argues that this cosmic horizon signifies a fundamental change in the nature of reality. He writes, “Our best astronomical observations – and Einstein’s theories of special and general relativity – indicate that time stops at the Cosmic Horizon. At that special distance, way up there in deep, deep, deep space, there is no past, present or future. There’s only timelessness.”
This notion of timelessness resonates with descriptions of Heaven found in biblical texts, according to Dr. Guillen. He suggests that religious scriptures outline multiple levels of Heaven, each corresponding to different realms of existence. “As a scientist, I understand the importance of definitions,” he explains. “According to the Bible, the lowest level of Heaven is Earth’s atmosphere. The mid-level heaven is outer space. The highest-level heaven is what we’re talking about: It’s where God dwells.”
Dr. Guillen posits that anything beyond the cosmic horizon possesses extraordinary properties that transcend human understanding of space and time. He aligns this with ancient depictions of Heaven as a domain occupied by non-material and timeless beings, often described as departed souls.
For the majority of astronomers, the cosmic horizon is devoid of spiritual significance; it simply denotes the farthest distance from which light has had time to reach Earth since the universe began approximately 13.8 billion years ago. The oldest light currently observable is the cosmic microwave background, a faint afterglow from the Big Bang. This radiation formed when the early universe cooled sufficiently for light to travel freely, leaving a signal that still permeates the cosmos today.
Tiny fluctuations within this radiation eventually led to the formation of galaxies and galaxy clusters. Its discovery in 1965 provided substantial evidence for the Big Bang theory and remains one of the most significant findings in cosmology.
Dr. Guillen’s provocative claims have reignited discussions about the relationship between science and spirituality, inviting both scientists and theologians to explore the implications of his assertions. While many in the scientific community may regard his interpretations as speculative, his unique perspective encourages a dialogue that bridges the gap between empirical observation and spiritual belief. As these debates continue, the intersection of cosmology and theology may reveal new insights about our universe and our place within it.
