Georges Lamaitre is considered the father of the big bang theory. He was a Belgian cosmologist and Catholic priest. He addressed this theory in a paper that he wrote in 1931. It stated that the universe began by the explosion of a single particle at a definite point in time. It also stated the universe is still expanding.

Many people during this period rejected his theory. It was also surprising that he took this position considering his religious faith. Here is what he had to say about science and religion and how he separated the two:

“As far as I can see, such a theory remains entirely outside any metaphysical or religious question. It leaves the materialist free to deny any transcendental Being… For the believer, it removes any attempt at familiarity with God… It is consonant with Isaiah speaking of the hidden God, hidden even in the beginning of the universe.”