Creatio ex nihilo: philosophical and scientific arguments

In their work, Creation out of Nothing, authors Paul Copan and William Lane Craig (2004,) defend the traditional doctrine of ‘creation out of nothing’ using biblical, historical, philosophical, and scientific evidence.This discussion board will focus on their philosophical and scientific case for creatio ex nihilo. After reading chapters 6–8 of their textbook, interact with their arguments and address the following in your thread:

1. What philosophical argument against the beginning of a finite creation do the book’s authors critique, and how do they respond to it? (ch. 6) Begin with the headings and conclusion to grasp the case they are making.
2. What is the scientific support for the creation of the universe that the authors of your book marshal in defense of the doctrine, against other alternatives? (chs. 7–8)
3. Evaluate the philosophical OR scientific case Copan and Craig make.