This thesis explores the use of religious language, metaphors, and images in
the popular presentation of cosmology. Specifically looking at books written by
cosmologists and intended for a lay audience, I argue that these religious
appeals present a particular model, or picture, of cosmology to the public.
Through the religious language, metaphors, and images, the texts create
scientific-religious imagery which gives cosmology and cosmologists religious
functions (e.g., the metaphor of cosmologists as priests). Taking these images
together, the texts present a model in which cosmology performs like a religion -a
model of Cosmology-as-Religion. Thus, the religious appeals appropriate
religious authority through cosmology's assumption of religious functions.
However, the texts also contain arguments justifying cosmology and the need for
its continued financial support. The texts link these justificatory arguments to the
scientific-religious imagery, and this associates the texts' appropriation of
religious authority with the justificatory arguments. As a result, the appropriated
functions give cosmology additional social benefits, providing a socio-religious
context to the arguments. This, in turn, increases cosmology's importance to
society. In this way, the religious appeals help legitimate the justification of
cosmology.
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