Science, Religion and Spirit
A scientist believes that the flow of electrons forms a magnetic field.
The source of this belief can be traced back through all the
experiments, mathematics, theories, discussions and debates made by
many other scientists. The scientific process is a collection of
observation, analysis, measurement, experimentation, theorizing,
extrapolation, prediction, testing, self-criticism. Its all subjected
to review and criticism by other scientists.
The intent is to refine the accuracy of our knowledge of the world,
ourselves - our "world model". There is faith that this process will
lead to better things.
When human greed and fear influence the scientific process - our world
model becomes distorted, our ability to destroy becomes magnified.
A religious person believes that the teachings of his religion are
connected to the source of all things - God, Spirit, Consciousness,
Light, Void. The source of these teachings can be traced back to an
individual who (it is claimed) had some special communication or
relationship to the Spirit. Religion carries their teachings through
time, adds some interpretation, mixes it with local cultural texture
(to make it more acceptable). A selection of teachings and
interpretations is put into writing and becomes the "belief system" or
"dogma" of a religion.
The intent is to preserve (what is believed to be) the best selection
of teachings of the creator of their religion. There is faith that this
belief system will lead to God.
When human greed and fear influence the religious process - our belief
systems become the reason for war, conquest, arrogance, ignorance.
Some will seek common ground between science and religion by seeking
similarities between their "world models" - but such an approach helps
neither - it weakens each other's path towards improving their "world
models".
However, their common ground lies in the human spirit: both science and
religion emerge from the spirit of exploration. This spirit of
exploration inspires us to observe, learn, experiment, theorize, test a
belief, share our discoveries, question our beliefs and assumptions,
seek a better understanding and a deeper wisdom.
The effects of greed and fear eventually lead to the transformation of
the fruits of our exploration into oppression, destruction, domination.
In today's world, many of the fruits of our exploration have been
darkened by greed and fear. Our entire civilization is dominated by
those who feed on these dark fruits.
Compassion, generosity, gentleness, kindness and forgiveness ensure
that our spiritual and inner exploration are the seeds of the fruit of
light. With them, you can break through this domination by those greedy
people who manipulate us through fear.
Exploration begins from within. The realm of Spirit can be
discoverd from within our souls. The Kingdom of Heaven is Within.