Seeking New Solutions in Science and Religion

Read Selections from the book
Science, Religion and the Search for God: Bridging the Gap

Description of Book

This book explores how the collaboration of scientific and religious orientations can help human beings have a greater understanding of that infinite, all-pervading spiritual energy which people have called "God." Moreover, it investigates the pathways by which the human search for God-consciousness may be pursued. In bringing together the two paths of truth-seeking called "Science" and "Religion" and reconciling their missions, this book demonstrates an even more powerful saving force for humanity and the planet and reaffirms the notion that all of life serves a sacred purpose.

There is a need today to reassert the fact that life and all its expressions are sacred. There is a need for all conflicting elements of human experience to find a common basis for cooperation and for enriching life with their diverse yet compatible viewpoints. There is a need in all societies today to use the wisdom of scientific, religious and spiritual seekers of truth to oppose the forces of materialism, dogmatism, and fanaticism that threaten human freedom and human happiness. Unity is the essential fact of life on our planet. All diverse elements are just different facets of the jewel which our planet could be. To go against unity is to fight the destiny of our planet.

The gap which exists between scientific and religious orientation is a good place to start in creating unity on our planet. Both science and religion within themselves stand for unity-the unity of intelligence and the unity of love respectively. Both science and religion are the most influential powers on our planet in the daily lives of humanity. When they are able to bridge the gap of their worlds, a new world of understanding will emerge. Their unique viewpoints and investigations about life and the Universe are actually complementary rather than incompatible. Together they may be able to demonstrate in a comprehensible and factual way the essential spiritual and sacred nature of our planet.

© 2002 Richard Sidy. All rights reserved

 

Table of Contents

Preface
Introduction
I. The Search for God
II. The Debts of History
III. Human Happiness
IV. Social Responsibility and Ethics
V. Health and Healing
VI. Educational Objectives
VII. New Psychology
VIII. Birth and Death
IX. New Goals for Science and Religion
X. The Sacred Planet
About the Author

 

Some working definitions in the discussion of Science and Religion as presented here:

In approaching this subject, a few understandings or premises must first be established in order to create common ground. These premises are basic definitions which describe the perceived need and purpose of this book:

1. "Science," "scientific thought," or "scientific orientation" are used synonymously and refer to man's way of relating to the world through the five senses, and through reason and logic in the investigation of life and the universe.

2. "Religion" does not refer to any specific religion, nor specifically to the practice of organized religion. Rather, it refers to a characteristic way of relating to the world which is more devotional and based on feeling and faith in God. It is the largely emotional appeal by people for Divine guidance or Divine intervention in their lives. "Religious orientation" and "religious awareness" are more precise terms for describing this way of relating to the world.

3. In their general usage and influence, scientific and religious orientations are viewed as polarities. They present very different world views in terms of their explanation of relationships and phenomena and of their effect on the role, purpose, and basic goals of the individual and the society.

4. The term "spiritual" refers neither exclusively to science nor to religion. "Spiritual" is the world beyond man's physical, emotional, and mental senses. It refers to energy, to life, to intelligence, to love, and to purpose. It refers to all universal laws and principles which govern the relationships in the Universe and life on our planet. "Spiritual awareness" is the consequence of one's pursuit of knowledge and understanding of the Universe using mind and heart. It is seen in the context of this book as the ultimate goal of scientific investigation and of religious devotion.

5. The term "God" refers to a universal concept beyond any form given by any religious doctrine. It refers to ultimate truth, to the essential unity and order in the Universe, to the source of energy and life in the Universe, to infinite intelligence, to universal love. "God-consciousness" is not a finite term. The concept of "God" expands as man's consciousness expands. Human-centric consciousness defines "God" in human terms. As one's horizons expand, the concept of "God" expands.