Article in Stretton Focus, January 2015
Science is the pursuit of knowledge. We know a lot more than our predecessors did, about almost everything. Our knowledge of the universe has changed beyond recognition from what it was say 200 years ago. The odd thing is – and the world is full of paradoxes, that the more we know the more there is to know. Every answer throws up more questions; every solution provides more problems to be solved. So it seems there will be no end to scientific enquiry!
Religion must always take note of what science discovers so that its theology doesn’t get stuck in the past. Or, worse still, in the realms of fantasy. Nevertheless, in the context of an evolving universe science lies at the heart of the religious quest; but science and religion should complement one and another, for they are essentially in the same pursuit.
St. Paul, in that wonderful chapter 13 of First Corinthians, aspires to know – as fully as he is already known. This experience of ‘being known’ is one we all have; it is part of our self-conscious awareness. We can be known by our family and friends – but it seems that there is more to it than that. It can also happen at a much deeper level of our being – and surprisingly, it is here that science is bounding along in ‘quantum leaps’, and making some exciting discoveries.
Not all, but many physicists are looking deeper into the nature of the universe, and coming to the conclusion that “consciousness is a property of creation at large, and not just an aspect of human life”. They are coming to believe that the universe itself is alive, and not just inert matter. That the whole of creation is a living, self-creating organism – evolving into some unknown future.
Is it unreasonable to think that we can ‘be known by’ or ‘feel at home’ in this universe that has given us birth – our Mother!? The experience of ‘being known’ implies a relationship with whatever or whoever it is that knows you: and perhaps, in this case, a deeper relationship than just being known by fellow human beings. If present day religions could move into this ground-breaking area, wrestling with such ideas, as Jacob wrestled with God; it could be a step into the next stage of our human evolution.
Those who are interested will find the book Evolutionary Faith by Diarmuid O’Manchu a truly exciting read.
Donald Horsfield