A brief look at our troubled world today, shows that the leaders of the Judeo-Christian-Islamic religions have failed in their endeavours to satisfy Man’s need to know who and what we are – we need to know about our relation-ships with other species in our World and beyond, and the confusion, caused by this inability, has resulted in our world going through many years of uncertainty.
The junction where Science and Philosophy meet should be one of cautious mediation, in which both parties can agree on mutual points of view, while accepting that there will always be a shifting area of doubt at the fringe, that requires tolerance of the other’s standpoint, and the realisation that we all gain from such an understanding.
So, the question arises – is there an approach that encompasses all of these aspirations, and allows a better understanding of our World and it’s place in the Universe? This book suggests that there is another way and outlines such an approach. A part of this search requires that Man’s relationships with his World and his Creator are explored and, in so doing, a tentative bridge between Science and Philosophy is suggested. This is the “need to know” in action and may also be an acceptable starting point for others.
HISTORY
An initial look at the Judeo-Christian-Islamic religions shows that the core basis of these religions, is the insistence on the reliance on specific interpretations of historical records and texts, for their versions of the “revealed truth”. It is suggested here, that these inconclusive efforts are the main cause of the confusion now existing, in the search for an understanding of Mankind’s place in the Universe.
Other examples of misguided attitudes, that have had a bearing on today’s views are the former religious approvals of the Crusades with it’s attendant atrocities, the terrible tortures of the Spanish Inquisition, the religious wars in Britain – centuries ago – and the more recent atrocities in the Middle East and Europe.
All, apparently, in the name of God and the individual’s particular religion, but with little, or no progress – a kind of self imposed excommunication.
It is indisputable that the continuing usage of strict ancient interpretations of religious texts, written for the general understanding of the existing priesthood of the day, to indoctrinate illiterate people of those times – often many years after an event took place - is questionable. That these resurrected reports were, often, subjected to later translation errors, adds to the uncertainty factor
Of course, the problem with revealed truths is what to do when, later, it is found that a particular ’truth’ was not so infallible, after all, and it seems irrefutable that a religion founded on truths that are untrue, has to be in danger of irrelevancy. This leads to four observations:
First. A great deal of wasted effort has gone into trying to prove what has been acceptable and comfortable in the past, rather than examining the subject afresh, and making adjustments where necessary
Second.- most major religions or creeds tend to apportion human emotions to their representations of God, as a part of its beliefs, despite the complete lack of proof that this is so.
Third – in recent years, the degree to which religious support is given to seemingly, endless, and life threatening conflicts –in the name of God – to justify particular viewpoints. This is evident in the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and the Americas – and is not specific to any particular religion or creed. The fact that this support is not strictly in accord with these religious teachings is conveniently overlooked.
Fourth – is the strong possibility that we are not alone in the Universe, and, if this is so, then confirmation of the existence of more advanced worlds will probably require us to re-evaluate and realign our beliefs, and many of our practices, where appropriate, in the light of new knowledge.
An example of the complexity involved in this last concept alone is, that, supposing we accept that there are, say, a hundred other planets in the Universe that can support intelligent lifeforms, and also accept that the Judeo-Christian-Islamic religions are true. Doesn’t this also mean that we may have to allow for the possibility that there may be many other versions of the Judeo-Christian-Islamic story in existence?
Each would be at a different stage of unfolding, development or fulfilment – some more or less advanced than our own version. Perhaps a different version than ours. More true? Each version will be just as true for it’s inhabitants.
So, does this mean that Truth is, or can be, a variable according to where we live, or our specific level of understanding?
If this is so then what makes our version of the Judeo-Christian-Islamic story , the correct one. Wouldn’t it be prudent to look afresh at our current spiritual development with this in mind? Which Man-made religion do you think meets with God’s approval and why do you think this is so? Just as importantly, how do you know? Are you relying on somebody else’s opinion?
Consider the following: It has to be agreed that religious views, such as Judaism, Christianity and Islam based on historical accounts, thousands of years old, have confused the issue, and, by continuing to use these translations, as the basis for our understanding, we are , in effect, still accepting the same inherent tribal limitations and enmities that existed at that time. It may well be that a composite of all three religious views are the answer to these uncertainties.
The suggestion that we have not advanced our thinking beyond this basis today, is quite unacceptable, and it is , now suggested here, that an alternative and universal view, or understanding of God’s presence, is possible if we use conjecture, based on today’s more factual approach
This requires that we should step aside from history, and look for a basis of understanding that has been evident and unchanging, since time began, to see if this can provide us with more certain views than before. The only basis of understanding, that is irrefutable, throughout the Universe, since the beginning of time, is provided by the study of energy, based on the Laws of Physics.
The Universe consists of stars and planets etc. many of which appear to be of solid construction similar to that of the Earth and the Moon, as confirmed by our recent visits to the Moon.
Mankind is also composed of these same elements, and the thought of the creation of “Life energy” and intelligent beings, such as Mankind for no purpose at all, seems to me to be illogical, and not in keeping with the overall concept of existence.
So what is Man’s purpose in living – it could be happen-stance – in which case, do we have to develop our own reason for existence, in order to justify this existence?
The answer to this question is unknown and will, probably, remain so for time to come, but a moment’s thought will confirm that there is a limit to Earth’s capacity to support a never-ending expansion of Mankind’s physical population. So, perhaps, ultimately, something, other than a physical existence, should be considered, as a logical part of the solution.
In my view, we have been given the temporary opportunity of appearing in a physical form, consisting of combinations of natural substances – all of them energy based - for the purpose of living on Earth, and will revert back to a basic spiritual energy status, at physical death.
A part of this dying process is the elimination of any extreme mental processes we have gathered as physical beings here on Earth - what point is there in these being carried forward automatically to a spiritual realm – they are no longer relevant.
But what about heaven and hell? Well, again, in my view, this is a local disciplinary reward factor, promoted here on Earth, to assist in the control of those who follow particular religious views. It’s not a consideration – unless you wish to accept it.
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