| Feature Article – September 2006 |
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What follows are a few ideas to show how science and religion can harmoniously overlap. No attempt is made at proof of anything, but sharing can help each of us arrive at our own conclusions.
Key areas for consideration are:-
Some of these topics have been approached in earlier articles in this series, and their author is to be commended for tackling potentially thorny issues.
Mainstream TV, radio and newspapers thrive on conflict. They prey mercilessly on public figures whose faith and values differ from accepted current science. Reconciliation of beliefs is utterly foreign to their way of thinking, and of doing business.
People are divided on whether Genesis 1 or the “Big Bang” is the definitive start. Both give the same answer, though, if we ask: “What happened before that?”
At that point, adherents to both theories agree, that they are delving into the mind of God.
The cosmic details of the “Big Bang” are less relevant than two vital conclusions:-
1. Part of God became the universe.
2. Part of God is in every atom.
No anatomical dissection has ever discovered that part of us called the soul. It is no wonder; their search was far too shallow.
The latest theory of atomic structure is called “String Theory”. It was devised in an attempt to explain everything, including all the laws of nature.
At the heart of every atom are tiny pieces of energy, apparently formed like random pieces of string. Remarkable properties are attached to these strings, which can also exist in several dimensions. Exactly how they work to control and explain everything is still under study.
Here we have a mysterious energy that exists in all creation in several dimensions. Can this be God?
When we pray in silence and solitude, that communication with God is deep within every atom of our being. We pray in order to discover God’s purpose for us. All spirituality evolves from this point.
Three forms of the same thing, but with different properties and purposes is an adequate definition of chemical elements that exist as allotropes, as well as the doctrine of the Trinity
The chemical element carbon; can exist in at least four allotropic states. We will concern ourselves with just three well recognized forms. All these are simply pure Carbon:
Diamonds are well known for their hardness, brilliance and industrial uses. The carbon atoms here are rigid tetrahedra.
Graphite is most familiar to us as pencil lead. Carbon atoms in flat hexagonal arrays slide over each other and mark paper.
Amorphous carbon has no specific shape. We know it best as soot.
Other elements such as Sulphur and Phosphorus can also exist as allotropes. There is no problem here with three in one.
Sin and science seem a little more difficult to reconcile, but if the idea of “less than perfect” is adopted, understanding of both becomes easier.
There is no need to dwell on sin. It is the core of our need for religion. Sin is more insidious than overt. Few human actions are totally sinful, but many contain an element of selfishness, envy or any of the other seven “deadlies”.
Not all the energy we pour into our cars as gasoline goes to move us along the road. Some is lost in overcoming friction. Some of the power to a light bulb emerges as heat, when we want light. Part of the goodness of food is lost in the cooking. There are countless other examples where not all the energy we put into an endeavour comes out as what is totally useful to us.
This last sentence is a fair statement of the second law of Thermodynamics. (The first law simply says you cannot get something for nothing).
It can be proved mathematically, but our own sense and experience attest to its truth. Chaos and disorder tend to increase. If you do not do something about it, it will get worse. In science this loss of useful energy is called entropy; in human life the loss of goodness is called sin.
Catalysts make things happen, both in science and everyday life, without being affected by the action they engender.
Oil refining and pharmaceutical manufacture are just two examples of where the chemistry just will not happen unless the molecules are aligned by catalysts. The science of life processes, biochemistry, is largely governed by enzymes, which are catalysts.
A lot of human misery in relationships is due to misunderstanding. A mechanism whereby feelings can be aligned to the mutual benefit of both has obvious merits. An outpouring of love after hurt and separation is a joy to all. Reconciliation is good chemistry.
By definition, a miracle is an event beyond the explanation of science. Theologians and philosophers have agonized over them, but there is no need.
The natural laws of science may partially explain God’s actions, but they most certainly do not control God’s actions.
If we cannot explain an event, we can either accept it on trust, or reject it. It is rank arrogance to think that we know it all. Ask any professor of science or medicine what remains to be discovered! They may be able to guide us on the next faltering steps into the vast unknown. The deeper we probe, the more we realize the colossal extent of our ignorance.
There are whole dimensions of God and His creation as yet unfathomed by humans, qualities beyond our understanding. We do recognize one of them as the “Peace of God”. Let us be grateful for it.