Time is the most insubstantial element of human consciousness that is experienced very profoundly. It seems to be with us all through our waking hours, apparently drifting silently and unhaltingly out there in the external world as well as within the very core of our being. Each one of us tastes a slice of time…
One summer night when I was outdoors, I stared skyward in reflection and pictured myself in an all powerful vehicle that could sail indefinitely on and on. In my flight of imagination, I took off far above the clouds and into the expanse beyond. My mind transported me past distant planets, crossing the remote outskirts…
1. Professor Huston Smith has elegantly summarized the essence of the Science-Religion dialogue in the following terms: “My favorite analogy is to imagine the physical universe as a giant balloon. Within it we can shine our flashlights (the scientific method) on anything inside the balloon, but we can’t get the flashlights outside the balloon to…
Review of Margaret Wertheim, The Pearly Gates of Cyberspace, W. W. Norton and Co. (1999) Introduction The “Pearly Gates of Cyberspace” is a series of insightful reflections on the notion of space in the Western tradition, a notion that has found expression in our own times as the ubiquitous cyberspace, weighty in its enormous impacts…
This morning I asked my dear wife: “Do you know what attracts me to you, binds us all, brings stability to the world, is never repulsive, and lights up the stars in heaven?” “Love!” she exclaimed. “Gravitation,” I said. “Then let’s hope Gravitation will get you a box of chocolates this day,” she replied in…
1. Recently there have been some expressions of disappointment at Huston Smith’s assertions in his latest book to the effect that those who talk of intelligent design, traditional god, relevance of religion, etc. are kept out by reputable scholars and organizations committed to building bridges between Science and Religion. We have been reminded by a…
The course of human history is instigated by many factors, perceived and unperceived, gradual and sudden, tangible and intangible too. Thus, the rise of the Buddha, the Christ, or the Prophet Mohammed were among the perceived factors, while the impact of certain viruses and microbes on the course of human history were never perceived as…
On the Role of the Enlightenment in Science-Religion Dialogues 1. In most confrontations between science and religion, differing and/or opposing contentions on specific issues have related to the explanations of (i) natural phenomena; (ii) the origin of the world; (iii) the origin of the human family/species and its related cultural attributes (language, art, belief-systems, etc.)….
Introduction Participation in the Parliament of the World’s Religions (1999) was a most enriching experience, and I am sharing the following excerpts from my journal because the Parliament was essentially a shared experience for all of us. No one could have taken full advantage of everything that was there, and notes are based for the…
It is now known all across the country and all over the world: The Board of Education in the State of Kansasdecided, on the basis of a vote of 6 to 4, that the children in that state ought not to be taught the theory of evolution, nor Genesis according to Big Bang. The board…