Genesis Zen And Quantum Physics A Fresh Look At The Theology And Science Of Evolution

Since ancient times man has sought to understand the origins of the universe around him, and his place within it. Such speculations were once the sole purview of religion, but since the Enlightenment, science and rationality have also attempted to explain these mysteries, but from an opposing perspective. Conflict resulted and both sides dug in, clinging to dogmas that precluded any consideration of the other side. "Genesis, Zen and Quantum Physics" enters the fray with a very unique approach. Believing that harmony, rather than conflict, defines the relationship between the Genesis account and modern science; the authors have retranslated the creation story according to the ancient Hebrew pictographic language and in the context of the nomadic culture from which the language and narratives arose. The resulting translation and its accompanying commentary challenge the common understanding of God, science, and the very reason for man's existence. By harmonizing an accurate biblical account with cutting edge scientific understanding, the authors present a mature religious ideal and an appreciation for the understanding of the ancients for modern scientific concepts. This is a book that will redefine your understanding of God, the world around you and your role within it.

Is quantum science able to help us understand the creation of the universe and shed light on the narrative presented by the book of Genesis? If Hamlet lived in our century, he would say that there are more things in heaven and earth than are dreamt of not only in our philosophy, but also in our science. This may be felt today because the Newtonian paradigm that frames our experiences and our common sense is being challenged by the more complex paradigms of relativity and quantum, field and superstring theories. As a consequence, our world views and religious frameworks are also invited to evolve accordingly. "The Quantum Genesis: the creation of the universe according to a quantum reading of the Bible" is an attempt to contribute to a new dialogue between religion and science. It proposes an innovative look at the first verses of Genesis according to the post-Newtonian paradigm, which embraces quantum field and string theories. Its chapters offer a new reading of the following narratives: 1) "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth"; 2) And God said, "Let there be light"; 3) "Let there be the firmament"; 4) "Let the Earth bring forth the living creature"; 5) "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness"; 6) "And God saw every thing that He had made, and, behold, it was very good." Indeed, scientific breakthroughs have rushed into fields previously monopolized by religion and philosophy. Paradigm shifts have moved science away from the tangible and concrete, drawing it to the conceptual, the subtle. Religious mysteries like eternity, omnipresence, interpenetration between energy and matter, conscious power over reality and unity of beings may find compatibilities with quantum theory. Features previously considered antiscientific heresies or mysticism now form a part of an explanatory framework of a more sophisticated science that shakes the pillars of materialism, determinism, mechanicism and the objectivism of classical science. The 21st century may witness the convergence between science and religion, between reason and faith, taking into account the advancements of the first toward more subtle, intangible and complex accomplishments that challenge common sense and daily experiences, and the growing tolerance and open mindedness of the latter. Divergences between science and religion may be put together in two dilemmas: theism versus naturalism and materialism versus spiritualism. The book argues that both dilemmas are false, and that everything is intertwined within the framework of the "intelligent design" thesis. Open-minded physics have been stressing the convergence between quantum theory - particularly cosmic interconnection and unity - and aspects of Taoism, Hinduism and Brahmanism. Nevertheless, this convergence has not been deeply studied in Christianity and Judaism, in spite of the broad possibilities of links with the Holy Scriptures. That is what this book tries to accomplish, exploring bridges with the quantum fields of energy ("heavens," "earth" and "heavenly waters"), from before the Big Bang itself all the way to the making of man, while also considering the creation of light and of life itself. It may be of interest of not only religious readers, but also of scientists, atheists, agnostics and the general public.

Is quantum science able to help us understand the creation of the universe and shed light on the narrative presented by the book of Genesis? If Hamlet lived in our century, he would say that there are more things in heaven and earth than are dreamt of not only in our philosophy, but also in our science. This may be felt today because the Newtonian paradigm that frames our experiences and our common sense is being challenged by the more complex paradigms of relativity and quantum, field and superstring theories. As a consequence, our world views and religious frameworks are also invited to evolve accordingly. "The Quantum Genesis: the creation of the universe according to a quantum reading of the Bible" is an attempt to contribute to a new dialogue between religion and science. It proposes an innovative look at the first verses of Genesis according to the post-Newtonian paradigm, which embraces quantum field and string theories. Its chapters offer a new reading of the following narratives: 1) "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth"; 2) And God said, “Let there be light”; 3) “Let there be the firmament”; 4) “Let the Earth bring forth the living creature”; 5) “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness”; 6) "And God saw every thing that He had made, and, behold, it was very good". Indeed, scientific breakthroughs have rushed into fields previously monopolized by religion and philosophy. Paradigm shifts have moved science away from the tangible and concrete, drawing it to the conceptual, the subtle. Religious mysteries like eternity, omnipresence, interpenetration between energy and matter, conscious power over reality and unity of beings may find compatibilities with quantum theory. Features previously considered antiscientific heresies or mysticism now form a part of an explanatory framework of a more sophisticated science that shakes the pillars of materialism, determinism, mechanicism and the objectivism of classical science. The 21st century may witness the convergence between science and religion, between reason and faith, taking into account the advancements of the first toward more subtle, intangible and complex accomplishments that challenge common sense and daily experiences, and the growing tolerance and open mindedness of the latter. Divergences between science and religion may be put together in two dilemmas: theism versus naturalism and materialism versus spiritualism. The book argues that both dilemmas are false, and that everything is intertwined within the framework of the “intelligent design” thesis. Open-minded physics have been stressing the convergence between quantum theory – particularly cosmic interconnection and unity – and aspects of Taoism, Hinduism and Brahmanism. Nevertheless, this convergence has not been deeply studied in Christianity and Judaism, in spite of the broad possibilities of links with the Holy Scriptures. That is what this book tries to accomplish, exploring bridges with the quantum fields of energy (“heavens”, “earth” and “heavenly waters”), from before the Big Bang itself all the way to the making of man, while also considering the creation of light and of life itself. It may be of interest of not only religious readers, but also of scientists, atheists, agnostics and the general public.

FFaith Physics is a new Theory of Everything (ToE) combining ancient spiritual wisdom and modern quantum physics findings to deliver a belief system that is both intellectually sound and spiritually satisfying. It maintains an ineffable Supreme Consciousness is the catalyst of all material creation as a ‘great thought’ through pure white light in zero-point morphogenetic quantum fields. Faith Physics claims that consciousness is the cornerstone of base reality existing in a timeless state of now. By using the natural cause-and-effect laws of classical physics, the uncertainty principle of quantum mechanics, and dark matter/energy, Faith Physics posits pure consciousness manifests physical creation in a remarkable myriad of forms. In the wave/particle duality paradigm revealed by quantum mechanics, conscious observation transforms light energy into particulate physical matter as condensed or frozen light in accordance with Albert Einstein’s famous E=mc2 equation. Faith Physics teaches us we exist and thrive in a unified participatory universe emanating from an eternal Supreme Consciousness source, and we are not just a product of random-chance evolution. In the 21st century, religion and science are reaching an enlightened consensus that pure metaphysical consciousness is perpetually painting a picture on the space-time continuum canvas depicting a miraculous cycle of physical creation, entropy, and cosmic rebirth.

From black holes to holograms, from relativity theory to the discovery of quarks, an original exposition of quantum theory tht unravels profound theological questions

Strong claims have been made for emergence as a new paradigm for understanding science, consciousness, and religion. Tracing the past history and current definitions of the concept, Clayton assesses the case for emergent phenomena in the natural world and their significance for philosophy and theology. Complex emergent phenomena require irreducible levels of explanation in physics, chemistry and biology. This pattern of emergence suggests a new approach to the problem of consciousness, which is neither reducible to brain states nor proof of a mental substance or soul. Although emergence does not entail classical theism, it is compatible with a variety of religious positions. Clayton concludes with a defence of emergentist panentheism and a Christian constructive theology consistent with the new sciences of emergence.

By denying evolution altogether, says quantum physicist Amit Goswani, intelligent design believers fly in the face of scientific data. But the idea of intelligent design does contain substance that neo-Darwinists cannot ignore. Goswani posits that consciousness, not matter, is the primary force in the universe. Biology must come to terms with feeling, meaning, and the purposefulness of life, as well as with the idea of a designer. What’s more, reconciling the question of life’s purposefulness and the existence of the designer with neo-Darwinism also answers many other difficult questions. The result is a paradigm shift for biology and the vision of a coherent whole that Goswami calls "science within consciousness." In this timely, important book, the author offers clear arguments supported by the findings of quantum physics that represent a major step in resolving controversies between science and religion.

From black holes to holograms, from relativity theory to the discovery of quarks, Quantum Theology is an original exposition of quantum theory that unravels profound theological questions. Not simply a dialogue between science and religion, this "path-breaking work" (Values and Vision) is a bold exploration of divine creativity as seen through the lens of quantum theory, one of the most brilliant advances of our time. This new edition includes reflection questions for groups, as well as updates to reflect recent developments in science. Book jacket.