Stephen Hawking says “theology is not required” in his book “The Grand Design”. His reasoning appears sound, “physics can explain the development of the universe including life without needing a creator”. Yeah. So what? Theology is the rational and systemic study of religion and its influence. Religion, has been, continues to be and well may continue indefinitely to be highly influential by ascribing formal structure in human spiritual development. Why on earth would we stop studying this now? Theology is required by hundreds of millions of humans and has in fact served us well for millenia. Some theologies better than others perhaps but none-the-less the concept serves it purpose in human thought.
Science is about knowledge. Religion is about beliefs. Beliefs are about inspiring and motivating us to be more. Science does not do this. It is our belief and feelings which inspire us. Science answers how and religion answers why. The two are not in competition and in fact they are better described as siblings. They are both unique and individual but one is not more or less important than the other and we should love them both and keep including them within the human family of thought and understanding.
Knowing that all matter has atoms and all atoms were created at the beginning of the universe does not make it any less miraculous that a whole bunch of atoms assemble today in the form of me and you. The structure can be explained (the how so to speak) but the why shall always remain a mystery and for this we need inspiration and seek enlightenment outside the confines of physics and science. Might I be so bold as to assert that metaphysics is as essential to human thought as physics. This is not a competition. There is no competition between apples and oranges. They are both delicious and I enjoy them both equally. The same is true for science/phsyics and religion/metaphysics.
So here is a challenge or perhaps even a formula, for enjoying some metaphysical enrichment today. It is not particularly mathematical although I am sure a mathematician could quantify it in their own language although I cannot. Seek wisdom within. Look into the vastness between the nucleus and the electrons of your atoms (this will require your imagination as they are fairly small and require a lot of technology to actually observe physically…smile) and ask yourself the following primordial question.
Why do I exist?
The answer will inspire you. The answer will humble you. The answer will energize you. The answer will enlighten you if in fact the answer does not elude you. And if it does elude you then fear not for the search for the answer is in and of itself a wonderful journey and your feelings are important and worth understanding and for this we all need to follow a spiritual path of enlightenment even as we may pursue scientific knowledge as well. At least that is what I believe and part of what contributes to me building a life I love to live.
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