#Science and Spirituality

[robreyart]

Moondance 40 x 40 inches, Oil, 2023 “In a way, it’s really science that’s been inspiring rituals all along. Beneath the specifics of all our beliefs, sacred texts, origin stories, and dogmas, we humans have been celebrating the same two things since the dawn of time: astronomy and biology. The changing of the seasons, the long summer days, the harvest, the endless winter nights, and the blossoming spring are all by-products of how the Earth orbits the sun. The phases of the moon, which have dictated the timing of rituals since the dawn of civilization, are the result of how the moon orbits us. Birth, puberty, reproduction, and death are the biological processes of being human. Throughout the history of our species, these have been the miracles, for lack of a better word, that have given us meaning. They are the real, tangible events upon which countless celebrations have been built, mirroring one another even among societies who had no contact.” - Sasha Sagan, For Small Creature Such as We

Prints: https://robrey.storenvy.com

[theearthforce]

Psychic Abilities and Science: A Surprising Compatibility

Psychic abilities might seem woo-woo at first glance, but they’re actually more compatible with science than you might think.

If you’ve ever trained artificial neural networks, which is the foundation of much of modern A.I., you’ll know that these systems can only perceive and perform tasks they’ve been specifically trained on.

The human brain, which inspired the development of artificial neural networks, works in a similar way. It can only perceive what it has been trained to perceive, and trims away the neuronal connections of functions that we don't use. For example, during brain development, the brain follows a strategy called "perceptual narrowing", changing neural connections to enhance performance on perceptual tasks important for daily experience, with the sacrifice of others.

A compelling research study by Pascalis, de Haan, and Nelson (2002) demonstrates this. They found that 6-month-old babies could distinguish between individual monkey faces—a skill older babies and adults no longer possess. As we grow, our brains prioritize what’s useful for our environment, and let go of what’s not. In other words, our perception of reality is shaped and limited by what our brains have learned to focus on.

So, what does this have to do with psychic abilities?

It’s possible that individuals with psychic abilities simply have brains wired differently: neural networks that haven’t been pruned in the usual way, or that have developed in unique directions. This might allow them to perceive aspects of reality that most of us have lost access to or never developed in the first place.

[thechurchoftheatom]

A Sermon for January 15th: A Reading on Preparedness

Brothers and Sisters in the Atom, today’s message begins with an acknowledgment of the practical. While we, as members of the Church of the Atom, contemplate the vast and long-reaching implications of nuclear energy and waste—our legacy for countless generations—it’s important to remember that most of the challenges we face in life are far more immediate. Disasters may not always arrive in the form of a nuclear apocalypse, but they can still strike without warning, leaving us vulnerable. Floods, fires, hurricanes, power outages, car breakdowns, and even a sudden injury can upend our lives in an instant.

Preparedness is not just a lofty or distant ideal; it is a practical, day-to-day expression of care. It is how we honor our responsibility to ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities. In this spirit, we turn to a reading from Ready.gov, a resource that provides essential knowledge for safeguarding against the unexpected.

A Reading from Ready.gov: Preparedness Basics

"Disasters can strike without warning, disrupting lives, displacing families, and leaving communities in turmoil. By taking small steps now, you can ensure safety and security for yourself and your loved ones in the future."

Emergency Kits: The Foundation of Preparedness

An emergency kit is more than just a box of supplies; it is your lifeline when normal systems fail. A good kit should last at least three days and include:

Water: One gallon per person per day for drinking and sanitation.

Food: Non-perishable items such as canned goods, energy bars, and dry foods, along with a manual can opener.

Tools and Lighting: A flashlight with extra batteries, multipurpose tools, and a crank-powered or battery-operated radio.

First Aid Kit: Bandages, antiseptic, necessary medications, and any required medical devices.

Hygiene Supplies: Soap, hand sanitizer, moist towelettes, and other sanitation items.

Clothing and Warmth: Sturdy shoes, extra clothing, and blankets or sleeping bags.

Important Documents: Copies of IDs, insurance policies, and bank information in a waterproof container.

Cash and Coins: Small denominations for situations where electronic payments are unavailable.

Special Items: Supplies for children, elderly family members, and pets, including formula, diapers, and pet food.

Developing a Plan

Preparedness is more than a kit—it’s a mindset. Develop a plan to ensure everyone in your household knows what to do in an emergency. Establish an out-of-town contact for communication and choose a meeting place for reunification. Practice drills to make the plan second nature.

Everyday Uses for Preparedness

Emergencies don’t always come with fanfare. A flat tire in the middle of nowhere, a power outage during a storm, or even an unexpected illness can test our ability to respond. A well-stocked emergency kit and a thought-out plan make these everyday disasters manageable. Being prepared isn’t just for the unthinkable—it’s for the inevitable.

Reflection on Preparedness

Brothers and Sisters, the Church of the Atom teaches us to look both to the infinite and the immediate. While we are committed to the long-term legacy of nuclear semiotics—ensuring that future generations heed the warnings of our age—we must not neglect the more mundane yet equally important task of ensuring our present safety.

Preparedness is practical, yes, but it is also a sacred duty. When we prepare, we acknowledge that the future matters, that life is precious, and that we are responsible not just for ourselves but for those who depend on us. By preparing, we reflect the values of stewardship, foresight, and care that lie at the heart of our faith.

Think of your emergency kit as an act of love—love for yourself, for your family, and for your community. When you build it, you are not just collecting supplies; you are making a promise to those around you that their safety is your priority.

But preparedness is not a solitary endeavor. Share this knowledge with your neighbors, friends, and family. Strengthen your community’s resilience by encouraging others to create their own kits and plans. Consider joining or supporting a local Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). You can find more information and opportunities to get involved at Ready.gov.

A Warning from the Atom

While our message today emphasizes everyday preparedness, let us not forget the unique guidance of our faith: to avoid the places where the atom’s power has left a dangerous legacy. Nuclear waste storage facilities, marked with the unmistakable trefoil, are not places of curiosity or exploration. They are warnings in themselves—symbols of danger that transcend language and culture. As stewards of this knowledge, we must ensure these places are avoided, respected, and understood as hazardous for generations to come.

Closing Words

As you go forth this week, I urge you to take this sermon to heart. Build your emergency kit if you haven’t already. Update your family’s communication plan. Take practical steps toward readiness not out of fear but out of love and responsibility.

Remember, preparedness is not just for the end of the world—it is for every day. By acting now, you protect the lives and futures of those you hold dear.

And as always, may the energy of the atom guide us—toward safety, toward wisdom, and toward a future of hope and preparedness.

[tides-of-truth]

David Bohm theoretical physicist and philosopher said "That which we experience as mind... will, in a natural way, ultimately reach the level of the wave function and of the 'dance' of the particles. There is no unbridgeable gap or barrier between any of these levels.,.... in some sense, a rudimentary consciousness is present even at the level of particle physics"

from

quantumawareness.net

To this day we do not understand where or how consciousness arises and the role the brain plays in its formation if it plays a role at all. It could be just a receiver or radio, receiving information on several channels of perception that we would call our senses.

Panpsychism skips this need to discover the relationship between the brain and the rise of conscious awareness completely, its simplicity is simply pro-found. No matter how shocking or strange panpsy-chism sounds I am reminded at what Sherlock Holmes said, that when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.

Can science accept this deduction and if not how do we prove that which we have not been able to prove, other than keep trying even though the truth is already in front of us?

from:

quantumawareness.net

[aakankshaps]

July Reads 🤍

[seekerofrealitys-blog]

Yes.....as someone in technical field....we have to use AI to get done things faster .....but no matter what excuses we have it still feel like making fool of our own lives ....The meaning of it....We r given life to live....what's the purpose if we r rushing through it????.

Honestly, y'all, I'm begging you. Take the time to think and learn for yourself. Even if it's just something casual like knitting or cooking. Exercise your brain. It's important.

[writefullydigital]

Bridging the Gap - Science vs Spirituality through the Lens of Spiritual Poetry Talk

Enter spiritual poetry talk—a heartful expression of the inner world. Poetry has always been a bridge between rational thought and mystical experience. Through metaphors, rhythm, and emotion, it captures what words often fail to say. Spiritual poetry, in particular, allows one to express transcendence, connection, and truth without scientific evidence.

[asipoflivingwaters]

Rather than fear science, believers can embrace it as a testament to the infinite wisdom of God. As we peer deeper into the building blocks of the universe, we don’t find chaos—we find design, intention, and a divine fingerprint. And perhaps, just perhaps, the language of quantum physics is beginning to catch up with the poetry of the Bible.

[leonbloder]

The Sacred Exchange: Connecting With God's Life-Giving Energy

Some years ago, I became very interested in the basics of Quantum Physics, despite my aversion to both mathematics and physics, which seem to be prerequisites for being a quantum physicist, which I am not.  

The theories of Quantum Physics tell stories, which is more my thing, and these stories captured my imagination as I sought to make the connections between those theories and theology.  

I recently read some passages from Kenneth Schmitt, author of Quantum Energetics and Spirituality, that really got me thinking.  This one in particular made my head spin a bit: 

“The birth of quantum physics brought science and spirituality into alignment. It was the realization by physicists that photons have consciousness, and not just limited consciousness, but awareness of the entire cosmos.”

In the vast and intricate universe, everything is in perpetual exchange—sub-atomic particles vibrate and interact, creating a symphony of energy that underpins all of existence. 

As human beings, we are not separate from this energetic dance; rather, we are active participants, both giving and receiving energy in ways that shape our reality and our experience of life. 

At the core of this universal flow lies the Spirit of God, the divine energy that sustains all creation. It is this sacred energy that moves through us, connecting us to one another, to nature, and to the divine.

When we become aware of the energy we emit and absorb, we realize that our inner state influences the entire web of life around us. Our thoughts, emotions, and attitudes act as powerful frequencies that ripple outward, impacting the world in both visible and invisible ways.

Cultivating serenity within ourselves becomes a vital act of aligning with this divine flow. As we foster inner peace and calm, we open the channels to receive and transmit the Spirit’s energy with clarity and intention. This serenity acts as a vessel through which love, grace, and compassion can pass freely, flowing into our interactions and into the fabric of creation itself.

Kenneth Schmitt writes: 

“When we hold health and abundance in our self-identity, we create experiences of that quality. If we choose to be attuned to the energy of our heart and feel love and compassion, we create experiences in the same energy spectrum as that of peace, love and joy.” 

This resonated with me because it speaks to the transformative power of aligning our self-perception and emotional focus with higher qualities. 

When we see ourselves as vessels of divine abundance, health, and love, we simultaneously attract and nurture those energies within and around us. Our inner world becomes a sacred space where light can flourish, illuminating our path and radiating outward into others’ lives.

To deepen our connection with the Spirit’s energy, we must learn to listen and respond with openness and reverence. Through prayer, meditation, and mindful awareness, we can attune ourselves to the life-giving flow of divine love. 

As we do so, we not only experience spiritual renewal but also become conduits for grace, manifesting hope, peace, and love in everyday moments. This sacred exchange empowers us to be witnesses of transformation, both inwardly and outwardly, as the divine energy flows through us, connecting us with the divine source and with each other.

In embracing this divine energy, we participate consciously in the sacred act of creation. The more we align ourselves with the Spirit of God—reflecting serenity, compassion, and love—the more we become living expressions of divine grace in the world. 

May we open our hearts to this divine flow, recognizing that in doing so, we are co-creators of a more peaceful, abundant, and loving universe.

May it be so, and may the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with us now and always. Amen.  

[theresilientphilosopher]

A spiritual and scientific reflection on what it truly means to be pro-life. Does life end at birth, or does it transform? A Resilient Philosopher perspective.

[dleondantes]

A spiritual and scientific reflection on what it truly means to be pro-life. Does life end at birth, or does it transform? A Resilient Philosopher perspective.

[theearthforce]

Extra dimensions in physics models and spiritual experiences

Some physicists have proposed models with extra dimensions. Interestingly, some spiritual experiences seem to hint at something similar.

Our world has 3D space (left-right, up-down, forward-backward) and 1D time, totaling 4 dimensions. In physics, like in string theory, extra dimensions are usually thought to exist in space. But when people describe spiritual or supernatural experiences, they often say time doesn’t feel linear: extra dimensions of time.

It's interesting that extra dimensions play a role in both physics and spiritual experiences, with the former involving extra spatial dimensions, and the latter hinting at extra temporal dimensions.

[thechurchoftheatom]

A Holiday Sermon for December 2nd: The Gift of the Atom

Brothers and Sisters in the Atom, gather together on this day, December 2nd, when the first controlled chain reaction was achieved. Just as a birth brings both joy and awe, so too does this moment in history—full of promise and yet heavy with the burden of responsibility.

On this day, in 1942, the world changed forever. Beneath the bleachers of the University of Chicago, the first controlled nuclear chain reaction was initiated, marking the birth of atomic energy. This was not the fire of destruction unleashed over Hiroshima and Nagasaki; no, this was a spark of potential, a quiet moment of creation. Yet, even in its stillness, it echoed through time.

This day, the 2nd of December, is not a day of celebration in the traditional sense, for it is not a simple birth. The atom was born not into a world of peace, but a world filled with the urgency of war. It is a birth marked by the question of how we, as stewards of this new power, will choose to wield it.

The atom, like any gift, is neither good nor evil in and of itself. It is a force—a primal energy that we have learned to control, but which can never be fully tamed. The atom is a mirror, reflecting our own capacity for creation and destruction. It is not a simple tool, but a testament to the complexity of the universe itself. We must ask ourselves: What will we do with this gift?

The Atom as a Gift

What is a gift? It is not merely an object or an act; it is a gesture of hope, a symbol of potential, and an invitation to growth. The atom, too, is all these things. It is a gift of unparalleled energy, capable of lighting our homes, curing diseases, and advancing our understanding of the universe. But, like all meaningful gifts, it comes with a responsibility.

The atom is not a gift given lightly. It is one that must be unwrapped with care, nurtured with knowledge, and shared with wisdom. It is not just a gift to us, but through us, it becomes a gift to others—to our families, our communities, and the generations yet to come.

In this season of giving, let us reflect on what it means to receive such a profound gift. It is not merely a treasure to hoard but a resource to share, a tool to uplift others, and a force to bring light where there is darkness.

The Spirit of Giving in the Atomic Age

The true measure of a gift is not in its size or value, but in the love and thoughtfulness with which it is given. The first spark of atomic energy was born from the efforts of many—scientists, dreamers, and pioneers—who sought not personal gain but the betterment of humanity.

As we honor this gift, we are called to embody the same spirit of giving in our own lives:

Give Knowledge: Share what you know about the atom’s power and its risks. Educate those around you, so they, too, can understand the responsibility that comes with such a gift.

Give Safety: Protect your community by ensuring that nuclear technology is used responsibly. Advocate for safeguards and support efforts to reduce harm.

Give Light: Whether through energy, innovation, or simple acts of kindness, strive to be a source of hope and progress for those around you.

Give to Future Generations: Let your actions today lay the foundation for a safer, brighter future. Use the power of the atom not as an end but as a means to uplift all of humanity.

Reflecting on Responsibility

On this day, we honor the first spark of nuclear energy, but we also honor the responsibility that comes with it. Let this be a reminder that we are not isolated in our pursuit of power. Every action we take affects those around us—both in the present and in the distant future.

Let us walk forward with humility, embracing the knowledge we have gained while remaining ever vigilant of the responsibility we bear. Let us seek to use the atom to heal, to enlighten, and to bring about a future where all life can thrive.

Closing Reflection

As we leave this sacred gathering, let us carry forward the spirit of giving. Let us give freely of our knowledge, our care, and our commitment to a brighter future. Let us remember that the atom is not ours alone but a gift to be shared wisely and responsibly.

On this day of reflection and renewal, let us renew our commitment to use the gifts we have received for the good of all.

May we walk forward with generosity in our hearts, wisdom in our minds, and light in our actions.

[mehmetyildizmelbourne-blog]

Why I Respect Faith Faith Without Surrendering to Dogma

This is my exploration of Religious Thought Through the Lens of Scientific Curiosity As you know, throughout history, humanity has sought answers to life’s deepest questions — where we come from, why we exist, and what might lie beyond what we can observe. As a person who identifies himself as a spiritual agnostic, I have long been fascinated by these questions. I do not claim to have the…

[eyeoftheheart]

“The Earth is the only world known so far to harbor life. There is nowhere else, at least in the near future, to which our species could migrate. Visit, yes. Settle, not yet. Like it or not, for the moment the Earth is where we make our stand.”

~ Carl Sagan, Pale Blue Dot: A Vision of the Human Future in Space