Science and Spirituality

Understanding “Unity-and-Diversity” The term “unity-and-diversity” is intentionally hyphenated in order to show that it is one concept rather than separated, unconnected ideas; namely “unity” and “diversity”. Democracy is based upon a pluralism of races, cultures and religions being contained within one society. It is a very rare and fragile concept and one which needs to be cherished and preserved. Even in an officially democratic society, such as the United States of America, it is often forgotten or misused. In recent times, it has increasingly become the property of the world as a whole, yet it is far from being understood and appreciated. One of the purposes of this book therefore, is to help people understand “unity-and-diversity” and how it applies to an increasingly pluralistic world. Science and Spirituality is intended to encourage people to meditate upon their daily lives and look at the course of our present civilization and their participation in it. It includes a review of the world’s great religions and modern spiritual movements, as well as brief articles on the spirituality, cultures and traditions of Africa, North America and Australia. It includes a Declaration of Interdependence, A Global Ethic, 1993 Parliament of the World’s Religions, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948 General Assembly of the United Nations, The Earth Charter, 2000 Peace Palace, The Hague.,Civilization Timeline, from 3000B.C.E. to the present, readings for Candlelighting and Meditation, Responsive Readings and Songs of Inspiration, as well as an Index. The Interfaith Celebration Guide draws upon readings from diverse sources including the world’s religions and literature, as well as quotations from great philosophers, scholars, writers, scientists and mystics of our civilization from ancient times to the present day. One of the major goals of this effort is to help us all to understand the intrinsically harmonious relationship among the world’s faiths and the great thinkers and seekers of all time. We believe that this effort will help lead us to the moral imperative to act upon this understanding and come together in creating a global civilization. SCIENCE AND SPIRITUALITY - a philosophical discourse - excerpts Science operates in the field of knowledge which is human, spirituality in the field of understanding which is divine. These two fields overlap, as every human being partakes of the divine. The field of knowledge consists of facts, things done or performed, particular truths known by actual observation or authentic testimony. In spirituality on the other hand, scientific affirmation is possible but never scientific confirmation as its field of understanding partakes of the infinite. In spirituality, what we are seeking then is not a ‘fact’ but a principle of operation of the universe. We are seeking to understand the movement of the Life Force of the universe, and everything knowable about it which will keep expanding all the time, as well as what can be apprehended of the infinite. If the religions can come to this scientific awareness of the Life Force as the moving God then many apparent inconsistencies can become comparatively insignificant. There can be many diverse journeys that people take on their way to oneness. The journey itself is significant for each individual. The study of other religions gives knowledge. Comparisons also add to quality for humans individually as they draw comfort from the spirit of community , while the contemplation of one’s own religion or one’s own journey, accesses spirituality. From A Global Ethic. On the basis of personal experiences and the burdensome history of our planet we have learned * that rights without morality cannot long endure, and that there will be no better global order without a global ethic. By a global ethic we do not mean a global ideology or a single unified religion beyond all existing religions, and certainly not the domination of one religion over all others. By a global ethic we mean a fundamental consensus on binding values, irrevocable standards, and personal attitudes. Without such a fundamental consensus on an ethic, sooner of later every community will be threatened by chaos or dictatorship, and individuals will despair. What you wish done to yourself, do to others! Have respect for life! Deal honestly