^TheMysteries ^{of the} Universe

Abstract: Can our human minds even hope to comprehend, that is, to grasp, the universe?

In science, why has it been so difficult finding a “Grand Theory” that would unify the properties of matter, energy and the forces of nature? This goal has turned out to be a task, so formidable -- a challenge, so great -- a quest, so noble -- that it became known as the Quest for the “Holy Grail of Physics.”

Are there some basic philosophical or theological questions that scientists failed to ask?

What if a “scientifically sound” cosmological model could be derived from ancient writings that claim to be “Divinely Inspired Scripture?” Would that not serve to authenticate that Scripture and its claims? Especially if this new model demonstrated a depth of understanding that resolves many mysteries that have perplexed scientists for centuries.

What value would such a new, fundamental, all encompassing theory have?

Religious Implications: Would it put to rest, once and for all, debates about the existence of God and His Identity? Would it finally bring people of conflicting views together? Or, would it polarize then into different belief groups?

Philosophical Implications: Could it sort out which philosophical schools of thought are consistent with God’s wisdom from those which are not? How many philosophies in this world actually stand opposed to Godly wisdom? Those who suddenly realize that they have been going to the wrong school -- will they be brave enough to switch schools? Churches?

Scientific Implications: Such a fundamental breakthrough in how we perceive physical reality would yield breakthroughs in scientific understanding. Could we dramatically improve estimates for the age of the earth and the universe? Could this also serve to focus the efforts of a wide variety of pioneering research?

Economic Implications: What practical applications could such knowledge yield? Many modern technological marvels have been born out of the scientific achievements of the past century. Our global economy is currently based on the value exchange made possible by these technologies. Would not a basic new scientific discovery spawn a whole series of innovations? Would not the companies that “cash in” on these ideas become the top stock picks of the decade!

To answer the opening question: Yes, it is possible to grasp the universe, but it will require some “soul searching” for it has been said of old, that “the beginning of wisdom starts with a reverent awe of God.”[1] After all, if He really is the Creator, then certainly He “grasps” the universe! For, again, it is written “He measures the heavens with the span of His hand!” [2]

Therefore, if we truly give respect and honor to where respect and honor is due, then – and only then – could we be embolden and adventurous enough to accept the challenge of this noble quest!

Thinking outside the Box

o what will this cost? What do we have to give up in exchange for Godly wisdom? #1 is INtellectual Pride: You need to be determined enough to confront your own beliefs and ego. Could it be that you might be among those who “think” their so “sophisticated” that you’re beyond being deceived? If, so, I’ve got some news for you – you already are!

#2: Are they really “your” beliefs or someone else’s?
“Everybody knows…” –or-- “Well in school they taught us…”

#3: You must be brave enough to explore different mental perspectives. It only takes a second for you to go back to your original mind-set. In the privacy of your own mind: be willing to venture out to perspectives where your peer group does not dare.

#4: Know this: your mind really does have the capacity to expand its vocabulary. Realize that you need to precisely define some new words, as well as, sharpening the focus of the meanings of your existing vocabulary.

First, we need to identify the limitations that we have within our own minds. Second we need to unbelieve these limitations. This lets our conscious thoughts step above and beyond the limits of “the Box”. Now our mental perceptions can step out to a higher dimensional perspective. Suddenly, from this higher vantage point, we can see that “the Box” is not a Box at all! It is really a four-dimensional sphere – then suddenly understanding the universe seems a lot simpler.

What Limits Human Perception?

When we describe something we often try to define it in terms of its size, shape, composition and/or explain its purpose. So in trying to define the limits of the human mind I had to back off and try to observe my mind as if I was an outside observer looking in. This introspection caused me to ask questions like: What are the limits of my own mind? And in what “dimensionality” does the human mind exist? Which begged the question – what does it mean to say: “We are human beings?” How come we never refer to dogs and cats as “dog beings” or “cat beings”? Do humans possess a soul or do our souls, for a time, possess our bodies?

Your body and mind is just a puppet
-- your soul the puppeteer.

On my many adventurous inquiries into the field of cognitive science I noticed a consistent pattern emerge. Before I could say I “really understood” a given problem domain I had to first achieve a mental perspective above it! It occurred to me that our physical sensory experience is so immersed in this reality of space-time that our very thoughts have become part of this problem domain.

Higher dimensional perspective is the key to understanding.

With respect to achieving an understanding of the universe, unlike Albert Einstein’s use of “reference frames”, this requires a mental “frame of reference” that transcends space-time. Your mind really does have the capacity to do this. By asking more fundamental questions, by transcending the confines of your current consciousness -- you can learn how to do this too. If Einstein had had this knowledge he would have succeeded in finding the Unified Field Theory. With these new abilities you can really start to out think Einstein! Maybe not in terms of raw intellectual capacity, but in terms of perceptive and creative genius – you can!

From Einstein, to Super-String Theory, and Beyond…

Einstein frequently imagined the universe from various “inertial reference-frames” [3] within space-time. This enabled him to come up with his Special Theory of Relativity (STR) and later the General Theory of Relativity (GRT). Generations of theorists in physics and cosmology have taken up Einstein’s quest with aspirations under such audacious titles as “Grand Unified Field Theory”, “Grand Unification Theories”, “Super-String Theory” and “The Theory of Everything”.

One good thing about all this is: it has really gotten mankind making observations, thinking, devising experiments, observing, improving instrumentation, making even more precise measurements and thinking some more. This has produced a wealth of information, but not yet a unified complete understanding. So scientists keep looking for and hoping for a fundamental theory that would consistently interpret all this information.

Whatever this allusive, all pervasive underlying Truth is – it’s hoped that this would be the final piece to the Great Cosmic Puzzle -- to completely understand the laws governing physical existence. If grasped, it would be the key to answering the “Holy Grail of Physics”, that is, to reconcile Quantum Mechanics with both Special & General Relativity.

As Stephan Hawking put it in “A Brief History of Time” (emphasis mine):

... if we do discover a complete theory, [4]
it should in time be understandable
in broad principle by everyone,
not just a few scientists.
Then we shall all, philosophers, scientists, and just ordinary people,
be able to take part in the discussion of the question of
why it is that we and the universe exist.
If we find the answer to that,
it would be the ultimate triumph of human reason
- for then we would know the mind of God.

Dr. Henry “Fritz” Schaefer’s comment about this is perhaps a little more accurate:

I would modify it to say “that if we had a unified, complete theory, [5]
we would know a lot more about the mind of God.”

As you continue through this book you will discover that it not only describes a cosmological model that reconciles Relativity with Quantum Physics. But it also explains in a simple to understand way, what “really” causes gravity and electro-magnetism including the wave mechanics on how and why they work. But, more importantly, it also reveals how to derive this cosmological model from the ancient Hebrew writings of Moses, Isaiah and others -- along with many hints from the rest of the Bible.

Finally it reveals where God hid the answer to the most fundamental of fundamental questions, namely:

HOW would He go about expressing
the answer to the question:

“WHY did He create the universe?”

In short, you will discover the purpose that God had in mind
when “In [the] beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”

It was NOT, so much, that we would know His mind,
but rather,
that we would come to know His HEART.

* * *

[1] Pro 9:10 The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom; And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. (ASV)

[2] Isa 48:13 Mine hand also has laid the foundation of the earth, and my right hand has spanned the heavens:

when I call unto them, they stand up together.

[3] “inertial reference frame” refers the property of a material objects having a relative position in space-time and a velocity. “Velocity” has both a sense of speed and direction. Most people think of 3D direction and speed being distance per unit of time. But as you work your way through this book you’ll be come aware of 4D direction in the context of space-time.

[4] Hawking, Stephan: A Brief History of Time (1988), p. 175 (emphasis added)

[5] Schaefer, Henry: transcribed lecture, spring of 1994 at Univ. of Colorado - www.leaderu.com/real/ri9501/bigbang2.html