The Nature of Creative Intelligence

The religious powers-that-be describe the qualities and characteristics of their particular deities in various ways. For example, the supreme being of Islam, Allah, and the ‘Father God’ of Christianity are loving, fair and merciful, but mete out stern justice to non-believers in the afterlife. These beliefs are a matter of faith and rely solely on ancient ideas captured in scripture written long ago.

G_d

I don’t believe in this kind of g_d, but I do believe that there is a Creative Intelligence underpinning and infusing everything. Many quantum physicists – including Einstein and Max Planck – agree. This Intelligence is certainly not a person, but a ‘presence’ or ‘principle’.

Its qualities can be inferred from science, experience and common sense. The world around us provides plenty of evidence that intelligence is at work. It has beauty, order, meaning and intent. What kind of power could produce these effects? Only a positive, bountiful and constructive life force. What would life on Earth be like if this were not so? Could we exist? How long would we survive? Could life on this planet, where everything is in perfect balance, have been created by a malevolent power? A negative life force would surely destroy its own creation.

Since Creative Intelligence is inherently good and it flows through everything, then everything must in essence be inherently good. Only human ignorance and stupidity disturb the balance of nature. Imagine if we were to disappear like the dinosaurs millions of years ago; the Earth would soon be returned to its natural state of harmony.

If humans were to raise their consciousness, rise above their destructive behaviours and work together to create a perfect world, who knows what would be possible?

©David Lawrence Preston, 23.7.18

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A life force flowing through us

In surveys, when people are asked if they believe in a Higher Power, many say they do, but when asked what they mean by this, they can’t say.

Perhaps there’s a scientific explanation. Anyone who watches a flower bloom, holds a new-born baby, gazes at the night sky or contemplates the ocean senses a life force flowing through us, an energy field of which we are all a part. But to explain why, our intellect is of little use. As Max Planck, Nobel Prize winner for physics, wrote:

‘Science cannot solve the ultimate mystery of nature. And that is because, in the last analysis, we ourselves are a part of the mystery that we are trying to solve.’

My logoHow can a finite being possibly understand the Infinite? Should we even try? Isn’t human intelligence too limited to encompass anything so vast? Muslims understand this completely. Allah, the creative force, is beyond description. Allah can’t be seen or heard, has no shape or form and no gender, but has always existed, will always exist and knows everything that can be known.

The creative force can’t be detected through our five senses. It can’t be seen or heard and has no smell, taste or texture. It can only be inferred through advanced mathematics and sophisticated scientific instruments.

Much of the physical world is beyond the range of human sensory parameters. Dogs can hear and smell things we can’t, eagles have much better sight, bats sense radar-like vibrations we cannot, and we know from looking into a microscope that there are infinitesimal organisms living on our skin and in our bodies which we can never see with the naked eye.

If so little of the material world falls within our sensory parameters, how much harder is it to visualise intelligence or an energy field! Take electricity. We can’t see, hear, taste or smell it, but we know it exists. We can put it to good use. Similarly, we can’t detect a creative force through our senses but we can observe the effects. When we appreciate that there is more to life than meets the eye we have taken a big step towards grasping our spiritual nature.

There is only one prevailing power in the universe, the one that set off the Big Bang and brought our universe into existence. It flows through every atom and every cell of every living thing, through our bodies, activating our minds.

There is no absence of life, potential or intelligence anywhere, fortunately, for we are dependent on it for everything, including our very existence.

©David Lawrence Preston,21.6.18

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What holds it all together?

Scientists tell us that matter is made from atoms and atoms come from waves and particles – but that the particles that make up the atoms don’t really exist! What, then, holds it all together? According to Max Planck (1885-1947), the theoretical physicist who originated Quantum Theory and who won a Nobel Prize for his work on the atom:

‘All matter originates and exists only by virtue of a force… We must assume behind this force the existence of a conscious and intelligent Mind. This Mind is the matrix of all matter.’

What is this force? What is this ‘Mind’ that is the matrix of all matter? Is there really a creative intelligence from which all energy and matter originates?

The human mind is so limited we can only ever see a small part of the picture. All we can do is try to make sense of the evidence and be willing to amend our ideas when new evidence becomes available.

Mahatma Gandhi said,

‘Whilst everything around me is ever-changing, ever-dying, there is underlying all that changes a living power that is changeless, that holds all together, that creates, dissolves and re-creates. That informing power or spirit is God.’

Of course, the word ‘God’ has negative associations and is very off-putting to many people. Read the words of J. Krishnamurti, a distinguished 20th Century teacher educated in both Eastern and Western traditions. He urged us not to be put off the idea of a Creative Intelligence by worrying about what we call it:

‘I am not going to use the word ‘God’. I prefer to call this Life.’

Frankly it doesn’t matter what you call it. ‘God’ is just the personification (or symbol) of this omnipotent and omnipresent power. I prefer to avoid this term. I refer to it mainly as Creative Intelligence because this conveys precisely what it is.

If there was a ‘God’, don’t you think he/she/it would find the descriptions given to it by humans laughable?

D0 you have a preference? Do you accept the notion of a Creative Intelligence, which is endorsed by many scientists, but don’t know what to call it?

Are you put off by any particular term? Why do you think that is?

Tell me what you think. I’d love to hear from you.

©David Lawrence Preston, 19.6.18

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One Source of Everything?

Today, many scientists believe that we cannot dismiss the notion that there is but one source of everything. For example, in December 2004, a professor of astrophysics from Cambridge University, a man who has spent a lifetime studying the origins of the universe, made this astonishing statement on television:

‘We cannot discount the possibility that the universe and everything in it was created entirely for our benefit.’

Is it possible that the next great scientific discovery will be proof that the universe was brought into being by one all-pervading intelligence that this maintains balance and harmony in the universe? Some leading scientists – including Albert Einstein –  believe so.

For example, when asked about his religion, Professor Einstein replied:

 ‘I do not believe in a God who maliciously or arbitrarily interferes in the personal affairs of mankind. My religion consists of a humble admiration for the vast power which manifests itself in that small part of the universe which our poor, weak minds can grasp.’

Awe inspiring!

©David Lawrence Preston, 7.1.18

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Archbishop Bemoans the Absence of God

Following recent announcements by the Pope that seem to overturn the Catholic Church’s longstanding teachings on women priests, the literal truth of the Bible and homosexuality, the Archbishop of Canterbury, leader of the Anglican Church, has weighed in with an interesting comment of his own: the recent terrorist attacks on Paris made him doubt the presence of G_d!

This is extraordinary particularly since progressive Christianity appeared to be moving away from the nonsensical notion of an bearded old man looking down from above to a ‘Presence’, an ‘Intelligence’ that is ever-present, all- powerful and all-knowing, not a person but an energy and information field not unlike the concept of the Zero Point Field of quantum physics.

The ancient Hebrews believed there were many gods but theirs, YHWH, could be located in a portable tent (yes, really!!) or later an inner room in the Jerusalem Temple. They were YHWH’s chosen people, showered with benefits when the observed his/its laws and subjected to punishments verging on the vindictive when they did not.

The G_d of the New Testament was portrayed as the ‘Father Within’ who could be both a source of inspiration and comfort, but also a harsh judge and exterminator.

So, Archbishop, which G_d are you referring to? Is yours a G_d that happily withdraws from the world allows untold suffering to ensue? One must assume so. An ever-present, all-powerful and all-knowing Intelligence would be, well, ever-present, all-powerful and all-knowing!

The question of how an all-powerful, loving G_d could create a world of such suffering, misery and disease is one of the great contradictions in Christianity. Theologians conclude that it is because G_d allows humans to make our own choices, but if we choose unwisely we must suffer the consequences. This is the doctrine of free which is supposed to explain away most of the tragedy and hardship in the world.

But it doesn’t. Did those people in that Parisian theatre choose to be brutally slaughtered by these medieval butchers, any more than the passengers on that Russian airliner or London bus, the occupants of the Twin Towers and those unfortunates beheaded by sadistic scum in the Syrian desert?

I think not. But one thing I do know – the faith represented by Archbishops and Popes is built on shaky foundations and has a lot more explaining to do!

 

©David Lawrence Preston, 22.10.2017

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Is it possible to come up with a modern concept of G_d, based on 21st Century knowledge?

What can we say about the Christian G_d that is taught in schools, worshipped in churches and referred to in religious broadcasts every day of the week?

Is it possible to come up with a modern concept of G_d, based on 21st Century knowledge?

G_d

  • It (if you are uncomfortable calling G_d ‘it’, I suggest you examine your religious programming) is the sole reason why the universe and everything in it exists and functions as it does.
  • It is everywhere, in everything and ever present at all times.
  • It is all knowing.
  • It can willfully intervene in the world and frequently does.
  • It can make things happen which defy the known laws of science and nature.
  • It can make things happen instantaneously, such as healing without going through the usual intermediate steps.
  • It knows all our innermost thoughts. It speaks to us individuals, and listens to us too.
  • We each have a personal relationship with it.
  • It is intimately concerned about our personal virtue and constantly watches us. At the end of our earthly lives it will judge us. Only those who meet its stringent criteria will be granted salvation. So will those who sincerely ask forgiveness for their wrongdoings and repent.
  • It loves us unconditionally.
  • We can ask it for what we want and, depending how well behaved we are, we will receive.
  • It is to be worshipped, obeyed, thanked and praised.
  • Although G_d is omnipotent, it has granted humans free will. We make our own choices, but if we choose unwisely we suffer the consequences.

You will have noticed that most of the conceptions of G_d were identified long ago, when humans were relatively ignorant about the world and the universe, limited to a narrow geographical area and guided largely by superstition. For example, the Biblical passages that first describe the Jewish G_d were written around 950-800 BCE, and the letters of Paul of Tarsus that conceptualised the Christian G_d around 54-60 CE.

Could we scientifically weigh up the evidence and make a rational, reasoned judgement? This has been tried, without success; there simply is no evidence for a being, entity or force matching these criteria.

And there probably never will be!

 

©David Lawrence Preston, 4.8.2017

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Is G_d an information field?

Before Einstein, the world was thought to be a collection of atoms and molecules behaving according to certain inviolable ‘laws’. Space was exactly that – empty space, nothing there. Now we know that matter is merely energy condensed to a slow vibration and even space is not really empty: it is an inexhaustible potential that manifests in places as matter.

What appears to us to be solid matter is actually 99.9999% empty space: billions of tiny particles flying in formation, all held together by an invisible force field. Incredibly, when subatomic particles are studied in detail, they do not actually exist. They are not particles like, say, particles of dust. Rather, they appear and disappear millions of times a second and move at inestimable speeds. Moreover, physicists state that we cannot assume they continue to exist when they are not being observed.

Everything, including us, came out of a formless world of energy. Somewhere in that field of energy is something that determines what we are and what we will become – an information source. Information is everywhere. It’s in every wave and every particle; every atom and every cell. There’s information we see (printed information, TV, internet, GPS) and information we don’t see. Wherever we are, we are surrounded by and infused with information. We may not always have the means to access it but it’s still there, just as a person without their mobile phone on cannot access a signal.

This is hardly a new idea. Thousands of years ago the Indian Rishis knew that matter is not ultimate reality and in his ‘Theory of Forms’ 2,500 years ago, Plato argued that behind every physical thing is the idea of that thing (i.e. information), and it is the idea that is real. The New Testament Letter to the Hebrews states that all visible things come from the invisible and are dependent on the unseen for their existence. More recently Max Planck (1858 – 1947), the theoretical physicist who originated quantum theory, wrote:

‘All matter originates and exists only by virtue of a force… We must assume behind this force the existence of a conscious and intelligent Mind. This Mind is the matrix of all matter.’

What exactly is this conscious and intelligent force, this stream of life? Frankly, I don’t know, and nor do I believe anyone who says they know for sure. As Max Planck wrote, ‘Science cannot solve the ultimate mystery of nature. And that is because, in the last analysis, we ourselves are a part of the mystery that we are trying to solve.’

We are getting closer to solving the mystery; the only question is just how close will we get. Every generation, scientific knowledge advances and spiritual awareness unfolds. But what if the entity described as  G_d were really an information field as recognised by science? The ultimate information field that provides the blueprint for the universe and everything in it? That constantly communicates with us and responds to our communication, reflecting our thoughts and words? Now there’s an idea!

 

Copyright David Lawrence Preston, 19.7.2017

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Easter Myth #10: Yeshua’s immediate followers believed he was the Son of G_d

Ten Easter Myths

Most leading historians, archaeologists and linguists don’t believe that the four official Christian Gospels can be relied upon as accurate records of historical fact. Most Christians aren’t aware of the inconsistencies in the scriptures because they have never read them from cover to cover. The gospels are riddled with factual errors, contradictions and unsupported statements that challenge the very basis of the religion.

This series presents ten myths about the Easter stories drawing on Gospel sources and historical records from the period.

Myth #10: Yeshua’s contemporary followers believed he was G_d’s messenger

There is no concrete evidence that Yeshua was seen as G_d’s unique messenger around the time of his death, let alone the Messiah or Son of G_d.

But beliefs about him continued to evolve. As the 1st Century CE progressed, Christians began to experience his memory in new ways. His followers came to believe that he was more than just a great prophet and teacher, but the very incarnation of G_d. By the time the Fourth Gospel was written around the turn of the century he was no longer seen as a person of flesh and blood, but a supernatural being free of restrictions in time and space. He had become G_d.

Today, Easter – the day he is said to have come back from the dead – is unquestionably the most important day of the Christian calendar, although Christmas is celebrated more enthusiastically. Christians believe it because the gospels say it happened, or so they think. But the gospels are far from clear on the nature of the ‘resurrection’ or the timing of the ‘Ascension’, and most Christians aren’t even aware of the inconsistencies in the scriptures.

The Easter stories transformed Yeshua’s abject shame and defeat into a noble sacrifice, the triumph of life over death, victory over the Romans and his ultimate vindication before G_d. Easter became the crux of traditional Christianity, marking the beginning of the process by which a humble but brave teacher and religious zealot from Galilee became transformed in the minds of his later followers into their saviour, Messiah, judge, way-shower and G_d.

 

©David Lawrence Preston, 11.2.2017

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Universal Intelligence – however you conceive it – loves all its children equally

Not long ago a local Councillor from Northern Ireland stated his belief on UK national radio that Hurricane Katrina was God’s retribution against gay people in New Orleans (apparently a gay festival would have taken place in the city two days later had the hurricane not happened) and added that the Tsunami in December 2004 was due to God punishing Asia for not being predominantly Christian.

What do you think? Do you agree with the Councillor, or would you rather heed the words of Gene Robinson, the openly gay man who was elected Bishop of the New Hampshire in June 2003, sparking off a heated debate between conservatives and liberals within the Church over whether he should be allowed to serve.

Said Robinson, ‘The nature of G_d must take precedence over the affairs of the church, and the nature of G_d is to love all His children equally.’

Whether you see G_d as a man in the sky, an Intelligence, a quantum information field or whatever I think you can be pretty certain that it doesn’t discriminate. However you conceive it, it loves all its children equally.

 

©David Lawrence Preston, 30.1.2017

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Truth and Trinity

Most Christian denominations teach that the essence of G_d exists in three forms, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The Father is as described in the Hebrew Scriptures – creator, omnipotent power, friend and judge; the Son, Yeshua, was sent to Earth in human form to redeem humanity; and the Holy Spirit is the means by which G_d works on Earth, bringing comfort, life and power.

Christians are urged to worship the Father, follow the example of the Son and live as if the Holy Spirit is present within them.

This doctrine was not taught in the 1st Century, so where did it come from?

The first recorded use of the phrase ‘Father, Son and Holy Spirit’ in Christian theology is dated around 170 CE. The Nicene Creed (325 CE) ingrained it into the minds of the faithful so much so that Yeshua the Son, one third of the Trinity, became part of the popular image of him.

The Trinity claims scriptural authority from two passages:

  • The penultimate verse of the Second Gospel (Matthew): ‘Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.’ However, there is considerable doubt that Yeshua actually said these words or that the original author of the Second Gospel wrote them. Linguistic evidence suggests it was added retrospectively with the specific purpose of justifying the doctrine.
  • There’s another reference to three ‘persons’ is in the concluding verse of Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians, but his wording hardly specifies a doctrine: ‘The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of G_d and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.’

The Arian Controversy

The doctrine of the Trinity grew out of the Arian Controversy of the 3rd and 4th Centuries CE. Arius (c256-336) was a Christian priest in Alexandria, Egypt. He believed that Yeshua the Son was subordinate to the Father as he had been conceived by G_d, and consequently there had been a time when he had not yet existed.

His main adversary was another Alexandrian, Athanasius (c296-336). He argued that the Son was of the same substance as the Father and therefore existed with him from the beginning of time. The dispute divided the church and Athanasius prevailed at Nicaea. Arius was declared a heretic and most of his writings were destroyed.

In the centuries that followed Muslims completely rejected the Trinity. While recognising Yeshua as an important prophet, they affirm only one G_d, Allah, with the Prophet Muhammad as its messenger, human, not divine.

The Holy Trinity eventually led to the ‘Great Schism’, the split between the Roman and Eastern Orthodox churches in 1054.

The Council of Chalcedon (451 CE)

The Council of Chalcedon (451 CE) was another defining moment in church history. It arose out of continuing confusion about the Doctrine of the Holy Trinity. The major concern was whether the Father, Son and Holy Spirit were equal, or Father and Son were equal and Spirit subordinate, or Father superior to both, or what?

At the centre of the argument was the nature of Yeshua. Was he human or divine? How could he be both? If he was of one substance with the Father, then how do we explain his human characteristics – his anger, his tears, his need to rest and so on. Could a divine being feel pain? And if he were fully human, why did he not sin when he was on earth?

Under pressure from the Roman authorities, delegates settled on a compromise. Yeshua was both perfectly divine and perfectly human at the same time. He was the ‘Union of Two Natures’, G_d and Man, and so he has been portrayed in the Western tradition ever since. But many Christians still can’t reconcile these two natures in a way that makes sense to non-Christians and, more often than not, themselves.

We now know with the benefit of modern science that we’re all physical (material beings formed out of the waves and particles that make atoms, cells and human tissue) and ‘divine’ (spiritual, formed out of and by consciousness) at the same time. But this is not what the revered ecclesiastics at Chalcedon had in mind.

The Trinity is one of the most contorted theories of theology ever conceived. It confuses Christians and non-Christians alike. It presents obstacles in discussions with other religions. If you believe it, it’s true – for you. But as always, something doesn’t have to be true for people to believe it!

©David Lawrence Preston, 30.8.2016

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