In Part One, I introduced evidence of a spiritual dimension that lies outside the physical realm (or at least outside our abilities to detect or explain by current technology and scientific theories). Also, strengths and limitations of science and scientific methods were discussed, and a survey of some of the literature dealing with these topics was included. Davies (1992), Talbot (1992), Peacocke (1986), Ferris (1997), Gribbin and Rees (1989), and Redfield, Murphy, and Timbers (2002) discussed in detail the philosophical and/or scientific aspects of: Reason, Belief, Reality, Creation, the Nature of the Universe, Thermodynamics, Time, Mathematical aspects of Reality and of the Universe, and the Nature of Man, God, and Evolution. Characteristics and beliefs of many of the world’s major religions were examined, and various interpretations of certain scriptures were discussed. Next, levels of consciousness and methods of becoming aware of these levels were discussed. Lastly, energy was discussed, first from a traditional biological and ecological viewpoint, then some rather unusual aspects of detecting and/or using energy were presented.

It is my hope that after reading Part I and becoming familiar with some of the references listed (or others of a similar nature), you will realize that there are many topics related to science and religion about which we have little general knowledge or understanding. Many of these topics border on the paranormal, or psychic. These are areas about which we need to be skeptical, but open, and realize that no one knows the total ‘truth’ about reality. We need to be more tolerant of other people’s feelings about their beliefs, just as we would wish them to be tolerant of ours. We need to also realize that most people are basically good, that there are truths to be found in all religions, that there are legitimate differences of opinion within and between all religious groups, and that no single collection of religious (or scientific) writings contains all the answers to every question that we can raise about the nature of reality.

Many of the authors mentioned in the chapter ‘Levels of Consciousness’ reported having visions, seeing ghosts and/or angels, talking to spirits, hearing voices, etc., which is similar to many stories in the Bible. Perhaps these are all ‘normal’ phenomena that most of us do not understand. Perhaps one has to reach a certain level of consciousness to even become of these phenomena, just as one has to be attuned in order to see auras and feel radar and the energy from the chakras. We all have the potential to ‘be psychic’ to some degree, and we all have ‘psychic’ moments in our lives whether we recognize them or not. Physicists, most religious practitioners of Eastern traditions, many psychologists, Christian Science practitioners, and indeed many mainline Christians will state that much (if not all) of our life is an illusion, and that what we believe influences our view of reality. We need to work together to raise the collective consciousness of all people until we recognize that what we have in common is more important than our differences. Constant strife and/or warfare between ideologies benefits no one and hinders the spiritual growth of all. As stated in Hebrews 12:14, we should "strive for peace with all men," and in Heb. 13:1-2, "Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."

There are a few things of which we can be certain: 1) the more that ‘Science’ learns, the more that we realize we don’t know (more questions are always raised than are answered in nearly every study) about the nature of life or of reality; 2) the Psyche (or soul) exists both as a part of us, and yet separate, in that it is not restricted by the constraints of space or time; 3) the Psyche is eternal, and there is abundant evidence that we are reincarnated, although this evidence may be a form of genetic memory; 4) levels of consciousness exist beyond our normal awareness; 5) it is possible to access information beyond our conscious level of awareness; 6) it is possible to access information from other souls; 7) although the nature of matter is not totally understood, all matter is related to energy (quantum theory); 8) forms of energy can be detected that appear to be beyond our ‘normal’ five senses; 9) some forms of energy can be transferred to other individuals; 10) life (and nature) presents us with constant reminders of the duality of our existence (as both a physical and spiritual being); 11) we can only experience oneness with God by the individual experience of turning inward; and 12) our knowledge of God is like our knowledge of reality, we cannot know it all, but only approach it.

In this section, the concepts presented in Part I will be combined to show how the relationships between each of them relate to: Personal Development; the role of Faith and Health; the Kingdom; and God, the Higher Self, and the Soul.

PART TWO