Infinite Reach: Spirituality in a Scientific World
Ebook
Overview
Infinite Reach: Spirituality in a Scientific World connects and integrates the great spiritual insights with science and mathematics for the increasing numbers of Americans who consider themselves spiritual but not religious, or spiritual and religious, or “none of the above,” and who no longer find traditional religious doctrines and institutions credible or matching their experience. In nontechnical language it precisely and clearly traces how current brain-mind research informs and enhances inner spiritual and religious experience, and how scientific cosmology confirms spiritual intuitions. From hunting-gathering prehistory, through city-states, empires, and the great religions, scientific methods advance exponentially faster into the future, while the great spiritual insights have never been surpassed, though often ignored or denied. But scientific knowing and spiritual knowing share infinite reach. Brain-mind research contributes to understanding and living meditation and spiritual practices in silence, ritual, and vision. Modern physics and mathematics demonstrate how humans observe and participate in the actual evolution of the universe. Fractals in chaos theory are spiritual images of ultimate reality. In creating, loving, and undifferentiated presence we find our own unique voice in the mystery of ultimate reality, touching down here and now in the specifics of this present moment.
”While theological debates concerning the compatibility of
science and religion have permeated Christian history, John
Biersdorf rightly asks how the ever-expanding groups who understand
themselves as ‘spiritual but not religious’ or among the ‘nones’
might encounter and interpret spirituality. Biersdorf’s approach,
which bridges scientific modes of inquiry as deep and broad as
cosmology to psychology, refutes the notion that scientific and
spiritual experience are anathema to one another."
--Stephen Butler Murray, President and Professor of Systematic
Theology and Preaching, Ecumenical Theological Seminary
“John Biersdorf has spent a lifetime on the frontiers of religious
and spiritual thought and practice. In this, his best work to date,
he explores with the reader the emerging convergence of
contemporary religious and scientific thought, honoring both
streams."
--Alan W. C. Green, author; management consultant; retired
foundation director; university professor
"A great book; the truth of what [Biersdorf’s] talking about is
universal, not limited to any parochial culture, not even
Christian. [His] definition of spiritual knowing as being down in
that centerless center before the world begins--that is
fabulous."
--Richard C. Devor, retired Chaplain, Allegheny College, Emory
University; Professor, Boston University
"It’s just delicious. Such a lucid exposition of very difficult
contemporary scientific concepts, and a wonderful synthesis with
religious insights. It’s just wonderful. Clear, cohesive, and
logical without being clinical. [Biersdorf’s] human warmth pervades
[his] writing."
--Lois Robbins, social activist; retired university teacher;
author
Product Details
- Title : Infinite Reach: Spirituality in a Scientific World
- Author: Biersdorf, John E.
- Publisher: Resource Publications
- Publication Date: 2016
- ISBN: 9781498238663
Dr. John Biersdorf founded the Ecumenical Theological Seminary,
now fully accredited, was an officer in the Marine Corps, pastored
local churches, taught at Union Theological Seminary in New York
City, and directed the Department of Ministry at the National
Council of Churches. He has published five books, including the
Religious Book Club selection, Hunger for Experience: Vital
Religious Communities in America.