Possibilities for Over One Hundredfold More Spiritual Information: The Humble Approach in Theology and Science [Paperback]

John Templeton (Author), Sir John Templeton (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 2000

The world is at a state of unprecedented technical expertise, but why has our knowledge and faith in our own spirituality stalled and become obsolete in recent times? Possibilities for Over One Hundredfold More Spiritual Information seeks to address this question. It points out that our spiritual knowledge would also have the capacity to increase dramatically if we were to open our minds to endless possibilities that await us in terms of our spiritual lives. These include altruistic love for all people, new knowledge of the Divine, and a greater sense of our place in the universe. In order for us as human beings to take advantage of all of the spiritual gifts that we have been given, we need to be opened and receptive to our individual spiritual natures, and to open ourselves to the limitless spiritual possibilities available to us. The book acknowledges the ancient scriptures and thinkers who have guided us for centuries. Vastly expanded research and the use of scientific method would only enhance our understanding of the wisdom contained within these wise teachings. The benefits of expanding our spiritual knowledge might, in fact, exceed the benefits we have realized thus far from scientific and medical advances. Possibilities seeks to reawaken our desire for for spiritual knowledge pushed aside so long ago in our quest for scientific knowledge. When these fields work together, the world will reap greater rewards that we can ever imagine.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Templeton Foundation Press (September 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1890151335
• ISBN-13: 978-1890151331
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #516,389 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Encouragement and Questions for Learning More about Spiritual Matters, May 6, 2011

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Donald Mitchell "Jesus Loves You!" (Thanks for Providing My Reviews over 109,000 Helpful Votes Globally) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Possibilities for Over One Hundredfold More Spiritual Information: The Humble Approach in Theology and Science (Paperback)

"I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago--whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows--such a one was caught up to the third heaven. And I know such a man--whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows--how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. Of such a one I will boast; yet of myself I will not boast, except in my infirmities. For though I might desire to boast, I will not be a fool; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, lest anyone should think of me above what he sees me to be or hears from me." -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-6 (NKJV)

In Possibilities for Over One Hundredfold More Spiritual Information: The Humble Approach to Theology and Science, legendary investor Sir John Templeton successfully argues that it's beneficial to acquire much more spiritual information than we have now and that such information will be of considerable value. For such an end to occur, he points out that scientists, theologians, and believers will have to tear down many of the arbitrary limitations on their inquiries to pose better questions, to access more helpful information, and to progress into unrealized opportunities to expand spiritual understanding . . . which will also enhance other forms of understanding.

It would be easy for a scientist to question the potential value of such an inquiry. Sir John Templeton counters with two powerful observations: Think of how rapidly our scientific understanding has expanded by adding new knowledge, most of which we could not have anticipated (consider quantum mechanics); and how much about the material world we cannot yet explain (such as all that missing mass in the universe).

It would be easy for a sectarian to feel attacked . . . that sacred scriptures are under attack. I don't think that's the intent. Is there any reason to think that God didn't intend us to learn more about Him and to gain benefits from that knowledge? Sacred scriptures may be only one source of gaining such understanding. Why might not scientific investigations provide valuable insights as well? After all, the well-documented miracles in the Bible build faith through their testimonies about what happened and the abundance of witnesses who observed these events.

Does Sir John know all the best questions and ways to go? He humbly points out that he doesn't . . . but he provides enough food for thought to get your thinking going.

I personally wish that there were study centers throughout the world where people who wanted to understand more about God from many perspectives could draw on not only science, but also history, the arts, and other disciplines apart from science to bring more meaning to what we think we know about God. I'm sure it could be a wonderful way to bless God through applying our rational minds, our emotions, and our experiences with Him to appreciate Him better.