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

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"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.