Cosmic Unity

“Cosmic Unity”

The subject is one that concerns all who are looking for answers to ultimate questions and believe, as I do, that through both the study of science and sacred scripture we may find guidance to that end.

I believe the Universe is a singular reality, that God is one and Mankind is one. Differences of race, religion, culture or individual strengths and weaknesses should all be appreciated. Much as we view in awe the mix of color, hue and design of the master gardener so must we all learn to look upon the great diversity of our world as fruit borne out of transcendent Oneness.

It is self-evident that our senses bring to us a picture of a world comprised of many differences. As an example, leaves of varying colors, textures, or shapes are seen as outwardly different and thus are categorized by a brain developed and honed by evolution to survive in an environment full of natural complexities and dangers. Knowing what is edible or not, how to react to a given situation, how to avoid danger while utilizing that which is conducive to life; these are all prerequisites to survival. Those that survived multiplied, leaving us the legacy of our categorizing minds.

It is important here to realize what is meant by “outwardly different.” The many kinds of leaves in the example above need to be classified by our mind. Not only is classifying which leaves are useful, edible or poisonous important for survival but it helps us think things through. No matter if it is hunting, farming, art, science, religion, or philosophy; human beings find categorization necessary to understand the universe they perceive around themselves. Yet, the different kinds of leaves are all leaves. These leaves all exhibit similar biochemical reactions and properties thus occupying a place in the plant kingdom.

As we continue this line of reasoning it is evident the differences between plants and animals (as seen by our naked eye while observing in the woods) are outwardly apparent, but upon closer examination the edges between the categories blur. Euglenas are mobile single celled animals that contain chlorophyll allowing them to photosynthesize as our familiar plants do.

Fungi behave similarly to plants but do not photosynthesize. (These ancient organisms break down organic material but are unable to move about.) Someone not familiar with sea anemones, coral polyps and the like would probably classify them as plants, but they are indeed animals.

As we peer ever deeper into the cellular and molecular levels the outward differences between plants, animals, and indeed all life on Earth becomes less and less apparent. It is here science has discovered that all the fundamental building blocks of life are the same. It is currently believed life has developed and diversified from one common origin.

A common unity is evident within the rest of the physical universe as well. The fundamental building blocks of material elements and compounds are the vast numbers of hydrogen atoms found throughout the universe. A star like our Sun is constantly fusing hydrogen nuclei into helium nuclei. Eventually not enough hydrogen is left so the star enters the next stage of its sequential cycle and goes on to fuse helium into heavier elements.

When a large dying star explodes (called a super nova) elements ranging from helium to iron are blasted out into space. In time, these heavier elements become part of second-generation star systems resulting in solar systems, planets, complex compounds, and possibly life. In the deepest sense our elemental existence began in the stars.

Unity exists between the worlds of matter and energy. Einstein’s famous equation E=MC2 (squared) where E = energy, M = mass, and C = the speed of light, shows that matter and energy are related. In addition, light has been shown to respond to gravity. Gravity, according to Einstein, is the same as acceleration, and time is connected with relative speed.

The Holy Grail of modern day physics is what theoretical physicists call a “Unified Field Theory”. Their goal is to find within the four assigned forces of energy (Electro-magnetic, Gravity, the Strong Nuclear force and the Weak Nuclear force) a fundamental reality common to all. So far the challenge has been illusive but most scientists agree the reasoning is sound.

Question: If Creation is indeed one holistic reality why should this not be used to aid us in gaining an appreciation of its Creator? If the Universe reflects the transcendent reality of God in any way surely the all-embracing Unity so manifest throughout existence should be the most evident proof of the Oneness of God.

If this is the case the seeming differences we experience in our everyday lives- the petty differences so prevalent among the religious and political institutions of people on this puny little Earth orbiting an average star located in no particular place of importance within an average galaxy containing, perhaps, 200 billion stars pales into utter insignificance! From this Universal Unity the Universe has become manifested with a diversity, power, beauty and perfection at which one can only marvel.

Near the Beginning, the Cosmic Unity, the Singularity of a One Reality, began, over eons of time, to make various aspects of Reality Manifest. Pre-existence by degrees was brought into existence. Much as a seed has a mature plant programmed into its being, or a fertilized egg has the capacity to grow and develop; the universe grew, diversified into myriad forms, flowered, and bore the fruit of “Man’s” Spirit.

This cognitive spirit is not confined only to Homo sapiens on the speck of dust called Planet Earth. No, rather it is a level of perception which may well be common to other forms of life throughout creation; enabling elements born of the stars to perceive the stars; allowing matter and spirit to achieve insight, learn, wonder and ponder at its own creation; to develop a need for a higher Spirit of Truth and be granted custodianship of the spiritual laws of Wisdom, Unity, Love and Justice.

We are truly an integral part of the universe; we were created by it and are bound by its properties and laws. Indeed, the true Spirit of “Man” represents nothing less than the eyes and ears of creation, that which is capable of utilizing; through the amazing gifts of reason, discovery and technological know-how; properties hidden to the animal world. This remarkable intelligence fashions a live-in environment for its own purposes but, more importantly, sacred scripture of all world faiths teach our primary duty is communing with the Creator of the Cosmos-in other words we were created to know and to worship God.

Unity is at the central core of Being. Let us learn to reflect this greatest Truth in our lives. Let us appreciate the beauty of diversity much as we cultivate the diverse flowers in a garden. Let us not assign God to any one religion, creed, or belief system; for how can the created possibly understand the Creator! Let us come together in love, respect, and share in a humility born of the wisdom that we are a part of everything. Nothing exists independently. Let us grow, let us learn, let us flower and let us bear fruit!

Oh friends of faith

The above is a treatise reflecting my thoughts on the essential unity of the physical universe. I hope you can see from the following why it is impossible for me to align with any Christian sect but, at the same time, benefit from a knowledge and relationship the everlasting unchanging Word of God has freely given, in spite of greatest sacrifice and denouncement, to the human race.

Religion and a belief in God are essential to the long-term prosperity and well being of Mankind. Without this primal “Word”, this “Spirit of Truth”, this fundamental universal guiding force of the great faiths of the world the human species performs such atrocities upon itself as to make creation shudder at its horror.

History shows that when the truly unaltered bountiful gifts and enlightened knowledge of God’s Revelation are practiced the soul of mankind is illuminated allowing it to flower and bear fruit. However, we must be ever watchful for it is all too easy for the pure God-given teachings of any organized religion to become stained and greatly altered by the man-made veils of ritual and dogma.

When followers argue and fight over practices, political relationships and racism; when cruelty of the highest order is afflicted upon fellow men in the name of God! Then organized religion becomes nothing more than an instrument of terror, death and destruction. The human spirit becomes shackled by the very faith designed to liberate it allowing fear and superstition to reign supreme.

Yes, religion is essential but it must at all times remain a vehicle of God’s Will for the culture and age of its Dispensation. When I regard the all-embracing unity of the universe as we can know it I find it impossible to believe God has chosen only one faith and belief system, out of the beautiful diverse expressions of the common theme regarding the love and Covenant between God and Mankind, as His only way to salvation or everlasting life.

The need for world thinking is explored more fully in the website http://onenessbecomesus.com