[John Freestone]

Originally Posted by wolfgang

I would hope rational judgment is part of the equation. Maybe our rational judgments have not been entirely accurate for a while. We have proved the 3d world to the point of wondering even at the scientific observation level what the heck it is. Newer probing into matter and energy is really weird stuff. And statements from scientists often sound like something a mystic would say, or the gurus of past said.

It is true, to some extent, that new science sounds like ancient mysticism, but if "rational judgement is part of the equation" then we must be careful about what we conclude. Firstly, there are many scientific theories that are pure speculation - indeed that is what all theories start as. Most of the weird science you're talking about has in no way been proven, though some of it does have some evidence. Secondly, it almost always applies to unbelievably small dimensions of matter. Particles have been deduced as existing in two places at once (it is even too much to say "observed") under strict scientific conditions - but gurus only under hearsay conditions.

Rational judgement would also speculate how much the scientists of today have been influenced by humanity's deep and ubiquitous spiritual philosophies through time - are they unfairly biasing their theories towards ones that involve magical ideas - especially when you understand how new theories grow on top of older ones. Many scientists are actually of a mystical or religious bent themselves, although many aren't. Einstein and Newton come to mind immediately.

Mostly, however, we find that those who have a good understanding of particle physics do not extrapolate their findings to encompass all being. They also believe in evolution. They also believe in the force of gravity that holds their desk in place. They don't imagine that they can reinvent the whole of engineering to reflect the fact that particles can appear and disappear. They don't spend their time trying to build matter-transporters. Some of them promise "replicators" in the home quite soon ("Earl Grey, hot"), but none of the technology suspends any rational law of science: it's just nanotechnology, assuming they get there.

Time travel, it has been said, is perfectly possible in theory. The only problem is that the theory requires more energy than is supposed to exist in the universe, and the existence of a certain type of particle that has not yet been discovered. See how great the weird science is?

What is doubt? Is it really fear?

Well, it can be, but this is another of those whips the LoA illuminati like to hit us with: If you don't believe in your magical powers, you must be frightened. The common culture has got you under its spell of fear. However, if you started out hypnotised by the prevailing myths and then overcame that enslavement, you did it by thinking for yourself, doubting what you thought you knew and what other people told you.

So, no, doubt isn't really fear. Fear keeps you believing what you believe as much as it stops you imagining different scenarios. If someone tells you to stop doubting and just believe, they could be hoping to raise your consciousness, but very often they're trying to stop you noticing something. Often, in this LoA game, it's done because it makes them feel better the more people agree with their theory...it increases their hit count and their income for instance. Doubt isn't a problem, but fear is. Those who use that whip are in fact trying to make you fear to doubt. They are trying to stop you considering alternatives to whatever it is they're proposing. All the religions do it. SR is a religion, in case you hadn't noticed.

What is faith? Does it have to be blind? I hope not. Our logical brain can come along for the ride it you entertain some of the newer science about quantum particles/energy/field.

I feel there's a distinct message between the lines here (using my psychic powers ): I really really want to believe this stuff, and...ooooh look, here's some weird science...that just must support the theory.

Sorry, I just think there is a really important psychological state that is dreadfully undervalued. It's called not knowing. Suspension of belief. ALG pities me for it, but I'm in good company along with Socrates. It is difficult sometimes. It takes patience to get used to it. Everywhere we look we're being told what the facts are, and we're programmed to try to work it out, to know one way or the other.

We can't fail to exercise faith, of course. Every time I take a step I have faith the world is going to be there to step on. But it is blind. That is one of the true gifts of ancient mystical teachings. Fixed views was one of the categories of things that keep us trapped, according to Gautama Buddha (which is deeply ironic if you know how much Buddhists have argued about their dogma ever since!).