The Fabric of Eternity. a Scientist's View of the Works of Providence

The Fabric of Eternity is the author's personal view of the Universe that allows for science and theology to explore the wonders of creation in peaceful unison. It is neither new science nor new theology; it is a humble attempt to lower the language barrier between these two disciplines in hope for a better understanding, appreciation, and gratitude to the Universe and her Creator. I shall argue -on scientific grounds- that as far as science is concerned there are only two ways of thinking about the workings of the Universe. We either realize the continuous loving care of God, or we go it alone, reject God, and insist upon a self-contained existence with no reason or purpose. Science can only offer these two fundamental alternatives but cannot decide between them in the lab. I shall argue that the 'go it alone' theory may be proven false, though, in a scientific experiment involving us, humans. Some would argue that the most sensitive experimental device is a pencil standing on its tip; the tiniest push would make it tip over. I would argue, however, that the human person is even more sensitive and is an ideal instrument to experimentally verify the 'go it alone' theory. You can do the experiment yourself. I will show that the 'go it alone' theory makes predictions that contradict human nature. If we choose to go it alone we shall be bound -on scientific grounds- to deny free will, the idea of a unique person, being right or wrong, honor, human dignity, and the virtue of human efforts, just to mention a few of our commonly accepted traits. It is your call; does your experiment verify or refute the 'go it alone' theory? My own deep conviction vouches for a more humble Universe that humans can call home, a Universe that is alive by the love of God. To 'go it alone' means that we equate the Universe with god -the god of the philosophers, that is. The god of the philosophers is an absolute pure entity that is entirely self-contained, bearing its own cause, reason, and purpose. The god of the philosophers has no need for anything, it lives (if we can call it life) in perfect satisfaction and harmony with itself. God who loves the Universe, however, is beyond pure perfection and loves us human beings. It is love that lies beyond pure perfection, it is love that distinguishes God from the god of the philosophers. You know love only when you live it, it is beyond words. Love has a link to science through the concept of altruism, though. Altruism means selfless care for the welfare of others exemplified by the likes of Mother Teresa on the pinnacle. But could there be any scientific discipline where selfless care for the welfare of others is part of the equation? Perhaps shockingly, the answer is yes. The so-called Price equation inserts altruism in the paradigm of Darwinian selection where the only rule is the survival of the fittest. The tragic life of George Price is a stark reminder, though, that beautiful mathematical theories sometimes just don't work. Price was a math genius but he realized when reflecting on his very own life that his theory was wrong. By way of logic the one irrefutable scientific and philosophical statement that can be made about altruism is that altruism is the only quality that can be added to pure perfection to enrich it in substance. This is the higher truth that forms the basis for anything we can reason about God; everything else is a matter of the heart. Over 25 years in my career as a scientist, I have privately grappled with the chasm between science and religion, two disciplines I hold dear. I invite you to join me on my pilgrimage on the road from science towards theology as paved by Pierre Teilhard de Chardin in his life's work that culminated in "The Phenomenon of Man". I have no claim of being right or wrong, and cannot promise we ever reach our destination, but... isn't the journey itself the destination? Please join me.