No Stultus, we are not to say that. Nor any kind of field for that matter."
Actually I disagree. The gravitational field, and all of the 4 forces (strong, weak, electomagnetic, gravitational) do indeed exhibit the properties of "spirit". But these ar not the only spirits/forces that exist, I believe.
In times past the effects of magnetism would indeed be considered a spirit influencing matter.
Modern science, string theory for instance, indicates that there are 10 or 11 actual dimensions, not just the 4 we comprehend.
It is very reasonable to suggest that additional fields and forces exist in these unknown dimensions, and also to suggest as many scientists have that those forces can and do interact with our 4 dimensions.
For instance in a discussion I had with Dr Sylvester Gates (father of supersymmetry theory) we discussed the idea that there is energy transfer between the other dimensions and ours, possibly even by particles.
We also discussed the possibility that dark matter, which is pulling galaxies away faster and faster, may actually be a function of extra-dimensional forces (undetectable by our current technology), which accounts for the fact that if dark matter was matter it accounts for about 98% of the entire matter in the universe, yet we cannot detect it?
There are 6 dimensions we know nothing about. Some of those dimensions will likely be timeless.
I know also the Holy Spirit exists, within many of us, from personal experience. It is real. Christ is real, and the true Messiah. I am also an evangelical and have as much (more)personal proof of that as any scientific proof today.
I don't have all answers about cosmology (I am doing physics research in cosmology and space-time at a university), but there are no questions that God fears to have answered, as long as we are sincere in our pursuit of knowledge, wisdom and understanding (as He asks us to pursue).
I know also the Holy Spirit exists, within many of us, from personal experience. It is real. Christ is real, and the true Messiah. I am also an evangelical and have as much (more)personal proof of that as any scientific proof today.
I don't have all answers about cosmology [hey, me either!] (I am doing physics research in cosmology and space-time at a university), but there are no questions that God fears to have answered, as long as we are sincere in our pursuit of knowledge, wisdom and understanding (as He asks us to pursue).
Hi Mark Felton! You wrote: "Actually I disagree [that gravity has no spiritual properties]. The gravitational field, and all of the 4 forces (strong, weak, electomagnetic, gravitational) do indeed exhibit the properties of "spirit". But these are not the only spirits/forces that exist, I believe."
I cheerfully grant the possibility that my statement is incorrect, for I (we) really have not yet fully understood what gravity "is." It is the only one of the 4 fundamental forces that continues to elude unification. Lisa Randall (IIRC) has suggested that gravity may be interdimensional -- and as you note, it is highly likely there are other dimensions beyond the four we directly sense; though their existence is strongly suspected, they have not yet been directly detected.
String theory is fascinating, holding that at least some of the hidden dimensions may be timelike, as well as spatial. Yet I also like Stuart Kauffman's "Two Times theory" -- where the "next" extra dimension is "timelike"; although, unlike the compactified dimensions of string theory, it has universal, "fieldlike" extension. I guess Kauffman's theory appeals to me because it reminds me of Sir Isaac Newton's speculation about the sensorium Dei.... That would seem to indicate that this "extra timelike dimension" would have spiritual implications.
The fact is, we are only beginning to plumb these mysteries, so we do not yet know for a fact what's what. The point is, as you say, "there are no questions that God fears to have answered, as long as we are sincere in our pursuit of knowledge, wisdom and understanding (as He asks us to pursue)." The search for His truth is a holy quest, and a thrilling one!
And I'm thrilled for you that you're pursuing formal studies in physical cosmology, Mark. How I envy you the ability to work on these issues full-time -- and under such distinguished tutelage!
Thank you so very much for sharing your thoughts with us.
I don't have all answers about cosmology (I am doing physics research in cosmology and space-time at a university), but there are no questions that God fears to have answered, as long as we are sincere in our pursuit of knowledge, wisdom and understanding (as He asks us to pursue).
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Bravo, Mark -- and Amen! Thank you for sharing your testimony (which very closely parallels mine, BTW...)
Ladies, I believe I see in this young believer a kindred spirit. Unless you or he object[s], I intend to include him in my addressee list on some of these "Explorong God and Science" posts I have in the works. OK, Mark? OK, Ladies?
*(Somewhat minor point: I prefer to refer to the Holy Spirit as "He" --- for, in my personal experience, He is just as much a Person as is Jesus or God the Father...)