12.
The first step toward a life-expanding world view
NOTE:
This is an excerpt from the book The
Least You Should Know About Life.
Most people have developed a somewhat schizophrenic world view, a view
that has certain inconsistencies and contradictions. The reason is that
people have grown up in a society that is a battleground between two
systems of thought. Each system presents a world view which is claimed
to be complete and infallible. Yet the two world views are mutually
exclusive. Because most people have been exposed to both systems of
thought, they have certain inconsistencies in their world views.
The two systems of thought are, of course, science and religion, specifically
materialistic science and the Christian religion. The principal difference
between the two is that science claims the universe came into being
through a completely random process, whereas Christianity claims the
universe was created by an almighty God as described in the Christian
Bible. From a superficial viewpoint, it would seem that if two systems
have incompatible views, one must be right and the other wrong. This
is what is being claimed from both sides of the debate, and each side
claims that it will eventually be victorious and will obliterate the
opposing world view.
Yet what if there is a higher perspective? Historically, every belief
system that claimed to have a complete and infallible view of the world
has been replaced by a broader world view. Is it possible that both
of the systems of thought that dominate Western society could be incomplete
and that they will eventually be replaced by a new world view that broadens
people’s understanding? It is the purpose of this book to sketch
such a new world view.
Why is it necessary to go beyond these traditional belief systems and
the mental box each system has created? Materialistic science claims
that there is not – nor could there possibly be – anything
beyond what can be detected by – current – scientific instruments.
Since science has not detected anything beyond the material universe,
there is nothing beyond this world. Orthodox Christianity claims that
there is not – nor could there possibly be – anything
to know about the universe beyond what is stated in the Christian Bible.
Since the Bible is the infallible word of God, there could not be anything
to know about the universe beyond what God revealed thousands of years
ago.
If you considered yourself a strict follower of either system, and if
you were completely convinced about the validity of its claims, you
would have no use for this book. Each system would have provided you
with answers to the fundamental questions of life, and if your questions
were not answered, it could only be because your questions were wrong.
Likewise, each system would have given you knowledge about how to improve
your life. If your life had not improved as a result of this knowledge,
it would be because such improvement was impossible. The point being
that if you are reading this book, you must be aware – through
an inner knowing – that there is more to know about life than
what either of the two belief systems can tell you. By picking up this
book, you have proven that you are open to an expanded world view.
The problem with both of the traditional systems of thought is that
they are closed systems. Each defines very strict limits for what human
beings can know about the universe and themselves. There is either no
knowledge beyond what the system provides or any such knowledge is the
works of the devil. If you dare to look beyond the system, the strict
adherents of each system will judge you as being of inferior intelligence
or as going straight to hell.
Historically, any system of thought that has defined limits for what
could be known has always been proven wrong. Eventually, new knowledge
came to light, and it expanded or obliterated the boundaries defined
by the old system. Thus, the first step toward a new world view is to
decide that you are willing to look beyond your current belief system
and the mental box in which it has placed your mind.
13.
Has science opened the door to a new world view?
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Copyright
© 2007 by Kim Michaels |
