Richlon Merrill's Blog

Ron Provost speaks of his experience with neutrinos before science conference crowd.

Ron had thought many times since his encounter that day with neutrinos about what he would say to this crowd. He had debated whether to relate the fullness of that experience or just share a few minor details. The experience was deeply personal and intimate. As such he was not comfortable relating such matters in a public setting like this. Even as he stood before this crowd, he was unsure what words would emerge from his lips.
Ron hesitated to speak. A delay of a few seconds turned into a full minute. Suzanne, who sat over to the side of the stage with others on the team, was becoming unsettled. She looked at Nora who then looked at Dr. Engel sitting off stage. He, too, was perplexed and shrugged. Suzanne decided she needed to intervene, so she stood, intending to walk over to Ron. As she did so, Ron suddenly opened his mouth.
“Folks, how do I describe an event that, to my knowledge, no one else has ever experienced?” Ron lingered for several more seconds. “After giving it much thought, I have decided not to try to explain this experience on a personal level.” The audience gave a disappointed response. “If I use a scientific explanation to describe what took place, I would only be speculating. I would like, however, to propose what I believe occurred that day from a somewhat pseudo-scientific perspective. But to do so requires me to go beyond a strictly naturalistic viewpoint. Dr. Myers and I have discussed my summations, but I cannot attest to whether she or any other team member would accept what I am about to tell you. My hope and prayer is that you will receive what I tell you with an open mind.” An unsettled audience response was quickly replaced with silent anticipation.
“On a personal level, I will simply tell you that what I experienced was serene and pleasant. Now here is my speculative account as to what occurred.” Ron glanced at the scribbled notes he had written earlier and then tucked them into his shirt pocket. “As Simon related to you, neutrinos are the smallest known particle in the entire universe. They skim through space, moving even past the smallest atoms and other microscopic particles. There is no mass we know of that can hinder their course. They continue their journey through the universe with nothing to impede or thwart their progress. They have little detectable mass. Science has yet to discover an energy source other than the atomic reaction that brought about their initial creation and propulsion. But I have another theory.”
Ron glanced toward the team. He was surprised to see Suzanne’s face displaying an agreeable smile. She and Nora both displayed a hint of approval of where they anticipated Ron’s theory would lead. Ron then looked down at Mona on the front row. She mouthed “I love you” when she saw him look her way. It was her love that often motivated him through his pursuits.
Ron had prayed silently before addressing this crowd, knowing he would be crossing some barriers in the minds of some. “Beyond the smallest particle in space, beyond even neutrinos themselves, is another realm. I believe it to be the eternal realm—the area that exists beyond the boundary of matter and time. God’s domain.” Ron could hear stirring among his audience. He did not let that deter him. “I believe neutrinos skim this eternal realm of God. Although they do not exist in this eternal realm, I believe that to be their source of energy. I can compare it to phytoplankton, microscopic organisms floating on the surface of the ocean yet they receive their energy from the Sun. Take them from the sea, and they cease to exist. Not only do neutrinos obtain energy from this eternal realm, but I will go so far as to suggest that they reflect or absorb a portion of this eternal domain.” Ron paused briefly. “They retain the domain of God.” The murmuring in the crowd now became more intense. Ron knew he was losing many in the audience with this talk of the eternal realm of God and that he needed to provide the evidence for such bold conjecture.

I am often asked, “How long did it take you to write your book?” By that question, they often refer to the point at which I first began writing the novel to the final completion of the manuscript. In the case of Skimming Eternity, my first novel, the answer encompasses years, if not decades, of a journey of discovery through following the One who would become the ruler of my soul. But to be fair to those who want a simple answer that does not come across in pious platitudes, the process of writing this story first began when I thought up the subject for a short story. I wrote it. My wife read it. Her first comment was, “This needs to be a novel, not a short story.” I was taken aback by her suggestion. I had never written a novel. To be sure, I have written several discourses on topics including theology, evangelism, apologetics, and even creation science. I have written commentaries on passages and topics in Scripture. I have taught these researched subjects to groups at my church. Only twice have I written fictional short stories. As I considered my wife’s counsel, the ideas and story line began to form in my mind. I had to ask myself the question, “Why bother writing it?” Having retired about a year ago from my 35 years as a small business owner, I had begun to devote more time to researching, developing, writing, and teaching some of the above-mentioned topics. It occurred to me that I could blend these topics in the context of a science fiction novel. While many fiction novels have been written that convey a Christian worldview, I cannot personally name any that actually convey and equip the believer for ministry. Skimming Eternity does just that. It is a discipleship manual disguised as a science fiction novel. Its purpose is not just to entertain those who enjoy reading science fiction but to present the very tenets of biblical truth and life application.
Therefore, I must deliver a forewarning before you read Skimming Eternity. To the sci-fi enthusiast, be aware that between the lines of science fiction are interwoven another message beyond that of engaging your mind with what-ifs. To my fellow followers of Christ, please be aware that you may come away a little better equipped to engage unbelievers with the gospel message of Christ. To seekers and skeptics, be advised that you might very well be convicted or, at the very least, afforded the message of God’s offer of forgiveness and grace. My hope for the unbeliever is that you will complete the novel before giving up on it. The novel may very well entertain you while imparting a new perspective on life and science.