In Search of Divine Reality: Science as a Source of Inspiration

by Lothar Schäfer, Patrick Ross (Narrator)

The message of modern physics is that physical reality has, at its frontiers, all the aspects of a transcendent order. At the foundation of things, elementary particles can exert instantaneous long-distance influences on each other, can be meaningfully said to have mind-like properties, and can exist in states which are, as Heisenberg wrote, "not quite real, but between the idea of a thing and a real thing." Thus, just as dead atoms form living organisms and stupid molecules form intelligent brains, metaphysical entities form physical reality. This remarkable book clearly explains the concepts of quantum physics in order to show how science and spirituality are not separate.

Genres: Philosophy

Audible Audio

First published January 1, 1997

Reviews

[Alan Fuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quantum entities observed act like particles; not observed, like waves. I've been looking for an in depth, philosophical analysis of this phenomenon and Lothar Schafer provides it.

"...probabilities for occurrences of actual events are a form of information, closer by nature to elements of the mind than to the material world. In fact, processes are now known in which physical systems react observably to mere changes in the information available on them. Normally, reactions to information are the prerogative of a mind. Thus, entities with mind-like properties are found at the foundation of ordinary things."

"...it must be assumed that the universe rules spiritual matters as well as the laws of physics, and it is in human minds that the spiritual order of the universe rises to the level of morality."

"... reality that transcends the mechanistic foreground of things. Where else to look for the roots of this order than in the transcendent— the mind-like background of physical reality."

At least since since Newton, materialistic ideas have dominated western scientific thinking. Quantum Mechanics changes that, but culture lags behind. Schafer goes where most fear to tread.

[Ed Schulte · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brave and refreshing overview of Consciousness by a Physicist not afraid to express his conclusions while ignoring the academic habit of treating the subject as either Science or Spirituality ( as if they could ever be separate !!) Neither camp should be afraid to pick up this book and venture into a journey up until now only those called "Mystics" were brave enough to point to. ( did I just call Schafer a "mystic" ??? Well hope that doesn't get him in to trouble) For a more friendly intro into the world and ideas of Schafer see his Infinite Potential.

[Avalon Valgardson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed this book, but nothing really stood out to me. I guess you could say... I'm still searching for my own divine reality.