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The Purpose of Physical Reality
Why do spiritual beings--human souls--begin their lives in the physical world? According to well-known Baha'i author, scholar, and educator John Hatcher, the world is a classroom designed by God to instigate and nurture mental and spiritual growth. The Purpose of Physical Reality examines the components of this classroom to show how everyday experience leads to spiritual insight. Viewing life in this way, we can learn to appreciate the overall justice of God's plan and the subtle interplay between human free will and divine assistance in unleashing human potential. The idea of physical reality as a divine teaching device not only prepares us for further progress in the life beyond, it also provides practical advice about how to attain spiritual and intellectual understanding while we are living on earth.
288 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 1987
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About the author
John S. Hatcher
30 books4 followersJohn S. Hatcher holds a BA and MA in English Literature from Vanderbilt University and a PhD in English literature from the University of Georgia. He is a professor emeritus of English literature at the University of South Florida, Tampa. A widely published poet and distinguished lecturer, he has written numerous books on literature, philosophy, and Baha'i theology and scripture.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
February 2, 2019
A masterful presentation of one of life's most difficult theological questions with a reassuringly satisfying conclusion. Why are we here? Why do we suffer? What is the meaning of life, the purpose of physical reality?
Hatcher has done a wonderful job of introducing previous historical concepts of "the purpose of physical reality" to lay a groundwork for the reader. The first third of the book is framed as Baha'i "responses" to these widely held beliefs. The middle third continues to deal largely with the concept of justice, which at first may appear to be a tangent. However, when you understand the purpose of physical life as an opportunity for spiritual challenges and (hopefully) subsequent growth, you see how justice is finely balanced with free will and necessitates challenges, and even suffering, in order to fully experience the "physical classroom." ("Tests are benefits from God, for which we should thank Him. Grief and sorrow do not come to us by chance, they are sent to us by the Divine Mercy for our own perfecting." (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Paris Talks, p. 50.) )
Hatcher skillfully, and with scriptural evidence, addresses some of our most pressing questions, such as "If God loves us and has the power to prevent such [negative] events, why does He not do so?" There is also a sizable portion dedicated to an explanation of metaphor in scripture, which parallels the sort of metaphors we begin to see between the physical and spiritual realities. (Frankly, if more people understood just this metaphor process alone, many religious misunderstandings and divides could be rectified.)
The last section is perhaps most intriguing, but probably not without potential controversy. Citing Raymond Moody (author of several books on near death experiences), the author here ties together the results of our actions in physical reality with what our post-death life may look like. Though supported by some scripture, this section is short because it is a subject argued to be purposefully shrouded in mystery.
I've read my copy of this book at least four times now, and I always find an abiding sense of comfort for some time after I finish. I continue to find it compelling and logically supported with an explanation of life that is at once sensible, comforting, and inspiring.
(I believe I have the first edition of this book, so I'd be curious to check any updates in the newest edition.)
Hatcher has done a wonderful job of introducing previous historical concepts of "the purpose of physical reality" to lay a groundwork for the reader. The first third of the book is framed as Baha'i "responses" to these widely held beliefs. The middle third continues to deal largely with the concept of justice, which at first may appear to be a tangent. However, when you understand the purpose of physical life as an opportunity for spiritual challenges and (hopefully) subsequent growth, you see how justice is finely balanced with free will and necessitates challenges, and even suffering, in order to fully experience the "physical classroom." ("Tests are benefits from God, for which we should thank Him. Grief and sorrow do not come to us by chance, they are sent to us by the Divine Mercy for our own perfecting." (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Paris Talks, p. 50.) )
Hatcher skillfully, and with scriptural evidence, addresses some of our most pressing questions, such as "If God loves us and has the power to prevent such [negative] events, why does He not do so?" There is also a sizable portion dedicated to an explanation of metaphor in scripture, which parallels the sort of metaphors we begin to see between the physical and spiritual realities. (Frankly, if more people understood just this metaphor process alone, many religious misunderstandings and divides could be rectified.)
The last section is perhaps most intriguing, but probably not without potential controversy. Citing Raymond Moody (author of several books on near death experiences), the author here ties together the results of our actions in physical reality with what our post-death life may look like. Though supported by some scripture, this section is short because it is a subject argued to be purposefully shrouded in mystery.
I've read my copy of this book at least four times now, and I always find an abiding sense of comfort for some time after I finish. I continue to find it compelling and logically supported with an explanation of life that is at once sensible, comforting, and inspiring.
(I believe I have the first edition of this book, so I'd be curious to check any updates in the newest edition.)
July 2, 2015
Masterful!
Very insightful reading. Written from a Bahai perspective it sheds light on the reason we are on this planet in a physical body and provides hopeful enlightenment of the afterlife based on Bahai writings and NDE research.
Very insightful reading. Written from a Bahai perspective it sheds light on the reason we are on this planet in a physical body and provides hopeful enlightenment of the afterlife based on Bahai writings and NDE research.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews