FOREWORD
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
I am motivated to put down my thoughts on a credible belief in a
Creator with the humility required to address the age-old questions of
the meaning and purpose of life. I feel justified in doing so by the
satisfaction and excitement I have found in the concept of belief
described herein. It has satisfied the needs imposed by both my
scientific training(1) and my religious feelings - two important
aspects of my life which always seemed to elude a clear connection.
Although humans have explored many avenues to a belief through the
centuries, the particular viewpoint I have reached seems not to have
received much attention. I hope that others in this modern secular
world may find the same satisfaction for their spiritual needs that I
have found in this concept. It seems to unify the underlying message
of almost all religions, and of science as well.
A career in industrial problem-solving(2) provided me with considerable
satisfaction from helping clients with their technical and economic
problems. It was troubling, however, to notice the key role economics
played (and still plays) in our market economy. Almost every product
and service was promoted to effect the maximum short-range financial
return, regardless of its actual long-term value, or its future
effects on an individual or global level. Long range issues that would
loom problematic remained subordinate to more immediate,
profit-centered concerns.
In the 1970's, major issues gained attention:
: population growth
: environmental degradation
: resource depletion
: poverty
These issues were receiving notice through computer studies and
publications at MIT, sponsored by the club of Rome. Participation in
MIT seminars whetted my interest in a search for the underlying causes
of these dire conditions.
When these issues were combined with those of ethnic, racial, and
power conflicts, the finger of suspicion began to point directly at -
US! -- our values, our goals, our morals, and our responsibilities.
I recognized that almost all the problems are man-made.
Although humans have made scientific discoveries since the seventeenth century
which have contributed to an ongoing decline of belief in a Divine
Creator, it is exciting to realize that now, both past and
present discoveries are reestablishing the basis for such a belief by
revealing the awesome ingenuity of the design and functional principles
of the universe.
I was particularly convinced by the design and key role of the DNA
molecule and the finely tuned relationships of the physical
constantsin the
scientific laws that make life and the universe possible,
as discussed in my
following work.
Isn't there a connection here? If we humans, (especially those still
in a period of education and discovery) were to grasp the evidence
that a Creator exists, giving further meaning and purpose to our
lives, would we not be inspired to deal more responsibly with our
problems, for the benefit of all - and be happier at the same time?
It seems reasonable to me. With that thought in mind, I invite you to
join me in examining this Spiritual Theory.
