FOR SCIENTISTS

I have written this page primarily for my scientist colleagues.  We scientists are trained to carefully examine the logic, methods, and data analyses of experiments, and to be cautious about drawing conclusions from the data.  We pay close attention to issues of controls, replicability, alternative explanations, and the potential implications of the findings.

As an undergraduate premedical student at Cornell University with a major in psychology and a minor in chemistry, I once read a scientific paper published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology where the authors concluded that they were “moved toward the acceptance of the possibility that ...[X]… was possible.”   

Think about this. 

After conducting an experiment obtaining statistically significant positive findings, the researchers:

•Were “moved.” 

•Moved where?: moved “toward”

•Moved toward where? Moved toward the “acceptance.”

•Moved toward the acceptance of what?:  of the “possibility.” 

•Moved toward the acceptance of the possibility of what?:  that [x] was “possible.” 

Scientists vary in how conservative they are, ranging from being hypercritical (and even cynical) to being highly creative (and even playful).   Trained in both engineering (electrical) and music (jazz as well as classical), I deeply appreciate both sides of the fence (conservative and creative). 

Engineers must pay close attention to details and replicability so that their equipment works, their programs run, their cars are safe, and their buildings stand.  Musicians must pay close attention not only to the details of techniques and performance, but jazz musicians, in particular, are equally focused on creativity and playfulness.

As I have written in various books, I consider myself to be an “orthodox agnostic” – someone who practices true skepticism rather than pseudo-skepticism (discussed in the previous page).

So in light of my scientific training and proclivity, you may be wondering why I have published a new book titled The Sacred Promise: How Science is Discovering Spirit’s Collaboration with Us in Our Daily Lives.

The reason is 70% scientific, 30% social. 

THE SCIENTIFIC PART

The scientific part is that as I explain throughout the book, this is a “proof-of-concept” or “proof-of-possibility” book. 

Drawing on extensive evidence – carefully observed both in the laboratory as well as in real life – I have reached the conclusion that there is a serious possibility that not only does a greater spiritual reality exist, but that it plays an important role in our individual and collective lives. 

In other words, I have been strongly moved - by the totality of the evidence - to accept the possible existence of a greater spiritual reality. Moreover, I am advocating that future research to be conducted by scientists worldwide to reach a firm conclusion about this great possibility. 

Could this conclusion about a greater spiritual reality be wrong?  Of course – this is a core reason for conducting future research.  The challenge is to excite the public and private sectors about this great possibility so that the means necessary for conducting this research can be manifested.  This is the scientific promise.

THE SOCIAL PART

However, if there is a greater spiritual reality, and if it can actually assist us in our individual and collective lives, than the sooner we can receive this assistance, the better it will be for our species and the planet as a whole.   This is the social part – the serious possibility that humankind can benefit greatly from this knowledge and awareness. 

The fact is that time may be running out for life as we know it.  As I said in the Preface, and I paraphrase here, if ever there was a time for us to awaken to these profound possibilities, this is it – the social promise. 

My hope is that The Sacred Promise helps contribute to both the scientific and social promise of the emerging work.