What is God in a World of Quantum Physics? with Steven Dick (Part 2)
Dec 12, 2022
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Steven J. Dick, an astronomer and historian of science, joins the hosts to explore the concept of God in the world of quantum physics. They discuss the idea of a super intelligence resulting from cosmic evolution and the existence of intelligent life forms in the universe. They also delve into the synergy between science and religion and how space exploration plays a role in God's self-realization. The chapter concludes by discussing the discipline of cosmophiology and its impact on our culture, as well as expressing gratitude and promoting future episodes.
Cosmotheology suggests a deeper understanding of God in the context of quantum physics and cosmic evolution, embracing the interconnectedness of all aspects of life in the universe.
The exploration of astrobiology and the existence of life beyond Earth urge a reevaluation of humanity's place in the cosmos and emphasize the need for the integration of science and religion for a coherent understanding of our cosmic existence.
Deep dives
Cosmotheology and the Interconnected Wholeness of the Universe
Cosmotheology suggests a deep interconnected wholeness in the universe, emphasizing the inseparable realities and entanglement of all aspects of life. This perspective challenges the traditional notion of nature as a separate entity and highlights the need to explore a more integrated understanding of God and quantum physics. It raises questions about the existence of a natural super intelligence that is a product of cosmic evolution, potentially explaining the fine-tuning of the universe for life. While the anthropic principle suggests the fitness of the universe for life, the idea of a multiverse is also considered to account for the variation in life-supporting conditions across different universes. The dialogue between science and theology, especially in the context of process theology, encourages a revisitation of the concept of God in the face of advancements in quantum physics, consciousness, and biological complexity.
Religion, the Bible, and Divinely Inspired Writings
The denial of supernaturalism in the exploration of cosmophiology challenges traditional religious beliefs, including the view of the Bible as a divinely inspired text. With an evolving understanding of intelligence and consciousness, a fixed and final revelation becomes questionable. The concept of resurrection and eternal life is explored in terms of returning to the stars, joining with the cosmos and its time. The idea of personal identity and particularity after death raises questions, as the dispersal of individual elements to the cosmic winds suggests a dissolution of personality. Instead, it is proposed that relationships and the memories of others keep one's life and impact alive, emphasizing the importance of love and the good shared during one's life.
Astrobiology and the Implications for Our Place in the Universe
The field of astrobiology explores the possibility of life beyond Earth and its societal impact. With the discovery of thousands of exoplanets and the prevalence of habitable conditions, the existence of microbial and intelligent life in the universe becomes increasingly likely. The vastness and complexity of the cosmos urge a reevaluation of our place in the universe and our religious aspirations. As a theological vocation, the search for extraterrestrial life is viewed as part of the process of God seeking completion in created conscious life. The integration of science and religion, particularly in the context of cosmophiology, is seen as crucial for a coherent understanding of our cosmic existence and for addressing the challenges faced by humanity.
Ilia Delio and Robert Nicastro interview astronomer and historian of science, Steven J. Dick.
Themes:
What is God in this world of quantum physics?
Process Theology
Steven J. Dick served as the NASA Chief Historian and Director of the NASA History Office from 2003 to 2009. Prior to that he was an astronomer and historian of science at the U.S. Naval Observatory for more than two decades. He is the author or editor of 25 books, including most recently Astrobiology, Discovery, and Societal Impact (Cambridge, 2018), Classifying the Cosmos: How We Can Make Sense of the Celestial Landscape (Springer, 2019), and Space, Time, and Aliens: Collected Works on Cosmos and Culture (Springer, 2020).
“The basic principles of religion and theology need to be reconsidered in terms of what we now know about our wondrous universe, full of millions of planets and perhaps life. In short we need a cosmotheology that takes into account cosmic evolution and our place in the new universe.”
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