The nature of spirituality is often contrasted with scientific findings, but is this really an argument between two positions in contrast? The more you think about it, the more one tends to doubt it.
The Hubble Telescope has opened our eyes to many new things in the universe. The sheer size and scope of it is simply staggering. This was never more obvious than when astronomers turned Hubble towards an empty part of space. Taking photographs over a period of time, they discovered that the tiny “empty” part of space was filled with billions of galaxies. The finding was akin to believing your cul-de-sac was the entire world only to discover there were more streets at one end and then an entirely different universe of neighborhoods, cities, counties, countries and continents.
Even with these findings, the truth of the matter is the vast majority of the universe is cold and empty. How then should we view our existence? We live on a planet that is but a speck in the Milky Way Galaxy and much smaller than that in the universe as a whole. Was it just pure luck we came to exist or is there something else underlying the structure of the universe?
Spirituality is obviously a broad term. It means many things to many people. One constant of it, however, is the notion that there must be a reason for being…a purpose if you will. Given the vast emptiness of the universe and our tiny spot in it, how do we reconcile the two? Well, everyone has to come to their own answer, but I for one believe that the two do not necessarily contrast. I suggest we look not at the emptiness of the universe, but those amazing spots that are full. The sheer beauty, size and complexity of galaxies suggest a meaning or theme of sorts and in that we can find a relationship between science and spirituality that is not necessarily in conflict.
Thomas Ajava writes for SpiritualityInformationPortal.com - where you can learn more about integrity and spirituality in life.
