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The message of Table 3 presents the simple fact there are significant similarities across the centuries, across cultures, and across theologies as to how the spiritually inclined explain the forces shaping life on Earth. It is easy for most of us with scientific backgrounds to pass off some of these beliefs as myths and superstitions. And for the individual who has experienced the spiritual side of reality, it is easy to dismiss all beliefs which do not conform to the beliefs of their particular brand of theology as being irrelevant. Is it possible God was talking to individuals across the centuries, across cultures, and across theologies, and His message was simply misinterpreted? If God exists, of course this is possible.
For those who are willing to open their mind to alternative viewpoints, the message is simple: God exists. God, however you choose to define God, is the key actor directing and focusing natural processes so life can exist on Earth. And yet to many the definition of God is confusing. To give a Christian example of this confusion, which is beyond the scope of this book to resolve: Who did Jesus pray to? (John 17:1-26) Was the earth was created by God (Genesis 1:1), or by Jesus (Hebrews 1:2), or by Jesus under God's direction (Ephesians 3:9)? How is Jesus physically related to both the voice from the heavens declaring Jesus to be His beloved Son, and to the Spirit of God which descending upon Jesus like a dove (Matthew 3:16-17). An important part of having an open mind is to recognize neither theologians nor scientists know the answers to all of the questions. Acceptance of the concept of the prime actor, God, comes down to having a sincere heart, real intent, and faith, to meditation, to prayer, and to the willingness to believe spiritual promptings.
A scientific pundit might ask, "Then who created God?"
A principle science and religion shares is that neither knows answers to all of the questions. The dogmatic zealot on either side of the isle might come across as if they know all of the answers, and they do not. In my mind, just as this question begs the question, so does the equivalent question to scientists: "Where do natural laws come from?" God exists. We can choose to find this out for ourselves, or we can deny it. Either way, it does not change the fact God exists, and is the primary actor in life's play.
In virtually all major religious traditions, mankind is the key class of actors in God's plan for Earth. This relationship is certainly borne out in religious creation stories.
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paradoxes