Religion Rooted in Spirit: Science, Faith, and the Endurance of Eternal Values

"Jesus warned his believers that, if their religious longings were only material, increasing knowledge of nature would, by progressive displacement of the supposed supernatural origin of things, ultimately deprive them of their faith in God. But that, if their religion were spiritual, never could the progress of physical science disturb their faith in eternal realities and divine values." 155:3.6 (1727.6)

This offers a profound insight into the relationship between faith and science. Jesus recognized that if people’s religious beliefs are based solely on material explanations or miracles, the advancement of scientific understanding could gradually undermine their faith. As scientific discoveries explain more about the natural world, supernatural explanations may be replaced, potentially leaving those with materialistic faith feeling adrift.

However, it also presents a powerful alternative: a religion grounded in spiritual experience and values is not threatened by scientific progress. When faith is rooted in personal encounters with the divine, in the experience of love, goodness, and moral truth, it transcends the need for supernatural interventions or physical proofs. Spiritual faith is concerned with eternal realities—such as justice, mercy, and the soul’s relationship with God—that exist beyond the reach of scientific inquiry. These values are not dependent on the shifting sands of scientific theory or discovery.

Ultimately, the message is one of reassurance and encouragement. Jesus invites his followers to cultivate a faith that is not limited by the material world, but is anchored in the spiritual and the eternal. This kind of faith is resilient, able to coexist harmoniously with scientific exploration, and capable of inspiring lives of purpose, compassion, and meaning. In a world where knowledge is constantly expanding, spiritual faith remains a steadfast source of hope and guidance.

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