Above is the ancient Chinese figure that represents
the forces of the Yin and Yang. According to traditional Chinese
cosmology, these two principles interact to produce everything
that comes into existence. This classic symbol can also be used
to illustrate the relationship between scientific truth and spiritual
truth.
The dark side, the Yin, can represent scientific
truth and the light side, the Yang, spiritual truth. These continually
swirling forces make up the whole but they remain forever separate
with a clear boundary maintained between. And so it is with people
and their search for scientific and spiritual truth. These two
quests define the whole person, and indeed, the human species.
The degree to which we have a balanced life is the extent to
which these two forces are in balance with neither principle
dominating at the expense of the other.
When it comes to defining what is meant by
scientific truth and spiritual truth, we have an easier time
with the scientific. We know the scientific to be rational, objective,
and open to public evaluation. Let us then say that the spiritual
is non-rational (not the same as irrational), subjective, and
private. The individual is the authority on his/her spiritual
life instead of the public. The spiritual is whatever works to
give you a sense of awe, make you feel transported out of the
everyday routine and make you feel connected to something transcendent.
It can be as refined as the inspiration from a sunset or visiting
an art museum, or as plebeian as being swept along in the waves
of communal feelings at a sporting event. It does not have to
be "religious", involving belief in a god or gods and
the supernatural, although it can be.
The "revolutionary" implication:
Contrary to the teaching and preaching of those with financial
interests in religious power and organization, there is no right
or wrong when it comes to the spiritual. The spiritual is not
about right and wrong. Its mystery and beauty are in another
realm beyond the earthly concerns of right and wrong. Unless
your spiritual pursuits lead to anti-social behavior, they are
none of the public's business. Another's spiritual interests
may not be yours, but that must be understood to be just a matter
of taste, nothing more. We all have a spiritual life to a greater
or lesser extent just as we all have a sexual life. No one, particularly
religious authorities, has the right to presume to judge the
validity of another's spiritual beliefs. No one. To do so is
rude, hurtful, and hateful and must not be tolerated.
It is in the spiritual area, more than any
other, where the Golden Rule applies in that we should respect
other people's spiritual quest as we would have them respect
ours. Said in a more personal way, I don't want your public declaration
of love, it is too patronizing, or your tolerance, it is too
begrudging. I want, indeed I demand, the respect for my spiritual
quest which I freely give to you for yours. If we keep our spiritual
lives private, where they belong, and do not take them to the
street, then conflict will not arise.
Morality, which is about what the community,
state, nation, or world considers right or wrong, cannot then,
have any basis in anyone's spiritual beliefs, or revealed "truth".
Morality is secular. It is a societal, people to people concern
that must be based on reason. Those who would make it a people
to God concern are only after power as God's anointed authority
who can give the law because God has revealed to them the truth.
This concept is, of course, contrary to the usual teachings of
the three major western religions, but until this concept is
widely accepted, we will never have civil harmony nor world peace.
You can read further about the Circle of the
Two Truths, along with five other "revolutionary ideas"
in the book, 4000, THE FIFTH MILENIUM, Six Revolooshunairy
Iedeeas, available from Aster Esprit Press, 16265 Dahlgren
Road, King George, VA 22485, $14.95, includes shipping.
