John Biersdorf

Infinite Reach John Biersdorf

Infinite Reach: Spirituality in a Scientific World connects and integrates the great spiritual insights with science and mathematics for the increasing numbers of Americans who consider themselves spiritual but not religious, or spiritual and religious, or ""none of the above,"" and who no longer find traditional religious doctrines and institutions credible or matching their experience. In nontechnical language it precisely and clearly traces how current brain-mind research informs and enhances inner spiritual and religious experience, and how scientific cosmology confirms spiritual intuitions. From hunting-gathering prehistory, through city-states, empires, and the great religions, scientific methods advance exponentially faster into the future, while the great spiritual insights have never been surpassed, though often ignored or denied. But scientific knowing and spiritual knowing share infinite reach. Brain-mind research contributes to understanding and living meditation and spiritual practices in silence, ritual, and vision. Modern physics and mathematics demonstrate how humans observe and participate in the actual evolution of the universe. Fractals in chaos theory are spiritual images of ultimate reality. In creating, loving, and undifferentiated presence we find our own unique voice in the mystery of ultimate reality, touching down here and now in the specifics of this present moment. ""While theological debates concerning the compatibility of science and religion have permeated Christian history, John Biersdorf rightly asks how the ever-expanding groups who understand themselves as 'spiritual but not religious' or among the 'nones' might encounter and interpret spirituality. Biersdorf's approach, which bridges scientific modes of inquiry as deep and broad as cosmology to psychology, refutes the notion that scientific and spiritual experience are anathema to one another."" --Stephen Butler Murray, President and Professor of Systematic Theology and Preaching, Ecumenical Theological Seminary ""John Biersdorf has spent a lifetime on the frontiers of religious and spiritual thought and practice. In this, his best work to date, he explores with the reader the emerging convergence of contemporary religious and scientific thought, honoring both streams."" --Alan W. C. Green, author; management consultant; retired foundation director; university professor ""A great book; the truth of what [Biersdorf's] talking about is universal, not limited to any parochial culture, not even Christian. [His] definition of spiritual knowing as being down in that centerless center before the world begins--that is fabulous."" --Richard C. Devor, retired Chaplain, Allegheny College, Emory University; Professor, Boston University ""It's just delicious. Such a lucid exposition of very difficult contemporary scientific concepts, and a wonderful synthesis with religious insights. It's just wonderful. Clear, cohesive, and logical without being clinical. [Biersdorf's] human warmth pervades [his] writing."" --Lois Robbins, social activist; retired university teacher; author Dr. John Biersdorf founded the Ecumenical Theological Seminary, now fully accredited, was an officer in the Marine Corps, pastored local churches, taught at Union Theological Seminary in New York City, and directed the Department of Ministry at the National Council of Churches. He has published five books, including the Religious Book Club selection, ""Hunger for Experience: Vital Religious Communities in America.""