Aspire: Ruminations on Religion in a Time of Paradigm Shift

Outdated religious myths and beliefs that once guided people no longer resonate with many; they have outgrown them. The old scientific model —which amassed an explosion of data only to conclude that the universe is meaningless—also fails to inspire. People are not dumb but numb. Without vision, humankind lacks the zest to move forward. However, combining religious values—such as ethics, community, and a sense of purpose—with the new scientific perspective—highlighting evolution’s direction, the significance of consciousness, and the emergence of the noosphere—represents a breakthrough for the ages. The greatest scientific discovery and the sacred revelation of all time is the realization that, each moment, in each person, the universe is contemplating itself—this truth transforms human consciousness. Bringing together enlightened faith and humane science gives humans wings of hope to soar into the future. These reflections—drawing on anthropology, psychology, history, spirituality, and the author’s personal experience—are about that. With forewords by Bishop John Stowe and Dr. Duane Roen, Aspire is broadly accessible and written for any seeker with big questions. A new paradigm has dawned; now a New Story must be told.