A Random Place for Random Thoughts
The Grand Plane Part One by R.T.T. 5-9-11
On a recent blog post regarding the origin of the universe, the blogger made the point that when we discuss the origin of time beginning at the Big Bang, we are really only providing ourselves a point of reference in which to begin measuring time and that time existed prior to the Big Bang.
If we take time and define it as the 4th dimension, we should first note that dimensions are really only units of measurement. For example, length, depth, and height all provide us ways to measure the size and shape of an object. Time allows us to measure the physical change in an object such as its position and speed of movement.
When thinking hypothetically, we can imagine reversing the movement of all the objects in our universe radiating out from a center point back to the center point and possibly even beyond. That terribly small center point would either be static (as a Singularity) or ever-collapsing. It may be either an ultimate zero or a long list of negatives if we were to graph its change. Regardless of which one you believe it might be, either static or ever collapsing, something would have to occur to change it from its static position or move it into a positive direction. We can call that occurrence a number of things. The most popular scientific explanation at this time calls it the Big Bang. However, the Big Bang is not an explanation of how everything began, only an explanation of how our universe may have begun.
From the Big Bang we have begun to postulate multi-universes and attempted explanations of our universe and others through quantum dynamics. However, we are still left with the question of where did these universes additional to our own and the underlying structure of quantum dynamics originate.
I believe the answer may lie in theorizing that there is another higher dimension above the established ten or so we know about. This dimension would be unbound by the concept of the First Cause, eternally existing and infinite in size, both static in its size (limitless) and dynamic in its internal workings. This dimension would therefore encompass all other dimensions and universes. It would not only include our own laws of electromagnetism, gravity, strong and weak forces, as well as quantum mechanics, but also all of the other laws that might fall within the framework of all the other possible universes.
As we consider this, we would see that at least two things become clear. One, the term dimension is not descriptive because given the limitlessness of this grand realm, measurement becomes a moot point. I would therefore give it the name “plane” though that also does no better job in description but only acts as a term to distinguish it from “dimension.” Secondly, it unifies all other theories under one grand heading.
Now, what would this plane look like? Well, since it would encompass the natural laws of our own universe, as well as the natural laws of all other possible universes, its structure would by definition be categorized as “super” natural. But, when I say supernatural, I am not speaking of fairies and leprechauns. What I mean is that there would be an overarching structure that would allow for the formation of all the possible universes. In relation to quantum mechanics specifically, we may have found a point of contact where the overarching plane touches our own physical reality. However, while many occurrences within the quantum realm appear to be random and spontaneous, there are agreed upon mechanisms at work such as the wave function. These mechanisms, as well as the mechanisms that exist outside of the quantum realm, in other universes perhaps, would still fall within our supernatural plane.
If we take time and define it as the 4th dimension, we should first note that dimensions are really only units of measurement. For example, length, depth, and height all provide us ways to measure the size and shape of an object. Time allows us to measure the physical change in an object such as its position and speed of movement.
When thinking hypothetically, we can imagine reversing the movement of all the objects in our universe radiating out from a center point back to the center point and possibly even beyond. That terribly small center point would either be static (as a Singularity) or ever-collapsing. It may be either an ultimate zero or a long list of negatives if we were to graph its change. Regardless of which one you believe it might be, either static or ever collapsing, something would have to occur to change it from its static position or move it into a positive direction. We can call that occurrence a number of things. The most popular scientific explanation at this time calls it the Big Bang. However, the Big Bang is not an explanation of how everything began, only an explanation of how our universe may have begun.
From the Big Bang we have begun to postulate multi-universes and attempted explanations of our universe and others through quantum dynamics. However, we are still left with the question of where did these universes additional to our own and the underlying structure of quantum dynamics originate.
I believe the answer may lie in theorizing that there is another higher dimension above the established ten or so we know about. This dimension would be unbound by the concept of the First Cause, eternally existing and infinite in size, both static in its size (limitless) and dynamic in its internal workings. This dimension would therefore encompass all other dimensions and universes. It would not only include our own laws of electromagnetism, gravity, strong and weak forces, as well as quantum mechanics, but also all of the other laws that might fall within the framework of all the other possible universes.
As we consider this, we would see that at least two things become clear. One, the term dimension is not descriptive because given the limitlessness of this grand realm, measurement becomes a moot point. I would therefore give it the name “plane” though that also does no better job in description but only acts as a term to distinguish it from “dimension.” Secondly, it unifies all other theories under one grand heading.
Now, what would this plane look like? Well, since it would encompass the natural laws of our own universe, as well as the natural laws of all other possible universes, its structure would by definition be categorized as “super” natural. But, when I say supernatural, I am not speaking of fairies and leprechauns. What I mean is that there would be an overarching structure that would allow for the formation of all the possible universes. In relation to quantum mechanics specifically, we may have found a point of contact where the overarching plane touches our own physical reality. However, while many occurrences within the quantum realm appear to be random and spontaneous, there are agreed upon mechanisms at work such as the wave function. These mechanisms, as well as the mechanisms that exist outside of the quantum realm, in other universes perhaps, would still fall within our supernatural plane.
I'm No Physicist by R.T.T. 4-29-11
As a believer in Creation, it may seem a bit odd that I recently purchased and read a book detailing how the universe began based on theories such as gravity, the Big Bang, and M-Theory. However, for me, it made perfect sense to do such a thing.
In my mind, there seems to be a huge gulf between those of us who believe in God (and what that means regarding the existence of the universe) and those who believe that everything started due to pure chance. I really did not understand the size of the divide and the myriad opinions caught in that gulf until I happened upon a blog that discussed such matters. For the last year or so, I have been corresponding with different bloggers regarding these matters. (If you like, you can see these posts at: The Big Question) So, as I happened to be perusing the stacks at a local Barnes and Noble I ventured forth from the comic book shelves, where I spend too much time, and wandered into the corner where I found Stephen Hawking's The Grand Design.
I had first become aware of this book by listening to a review of it led by Ravi Zacharias, a Christian apologist whom I am fond of listening to, and John Lennox. (You can watch the review here: RZ Answers SH) When I came across the book, I decided to read a little, fearing that it would be far too technical for me to understand. However, I was pleased to find that it was written for a layman such as I (I got a "C" in Geometry and lasted 3 whole days in Trigonometry before giving up) since Physics has never been my thing. So after thumbing through it I put it back on the shelf, went home, and downloaded it to my Nook (kinda sad I know). I then spent about three days carefully reading (and often re-reading) it to find that I really enjoyed it.
Now, don't get me wrong. I do not agree with Dr. Hawking's conclusions. I believe that ultimately he has tried to replace the Lawgiver with a Law. But that discussion is for another time. What I find particularly amusing is that early on he pokes fun that in The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Douglas Adams indicates that the meaning of life is simply "42". However, by the end of The Grand Design, the meaning of life is simply "gravity". Maybe "gravity" is a bigger and more complete description than "42". I don't know, but I can live with that, I've never been very fond of numbers.
Anyway, the point I want to really make is that there is a huge gulf between the beliefs of intelligent people on both sides of the argument and I guess that the reason I don't shy away from opinions of those on the other side is that I believe it is important to be able to recognize those differences, speak intelligently about them, and attempt to answer the questions that come up. That is what I desire people to do for me when I teach the Gospel. Otherwise we may end up like this--> 13 x 7 = 28.
In my mind, there seems to be a huge gulf between those of us who believe in God (and what that means regarding the existence of the universe) and those who believe that everything started due to pure chance. I really did not understand the size of the divide and the myriad opinions caught in that gulf until I happened upon a blog that discussed such matters. For the last year or so, I have been corresponding with different bloggers regarding these matters. (If you like, you can see these posts at: The Big Question) So, as I happened to be perusing the stacks at a local Barnes and Noble I ventured forth from the comic book shelves, where I spend too much time, and wandered into the corner where I found Stephen Hawking's The Grand Design.
I had first become aware of this book by listening to a review of it led by Ravi Zacharias, a Christian apologist whom I am fond of listening to, and John Lennox. (You can watch the review here: RZ Answers SH) When I came across the book, I decided to read a little, fearing that it would be far too technical for me to understand. However, I was pleased to find that it was written for a layman such as I (I got a "C" in Geometry and lasted 3 whole days in Trigonometry before giving up) since Physics has never been my thing. So after thumbing through it I put it back on the shelf, went home, and downloaded it to my Nook (kinda sad I know). I then spent about three days carefully reading (and often re-reading) it to find that I really enjoyed it.
Now, don't get me wrong. I do not agree with Dr. Hawking's conclusions. I believe that ultimately he has tried to replace the Lawgiver with a Law. But that discussion is for another time. What I find particularly amusing is that early on he pokes fun that in The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Douglas Adams indicates that the meaning of life is simply "42". However, by the end of The Grand Design, the meaning of life is simply "gravity". Maybe "gravity" is a bigger and more complete description than "42". I don't know, but I can live with that, I've never been very fond of numbers.
Anyway, the point I want to really make is that there is a huge gulf between the beliefs of intelligent people on both sides of the argument and I guess that the reason I don't shy away from opinions of those on the other side is that I believe it is important to be able to recognize those differences, speak intelligently about them, and attempt to answer the questions that come up. That is what I desire people to do for me when I teach the Gospel. Otherwise we may end up like this--> 13 x 7 = 28.
Blacksmith -my testimony in verse by R.T.T. 03/17/07
From darkness I came
Twenty-five years ago I came face to face with the God of all Creation
I was only a child
Nevertheless
He took it upon Himself to snap me like a twig
Broken, I began anew
and stepped out into the life of adolescence something different than most of my friends
with an ancient wisdom hidden inside
Not wanting to let this new-found thing be only a hushed whisper
I found some small strength and told a few others
But adolescence is adolescence
and adolescence is a time where courage and strength is measured on other people’s faces
not necessarily within your own heart
Therefore I stopped telling
and as the words stopped coming from my lips
the words inside of me grew hollow
the wisdom sparse
and I shut it off, sealed it away, locked it up,
set myself to my own devices and pleased many as I went along
Back into the darkness I went
First a year, then five
then nearly ten
until I came face to face with that face once again
And it pierced me like this
“Troy, sit down. I have to tell you something. I’m pregnant. Oh, and there is something else.
I don’t want to be married anymore.”
Its funny how pain has a way of lighting up the darkness. Of setting fire to your whole world. Of burning down your home, and your family, your career, your pride, and finally
most finally
your hope
So began my sojourn into the fire
and another three burning years went by
And in the middle when I knew that no one loved me and I would never hear those words again
It was as if the words inside of me just
just disappeared
But God hears prayers from the Pit
Hallelujah from the Pit
and He will build and build upon everything
every small piece of a fractured heart until it starts to not feel like broken stone anymore
and He will piece together that broken mind and spirit and will
and slowly turn it, turn it towards Him
and He will take those words lost long ago in that deep void
and He will begin to shout
as He shouted at me
Dawn!
Dawn!
it is a new Dawn!
and that is the name of my wife
and that is the name of the other half of me
and that is how I know that
God is a god of creation
God is a god of healing
God is a god of blacksmiths
that takes the twisted metal of your life
brings it into the fire
and forges for you something gleaming, shining, brilliant in the darkness, sharp and strong
so that when you look at it
the once great pain
falls away
and you are in awe of skill with which He hath wrought
Holiness as Seperation by R.T.T. 03/12/11
Part One
1 Peter 1: 13-16
To be holy is to be set apart. As the mind and will of God is set apart from the mindset and will of our world, so should we be as to the most possible degree. Jesus’ command to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind” calls for us to take this action of separation. As we are “new creatures” so we should love and act and think in an entirely new way.
Recently, I have been reading a biography about Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German Lutheran pastor, who lived during Hitler’s rise to power in Germany. This man was a great theologian and eventually put his faith into action in a most peculiar way- attempted assassination.
In this biography we get a glimpse into what was going on in this pastor’s mind as he began to separate his actions from what the world expected but in doing so meshed those actions with what God expected.
As he plotted to kill Hitler this is what he had in mind:
“Christ as being like the cantus firmus of a piece of music. All the other parts of the music referred to it, and it held them together. To be true to God in the deepest way meant that one did not live legalistically by “rules” or “principles.” One could never separate one’s actions from one’s relationship to God. It was a more demanding and more mature level of obedience, and Bonhoeffer had come to see that the evil of Hitler was forcing Christians to go deeper in their obedience, to think harder about what God was asking. Legalistic religion was being shown to be utterly inadequate.” (Bonhoeffer by Eric Metaxas)
Bonhoeffer was preparing his mind for action and setting his hope completely on the grace of Christ. A conscientious objector, he was planning murder. A pacifist, he was plotting government overthrow. To look back on these actions from our perspective, we could see how they could be justified. But for Bonhoeffer, who was a patriotic German but was also a Christian, the tug-of-war between what was expected by his “rules” and “principles” and by what he felt God was calling him to do was mentally excruciating. How would we act if we found out our pastor or deacon or Sunday School teacher plotted treason?
Now of course, the example of this German pastor is of course an extreme example. Rarely are we put into such a predicament. But are we not put into situations daily in which we must choose our old habits as compared to Christ’s habits?
Verse 14 says not to be “conformed to the desires of your former ignorance.” Do not be conformed to the world- television, the media, gossip, temporary pleasures, ungodly principles, tradition, prejudice. Instead, be separated from these things “in your conduct” (Verse 15). Be separated in your heart, soul, and mind, as Jesus commands.
1 Peter 1: 13-16
To be holy is to be set apart. As the mind and will of God is set apart from the mindset and will of our world, so should we be as to the most possible degree. Jesus’ command to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind” calls for us to take this action of separation. As we are “new creatures” so we should love and act and think in an entirely new way.
Recently, I have been reading a biography about Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German Lutheran pastor, who lived during Hitler’s rise to power in Germany. This man was a great theologian and eventually put his faith into action in a most peculiar way- attempted assassination.
In this biography we get a glimpse into what was going on in this pastor’s mind as he began to separate his actions from what the world expected but in doing so meshed those actions with what God expected.
As he plotted to kill Hitler this is what he had in mind:
“Christ as being like the cantus firmus of a piece of music. All the other parts of the music referred to it, and it held them together. To be true to God in the deepest way meant that one did not live legalistically by “rules” or “principles.” One could never separate one’s actions from one’s relationship to God. It was a more demanding and more mature level of obedience, and Bonhoeffer had come to see that the evil of Hitler was forcing Christians to go deeper in their obedience, to think harder about what God was asking. Legalistic religion was being shown to be utterly inadequate.” (Bonhoeffer by Eric Metaxas)
Bonhoeffer was preparing his mind for action and setting his hope completely on the grace of Christ. A conscientious objector, he was planning murder. A pacifist, he was plotting government overthrow. To look back on these actions from our perspective, we could see how they could be justified. But for Bonhoeffer, who was a patriotic German but was also a Christian, the tug-of-war between what was expected by his “rules” and “principles” and by what he felt God was calling him to do was mentally excruciating. How would we act if we found out our pastor or deacon or Sunday School teacher plotted treason?
Now of course, the example of this German pastor is of course an extreme example. Rarely are we put into such a predicament. But are we not put into situations daily in which we must choose our old habits as compared to Christ’s habits?
Verse 14 says not to be “conformed to the desires of your former ignorance.” Do not be conformed to the world- television, the media, gossip, temporary pleasures, ungodly principles, tradition, prejudice. Instead, be separated from these things “in your conduct” (Verse 15). Be separated in your heart, soul, and mind, as Jesus commands.
