1 + 1 = 3
I had NOVA on while I was getting dressed this morning (I qualify it this way to let you know that I only heard bits and pieces of the program). The program was on what we know about the universe. When I tuned in, they were talking about millions of years after the “big bang” and how something changed that unleashed “dark matter.”
That’s when I remembered the meme “1+1=3.” You see, astrophysicists, with their educated guesses of how and how long ago the universe started, got to a point where some new piece of information (the speed of the universe spreading out, I believe) didn’t fit their expectations. They got to a 1+1 and it didn’t add up to the “3” they observed.
When that happens, you either acknowledge your assumptions don’t fit reality or adjust your model. They did something like that by creating the guess of dark matter. Dark matter, at least to my limited understanding of the concept, is matter that can’t be observed but is everywhere. They took the 1+1 and added a +1 so it would add up to 3. No one has ever seen or proven dark matter exists; thus, its name.
I’ve seen other programs highlight unprovable thoughts about what might have happened before our universe formed out of nothing. If I remember correctly, one conjuncture was dimensional bubbles (of which our universe is one) of other universes in other dimensions out there.
Humans were made with the desire to understand what is going on. Sometimes these conjunctures result in ugly outcomes. For example, the Mayans believed in a god (lower g) of harvest that required sacrifices of humans to satisfy and improve the harvest. Heck, even in Western societies, we used to believe the sun orbited the earth. In fact, our history as the human race is filled with false assumptions that people clung to as truth.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.” - Ephesians 6:10-20 ESV
All this flew through my head this morning when Patrick stated he didn’t believe heaven would be sitting on clouds and playing harps. I have no idea what heaven or hell will be like except that one will be with God and the other will be separate from God. That is enough for me.
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son. But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”” - Revelation 21:1-8
As horrific as my imagination of what punishment in a lake of fire and brimstone would be like, I believe being totally separated from God would be infinitely worse.
