Parallel Universes

Our Spiritual Formation class has been in quite a tizzy lately as we seem to have two groups of people representing two approaches to theology. One is the atheistic-scientific-humanist philosophy that wants to weigh and measure all things spiritual, i. e. if one cannot see or prove the event through history, then it must be metaphorical or symbolic. Another is the philosophy of faith believing that it is "the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." I believe we simply live in a world of parallel universes.

The discussion has been ongoing for the five years we have participated in this class. The atheistic-scientific-humanist group is not convinced that eternal life is a possibility, that Jesus was both divine and human (perhaps they say he was the son of a Roman soldier), that there was likely no Resurrection, and that Jesus was not born in Bethlehem, that there was no census to bring Mary and Joseph there. It believes Jesus was simply a victim of the evil Roman Empire and that God never intended to send Him as a sacrifice for the sins of humanity.

The other group believes in the Truth of the Bible, but of course gives credence to the idea that the Bible does speak and teach through many parables and many metaphors. Essentially, this group believes in miracles and that God indeed does intervene in the affairs of the world. It believes that the Bible was written by humans but by those who were inspired by God. How can the two views be reconciled?

The Episcopal Church states a theology based upon reason, tradition, and the Bible, yet it seems that in some circles reason is becoming the dominant tenet of the church. My question is this: If God does not interfere in the affairs of humankind, why should one bother to pray, to attend church, or even to attempt to live a moral life? On the other hand, if we believe in answered prayer and seek to live as Jesus lived--loving God and loving our neighbors, are we not better people? Do we not have hope not only for this Kingdom on earth but also for the eternal Kingdom ahead? I choose to believe in the philosophy of faith. While I have only anecdotal evidence (much of it) of the presence and working of God in my life through the past sixty plus years, it is enough. I am not convinced the parallel universes will ever come together.