Chapter 1: The Nature of Creation

In previous discussions, we proposed that the processes of nature that generate order can be equated with the concept of 'creation.' Consequently, the ideas surrounding natural selection and creation are not mutually exclusive. However, a deeper question arises: is there an essence of 'being' or consciousness that drives these creative forces? To explore this, we must first consider what constitutes the fundamental requirements of consciousness.

In the 19th Century, Baháʼu'lláh, the founder of the Baháʼí Faith, contemplated this very question regarding the human experience of 'being.' He referenced a well-known saying of Muhammad: "He who knoweth his self hath known his Lord." He emphasized the rational capacity bestowed upon humanity by God, urging individuals to reflect on their own essence:

"Consider the rational faculty with which God hath endowed the essence of man. Examine thine own self, and behold how thy motion and stillness, thy will and purpose, thy sight and hearing, thy sense of smell and power of speech, and whatever else is related to, or transcendeth, thy physical senses or spiritual perceptions, all proceed from, and owe their existence to, this same faculty…It would be wholly untrue to maintain that this faculty is the same as the power of vision, inasmuch as the power of vision is derived from it and acteth in dependence upon it." [1]

This initial interpretation suggests that Baháʼu'lláh might be challenging the notion that 'being' can be equated with perceptual faculties. Nevertheless, one could argue he does not entirely dismiss the idea that 'being' may have a connection to perception in a broader context. The Bab, Baháʼu'lláh's precursor, characterized the human soul as a manifestation of divine self-awareness:

"Therefore it is necessary, according to true wisdom, that the Preexistent God describe Himself to His creatures, that they may recognize their Creator... This divine self-description is itself a created thing... Whoso hath recognized it hath recognized his Lord." [2]

Baháʼu'lláh further articulates that comprehending the essence of 'being' remains a profound mystery, intrinsically linked to the understanding of God:

"Wert thou to ponder in thine heart... thou wilt fail to comprehend its mystery or to appraise its virtue... This confession of helplessness... is in itself the acme of human understanding." [1]

This meditative reflection, albeit elusive, is vital for drawing closer to the divine and acknowledging the limits of human cognition.

The philosophical inquiry into 'being' has deep historical roots. The renowned Persian philosopher Avicenna tackled this topic in the Middle Ages, echoing themes found in Baháʼu'lláh's writings. Avicenna introduced the thought experiment of the "floating man," imagining an individual existing in a void without sensory experience. He questioned whether this person could experience 'being' and consciousness, concluding that the affirmation of 'being' does not rely on sensory input or memories.

Descartes later echoed this sentiment, asserting that the certainty of one's existence is rooted in the ability to think.

However, 18th-century philosopher David Hume challenged the assumptions about consciousness posited by both Avicenna and Descartes:

"For my part when I enter most intimately into what I call myself, I always stumble on some particular perception... I never can catch myself at any time without a perception." [4]

Hume's skepticism led him to assert that consciousness could not exist without perception. In contrast, 20th-century existentialist Jean-Paul Sartre, in "Being and Nothingness," began with Hume's premise but argued that consciousness embodies both freedom and nothingness, positioning self-awareness and free will as fundamental aspects of consciousness, countering Freudian views of the subconscious.

Many contemporary interpretations of Sartre's claims suggest a literal interpretation of consciousness as an illusion, yet personal experiences of 'I-ness' affirm the reality of consciousness. Although external perceptions may mislead, the existence of an observer is a prerequisite for any deceptive experience. Therefore, dismissing consciousness as mere illusion is logically flawed.

If we accept that the experience of 'being' is authentic and part of the natural world, we must acknowledge that it is likely shared among other sentient beings. This indicates that 'being' is a fundamental property of the universe.

The evolution of quantum mechanics has transformed our understanding of observation, revealing that measurement actively influences the universe, injecting randomness and new information. Measurement and memory are intrinsically linked, suggesting that even the act of observation has profound implications.

The insights of quantum mechanics provide a fresh perspective on Avicenna's floating man thought experiment, indicating that 'being' may exist independently of sensory observation. However, a non-measurement still constitutes a form of measurement, as demonstrated by the Quantum Zeno effect, which illustrates how the act of measurement can alter the state of an entity.

While intriguing connections exist between consciousness and quantum mechanics, the extent of quantum influence on the mind remains debated. Many argue that the brain operates as a classical entity, with quantum properties being negligible in biological processes.

Yet, it is also plausible that the act of measurement played a role in establishing the fundamental order of the universe. A significant unresolved question in cosmology pertains to the origins of order or entropy at the universe's inception, possibly arising from quantum fluctuations necessitating a measurement process. Thus, observation might be intertwined with the very essence of 'being.'

Chapter 2: The Role of Consciousness in Creation

This video titled "An Astrophysicist Tells How Science led Him to Jesus, With Hugh Ross" explores the intersection of science and faith, as Hugh Ross shares his journey from a scientific background to a belief in God.

The second video, "Space, Time, and How New Scientific Discoveries Prove the Presence of God (Plus Q&A)," delves into recent scientific findings that may suggest a divine presence in the universe, enhancing our understanding of consciousness and creation.