A satisfactory understanding of our universe requires a partnership between science and religion in which these major areas of thought and knowledge each learn from the other. This understanding must begin with mutual agreement as to what the major components of the universe are. The existence of material reality is not disputed. This book provides a survey of what else exists. For each nonmaterial entity considered, the evidence is examined for consistency with the findings of science. Many inanimate entities are investigated, including mathematical objects, laws of nature, love, and justice. Animate nonmaterial entities investigated include a supreme spiritual being and human souls. A supreme spiritual being need not be a personal god, and reaching that conclusion requires careful analysis of additional data from a variety of sources. Special attention is given to the relationship between Jesus and this personal God.
Following the survey of nonmaterial reality, this book investigates some of the additional implications of science for religious belief and for religious practice. Topics covered here include implications of science as they relate to the effectiveness of prayer, revelation, religious ritual, the focus of religious life, and the afterlife.