The initial premise for this discussion is that the binary choice between evolution and creationism is an out-dated, false dichotomy. Since the enlightenment the religious description of the cosmos has had to retreat in the face of scientific discovery.
Superstition has been replaced by science and, so it is presumed, science will score an inevitable triumph – the mysteries of existence lie within some yet undiscovered scientific laws. But this presumption leads to a false premise – that science will ultimately dispel all mystery.
Our ignorance is vast compared to our knowledge, and science and religion need not be in conflict. A purely material and reductionist approach is limited; over the last few decades a more holistic approach to understanding the physical world has gained recognition, and with that change has come a greater respect for the concept of mystery, and that which may be ultimately beyond comprehension, and is thus transcendental.
Robert works as a Maths teacher in Further Education. He was brought up as a Roman Catholic through his schooling although his parents were not strict followers. He became attracted to Sofia after watching ‘Heart of the Matter’ roughly 30 years ago which revealed a spectrum of belief instead of the binary choice between atheism and theism. He earns his living as a teacher although he has also tried his hand at journalism and drama. He is currently trying to make a documentary on the subject of collective intelligence and the possibility of telepathy.
His research in this field has led him to see science in a new light, that it is not about proof and mathematical certainty, but of dispelling mystery much of which may ultimately remain as such to the human mind. These unbridgeable gaps to our understanding are where Robert believes religion finds its role and purpose.