If We Knew…Instead Of Believing
For several billion years since the Big Bang, natural evolution determined only two types of matter in the universe, namely, organic and inorganic. The difference is just a carbon atom. Organic matter must have at least one carbon atom in its molecule.
We tend to associate organic matter with living things and inorganic matter with "non-living" things.
We think of water, H20— Dihydrogen Oxide — as a fundamental part of life, or, as an organic substance. Yet, it does not contain any carbon atom, thus, it is an inorganic substance. On the other hand, some simple compounds that do contain carbon are still considered inorganic substances e.g., carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, carbonates, cyanides, cyanates, carbides, etc.
Organic versus Inorganic
What is the fundamental difference between organic and inorganic matter, besides the carbon atom?
None!
Both are actually “living” matter in that both are ‘animated,’ i.e., have soul — from Latin Anima. Suffices to look with a microscope any matter to substantiate this claim.
Everything in the Universe is alive, i.e., is animated, has soul.
Soul versus Spirit
Soul is intrinsically part of anything and everything in the universe. While Spirit, has been uniquely endowed to the human species.
The soul is what keeps everything animated or "alive" within the time/space dimension and allows for self-consciousness and the ability to follow the laws of physics.
The Spirit transcends the laws of physics (i.e., time/space) and allows humans to connect with their Divinity even if their may not be fully aware of it.
Goal-seeking versus Ideal-seeking
The human ability to think beyond simple goals and objectives, i.e., to be ideal-seeking, has been given by the Spirit. The Spirit has been the driving force behind the progress of the human race.
Ideal-seeking behavior is characterized by the desire and the ability (i.e., opportunity and resources) to sacrifice a goal for the sake of an ideal.
Ideal-seeking behavior was first evidenced on Earth with Abraham when he was willing to sacrifice his only son for the sake of an ideal, namely, eternal life.
Immortality is the sine qua non human ideal.
By exercising our ideal-seeking ability we can develop our Spiritual Conscience and by further developing our Spiritual Conscience we can progress from believing into knowing.
The fundamental difference between believing and knowing is obvious.
Faith is a fundamental part of believing and hoping. When faith is absolute we stop believing and hoping and start knowing and rejoicing, in other words, the belief and hope become a fact. And that, is called a miracle.
JC Wandemberg Ph.D.
President & Founder
Sustainable Systems International
About the author: Dr. Wandemberg is an international consultant and stocks trader, keynote speaker, published author, professor, and analyst of economic, environmental, social, managerial, marketing, and political issues. For the past 30 years Dr. Wandemberg has collaborated with corporations, communities, and organizations to integrate sustainability through self-transformation processes and Open Systems Design Principles, thus, catalyzing a Culture of Trust, Transparency, and Integrity.