Quantum Physics and Spirituality = Quantum Theology

"What I thought was unreal now, for me, seems in some ways to be more real than what I think to be real, which seems now to be unreal." - Fred Alan Wolf

I mentioned a couple of weeks ago that describing mysticism is like describing quantum physics or quantum mechanics. The more one does so, the more opaque it seems to be.

This was based on a conversation that I had with my mathematician father ten years ago over a couple of bowls of Italian wedding soup at his favorite restaurant, where he was attempting to instruct his puzzle-witted son.

As he was as much a person of faith as he was a person of figures, formulae, and equations, he began to frame his explanation in theological, instead of mathematical, language. Then I started to make sense of it.

We both laughed about how there should be some mutual study of quantum physics and mysticism at the academic level, if only to watch an interdisciplinary nervous breakdown in higher education.

(This conversation would be the last we would have in person, as he would die suddenly just three weeks later. I suppose that tinges this topic with a sense not only of the vagaries of reality and existence, but of mortality.)

Recently I began to re-visit that idea of a relationship between quantum physics and mysticism. I assumed it would be a niche subject.

Yeah, I was really wrong.

As I earn some occasional extra coin from reviewing doctoral dissertations, which can be some of the most dreary and unoriginal works imaginable,¹ I accessed the general university database to see if anyone had bothered to tie the two together.

It turns out that I am not all that original, either. There are nearly 10,000 books, dissertations, and scholarly articles in print that examine quantum physics and spirituality.

My light investigation revealed that this is a subject that has been addressed not only in Physics and Ascetical Theology [the technical name for Mysticism], but in sociology, psychology, and philosophy, too.

In keeping with quantum theory, it’s as if there are no walls.

Attempting to simplify quantum physics is a fool’s errand, but I’ve never claimed to be anything other than a fool.² In brief, quantum physics (aka quantum mechanics) theorizes remarkable qualities for particles of matter³:

1. Wave-Particle Duality: Particles like electrons can behave both like particles and like waves. This means that particles don't have a definite position or velocity.

2. Superposition: A quantum system can exist in multiple states at once. For example, an electron can be in multiple positions simultaneously.

3. Entanglement: Particles can become "entangled," meaning their states are linked in such a way that the state of one particle immediately affects the state of another, even if they are far apart.⁴

There is more, of course, but this gives one an idea of this new and controversial field.

What this means is that REALITY is more complex, fluid, and interconnected than has been classically understood.

Which is the same lesson taught by the mystics.

Clearly, Eastern Mysticism lends itself to a quantum interpretation more readily than most Western theology. For example, the Hindu religion speaks of “Maya”, the illusory world of false “reality” that serves to mask actual reality. Or, in Buddhism, the notion of “Ukiyo-e”, the understanding of reality’s impermanence in what is defined as “the floating world.”

In both religions, the purpose of mysticism is to see beyond Maya and the floating world in order to grasp the balance and beauty of what is real.

Obviously, Christian mysticism also seeks greater perception of reality, although it’s not generally a doctrinal interest. But there is one aspect of quantum physics that tightly abides with Christian spirituality. It is known as The Observation Phenomenon.

In a quantum state, particles like electrons don't have definite positions until they're observed. Instead, they exist in a superposition. Particles are in all possible states at once.

When an observation or measurement is made of them, the wave function "collapses," and the particle takes on a specific position.

This phenomenon is famously illustrated by the “double-gap experiment”. When particles are “fired” at a barrier with two separate gaps, they behave like waves and create an interference pattern on the other side.

However, when someone observes the gap through which the particle passes, the interference pattern disappears, and the particles behave like particles, not waves.

The very act of observation alters their state.⁵

So, the elements of time, space, reality, and eternity are alterable by our perception. This is not our perception being altered, it is the actual alteration of matter itself by our perception.

Dizzy yet? Perhaps the following will help. As with Dad, I’ll put it in theological terms as we look at the relationship between quantum physics and mysticism.

As we know, one of the key features of mysticism is contemplative prayer. Our understanding of prayer, based on scripture and hallowed by tradition, is that we are making an appeal to God through petition to, in effect, alter reality.

"If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can move mountains."⁶

Even the concept of the Kingdom, that which is distinct from the World, carries qualities that resonate with quantum physics. We are taught, for example, that the Kingdom is a hope for the future and is also a present reality. Thus, the Kingdom is “entangled” in disparate positions.

We use prayer and meditation to bring awareness of the qualities of the Kingdom that are present in our mortal being.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.⁷

We also seek through prayer not just the transformation of exterior reality, but a transformation of our inner being. By contemplation, or “observation”, we can shape our daily experiences and our reaction to them into something that is coherently aligned with Kingdom, Creation, and God.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.⁸

Thus, we sing to the Lord a new song⁹ and embrace a shared, transformed creation. We realize, like quantum physicists and Transcendentalists¹⁰, that everything is interconnected. For Christians, the fulcrum of interconnection is Christ.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here.¹¹

Apparently, all that is necessary is for prayerful observation to take place, and then reality itself is shaped anew, not just through circumstance, but in the presence and through the activity of our own being. In that, as with all interconnected matter, we become partners with God in the ongoing blossoming of creation.

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.¹²

Naturally, all of this is part of the continuing discussion and debate from which theology is constructed. I would hope that such ideas would not disrupt anyone’s faith experience. We merely reflect upon these perspectives and give them our intelligent consideration as part of the deepening of faith.

There is, however, the most controversial portion of “quantum theology”, and that regards the nature of the Christ, or Messiah. Those who are more Antiochene than Alexandrian may find difficulty with this, and you may consider concluding your reading at this point.

For those who wish to continue, consider the following. Again, this is extrapolated from The Observation Phenomenon.

Mainstream Christian theology acknowledges that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, because he has been divinely ordained as God’s son, God’s chosen, The Anointed One.

Could it also be said, given our awareness of the divine/human interconnection, that our willingness to observe that Jesus is the Messiah is what makes him the Messiah?

Consider what occurs in the Gospel of Mark:

Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples. When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed.

“Where did this man get these things?” they asked. “What’s this wisdom that has been given him? What are these remarkable miracles he is performing? Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.

Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.” He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. He was amazed at their lack of faith.¹³

The people of Nazareth could not observe him as the Messiah, hence he was unable to perform Messianic acts. His nature was altered by their observation.

It is not simply that they could not see him as the Messiah, it is that he could not BE the Messiah without their faithful observation of him as such.

So, those who believe have “observed” Christ into reality. Christ is Christ because we see him as Christ.

Well, if you weren’t dizzy before, that might have done it. Perhaps that’s enough for now.

We’ll conclude by acknowledging this celestial wisdom from one of the pioneers of quantum physics:

“Only a few know how much one must know to know how little one knows.”¹⁴

That sounds like what Frank Zappa used to call “a true Zen saying” and handily describes where I find myself whenever I consider this subject.

Thanks for reading. More conventional fare will return later this week.

1. Avoid anything written for an academic department whose two-word discipline ends in the word “Studies.”

2. 1 Corinthians 4:10

3. This summary is presented with thanks to my colleagues/acquaintances in the Physics Department at Princeton University. I now owe them ice cream cones from Thomas Sweet’s. Interestingly, whenever research is sought from physicists at Princeton, it’s ice cream that is the preferred inducement. At Princeton Seminary, it’s whisky.

4. This phenomenon disrupts classical notions about space and time.

5. Looks like I’ll owe the Physics Dept. a second ice cream cone.

6. Matthew 17:20

7. Matthew 6:33

8. Romans 12:2

9. Psalms 96:1, 98:1, 149:1; Isaiah 42:10

10. Not just by Ralph Waldo Emerson, but continued by John Burroughs and Richard Rohr.

11. II Corinthians 5:18

12. Mark 11:24

13. Mark 6: 1-6

14. Werner Heisenberg, 1901-1976