“That Sensation of Light”

In a 2017 conversation with Stephen Colbert, Jim Parsons, famous for portraying physicist Sheldon Cooper in The Big Bang Theory, shared insights about his recent marriage: “There’s a divine sensation... Being in love, to experience love in that manner, is as close to feeling connected to God as anything I can think of in life... I recall lying in bed, eyes closed yet awake, and experiencing this overwhelming sensation of light. Light! Light! I thought, ‘I’m not sure what this is, but it feels profoundly significant—almost eternal.’... I still experience that now... Sometimes it feels like a moment so near to God. I don’t know how else to express it.”

“Love,” Colbert replied.

While Parsons’ character is an atheist, the actor himself does not share that belief, as evidenced by his reflective narration in the prequel Young Sheldon.

It’s intriguing that Sheldon Cooper, a science enthusiast who dismisses the existence of God, is raised by a mother deeply rooted in her faith (Mary Cooper, portrayed by Laurie Metcalf and Zoe Perry). The dynamic between mother and son exemplifies the friction often present between religious individuals and atheists, as both Sheldon and Mary can be quite self-righteous in their convictions.

What if there exists a different perspective for both the scientific community and those who hold religious beliefs?

“What is Science, Really?”

To genuinely explore either science or faith, we require both: science and faith. With a spirit of curiosity and humility, we keep our minds and hearts receptive.

The term science originates from the Latin scientia, which translates to “knowledge; understanding; expertise,” stemming from sciens, meaning “intelligent; skilled,” derived from the verb scire, “to know.” According to definitions, science is “knowledge acquired through systematic study.”

Science is an ever-evolving journey. The pursuit of knowledge is ongoing; as we make discoveries, science continually faces challenges, adapts, and expands.

Could we define God as that Infinite Knowledge we are striving to understand?

Indeed, scientists can hold a belief in God. Many of the most renowned physicists we learned about in school were believers: Nicolaus Copernicus, Galileo, Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein, among others—particularly those engaged in quantum mechanics.

The essence of a scientist's role is to maintain curiosity—to investigate the fabric of reality and to create innovative solutions for the challenges facing the world.

Isn’t this also the essence of genuine religion?

What is True Religion?

The term religion traces back to the Latin relegere, meaning “to reconsider (as in reading or thought) again.” Some suggest its roots lie in religare, meaning “to bind together.” Both meanings highlight the fundamental drive behind science: our profound desire to know, study, understand, and feel a deep connection to truth.

Thus, religion should transcend dogmatic divisions, sectarian codes, or blind faith. Humanity has evolved beyond such constraints.

What persists is our insatiable curiosity—a longing to discover our connection to the universe, to perceive the light, and to grasp the truth.

In 1875, spiritual leader Mary Baker Eddy stated, “The truth is the center of all religion. It ensures a sure entrance into the realm of Love.” (Science & Health, p. 20) “The era approaches when the understanding of the truth of existence will lay the groundwork for true religion.” (p. 67–68)

In a letter penned around 48 CE, James (a leader of the Jerusalem church) conveyed to early Christians that “true religion” involves “caring for orphans and widows in their trouble, and keeping oneself untainted by the world.” (James 1:27)

And we undeniably need more of that.

What is Church?

Do we need places of worship?

If such institutions strive to “elevate humanity” and “awaken dormant understanding from material beliefs to the realization of spiritual ideas,” as Eddy stated, then yes—they demonstrate their significance. When she established the Christian Science church in 1879 in Boston, she did so with hesitation, foreseeing that its relevance might wane.

Eddy envisioned church as “The structure of Truth and Love; whatever rests upon and emanates from divine Principle.” (p. 583)

As the Apostle Paul expressed in a letter to early followers of Jesus in Corinth, “you are God’s building” (1 Corinthians 3:9).

What is God?

Eddy proposed seven synonyms for “God, the great I AM”: Love, Truth, Life, Spirit, Principle, Soul, and Mind. (p. 587)

These spiritual concepts—being infinite—cannot be quantified in the way a conventional scientist might prefer. Yet we are aware of their existence.

When defined through these synonyms—absent any specific religious dogma—we can acknowledge that we inherently comprehend God: the miracle of Life Itself, Love Itself, Truth Itself.

As Parsons attempted to articulate, we instinctively sense Its boundless power.

We are Seekers of Truth.

Are we not all seekers of truth—each of us unraveling the mysteries of life in our unique ways?

Isn’t a physicist’s quest for a Grand Unified Theory—a “Theory of Everything”—comparable to a believer’s aspiration to cultivate a better world? Perhaps the distinction lies solely in the language we employ.

“The most beautiful experience we can have is the mysterious. It is the fundamental emotion that stands at the cradle of true art and true science. Whoever does not know it and can no longer wonder, no longer marvel, is as good as dead, and his eyes are dimmed.” — Albert Einstein

Imagine the possibilities. Close your eyes. See the light. Then share that light. Your healing presence is essential.

©2023 Janis Hunt Johnson and CS Renewal Ministries. All rights reserved.

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