fr-Chapter 50 - Education and Science
Vanity and Pride in Knowledge
1. I ask the people of this age, who consider themselves the most advanced in the entire history of this world: With all your talents, have you found a way to create peace, attain power, and achieve prosperity without killing, destroying, or enslaving your neighbors? Do you believe that your progress is true and genuine when you wallow morally in the mud and wander spiritually in the dark? I do not oppose science, for I Myself have inspired it in humanity; what I object to is the purpose for which you sometimes use it. (37, 56)
2. Humanity, daughter of the Light, open your eyes, realize that you are already living in the Age of the Spirit!
3. Why have you forgotten Me and sought to measure your power against Mine? I tell you that I will place My scepter in your hand on the day a scholar, through his science, creates a being similar to you, endows it with a soul, and gives it a spirit. Yet your harvest will be a different one at first. (125, 16-17)
4. Why have there been and still are people who, after having come to know human science through the use of the abilities the Creator has granted them, use that very science to fight against and reject divine science? Because their vanity does not allow them to enter the Lord's treasury with humility and reverence, and they seek their goal and their throne in this world. (154, 27)
5. Today, man feels great; he exalts his own personality and is ashamed to say "God." He gives Him other names so as not to compromise his conceit, so as not to fall from the pedestal of his social standing. Therefore, they call Me: Cosmic Intelligence, Architect of the Universe. But I have taught you to call Me "Our Father," "My Father," just as I taught you in the "Second Era." Why do people believe they are humiliating or diminishing their own personality when they call Me "Father"? (147, 7)
6. How deeply has man sunk into materialism, so that he has finally denied the One who created everything! How could the human mind have become so darkened? How could your science deny Me and desecrate life and nature as it has done?
7. In every work that your science discovers, I am present; in every work, My law is revealed and My voice is heard. How is it that these people do not feel, see, or hear? Is it perhaps a sign of progress and civilization to deny My existence, My love, and My justice? Then you are no more advanced than the primitive people who knew how to discover in every force of nature and in every wonder of nature the work of a divine, higher, wise, just, and powerful Being, to whom they attributed all good in all that exists and therefore worshiped it. (175, 72-73)
8. I give My Word to people anew so that they may know they are not forsaken, so that they may awaken through the voice of their spirit and learn that great divine wonders await the soul after this life.
9. It is through them that I have spoken to humanity, and the same is experienced by those who know how to pray in order to connect with the spiritual, just as it is also attested to by those who delve into the mysteries of nature through science. Through these two paths, both the intellect and the spirit will discover more and more the more they seek.
10. But when will the time come when humanity allows itself to be inspired by love in its study and research? Only when this happens will its work in the world be enduring. As long as the motivation for science is the pursuit of power, arrogance, materialism, or hatred, people will ceaselessly experience the rebuke of the unleashed forces of nature, which punish their recklessness.
11. How many have puffed themselves up with evil, with pride, with their vain ambitions; how many have crowned themselves, even though they are wretched and spiritually naked. How great is the contrast between what you consider to be your truth and My truth! (277, 31–32, 36)
The Consequences of Materialistic Rationalism
12. If people felt true love for their fellow human beings, they would not have to suffer the chaos in which they find themselves; everything within them would be harmony and peace. Yet they do not comprehend this divine love, and they desire only scientific truth, the derived truth—that which they can prove through their human reasoning: they want the truth that appeals to the brain, not the one that reaches the heart, and now they have the result of their materialism: a selfish, false, and suffering humanity. (14, 42)
13. Do not pride yourselves on the fruits of your science, for now that you have made such great progress in it, humanity suffers the most; there is the greatest misery, unrest, disease, and fratricidal wars.
14. Humanity has not yet discovered true science—that which is attained through the path of love.
15. See how vanity has blinded you; every nation wants to have the greatest scholars on earth. Truly, I tell you, scientists have not penetrated deeply into the mysteries of the Lord. I can tell you that man's knowledge of life is still superficial. (22:16–18)
16. What is it that you most long for in these moments on earth? Peace, health, and truth. Truly, I tell you, your science will not give you these gifts, as you have applied it.
17. Scholars question nature, and it answers every question; yet behind those questions do not always lie good intentions, good dispositions, or love for one's neighbor. Those who wrest nature's secrets from her and desecrate her innermost being are immature and foolish—they do not honor her by drawing from her sources the basic elements to do good to one another as true siblings, but rather for selfish and at times destructive purposes.
18. All of creation speaks to them of Me, and its voice is that of love; yet how few have known how to hear and understand this language!
19. When you consider that creation is a temple in which I dwell, do you not fear that Jesus will appear there, take up the scourge, and drive out the merchants and all who desecrate it? (26, 34, 37)
20. I revealed to humanity the gift of science, which is light. Yet humanity has used it to create darkness and to cause pain and destruction.
21. People believe they are at the pinnacle of human progress. To this I ask them: Do you have peace on earth? Is there brotherhood among people, morality, and virtue in the homes? Do you respect the lives of your fellow human beings? Do you show consideration for the weak? — Truly, I tell you, if these virtues were present in you, you would possess the highest values of human life.
22. Confusion reigns among people because you have placed those who have led you to ruin on a pedestal. Therefore, do not ask why I have come to people, and refrain from judging the fact that I reveal Myself through sinners and the ignorant; for not everything you consider imperfect actually is so. (59, 52–54)
23. The scholar seeks the reason for all that is and all that happens, and hopes to prove through his science that there is no principle or truth outside of nature. Yet I regard him as immature, weak, and ignorant. (144, 92)
24. Scientists, full of vanity, regard the divine revelations as unworthy of their attention. They do not wish to elevate themselves spiritually to God, and when they do not comprehend something of what surrounds them, they deny it so as not to have to admit their inability and their ignorance. Many of them wish to believe only in what they can prove.
25. What comfort can these people bring to the hearts of their neighbors if they do not recognize the primal principle of love that governs creation, and furthermore do not understand the spiritual meaning of life? (163, 17–18)
26. How far has this humanity strayed from My teachings! Everything in it is superficial, false, external, ostentatious. Therefore, its spiritual power is null and void, and to compensate for its lack of strength and development in its soul, it has thrown itself into the arms of science and developed its intellect.
27. In this way, with the help of science, humanity has come to feel strong, great, and powerful. Yet I tell you that such strength and greatness are insignificant compared to the power of the spiritual soul, which you have not allowed to grow and reveal itself. (275, 46-47)
28. Today, day after day, you eat the bitter fruits of the tree of science, which has been so imperfectly tended by humanity because you have not strived for the harmonious development of all your gifts. How, then, could you steer your discoveries and your works in the right direction, since you have trained only the intellect but neglected the soul and the heart?
29. There are people among you who are like wild beasts, who give their passions completely free rein, who feel hatred toward their neighbors, who are bloodthirsty, and who seek to enslave their fellow peoples.
30. If anyone should believe that My teaching could cause the moral collapse of humanity—truly, I tell you, then he is in great error; and to prove this to the doubters, the materialists, and the arrogant of this age, I will allow them to reap and eat the fruit of their science until they have had enough of it, until the confession bursts forth from their soul, saying to Me: "Father, forgive us; Your power alone will be able to hold back the forces we have unleashed in our folly." (282, 15–17)
31. Human science has reached the limit to which man can take it in his materialism. For science inspired by the spiritual ideal of love, goodness, and perfection can go much further than you have taken it.
32. The proof that your scientific progress has not been motivated by mutual love is the moral decline of nations, is fratricidal war, is the hunger and misery that prevail everywhere, is ignorance of the spiritual. (315, 53-54)
33. What shall I say to you about your scholars of today, about those who challenge nature and its forces and elements, thereby making the good appear as something evil? They will experience great suffering because they have plucked and eaten an unripe fruit from the tree of science—a fruit that they could have ripened only with love. (263, 26)
34. Since humanity is not in harmony with the Universal Law that governs all creation, an uncontrollable state will arise, which will manifest itself in the violence of the forces of nature.
35. Man has split the atom; his developed brain uses this discovery to harness immense power and bring about death.
36. If humanity had developed spiritually to the same extent as its science and intellect, it would use the discovery of new natural forces solely for the benefit of humanity. But its spiritual backwardness is great; therefore, its selfish mind has applied its creative power to the detriment of humanity and employed forces of destruction, thereby turning away from the principles of love and mercy of Jesus. Therefore, when you see a flood of fire falling from the sky, this will not happen because the heavens themselves are opening or because the fire of the sun is tormenting you—no, it is the work of man, who will sow death and destruction. (363, 23–25)
37. The nations are advancing, and their scientific knowledge is ever increasing. Yet I ask you: What kind of "wisdom" is this, whereby the more people delve into it, the further they stray from the spiritual truth in which lies the source and origin of life?
38. It is human science; it is scholarship as conceived by a humanity sick with selfishness and materialism.
39. Then that knowledge is false and that science is evil, for with it you have created a world of pain. Instead of light, darkness reigns, for you are driving the peoples ever closer to destruction.
40. Science is light; light is life, is strength, health, and peace. Is this the fruit of your science? No, humanity! Therefore I say to you: As long as you do not allow the light of the Spirit to penetrate the darkness of your mind, your works will never be able to have a lofty and spiritual origin; they will never be able to be more than merely human works. (358, 31-34)
41. The doctors, too, will be called. I will ask them what they have done with the secret of health that I revealed to them, and with the healing balm that I entrusted to them. I will ask them whether they truly felt the pain of others, whether they stooped down to the humblest bedside to heal the suffering with love. What will those answer Me who have attained splendor, comfort, and luxury through the pain of their fellow human beings—a pain they did not always know how to alleviate? All will ask themselves questions in their hearts and must answer Me in the light of their conscience. (63, 62)
42. How many spiritually dead must wander the earth, waiting for physical death to bring them into My presence so they may hear the voice of the Lord, which raises them up to true life and caresses them. What longing for renewal could they have nurtured on earth, since they irrevocably and forever considered themselves lost , even though they felt capable of true repentance and making amends for their transgressions?
43. Yet besides those to whom the salvation of their souls had been denied, and who came to Me without hope, there are also those who have come into My presence who had been condemned to death by scientists regarding their bodies. I, who possess life, have snatched them from the clutches of physical death. But what are those doing in the world to whom I have entrusted the health of both soul and body? Do they not know the high calling the Lord has entrusted to them, that they may fulfill it? Must I, who have sent them forth with a message of health and life, ceaselessly receive their sacrifices? (54, 13-14)
The Inspiration of New Scientific Discoveries by God and the Spiritual World
44. If the scientists who drive and transform your world were inspired by love and goodness, they would have already discovered how much I have in store for the science of this age in terms of knowledge, and not just this very small part of which they are so proud.
45. Solomon was called wise because his judgments, advice, and sayings were marked by wisdom; his fame spread beyond the borders of his kingdom and reached other lands.
46. Yet this man, though he was a king, humbly knelt before his Lord and asked for wisdom, strength, and protection, for he recognized that he was but My servant, and before Me he laid down his scepter and his crown. If all scholars, all scientists, would act in the same way—how great would their wisdom be, how many teachings as yet unknown would be revealed to them from My Book of Divine Wisdom! (1:57–59)
47. Ask your scholars, and if they are honest, they will tell you that they have asked God for inspiration. Yet I would grant them more inspiration if they were to ask Me for it with more love for their brothers and with less vanity for themselves.
48. Truly, I tell you: All the true knowledge you have accumulated comes from Me; all that is pure and noble in them, I will use for your benefit in this time, for that is why I have granted it to you. (17, 59-60)
49. The human soul has evolved, and thus his science has advanced. I have permitted him to learn and discover what he did not know before; but he must not devote himself solely to material pursuits. I have granted him that light so that he may work toward his peace and happiness in the spiritual life that awaits him. (15, 22)
50. If you have used some of your sciences to examine and judge Me—does it not seem more reasonable to you that you would use them to explore yourselves until you recognize your true nature and eliminate your materialism? Do you perhaps believe that your Father cannot help you through the path of your good sciences? Truly, I tell you, if you were able to feel the essence of divine love, that knowledge would easily reach your understanding without your having to tire your brain or exhaust yourselves by studying that knowledge which you consider profound but which, in truth, lies well within your reach. (14, 44)
51. In great human works lies the influence and activity of high spiritual beings who continually affect the thinking faculties of humans and inspire or reveal the unknown to their incarnated brothers and sisters.
52. Therefore, I say to scholars and scientists of all ages: You cannot boast of what you comprehend, nor of what you do, for not everything is your own work. How often do you serve merely as instruments for those spiritual beings of whom I speak to you! Have you not often been surprised by the scope of your discoveries? Have you not secretly admitted to yourselves that you were incapable of attempting what you have already accomplished? Therein lies the answer. Why then do you boast of it? Be aware that your work is guided by higher beings. Never attempt to alter their inspirations, for they are always directed toward the good. (182, 21-22)
53. Since humanity has witnessed the development of science and seen discoveries it would not have believed possible before—why then does it resist believing in the development of the soul? Why does it cling to something that holds it back and makes it sluggish?
54. My teaching and My revelations in this age are in harmony with your development. Let the scientist not pride himself on his material work and his science, for My revelation and the help of the spiritual beings who inspire you from the beyond have always been present within it.
55. Man is part of creation; he has a task to fulfill, just as all the Creator's creatures do; but he has been endowed with a spiritual nature, intelligence, and free will so that through his own efforts he may achieve the development and perfection of the spiritual soul, which is the highest thing he possesses. Through the spiritual soul, man can comprehend his Creator, understand His blessings, and admire His wisdom.
56. If, instead of becoming conceited about your earthly knowledge, you were to make My entire work your own, there would be no secrets for you; you would recognize one another as brothers and sisters and love one another as I love you: goodness, mercy, and love would be within you, and thus unity with the Father. (23, 5-7)
The Recognition of Scientists Working for the Good of Humanity
57. Human science is the earthly, visible expression of the spiritual capacity that humanity has attained in this age. The work of humanity in this age is not only a product of the intellect but also of its spiritual development. (106, 6)
58. Science, which is oriented toward the material, has revealed many secrets to you. However, never expect that your science will reveal to you everything you need to know. The science of the people of this age also had its prophets, whom people mocked and considered mad. Yet afterward, when what they proclaimed proved to be true, you were astonished. (97, 19)
59. Your eyes did not want to behold that light which each of My messengers brought to you as a message of love, whether you call them prophets, seers, enlightened ones, doctors, philosophers, scientists, or spiritual leaders.
60. Those people spread light, yet you refused to recognize their light; they went before you, yet you refused to follow in their footsteps; they left you the path of sacrifice, of pain, of mercy as an example, yet you were afraid to follow their example, unaware that the pain of those who follow Me is the joy of the spirit, a path full of flowers, and a horizon full of promises.
61. Yet they did not come to smell the fragrance of the earth's flowers nor to intoxicate themselves with the fleeting pleasures of the world; for the desire of their soul was no longer directed toward the impure, but toward the sublime.
62. They suffered, but they did not seek to be comforted, for they knew that they had come to comfort others. They expected nothing from the world, for after the struggle they anticipated the joy of witnessing the resurrection of souls to faith and life—all those who had strayed from the truth.
63. Who are these beings of whom I speak to you? I tell you, they are all those who have brought you messages of light, love, hope, health, faith, and salvation—no matter what name they bore, or in what way you saw them appear, or what title they held on earth. (263, 20-24)
64. I do not withhold My recognition from scientists, for I have entrusted them with the task they perform. But many of them have lacked prayer, love for their neighbor, and the elevation of the soul— —to be true helpers of humanity. (112, 25)
65. The people of today have expanded their realms; they rule over and traverse the entire earth. There are no longer any unknown continents, countries, or seas. They have created paths on land, at sea, and in the air; yet, not content with what they possess as an inheritance on their planet, they explore and search the firmament, in their desire for even greater domains of dominion.
66. I bless the desire for knowledge in My children, and their striving to be wise, great, and strong finds My unreserved approval. Yet what My justice does not approve of is the vanity upon which their ambitious goals are often founded, or the selfish purpose they occasionally pursue. (175, 7-8)
67. I have endowed humankind with intelligence that enables them to explore the composition of nature and its manifestations, and I have allowed them to contemplate a part of the universe and to feel the manifestations of spiritual life.
68. For My teaching does not hold souls back, nor does it hinder human development—on the contrary, it liberates and enlightens them so that they may examine, reflect, investigate, and strive. Yet what man regards as the pinnacle of his intellectual inquiry is scarcely the beginning! (304, 6)