hyperparasitoid Aparasitoid that lives on another
parasitoid, e.g., members of the families Perilampidae,
Signiphoridae, and Elasmidae.
hyperplasia The enlargement of an organ or tissue
due to an increase in the number of cells. An example
is benign prostatic hyperplasia, a nonmalignant (non-170 hyperparasitoid
Science and the Spiritual Factor
By John McConnell
For the most part, the scientific community has avoided
questions that cannot be measured, analyzed, and evalu-
ated using their present tools and procedures. An example
of this is the scientist who stated that she would consider
the possible existence of a soul—as soon as they deter-
mined the part of the brain that provided communication
with the soul.
Most people believe that they have a soul and con-
sider the issues of life after death, the existence and
nature of God, and the meaning of life. Religious beliefs
and values enable them to relate to the unknown with ben-
efit to their personal values, conduct, and happiness.
However, most scientists by their indifference and skepti-
cism have tended to undermine the value of faith and treat
it as superstition.
In these matters, hypotheses that cannot be proved or
disproved should be judged, or at least acknowledged of
value, by the results in the lives of individuals who practice
their faith.
The one belief that science has mathematically proved
is the existence and benefit of love. (See Von Foerster,
Heinz. Logical Structure of Environment and Its Internal
Representation.Zeeland, Mich.: Herman Miller Inc., 1963.)
Love can thus provide the test of hypotheses about phe-
nomena of mind and spirit that presently defy explanation.
So now ultimate questions about reality, which remain pro-
found mysteries that cannot be approached by scientific
measurements or methods, can nevertheless be recognized
and pursued through articles of faith and practice. If reality
is consistent, then the truth and the value of a faith or belief
can be judged by the increase and depth of love—or cre-
ative altruism—in the lives of those who practice at belief.
Prayer to a personal God and practice of the Sermon
on the Mount has inspired personal love and courage and
led to great peaceful changes for social freedom and jus-
tice. (See This Freedom Whenceby John Wesley Brady,
and Communism and Christby Charles Loury.)
Science must no longer negate the values of religious
belief, but rather strengthen and support the importance of
faith—of using the personal metaphor that increases thewell-being of the individual, that deepens relationships with
people and kinship with life on Earth.
The scientific approach can at the same time dimin-
ish religious intolerance by calling attention to the nature
of metaphor or hypothesis. A hypothesis can be exciting
and useful and obtain confidence from its supporters who
may totally believe in its validity. Nevertheless, by its
nature there must be, and can be, recognition and respect
for people with a different hypothesis about reality. Where
approval for a different religious or philosophical doctrine
may be impossible, there still can be deep approval of the
love that is motivated and demonstrated in connection
with it.
The scientific community should also give importance
to any phenomenon that greatly affects human values and
potentials, even though scientific explanation eludes its
grasp. There is overwhelming evidence of answered prayer
in the lives of many people. The incidence of favorable coin-
cidence in deeply dedicated people who pray with fervor
and faith should be studied and compared with other people
who practice a purely psychological approach to needs.
The nature and extent of coincidences that run contrary to
probability theory should be more thoroughly explored. Per-
haps there is no satisfactory explanation possible. But this
should not cause science to ignore the phenomenon or its
causes and effects in the lives of people.
Of course, scientists would make a careful distinction
between a phenomenon and its effects, on the other hand,
explaining what it is and how it works. Great benefit could
come from more attention to phenomenology and the many
instances of its effects on the lives of people.
The nature and extent of spiritual healing should be more
critically examined. While success seems a random effect
that is rare, many proven cases defy medical explanation.
By its very nature, any effort to make Earth a healthy,
peaceful planet must be achieved through a great spiritual
awakening of a kind that will foster the nurture and care of
Earth and a creative happy life for all its people.—John McConnellis the original founder
of Earth Day; his new program for saving
Earth is called the Earth Trustee Agenda
(www.earthsite.org).