Disclaimer: I’m not trying to prove religion by appealing to science. That would just as absurd as trying to prove science via a public opinion poll. I’m also not “speculating.” In my experience, “spiritual” truths are known by revelation and only by revelation, from God to us, and in no other way. I share this as my way of getting a better handle on patterns and parallels I think I see. By discussing and pondering these things, “studying them out in your mind,” I’ve found that it opens the door to further light and knowledge, if we are willing to ask, especially as it relates to principles of life and salvation.

With that in mind, here is my reply to a recent letter from my daughter.

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Dad,

Can you send me the link to the article on gravity and intelligence that you mentioned the other day? I’m having a blast talking with my roommate’s brother about scientific experiments (string theory, quantum physics, etc) and the gravity thing came up.

Remind me next time I call to tell you about fractal theory as it relates to evolution and about matter acting like a wave at low temperatures.

Laura.

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Laura,

Here it is: http://www.sciencenews.org/view/feature/id/63190/title/A_New_View_of_Gravity

The real insight that came to me from this relates to the nature of any eternal existence of intelligent beings.

This requires some backround first. I’m sorry, I don’t have time to arrange these better, so they may come across as scattered thoughts. Forgive the incomplete and scattered nature of these ideas. I gather them here so someone can come along later and pursue this line of thought further.

Entropy and Intelligence

This Science News article begins to decribe entropy in terms of information theory (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_theory, there is that word “entropy” again), and that has interesting implications about eternal existence. This new theory of gravity seems to emerge naturally when information theory and entropy are considered re: the amount of information present in the universe itself, as if the universe is a giant quantum computer.

Consider information and intelligence. “Intelligence” cannot be created or made, it is as eternal as matter (D&C 93: 29, D&C 93: 33). “Intelligences” are discrete, they are conscious, and they are, in part, collectors of information (Abr. 3: 18-19, 21-22, D&C 93: 29-30, 36). “Conscious” seems to me to mean that they have agency to act upon that information and therefore gather and create more information. “Agency” is an aspect of intelligence which is fundamental to its existence or continuance (D&C 93: 30). where “intelligence” is defined as the “light of truth,” (D&C 93: 29-30, 36) “light” is identified with “whatsoever doth make manistest” (Eph. 5: 13, see also http://scriptures.lds.org/en/dc/88/11-13#7), and “truth” which is “knowledge of things as they are, and as they were, and as they are to come” (D&C 93: 24). “Agency” is essentially the capacity of an intelligence to act independently, for itself, and interact with other intelligences and matter/energy. Note that by this definition, “truth” has no existence without something to “know” or discern it. Reality “is,” but truth has to be “known”–it is something that makes no sense except in the context of an “intelligence” to measure and record it.

Truth and information are therefore similar, connected, or synonymous, at least within our 4-dimensional universe. Intelligences and information are therefore connected, and you could think of entropy as it relates to systems of intelligences.

An Ideal, Most-Harmonious Existence

Therefore, this was the realization that came about all these things: A “celestial” existence in LDS theology could be viewed as analogous to the lowest-possible entropy existence for an expanding system of “intelligent” beings. (See Wikipedia “Entropy” article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Entropy.) You have the most information about the state of that “system” or “sociality” (you can predict its state and future with the most precision), it is the most highly ordered, therefore you can rely on its future state and you can accomplish the most “work” with it, as opposed to any other system or mode of interaction of intelligences. In other words, all other modes of interaction (“kingdoms,” see D&C 88: 21, 36, 38) of intelligent beings are less ordered, less harmonious, less “information”-capable, and less capable of doing effective “work” because of the very nature of the types of interactions they engage in (their modes of expressing their “agency”). Therefore they are “weaker.” The less compliant we are with eternal law, the higher the entropy, the less information you have about the system, the less you can rely on it, so the “weaker “it is in comparison to other socialities.

Relationship to Entropy (or Disharmony)

It seems to me that therefore, it might even be possible to prove mathematically (since the second law of thermodynamics is simply mathematics), that in harmony with that law there is a minimum-entropy condition for an expanding (increasing in number) sociality of intelligences (analogous to a system of particles) that are capable of interacting in certain, defined ways. Such a state must inevitably have well-defined laws or rules about what interactions may take place which ones do not (because those interactions would increase the entropy). We could call those “commandments.” To ensure that entropy remains stable and constant, this system must act somewhat like a self-contained, isolated system (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isolated_system) in at least some ways–other intelligences would not be able to enter it at will without increasing the entropy of the system. Intelligences within it would need to act in harmony with those laws of minimal entropy or they could not remain; otherwise, the existence would be disrupted, entropy would increase, information reduce, and the state “sociality” would become weaker.

Mortality allows us to learn from our own experience, the good from the evil. Note that this experience is collective and not just individual. (I can learn from Hitler’s mistakes without making them myself.) Based on that, we can also see from long human experience that kingdoms divided within are weaker than kingdoms which are not divided (Matt. 12: 25).

The Actual Nature of the Celestial Kingdom

We know some things about how intelligences interact in a Celestial existence. It is absolutely separate and distinct from other kingdoms (D&C 76: 112) based on whether or not the intelligences within it comply with the laws that define it (D&C 88: 21-25, 36, 38, 78). They are of “one heart and one mind” (Moses 7: 18), they interact and exert influence “without compulsory means” (D&C 121: 46), and there is maximum sharing of information among them (2 Ne. 30: 17, D&C 130: 10), and in fact they have access to all possible information, past, present, and future (D&C 130: 7). “Knowledge is power” Joseph Smith said, and “A man is saved no faster than he gets knowledge, for if he does not get knowledge, he will be brought into captivity by some evil power in the other world.” All this reinforces the concept that a celestial existence is eternally stable because it is internally sound, strong, and harmonious as possible. “Never-ending happiness” (Mosiah 2: 39, 41) is an essential part of such an existence, probably and precisely because of the incredible harmony that exists there. What causes the unhappiness in this world? Think of something that causes it, then ask yourself if that cause can’t be classified as disorder, disharmony, and/or lack of truth and intelligence. In a word, “entropy.”

Tying It All Together

The plan of salvation therefore, mathematically speaking, could be viewed as the plan which makes it possible for intelligences to collectively group and function in the highest-possible-harmony (lowest-possible-entropy) state. All non-celestial existences (all other possible socialities) are less ordered, higher entropy, and inherently socially weaker.

“Thought Experiment”

There are a lot of conjectures here, nothing here is rigorous, but a physics-like thought experiment is interesting here. Since there are different social states for intelligent beings with various degrees of harmony and “entropy,” there must be one which is most harmonous, lowest entropy, highest work potential, most stable, so it would not be at “risk” or danger from any other sociality because if its strength. Suppose (hypothetically) that such a maximally-strong sociality met another maximally-strong sociality. Is there a risk of clash? No. They would discover that they were the same (founded on the same laws and principles), so they would be perfectly harmonious together–one and the same–so they would effectively be united already, therefore they were not really different in the first place, so there is no threat. Therefore, a minimum entropy celestial existence would be stable and never at risk from another “kingdom” of any kind.

Dad

P.S. Consider also these verses of scripture in light of the laws and principles above: D&C 88: 40 (“intelligence cleaveth unto intelligence”). D&C 130: 18-19 (princples of intelligence we attain unto in this life remain with us), etc.

P.P.S. Interesting note. The concept of a harmonious sociality that is stronger than all other possible societies was discussed by Isaac Asimov (a strong atheist) in his book Foundation and Earth. Though I dislike his portrayal of it, some elements of his utopian society do parallel those of a celestial or terrestrial existence.

In a fun-to-read blog article, Darth Vader (Star Wars) and Samantha Carter (Stargate TV series) conspire to destroy the solar system.

The result: A paradox.

But actually, not. There is no paradox, and the reasons have profound spiritual implications. Don’t believe it? Read the article (and my reply!) to see if you agree: Count Infinity: It Never Happened

“I imagine it must have been hard for you to be religious and study science at the same time.”

My reply startled her visibly. I said something like this: “Not at all. I’ve found that truth is truth, wherever it is found. Truth in science never contradicts truth in religion. Conflicts only come from things we falsely assume to be true—false science or false religion.”

“Things as They Are”

When Pilate examined Christ, he asked: “What is truth?” The Bible then implies that he immediately turned and left, not waiting for an answer. (John 18:38.) What could he have learned if he had listened?

That question is central to the purpose of this blog. Here I intend to address truth—”every good thing”—not only from my personal experiences and religious principles, but also from related scientific and technical topics.

Does this seem an unusual assortment? Joseph Smith, the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and first latter-day prophet (according to LDS teachings and my personal conviction), said this:

One of the grand fundamental principles of “Mormonism” is to receive truth, let it come from whence it may. Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 313.

This is my sentiment and probably the central philosophy of my life. Truth, which Christ in modern times defined as “knowledge of things as they are, and as they were, and as they are to come” (D&C 93:24) is simply knowledge of reality, “things as they really are” (Jacob 4:13). This embraces and encompasses all frames of reference at once, whether scientific, cultural, or religious.

Higher Truths

We certainly can’t know all truth ourselves in this life, but we can come to know some truths with certainty. Still, not all truth is equally valuable, and not all sources are equally reliable. Scientific principles that once seemed clear according to best evidence turn out to be incomplete or mistaken as additional data comes to light. That’s simply the scientific process, iteratively getting a better grasp of testable reality.

However, in my experience the purest and surest source of essential truth is direct from God himself, and in fact there are certain truths that can be discerned through no other means. For example, Elder Bruce R. McConkie pointed out:

God is and can be known only by revelation; he stands revealed or he remains forever unknown. BYU Devotional Address, 2 March 1982.

In other words, some higher truths cannot be tested according to terms we dictate from our frame of reference. Instead, they must be projected into our existence from a higher plane (“looking “down”). When knowledge is communicated from that higher plane to this one, it is called revelation.*

Knowing for Sure

I’ve discovered for myself that this channel of truth—personal, individual revelation from God—remains open. (See James 1:5.) It is a reality that by “the power of the Holy Ghost,” we can “know the truth of all things.” (See Moroni 10:5.) This makes it possible to know all essential truth with certainty. However, “there are certain bounds also and conditions” to obtaining that type of knowledge (D&C 88:38). We must comply with the laws that govern it, or it remains undiscerned.

That truth which I have found and believe to be of more than passing value, I intend to discuss here. I invite you to join the journey.

*To me, one-way discernibility of higher truths is not only spiritually but mathematically and scientifically sound. We are like beings in a Flatland who cannot see beyond their two-dimensional existence to the ultimate three-dimensional reality. They (and we) lack power even to peer into some higher dimensions unaided. However, to a three-dimensional being, the entire two-dimensional flatland is laid bare to the minutest, innermost detail. Nothing is “hidden.” Communication from that realm to the flatland is not only possible but simple.

Feel the same way? Let me explain where I think this blog is headed in the months just ahead:

• Dating vs. Courting. We struggled with dating questions in non-LDS areas. Who do you date? When? Why? After much thought, prayer, and late-night discussions with more than one teenager, we’re excited about our answer. So were others in our ward and stake when they heard it. Maybe it will help your family too? (Preview: “Dating is a friend thing, courting is a marriage thing.”)
• Reviews of family-friendly technology and solutions. Keeping kids (and parents) safe takes some work nowadays, but fortunately, others have done it for us already.
• The Resurrection and the Atonement. Why was the atonement a prerequisite for the resurrection?
• Supermassive Black Holes and the Book of Abraham. (Yes, you read correctly.) Just discovered a decade ago, SMBH shed profound “light” both on the processes of galaxy formation and the Book of Abraham (cosmologically, symbolically, and especially spiritually).
• Exciting new ways to contribute to family history research. This is both for my very-extended family and everyone in general.
• Review of Ghandi: The Story of My Experiments with Truth. I recently read this and came away with great lessons about covenant making/keeping and consecration. There’s a lot to learn from Ghandi and our Hindu brothers and sisters.
• Discerning Truth. The “Mormon” Church believes in continuing revelation. However, since there is “opposition in all things,” continuing revelation implies that false revelation is also possible. How then, exactly, would we tell the difference between true and false revelation? And are there even more important considerations than that one in seeking, receiving, and following inspiration? (Yes.)
• Web site for Calvin P. and Elsie Midgley and Semilunar Biopsy Repair. We can get the word out about this groundbreaking surgery and the lives of these great people (Lake County, Illinois). It isn’t hard to do. Maybe somebody, somewhere, will pick up the ball and run with it. Without the help of those of us who know about it, those searching won’t find it, because the articles are now buried.

If any of this sounds interesting, I invite you to subscribe to this blog by clicking on the links at the very top right corner. Share your comments and thoughts, and we’ll explore these things together.