By Amil Imani
Our lives are a constant struggle, a journey with a clear beginning but an uncertain end. The challenges seem to multiply as we age while our strength to face them diminishes. In the face of this inevitable conclusion, we naturally wonder: is there anything beyond this life? Does our existence return to the earth, its components scattered for other life to begin its own temporary journey?
Baha’u’llah, a 19th-century Persian prophet, offered a compelling answer. He proposed that upon leaving this physical realm, our true essence – our soul – continues its journey into the infinite spiritual worlds of God. This notion of infinity, however, presents a hurdle for our finite minds. We’re accustomed to everything having an end, no matter how vast.
But what if science challenges this very assumption? Cosmological evidence suggests that the universe itself might be infinite and ever-expanding. In this light, Baha’u’llah’s proclamation of infinite spiritual realms 150 years ago takes on a new significance. These unfathomable worlds, mirroring the vastness of the universe, are our ultimate destination.
The choice now confronts us: do we cling to the limitations of our current understanding or embrace the possibility of this infinite future? Logic dictates that preparing for a potential eternity in these spiritual worlds wouldn’t be a bad decision. Even if Baha’u’llah’s vision isn’t entirely accurate, we won’t lose anything by striving to be better versions of ourselves. It’s a gamble with potentially infinite rewards and zero downside.
However, navigating these questions necessitates intellectual freedom. As a believer in the First Amendment and a champion of a free press, I believe in the right to choose what information we consume and form our own interpretations.
This entire discussion hinges on the profound philosophical concept of infinity. Traditionally viewed as a mathematical abstraction, infinity’s influence extends far beyond numbers. It compels us to reconsider our understanding of the universe, the divine, and our place within this grand scheme.
Infinity challenges our assumptions about time, space, and causality. How can a universe have a beginning or end if it’s truly infinite? The concept forces us to re-evaluate the very fabric of reality.
The theological implications are equally mind-boggling. An infinite universe suggests an infinite God, unbound by the limitations of a finite world. This raises questions about God’s interaction with the universe and how we, as finite beings, fit into this grand design.
On a more personal level, an infinite universe forces us to confront the meaning of our own existence. Are we merely fleeting specks on a vast, infinite canvas? Or is there significance in our individual lives, a connection to this larger reality?
The concept also challenges our moral compass. If the universe truly is infinite, our positive and negative actions could have infinite consequences. This compels us to consider our moral responsibility’s vastness and impact on the world around us.
This juxtaposition of our limited existence with the potential vastness of the universe and the infinite spiritual realms proposed by Baha’u’llah creates a profound philosophical conundrum. Infinity challenges our fundamental understanding of reality, forcing us to re-evaluate our place in the cosmos, the nature of the divine, and our connection to the universe as a whole.
Navigating these profound questions about life, death, and infinity necessitates intellectual freedom. Just as the universe may stretch endlessly beyond our comprehension, so too should our exploration of these ideas. True freedom thrives on open discourse, the clash of ideas, and the ability to hold power to account. My role, as I see it, is to be a filter, sifting through information and presenting it in a way that empowers my audience.
This doesn’t mean blind negativity or a relentless pursuit of sensationalism. It means approaching every story critically, questioning assumptions, and providing context, allowing readers to form informed opinions. Sometimes, that means judgment – highlighting hypocrisy, exposing injustice, and calling out those who abuse their power.
In that sense, I am a lone ranger, a maverick. But I believe in the First Amendment and the freedom of the press. To me, freedom means just that. Not only do I select what I report, but I also pass judgment freely. Thus, just being a maverick isn’t about self-promotion or seeking controversy. It’s about staying true to the core principles of a free press – to be a watchdog, a champion for truth, and a catalyst for positive change. It’s about recognizing that true freedom comes with responsibility, the responsibility to inform and empower.
- Like
- Digg
- Del
- Tumblr
- VKontakte
- Buffer
- Love This
- Odnoklassniki
- Meneame
- Blogger
- Amazon
- Yahoo Mail
- Gmail
- AOL
- Newsvine
- HackerNews
- Evernote
- MySpace
- Mail.ru
- Viadeo
- Line
- Comments
- Yummly
- SMS
- Viber
- Telegram
- Subscribe
- Skype
- Facebook Messenger
- Kakao
- LiveJournal
- Yammer
- Edgar
- Fintel
- Mix
- Instapaper
- Copy Link
One Response
I would respectively suggest that the answer the writer is looking for may well be found in the way he states the problem. Thinking doesn’t allow us to apprehend the infinite nature of Reality. So give up thinking as that’s the problem.
https://www.newenglishreview.org/articles/theogony-iii-the-gathering-of-angels/
Yet God awaits us in Eternity:
A place so small we miss it if we blink.
We find it in that Primal Unity,
Then lose it just as quickly when we think.