One of the most common concepts in the discussion of faith, is the idea that God resides “above” us. We speak of God above, we reflect on the idea that He looks down upon us. We look to the heavens as the location of Paradise. We imagine that our departed loved ones watch over us from above.

The interesting thing is that it seems to be a universal concept.

Logic suggests that there may be a common belief at work, here. Is is possible that such a universal belief has roots in some type of universal experience?

If we take a step back and view our beliefs in a logical fashion, we would soon recognize that “up” is a variable, depending on where we stand on the earth’s surface. From that perspective, we would come to understand that “up” is actually any direction in the sky, as long as it is directed away from the earth.

“Up” is also a location that we cannot access using only our built-in human abilities. Granted, we have developed technology that expands our reach, but even that technology can only take us so far before we reach another barrier.

Lacking the ability to experience what lies above and beyond, we are faced with the probability that our belief in the heavenly realm stems from some universal instinct or primal memory.

Again, we find ourselves acknowledging that “we don’t know what we don’t know.”

It is almost as if our hidden memory contains knowledge that is smothered by the vast accumulation of human experiences and sensory overload that defines us today.

So. Did our ancestors have first-hand knowledge that we struggle to grasp today? Have we evolved into a life-form that has lost certain abilities – certain knowledge? Are we just left with the instinct that there is another realm of existence… out there.

Perhaps the answer is simple. Perhaps the answer is that God allows us that instinctive memory as a way of compelling us to seek Him. Perhaps it is all part of His master plan for humanity, a master plan that is beyond human comprehension. After all…

We don’t know what we don’t know.

Believing in God is a challenge.

Let’s face it. As human beings, believing in an invisible, all-powerful entity is difficult when we try to apply common logic and everyday experiences to the question.

A lot of our doubt has to do with numbers. From a pure, human, logical standpoint, they just don’t add up. Or perhaps they do, and that is the problem.

The category of numbers in human experience and lessons of science are in conflict from the first lines of the book of Genesis. The tale of creation would lead us to accept that God created the heavens, the earth, and all the living creatures in just a couple of days. That, of course, is clearly in conflict with today’s science which is more likely to describe the process in terms of millions of years.

That conflict is only the beginning. Next, we hear of Cain killing Abel and then being banished. He then runs off to another community and marries a woman from that neighborhood.

Oops. If Adam and Eve were the first humans, where did that other community come from?

Without getting too deep into the controversy, we might end with those extra-long lifespans. Again, the numbers don’t add up.

We might excuse some of these discrepancies as simple errors in interpretation or translation. Perhaps God’s “days” were simply periods of time that had no label other than “days,” and were actually much longer periods of time. Perhaps Adam and Eve produced a lot more children than recorded and some of them wandered off to form new communities.

Perhaps people of that era had a different standard that defines a “year.” That might help explain those incredibly long lifespans. We define a year as one trip around the sun, but maybe they had another unit of measurement.

At first glance, it would appear that the combination of science, logic, and particularly, mathematics does not support the overall lessons of the Bible, let alone the existence of God.

The hidden answer may be in the numbers.

With today’s technology, we are able to witness multiple examples of proof of existence far beyond the range of our normal human senses. We can hear testimony of near-death experiences, evidence of reincarnation, messages from those who have passed, and any number of indications that there is more to our existence than we are capable of experiencing or can ever imagine.

And here is where the numbers serve to prove the existence of God and His almighty power.

Why do we have a limited lifespan? Calculate the number of humans that have ever lived. Then try to imagine where we would physically live if all were alive today. And you thought traffic was bad now. Then, try to imagine how we would be able to feed all those masses. If we concede that God would have a master plan, and that the human spirit continues to exist beyond the moment of physical death, we might be able to grasp why we have a limited lifespan. We simply need to yield our physical shell in order to make room so that other souls can have the opportunity to have a human experience.

How could God possibly keep track of the activities, needs, and devotions of millions upon millions of people, alive and dead? Then peer through a large telescope at the unlimited number of galaxies and stars that He created and set upon their individual motions. Then, sharpen your pencil and try to convert all those light-year distances into miles.

Those numbers are just a hint of an answer. Those numbers quickly expand into a level of knowledge that is beyond human comprehension. Those numbers quickly overwhelm the doubts of Genesis.

As we attempt to use logic to understand the mysteries and consequences of faith, we tend to fall into the trap of relying on the toolkit of science exclusively.

But there is more.

What we tend to overlook is that mysterious force, or energy that we identify as emotion – in particular, the emotion we label as “love.” Like so many other elements of our existence, the powerful emotion of love has many facets that we fail to recognize as having common roots.

We love our favorite foods. We love a perfect weather day, or a scenic landscape. We love a particular music or the smell of fresh-cut grass. We love our parents, our children, our spouse. In short, we attach that emotional label to anything that gives us pleasure.

But there is another side, a darker side, that we fail to acknowledge. The lack of love, the loss of love, the quest for love, all have powerful impacts on our lives.

Any of us who have lived a common human life has probably experienced a full range of love-base emotions. While we might relish those moments when love filled our hearts with joy, it is those darker occasions that tend to haunt our memories.

The opposite of love might be anger, jealousy, or even hate, but the most difficult to endure is probably mourning.

All those other “opposites” seem to be bumps in the road as we travel through life. Mourning, on the other hand, is truly in a class by itself. Whether it be a child, spouse, parent, or even the family dog, mourning the death of a loved one is a challenge we all dread, but must endure.

The loss of a loved one stands apart as the one irreversible, irretrievable moment in life. We cannot correct the event. We cannot reverse it.  And, we are forced to endure it – perhaps for the rest of a lifetime.

The truth about mourning the loss of a loved one is that the pain we experience is not for those who have passed, but for ourselves. We feel the pain of being unable to continue a valued relationship and the frustration of being unable to do anything about that loss.

Perhaps, the only thing we can do is embrace the power of love and use that power to heal.

We might start by recognizing and appreciating that God’s love is the power that created us and all we experience.

And that includes the cycle of life and death.

If we really are dedicated to applying logic to our faith journey, we must acknowledge that the death of living organisms is vital to God’s entire existence project. Without that element, our earth would long ago have been overrun by excess population, struggling to secure enough food and room to exist in peace.

Instead, we all endure the pain of losing a loved one as partial payment for the privilege of experiencing a life on planet earth. From that perspective, it is a small price to pay for a lifetime of gentle rains, gorgeous sunsets, and the gift of having that loved one as part of a life.

But, the greatest example of the incredible power of love is the reality that we have the ability to endure the pain of grief by tapping into that power merely by asking for, and accepting God’s peace. And we can experience that peace by realizing that our loved one has passed into a state of existence that knows only love and joy.

And that is the true power of love.

There is no question that the vast majority of humanity struggles with the concept of God. The very idea that there exists a universal power that created the universe and everything in it is, frankly, beyond human comprehension. The foundation of our struggle is the fact that we are making our judgments with the tools of our education and logic. It is the knowledge that we lack that is our biggest handicap.

In a nutshell, “we don’t know what we don’t know.”

While we may wonder and speculate on the mysteries of the stars, it is the magical and mysterious formula for life that tops the list.

In the vast expanse of the cosmos, amid the countless galaxies, stars, and planets, there exists a phenomenon so intricate, so awe-inspiring, that it transcends human comprehension—the miracle of biological life. From the tiniest microorganisms to the majestic creatures that roam the Earth, life manifests in an astonishing array of forms, each one a testament to the complexity of God’s design.

At the heart of this miracle lies a complex formula—a blueprint crafted with divine precision, woven into the very fabric of existence. This formula encompasses a myriad of factors, from the fundamental principles of physics and chemistry to the intricacies of genetics and evolution. It is a symphony of elements, harmonizing together to give rise to the diversity and beauty of life as we know it.

Central to God’s formula for life is the concept of DNA, the molecule that serves as the blueprint for all living organisms. Within the double helix structure of DNA lies the code of life, containing the instructions for building and maintaining an organism.

The complexity of DNA is staggering, with billions of base pairs comprising the genomes of even the simplest organisms. Yet, it is this very complexity that allows for the diversity of life on Earth. Through the process of mutation, genetic recombination, and natural selection, DNA undergoes continual refinement and adaptation, giving rise to new species and ensuring the survival of those best suited to their environment.

But DNA is just one piece of the puzzle. God’s formula for life extends beyond the molecular level to encompass the intricate interplay of biological systems. From the respiratory and circulatory systems that sustain life to the nervous system that enables consciousness and thought, each component is finely tuned to fulfill its specific role within the organism.

While we continue to study and learn the mechanics of how life forms develop, grow, reproduce, and maintain themselves, there is one area that stands out as absolute proof of Devine design.

We celebrate and marvel at the genius of humans who demonstrate extraordinary mental abilities, but somehow overlook the microscopic miracles that surround us.

The ants, bees, and other insects that disturb our picnic plans will never compete with an Albert Einstein, but, they display a remarkable ability to make judgments and alter their behavior to achieve their life’s objectives.

The very fact that these creatures can modify their behavior in response to their environment, manipulate multiple legs to reach their destination, fly, and build their own shelters is proof that intelligent acts are not exclusive to life forms with larger brains.

When these creatures, with microscopic brains function so effectively while we humans, with our three pound brains can’t remember why we went into the kitchen, is another example of “we don’t know what we don’t know.”

The miracle of biological life is a testament to the divine wisdom and creativity of our Creator. From the intricate structure of DNA to the delicate balance of ecosystems, every aspect of life bears witness to the complexity of God’s design. As stewards of this precious gift, it is our responsibility to cherish and protect the miracle of life, honoring the sacred bond that connects all living things.

Finally, it is time we recognize that the miracles of our existence are proof positive of that Devine source we call God.

From ancient myths to modern science fiction, the concept of living forever has captivated the human imagination. But what does it truly mean to live forever? Would we even want to live forever? And, how would we define “forever?”

As attractive as it might seem on the surface, we have to wonder, would we eventually get bored and want to simply “pull the plug?”

Living forever, or achieving immortality, conjures up visions of eternal youth, endless time, and boundless possibilities. It might seem to represent the ultimate triumph over the limitations of human existence. Yet, beneath the allure of eternal life lies a complex tapestry of philosophical, ethical, and practical considerations. And that is even before we consider the spiritual aspect of such a discussion.

Once we have examined the question of prolonging the existence of the human body, we will be forced to consider the spiritual view.

Throughout history, various cultures have explored methods to prolong life, from alchemical elixirs to mystical practices. In the modern era, advances in science and technology have fueled speculation about the potential for extending human lifespan indefinitely. Concepts such as cryonics, genetic engineering, and mind uploading have all been proposed as potential pathways to immortality.

However, each of these approaches comes with its own set of challenges and ethical dilemmas. Cryonics, for instance, involves freezing the body after death in the hope of future revival, but its effectiveness remains unproven. Genetic engineering holds the promise of extending lifespan by manipulating the aging process at the molecular level, but raises concerns about equity and unintended consequences. Similarly, mind uploading – the transfer of consciousness into a digital substrate – raises profound questions about identity and what it means to be human.

But, the greater question remains – “what if we can’t ever find a way to prolong the physical body indefinitely?” The question of existence after physical death, is bluntly answered in the Bible. John 6:47 “Very truly I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life.”

Clearly, that message references the spiritual realm, but human nature will cause us to continue to seek an earthly solution.

Even as science continues to explore avenues to prolong human life, there are  profound philosophical questions to consider. What would it mean to exist indefinitely in a world where everything else is subject to change and decay? Would immortality bring eternal bliss, or would it eventually become a burden, devoid of meaning in the absence of mortality? Moreover, the prospect of living forever raises concerns about overpopulation, resource depletion, and the sustainability of life on Earth.

Perhaps God’s design of human mortality is spot on. The cycle of life and death is necessary in the grand scheme of our world.

Even with our limited grasp of the world we inhabit, the pursuit of immortality raises questions about fairness and social justice. If only a select few were able to achieve eternal life, what would become of those left behind? Would there be a widening gap between the immortal elite and the mortal masses? Moreover, the very idea of immortality challenges traditional notions of the human condition, including the inevitability of death and the importance of cherishing each moment.

In the face of these profound questions and challenges, we might argue that the quest for immortality is ultimately misguided. Rather than seeking to prolong life indefinitely, perhaps we should focus on enhancing the quality of life for all people, regardless of their lifespan. This might involve addressing pressing global issues such as poverty, disease, and environmental degradation, which pose immediate threats to human well-being.

In the process, perhaps we should also focus on enhancing our relationship with our Creator.

Ultimately, the pursuit of immortality is a deeply personal and subjective endeavor. For some, the idea of living forever represents the ultimate triumph of human ingenuity and the fulfillment of our deepest desires. For others, it may be a fool’s errand, fraught with ethical dilemmas and existential concerns. Regardless of where one stands on the question of immortality, one thing remains clear: the quest to understand and transcend the limits of human existence is an integral part of what it means to be human.

And the gift of existence beyond physical death carries with it the opportunity to learn all that the human spirit desires to know.

That is truly life after death.