It's not black and white. Interestingly, Tom Campbell, physicist, author of "My Big TOE" (Theory of Everything), provides a dualistic view on reality, where our "true selves" are from another world. We can actually "talk" that way, somewhat detaching from our "virtual reality" here. I.e. there is possibly a larger consciousness system we are part of. This, while as far as I know is distinct from other trains of thoughts, makes us semi-gods... unlike (any?) religious tradition. (actually, there are hints in the Bible - eg John 10:34-36, Psalm 82:6, Matthew 5:9, ...)
Thinking of a simulation (and I use it more like a modern word for Creation), some interesting questions to ask:
- Are we even expected to guess we are in something?
- If so, is our guess to remain faith? That is, nothing in the Creation can actually hint to us except for our spirit?
- What is expected from us here? (What are we simulating if we are?)
- (Technically) Is it a whole universe simulation or just individual consciousnesses, somehow hooked into God's "state of the Creation" awareness? [multiverses can be implemented easier without spending all those computations in the second scenario]
Through religion, we are given answers to this. Nowadays, it's probably easier than ever to believe in Creation because people are in the image and likeness of God, and have learned to create their own simulations and virtual realities.
And it becomes even more significant when we have Jesus Christ, who incarnated and is to come again. It means our Simulation... can be visited.
The actual experience is the key. Subjective experience can be so different that it can affect personal beliefs.
Is our quest for truth of "how this world works" actually not discovery, but constructive invention? Adam was known for giving names to animals. How much influence did God give humans over how creation works?
Scientifically we still know too little. In the Gospel of John, Jesus is depicted as the Logos, the divine Word through whom all things were made, embodying both the creative and sustaining force of the universe. This profound theological concept highlights Jesus not only as the mediator between God and humanity but also as the very essence of divine wisdom and power. Additionally, Jesus' assurance that "whatever you ask in my name, I will do" (John 14:13-14) suggests that through faith and prayer, believers are granted the extraordinary privilege to influence reality, aligning their desires with God's will and thereby participating in the unfolding of divine purposes on earth.
Half jokingly, maybe some physicists prayed and asked Standard model to hold at least until they are taken to a better place :-)
