APPENDIX D
For several decades, scientists have theorized about a mysterious source of cosmic energy available at the subatomic level. It is known among physicists by the technical name quantum vacuum or zero-point vacuum. Perhaps a more apt phrase (now used by some visionary scientists) is the quantum plenum or cosmic plenum.
Once an avant garde theorem, the idea of the plenum is no longer widely disputed; scientists can find no other way to explain the dynamism of universal emergence without identifying a vast energy pool that supplies the manifest universe in each moment, and which might provide part of the explanation for dark matter and dark energy. To better explain it, systems philosopher Ervin Laszlo has borrowed the idea of the akasha from classic Hinduism, and argues persuasively that all things are birthed from this enormous “unified field” of all energies, things, and beings.
In UB terms, the plenum should be understood as technically referring to an impersonal aspect of Deity called the Unqualified Absolute. The great plenum, according to the UB (and many cosmologists), is contained in space itself. Einstein himself once wrote, “We have come to the conclusion that space is the primary thing and matter only secondary.”
To illustrate the cosmic plenum, imagine this scenario: First, isolate a certain portion of space—say, a cubic centimeter—in a fantastically efficient freezer. Remove all the vibrating energies of matter-energy by freezing it down so that it cools to a temperature of absolute zero. What remains after we reach this theoretic zero point is known as the zero point energy of space-time. According to the influential quantum physicist David Bohm, this frozen cube of space—whose “manifest” (i.e., visible) atoms and energy are now absolutely motionless—is nevertheless pregnant with vast quantities of invisible cosmic energy. Bohm and other physicists have argued that the total “unmanifest” cosmic energy in our cubic inch would be equivalent to a million Hiroshimas.148 In other words, a stupendous primal energy reality underlies all phenomenal reality. Bohm and many others who have followed him believe that the manifest cosmos as a gigantic hologram that is projected from this unmanifest deeper ground.
This picture has recently become a common view. But if I have my history of science right, it turns out that the idea of the plenum was first systemically described in The Urantia Book in Paper 42, “Energy—Mind and Matter.”
The UB’s authors call this energy space potency. “There is innate in matter and present in universal space a form of energy not known on Urantia. When this discovery is finally made, then will physicists feel that they have solved, almost at least, the mystery of matter.” [42:1.3]
In the descriptions of the revelators, the store of energy in space is not absolute; it is unbelievably enormous but not infinite. Quantum physics describes the quantum hologram as an impersonal force without will or self-awareness, and the UB would agree, but its revelations uniquely explain that certain beings (as discussed in chapter 2) are able to manipulate this energy so as to bring into being nebulas that evolve into galaxies and planets. “Space potency . . . is the unquestioned free space presence of the Unqualified Absolute. [It] is responsive only to the personal grasp of the Universal Father, notwithstanding that it is seemingly modifiable by the presence of the Primary Master Force Organizers.” [42:2.3–5]
148 “The Unified Field—the zero-point vacuum of space-time—is infinite in its energy potential. . . . Quantum physics also theorizes that contained within every cubic centimeter (a mere small sugar cube in size) there is an approximate energy density/mass of 1094 grams (10 with 94 zeros following it). That’s 39 orders-of-magnitude more mass/energy than the entire known Universe in every cubic centimeter!” (See http://cosmometry.net/infinite-energy-potential)
Acknowledgments
Writing a long book is a deeply personal and sometimes lonely process, but many good souls came forward to assist me in this effort.
The original inspiration for Your Evolving Soul came from Andrew Harvey, who told me almost twenty years ago that I was the right person to create this sort of introductory text. A personal meeting with Ken Wilber in 1999, during which we discussed The Urantia Book at length, led me to seek out the affinities of his work with the Urantia Revelation. Somewhat later, Barbara Marx Hubbard gave initial versions of the manuscript a strong vote of confidence, which buoyed me up in the early days of the writing. Others who offered inspiration and moral support along the way have included Phil Schanzle, Julie Perkins, Fred Harris, Donna D’Ingillo, Rob Davis, Dave and Meredith Tenney, Marty Risacher, Rob Crickett, Errol Strider, Elizabeth Kelley, Sheila Keene-Lund, Hal Katzen, Gard Jameson, Seana McGee, Richard Rosen, and Peter Laurence—but especially my housemate, Kenn Burrows, and my friend and coach, Holly Woods. In a more general way, without the Urantia Book-related education and fellowship that I have enjoyed for decades—all of which was made possible by the Urantia Fellowship and related movements and groups—I could never have found the confidence to publish my interpretations of the UB’s teachings on spirituality.
I had a different book in mind in 2014, but thanks to the visionary and inimitable Sean Esbjörn-Hargens and other open-minded folks at MetaIntegral, I was invited to give a paper on the Urantia Revelation at their international conference in 2015. That presentation was an unexpected success that inspired me to pursue a more philosophical approach to the subject matter and to engage more deeply in researching the connection between the UB and integral theory. Other integralists who have supported my efforts include Kurt Johnson, Dustin Diperna, Michael Zimmerman, and Steve McIntosh.
My own birth family has spent decades wondering about my interest in the Urantia Revelation, but in recent years they have supported this effort in numerous ways, including generously allowing me four months of retreat time at a family property. I am delighted today that each of my brothers, George, Nick, and Peter, are fans of Your Evolving Soul. My mother and her father were heartfelt believers in the Greek Orthodox tradition, and their example no doubt provided the predisposition that led me to The Urantia Book in the first place and to a lifelong interest in theology and spirituality.
On the editorial and production side, the greatest credit goes to my editor, who is known as the Writer’s Midwife (she prefers to remain anonymous). I introduced her to the UB almost two decades ago, and she quickly became a fervent and brilliant student of the text. Now we have come full circle in that she has become my fervent and brilliant editor. No living person could have provided the quality and depth of editorial support she provided. Her standards of editorial excellence pulled me forward in the final weeks, providing a determination that reminds me of the horses that once carried Apollo across the sky, shedding light on all things. My hardworking graphics expert, Carla Green, brings it all together with equanimity—as she does for every Origin Press book—providing reliable and high quality production and design. And a special thanks also to the talented Mariah Parker, who designed the gorgeous front cover of this book. Thanks in addition to Michael Kerber, president of my distributor, Red Wheel Weiser, who has been patient with the many delays of this book while also giving wise input.
A number of friends read early versions of the manuscript and gave helpful feedback, including Dan Drasin, Sussi Rowland, Mike Painter, Jerry Lane, Jerry Gerber, Jacqueline Chan, Rich Scheck, and Alec Brindell. But the most helpful feedback of all came from an old friend, Matthew Rapaport, an expert student of the revelation and a disciplined philosopher.
More than a few people provided healing treatments and offered words of nurturance during the tough moments of this project, most notably Evan Reiff, Len Saputo, Donna D’Ingillo, Conde Freeman, Devatara Holman, and Satyvan McManus. And very special thanks in this connection goes to Katie Darling, who kept my body and breath connected to my soul and spirit during the months of intensive writing, all the while being a faithful, funny, and fascinating companion throughout the entire process.