Show Details

Biography

Conversations Beyond Science and Religion with Philip Mereton

Philip Mereton is a lawyer, philosopher, and author of The Heaven at the End of Science: An Argument for a New Worldview of Hope. This book, which started as a college essay in 1974, is the culmination of thirty-five years of research on the big questions of existence. Blending philosophy, science, religion and the paranormal, the book argues that it is time to replace the materialistic model of modern science with a framework that better accounts for the full range of human experience. Mr. Mereton is a frequent radio guest, writer, and speaker on the connection between science and religion. He lives with his wife and daughter in Glen Ellyn, Illinois.

Archived Shows

• Conversations Beyond Science and Religion – How to Find the Genius Within

  In ancient Rome, the genius was the guiding spirit of a person. In some people, this spirit shown more brightly and they came to be known as “geniuses.” Today, we recognize special people with highly developed skills in music, art, science and other fields as “geniuses.” Most people have heard of geniuses: Mozart, Rembrandt, and Einstein, to name a few. One field of thought suggests that geniuses are born, not made, as if genius is written in the genetic code. But perhaps the Romans were right and each of us has a guiding spirit that we only need to tap to find our own genius. In this show, Manjir Samanta-Laughton, author of Punk Science and The Genius Groove, joins host Philip Mereton in a discussion of what the new developing scientific paradigm is saying about the hidden genius buried in all of us, and what we can do to find it.

  
• Conversations Beyond Science and Religion – Punk Science

  Punk is a term more often associated with fierce rock music and harsh lyrics than as a form of science. The legacy of punk rock is one of rebellion, attacking conventional society and mainstream culture. “Punk Science” is also the name of a book by this week’s guest, Manjir Samanta-Laughton, of the UK, who has gained international fame for interpretting the findings of physics and cosmology in a new and creative way, and one that challenges mainstream science’s fundamental paradigm. She joins host Philip Mereton in a conversation about what a new scientific paradigm might look like and her own Black Hole Principle.

  
• Conversations Beyond Science and Religion – The Power of an Open Mind

  It’s hard to argue with the value of an open mind. It’s also hard to argue that many people have one. The problem seems to be that modern life feeds us with so many stereotypes, beliefs, labels, prejudices, and biases with which to categorize our world that we stop thinking “like a child” and more like someone “set in their ways.” Pigeonholing saves time in a hectic world. On this show, Tim Boyd, President of the Theosophical Society, joins host Philip Mereton in a discussion of how open-mindedness is something that not only advances our appreciation for the variety of life, but may also lead us to understand better our true inner nature. Also, in a Something More episode, Philip talks with co-director, Robin Beck of Kima Publishers out of South Africa, about dramatic changes occurring in the publishing world and how his 20-year business continues to prosper.

  
• Conversations Beyond Science and Religion – The Meaning of Life

  What is the meaning of life? Of all Big Questions, this one may be at once the biggest, and the most befuddling. But can we proceed through life without at some point confronting the question? And, more importantly, does the question have an answer? On this show, Professor Jay Garfield of Smith College and the University of Melbourne (among other institutions), and lecturer for the Teaching Company’s course, The Meaning of Life: Perspectives from the World’s Great Intellectual Traditions, joins host Philip Mereton in an invigorating discussion of different ways to approach this perennial question, and how we might learn from some of history’s great thinkers to find the meaning in our own lives.

  
• Conversations Beyond Science and Religion – Is Religion More Natural than Science?

  Science deals with the natural world; religion rests upon the supernatural. Science is empirical, methodical, and self-critical; religion deals with a truth revealed by God, and hence beyond questioning. But some cognitive researchers are finding that religion is in fact more natural than science; it comes fast and easy, and does not have to be taught or experienced. Science, meanwhile, is slow, hard, and time-consuming; it deals with things and ideas far removed from everyday life. The naturalness of religion means that despite all the advances of science, it may never go away. On this show, Dr. Robert McCauley, the Director of Mind, Brain, and Culture at Emory University, and author of the New Scientist article, Natural Religion, Unnatural Science, and the new book, Why Religion is Natural and Science Unnatural, joins host, Philip Mereton, in an engaging conversation about what brain research is telling us about the sustained power of religion in our scientific world.

  
• Conversations Beyond Science and Religion – Creative Evolution

  According to Darwinians, evolution is a random, directionless process without purpose or goal; if it looks creative, it is only by accident. On the other side of the spectrum, the intelligent design movement believes that the only explanation for the order in the living world is God. But are these two viewpoints — Darwinism and intelligent design — the only choices? Might there be a way to explain the evolution of life in a manner that transcends both Darwin and intelligent design? On this show, Dr. Amit Goswami, the author of Creative Evolution, The Self-Aware Universe, The Visionary Window, and many other cutting-edge books, joins host Philip Mereton in a discussion of the weaknesses of both Darwinism and intelligent design, and why we need to find a new way to account for creative evolution. Also on this show is the first installment of Something More, where Philip Mereton talks with Theodore Poulis, the publisher of Dream River Press, about why he entered the publishing world and the new titles his company is offering.

  
• Conversations Beyond Science and Religion – Is a Worldview Revolution on the Horizon?

  Some people observe and critique; others act. Quantum theory, and the indisputable connection between consciousness and reality, continue to drive thinkers toward a new worldview. Among those leading this movement is former physics professor and author of The Self Aware Universe and the new book, How Quantum Activisim Can Save Civilization, Dr. Amit Goswami. Going where others fear to tread, Dr. Goswami has mounted a sustained attack against scientific materialism while advancing a new worldview based upon the consciousness-first paradigm suggested by quantum theory. Listen in as Dr. Goswami and host Philip Mereton engage in an unprecedented conversation as they consider the theory and actions that may form the basis for a new worldview.

  
• Conversations Beyond Science and Religion – How to Reach Nirvana

  Buddhism is the religion for everyone, and is practiced by people as diverse as Jennifer Lopez and the Dalai Lama. Its principles, from karma and reincarnation to the eightfold path and nirvana, permeate modern culture, though perhaps not in the way the Buddha intended. On this show, former Buddhist monk and author of The Meditative Path, John Ciancioso, joins host Philip Mereton in an enlightening conversation about the way of the Buddha and how we all have the chance to reach our own nirvana.

  
• Conversations Beyond Science and Religion – The Bible and Science Revisited

  The matter-only worldview of modern science has no place for the God of the Bible. But the scientific worldview is itself filled with unsolved mysteries, such as the creation of matter, dark matter, the laws of nature, and the origin of life. Other events, such as those involving the paranormal, have no place in the scientific worldview because science has no theory to account for them. Meanwhile, 90% of U.S. citizens believe in God, and the Bible remains far and away the best-selling book of all time. Is there something in the Bible that might provide the missing piece to the scientific puzzle? Thomas Fusco, the author of Behind the Cosmic Veil: A New Vision of Reality Merging Science, The Spiritual and the Supernatural, joins host Philip Mereton in a no-holds barred conversation that examines the gaps in our current science worldview, and how revisiting our spiritual foundations might lead us to the answer after all.

  
• Conversations Beyond Science and Religion – The Reality of ESP Through the Eyes of a Scientist

  It is commonly believed that modern science has no place for the paranormal in its world picture. As Nobel prize-winning physicist, Stephen Weinberg, writes, “what possible physical signal from our brains could move distant objects and yet have no effect on any scientific instruments?” But others believe that the evidence for the paranormal is as strong, if not stronger, than the evidence for certain theories of modern science, such as string theory and dark matter. One of the leading researchers of the paranormal, and in particular, remote viewing (or clairvoyance), is physicist, Russell Targ, who was a pioneer in the development of the laser and co-founder of the CIA-sponsored Stanford Research Institute’s investigation into psychic abilities. Mr. Targ has helped find a downed Russian bomber in Africa, report on the health of the American hostages in Iran, and even locate the whereabouts of Patricia Hearst during her famous kidnapping in the 1970′s. With the evidence in favor of ESP now all but irrefutable, perhaps the current scientific worldview will need to change to incorporate this hidden power. Join host Philip Mereton as he engages Russell Targ in a conversation about the innate psychic ability we have yet fully to utilize.

  
• Conversations Beyond Science and Religion – Science's Dirty Secret Revealed: It Fudges the Math to Explain the World

  We rely upon the leaders of modern science to tell us the truth, particularly when the subject is the nature of the very world we live in. But it is well known that modern physicists apply a gigantic fudge factor to the equations underlying their theories of the physical world. Data fudging didn’t work out too well for certain proponents of global warming. Why is no one talking about this fudging that is occurring on a much grander scale? Dr. Chris Oakley, who was driven out of the physics community for voicing objections to the fudging problem, joins host Philip Mereton from the U.K. in a conversation about why physicists resort to mathematical contrivances to explain the world, and what it means for the future of science.

  
• Conversations Beyond Science and Religion – Lessons on the Path of Dzar

  Certain people throughout history have claimed to channel spirits or to echo the voice of a higher being. On this show, host, Philip Mereton, interviews three beings from Melbourne, Australia: Mary O’Brien and her husband, Gary O’Brien, who is the channel for the third guest, known as Dzar, a set of compassionate beings from All that Is. Rarely does a radio host have the opportunity to interview the channeled spirit itself. Join us for a truly unique conversation, as you may be surprised to learn about the words of higher wisdom available now on the path of Dzar.

  
• Conversations Beyond Science and Religion – Ghosts in the Machine

  In their 1981 album, Ghost in the Machine, the pop group Police sang about the gut-wrenching struggles of living as spirits in a material world. And, indeed, our modern world separates mind from matter, body from soul. But then how do they interact? Why does a positive frame of mind tend to make our bodies more healthy? Why do we blush when emotionally embarrassed? There must be some way mind is connected to our body; maybe they are two aspects of one thing? On this show our guest is Professor of Philosophy and Consciousness Studies at John F. Kennedy University and award-winning author, Christian DeQuincey, who joins host Philip Mereton in an engaging attempt to solve the problem of the Ghost in the Machine.

  
• Conversations Beyond Science and Religion – Has Science Found the Youth Pill?

  Some say we are only sure about two things: death and taxes. Others dream of the Fountain of Youth. Modern science is starting to make inroads to delaying the aging process, but the government and the big pharmaceutical companies don’t seem all that interested in funding these efforts. Guest, David Stipp, a leading authority on the science of aging and author of a recent cover story in Scientific American titled, “The Pathway of Youth,” joins host Philip Mereton in a conversation about the scientific breakthroughs in anti-aging treatments, the secrets to staying younger longer, and the obstacles we face in finding the youth pill.

  
• Conversations Beyond Science and Religion – Are we at the Brink of a New Consciousness?

  Hundreds of books are published every year about consciousness and the mind, and there is much talk about a “new” consciousness rising up among us. But what is this new consciousness and where is it taking us? On this show, host Philip Mereton attempts to answer these questions and more with guest, Miriam Knight, founder of the New Consciousness Review, and one of the leading voices on the subject. Maybe we are indeed at the brink of new consciousness that is rising fast enough for us to experience it in our lifetimes.

  
• Conversations Beyond Science and Religion – How to QuantumThink

  Quantum theory, the idea that our observations determine reality, may apply not only to the world outside of us but also to the way we think. Who better to guide us through these cutting-edge ideas than our guest, Dianne Collins, www.diannecollins.com, author of “Do you QuantumThink? New Thinking that will Rock your World,” who joins our host Philip Mereton in a groundbreaking discussion of how quantum theory may be more than a theory of the physical world; it may also hold the key to improving the lives we all lead. The old worldview of classical physics said that a mechanical world running on its own power operates completely outside of us; quantum theory says the old way is wrong: we are in some mysterious way connected to the world. In quantum theory we leap to new energy states. Might these same principles apply to thinking? Are we ready for a quantum leap in thought?

  
• Conversations Beyond Science and Religion – What Can Our Finely-Tuned Universe Tell us About God?

  Not only car engines can be finely tuned. It turns out that the closer scientists look at the inner workings of the cosmos, the more they find that our own universe is precisely tuned to support life. Books such as “Just Six Numbers” (Martin Rees), “The Goldilocks Enigma” (Paul Davies), and “The Grand Design” (Stephen Hawking & Leonard Mlodinow), highlight the special features of our world — forces, constants, and ratios — that, if even slightly altered, would make life impossible. In this show, we talk with well-known astrophysicist, Bernard Haisch, author of the best-selling books, The God Theory and the Purpose-Driven Universe, http://www.thegodtheory.com/, to evaluate three options for explaining the source of this fine-tuning: chance; the existence of 10500 other universes (the “multiverse”)” or God. Tune in to see which option seems to make the most sense. The answer this astrophysicist gives may come as a surprise.

  
• Conversations Beyond Science and Religion – How to Live Your Dream Life

  Are we “robot vehicles” (Richard Dawkins) or “immortal spiritual beings?” On this show we address this question in a conversation with spiritual teacher Michael Mackintosh (www.livinginmagic.com) who reveals how an amazing out-of-body experience propelled him on a journey from a hopeless predicament in Cambridge, England to live his current dream life in Hawaii. Find out how changing your perspective can set you on the course for dreaming bigger dreams, and even making them come true.

  
• Conversations Beyond Science and Religion – The Quantum Enigma

  On this show, Professor Bruce Rosenblum of the University of California -Santa Cruz, and co-author of the best-selling book, Quantum Enigma -Physics Encounters Consciousness,(www.quantumenigma.com), talks with host Philip Mereton (www.heavenattheendofscience.com) about the origin and meaning of science’s most heralded theory, quantum mechanics. On this show the listener will learn that the world is not made of hard, massy stuff, but something much stranger — a mathematical equation that needs consciousness to become something. The quantum enigma remains an intriguing mystery still awaiting a solution.

  
• Conversations Beyond Science and Religion – Does Consciousness Create the Universe?

  Modern science teaches that consciousness arose from matter, mindless stuff. But can the opposite be true? Perhaps consciousness is at the root of experience. On this show we talk with Richard Smoley, one the world’s foremost authorities on mystical philosophy, and author of The Dice Game of Shiva: How Consciousness Creates the Universe. Needless to say, Mr. Smoley provides a unique perspective on the role of consciousness in the make-up of our world.

  
• Conversations Beyond Science and Religion - The God Particle and Pictures of God

  Modern scientists are looking for the God particle to fill out their standard model of the cosmos. Christians are waiting for the return of their own God to complete their vision of a new world. For both scientists and Christians the missing piece to the puzzle remains elusive. But are these quests really that different? Tampa Bay minister Louis Kaloger joins us to discuss this topic and others on today’s show.