The Material vs Immaterial Debate

The age-old question of whether it's better to have material possessions or immaterial things in life is one that has puzzled humanity for centuries. This discussion can be greatly enhanced by an exploration of the scientific and philosophical concepts of dark matter and spirit matter to better understand the nature of existence.

Scientific Insights into the Universe

According to scientific observations, only a small fraction of the universe's energy and matter have been fully discovered. Incredibly, scientists have established that only about 30% of the universe's energy and 20% of its matter have been identified. The remaining 70% of energy and 80% of matter are collectively referred to as dark energy and dark matter. This enigmatic pair challenges our current understanding of the universe's fundamental composition and nature.

Given these findings, it is reasonable to question whether mankind can truly provide us with a definitive answer on the supremacy of material versus immaterial things. The complexity of the universe and its unexplored aspects suggest that this question might be more complex than it initially appears.

Religious Perspectives on the Nature of Creation

For centuries, the Catholic Church has insisted that the earth was created ex nihilo, or from nothing. However, with the advent of modern physics, particularly Einstein’s theories, we understand that matter cannot be destroyed, only altered. In a stunning revelation, the prophet Joseph Smith taught that the earth was indeed created from matter and that there exists a form of matter known as spirit matter.

Smith stated, "There is no such thing as immaterial matter. All spirit is matter but it is more fine or pure and can only be discerned by purer eyes." This revelation, as recorded in The Doctrine and Covenants 131:7-8, challenges our understanding of the nature of spirit and matter.

Understanding Non-Material Things

The concept of non-material things is often closely tied to the idea of reification, or treating abstract ideas as if they are concrete objects. Examples of such non-material things include 'justice', 'information', or 'thoughts.' However, it is important to note that these concepts may not exist as objects in the same sense as physical objects. Instead, they are aspects of our shared mental models of the world and can be considered as virtual objects within the realm of our thoughts.

Much like virtual objects in a computer program, these non-material things can only exist within the structures of our minds. They do not have a physical existence, yet they significantly influence and shape our reality. Understanding this relationship can provide us with valuable insights into the nature of our lives and the choices we make.

Conclusion

Whether one values material possessions or immaterial things, the scientific exploration of the universe and the religious teachings on creation offer a deeper understanding of the importance of both. The concept of dark matter and the revelation of spirit matter remind us that there is more to the universe and our existence than meets the eye. By examining these perspectives, we can better appreciate both the tangible and the intangible aspects of life.

Keywords

dark matter spirit matter non-material things