"Earthism"

It never ceases to amaze me how “Earth-Centric” we remain in our thinking as a species. I can certainly understand why we have come to believe that the Earth is the only place of higher consciousness. Religious texts and doctrines, cultural influences, educational teaching and even science most often point us in this direction.

The Intelligent Design point of view is that an all-encompassing universal creator was responsible for Earth and its subsequent inhabitance by conscious beings.

It is incomprehensible to me that such a creator would manifest an unlimited universe with trillions of stars and planets, and then designate one infinitesimal speck as the only source of life. At least from my perspective as a physical being, this would seem to serve no purpose in a universe that many believe to be purposeful.

On the other hand, science describes a Big Bang that expanded into the vast universe, with a random set of circumstances eventually resulting in an Earth of exquisite intricacies and perfection capable of sustaining all life and nature. The argument is that, simply by the law of chance, such conditions were possible given the sheer amount of galactic debris. However, some of today’s astrophysicists have pointed out that the odds against chance of such conditions occurring are so infinite that even they are skeptical.

What is even more puzzling is the fact that, as a result of this belief in “Earthism,” those who believe in an Afterlife do so only in relationship to Earth. We transition to this other dimension after the physical plane, then reincarnate back to the same Earth in a process of soul progression. In this infinite universe, did you ever hear of a soul returning to a physical plane other than Earth?

To take it one step further, it certainly appears that our planet is inching ever closer to extinction. Technology has contributed to nuclear disasters, pollution, disappearing glaciers, melting polar icecaps, genetically modified food, an exploding world population, chemical and pesticide infiltration, water shortages, and never ending conflicts and wars – mostly waged in the name of God. At the same time, we continue to experience epic earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, hurricanes, tornados, and a host of other assaults. One can certainly argue that Earth is not immortal.

So would the afterlife dimension close its doors if Earth ceased to exist? Would reincarnation come to an end when there was no more physical plane from which to learn “lessons?” How would this affect the progression of our souls?

We take a very linear and simplistic view when we discuss our physical existence vs. ethereal planes. However, if we continue to think of our physical universe as the only possibility for soul return, it is just as likely that souls reincarnate to places that our telescopes cannot reach. Or, if we think in terms of dimensions vs. physical matter, the ground beneath our feet is of little consequence. Quantum physics suggests the possibility of parallel universes – we could be living different lives on many Earths at the same time.

I prefer to think of a life continuum where every layer of existence can appear to be physical. We have always been and will continue to be entities of thought. As hard as it is to conceive, the afterlife is most likely in front of our noses, one of many dimensions that are subject to physical laws nothing like our own. Most of us will fail to recognize the significance of this design until we move on. However, it certainly appears as if more and more people are catching glimpses of other worlds. Perhaps thinking of ourselves as “Universalists” vs. “Earthists” is part of the plan.

Bob Ginsberg is co-founder of Forever Family Foundation, a global 501(c)3 not-for-profit and non-sectarian organization that offers support to the bereaved and educates the public about scientific evidence suggesting an afterlife. In addition to his duties as Foundation Vice-President, Bob also hosts the weekly Signs of Life live radio show. He can be contact via email – Robert@foreverfamilyfoundation.org and website www.foreverfamilyfoundation.org.