Jesuit scientist Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, a keen observer of nature, posited two types of energy in the universe: tangential energy/energy of attraction, and radial energy/energy of transcendence -- in other words, love and consciousness, which correspond to the inner and outer dimensions of nature, respectively. Moreover, as theologian Ilia Delio points out, nature is never at rest ; indeed, 'nature [is] on a continuous trajectory of transcendence.' 'The Big Bang universe is a story of space but it is also a story of consciousness and love.' How are the inner universe and the other universe related? 'Is the inner universe the key to nature's transcendence?' she asks. 'Is science disclosing a new role for consciousness and thus a new role for spiritual transformation?' The author builds not only on the thought of Teilhard and others but also on the findings of quantum physics to deliver a thought-provoking, deeply insightful reflection on the relationship of God, humanity, and nature in an ever-evolving cosmos.
