By Dr. Francisco Coll
Science was born because people wanted to know about things (Figure 4). Religion, on the other hand, was born because man wants to be a part of things or to feel “one with God.” That is why it is said that religion is based on feeling, and science is based on intellect.
Fig. 4
Science and religion have different names for the two natures of man. Science calls the intelligent part the conscious mind. Religion calls this the head. Science calls the feeling nature of man the unconscious. Religion calls the same thing the heart.
Out of science and religion came man-made rules and regulations. We often refer to these as our “ticky-tacky boxes.” If life is to remain organized, we have to learn to abide by these rules and regulations. Science calls our rules and regulations the superego. Religion calls them society. For example, if you go swimming and you don’t wear your swimming suit, society or the superego may put you in jail.
These rules of society are based upon two symbols, good and bad. Science refers to these symbols as positive and negative. Religion calls the positive part the God in you, the Christ in you, or the crystal-clear part of you. This is the good, kind, sharing, understanding part of you. Religion calls the negative part sin, or separation from God. This is the greedy, possessive, “me first, me second and me third” part of man.
What we must come to realize is that science, religion, and man-made rules and regulations all have truth in them, but they are only a means to an end. The truths found in religion, science, and society are all means to help you find yourself. The big problem today is that science, religion, and man-made rules have become so highly organized in themselves rather than just a means to an end. Through self-understanding a person can become a part of these rules and regulations without being controlled by them.
Once we understand the rules for what they are, life becomes simpler. In fact, if you feel guilty because you’ve broken man-made rules, just don’t break them again. If you don’t feel guilty, just don’t get caught. We need rules because they keep people respecting each other’s rights.
In our society there is a word that is very much misunderstood. That word is “conforming.” Actually, to conform means to respect. My rights begin where your rights end, and your rights begin where my rights end. If I don’t understand or respect myself, I might be stepping on your property or you might be taking advantage of my property. The biggest problem in our society today is that we are not respecting each other. We are not respecting the rights of the other person because we are not respecting our own rights. In our society you can get away with anything you want to, so long as you don’t get caught. When you do get caught, you could be thrown into a mental institution or a jail until you learn to conform and respect.
You have probably been searching for a long time. Who are you? Where are you going? Where did you come from? Until you become master of your situation, these things won’t be clarified in your mind. Fear always creeps in when you have lack of understanding. Anything you do not understand creates fear, and all fears are based on the fear of death.
You are the grand total of every thought you have gathered throughout eternity. Just think! There is not another person in the universe exactly like you. You can be proud of yourself and whatever you have made of yourself. What you will become tomorrow depends upon what you do with your life today. This is reality. You never live in the past and you never live in the future. You live in the beautiful now. No matter what mistakes you have made in the past, you can still develop to your fullest potential. You should be proud of what you are and aim toward learning more about yourself.
Just think how powerful you can be and how much joy you can take out of life when you become fully organized and your energy is focused on a goal. Remember, lack of organization wastes energy and creates trouble. To prevent this state, try directing your activities and energy toward your goals.
(Above content excerpted from “Man and the Universe” by Dr. Francisco Coll, © 1970 & 2008 Alley Creative Inc., All Rights Reserved)
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