A Hunger for Wholeness: Soul, Space, and Transcendence

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 outer 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. †