At the outset, deciding upon working into the field of Science and Spirituality sounded like fun. At the Graduate Theological Union I had dipped a little into this arena. I also knew, having visited a multitude of bookstores in the Bay Area, that scientists themselves were beginning to broach the possibility of an Universal Intelligence. As for theologians, only a smattering had begun to probe in this new field--but they were like bright stars in the sky!

I had to smile, because eventually I discovered that for well over a quarter-of-a-century there was actually an academic publication that reflected this supposedly new field. Entitled "Zygon: Journal of Religion & Science," it's hypothesis is that long-evolved religious wisdom is yoked with significant, recent scientific studies. And, as if to blow me away, this journal's sponsor is the Institute on Religion in an Age of Science (IRAS), which is actually affiliated with the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).

It became obvious to me, if I were to meet the challenge of this fascinating field of Science and Spirituality, that I would have to familiarize myself with cutting-edge science theory. Luckily I was not that far away from Williamsburg and the College of William and Mary--and as I discovered, its departments in Science and Mathematics occasionally sponsored lecture series on new developments. It was just a matter of getting on their mailing-list. Also, I became a member of the College's excellent library. These connections gave me access into the new developments arising in modern Science Theory.

My problem was actually more with the Spirituality side of this field. How do you come to grips with a Universal Intelligence? Not all, but most of our religions narrow down this possibility. They declare a particular god, and mainly rely on archaic traditional explanations that more than often are linked with ancient tribal societies. I'm not denigrating, because I realize that Early Man was peering at the heavens trying to understand the cosmos and his place in it. It's just that he didn't have the modern technological tools and scientific expertise that we possess today. But for all intent and purpose, Religion in general sticks with the archaic which may address our human condition-- but only in a limited way, considering our modern database.

Of course I could think of an Universal Intelligence as a "Higher Power" or as the "Grand Architect" or as an entity that works into our ideas of Panentheism. All rather *cold* stuff, really.

It was at this point that I came across a paragraph I had snipped from one of those modern, popular Templar books that I normally ignore. Evidently this little paragraph "grabbed" me at the time, and I copied and saved it. I don't even remember who authored this paragraph, but it was speaking to a modern Templar organization. To quote:

"You are called to serve an inner temple that lives in all things, whatever their shape, wherever their world. You are called as Keepers and Mediators not only of the Grail of your world, but the Grail of the cosmos, in which all life will discover a new unity and give birth to the Light..."

For once I wasn't dense when it came to interpretation. I knew what this paragraph was talking about. It was talking about Christ, the Light of the World, and about the Holy Spirit that dwells in the All of it, inwardly within our souls, promising a New Being. In other words, this modern Templar paragraph was talking about the COSMIC CHRIST.

Bells rang, lights came on, and my mind was suddenly afire! As Fr. Keith had put, I needed to come to know Christ better and better. I figured that the Cosmic Christ was about as "better" as I could get.

So--over these past few years I put together a considerable batch of articles aboard the Web. I had a handy computer, and I happily coupled the concepts of the Cosmic Christ, the Logos (the Ground of Being), the Numinous with a whole slurry of scientific developments. It was like a pot of stew, consisting of wild ingredients such as the New Cosmology, Quantum Physics, the New Biology, Cognitive and Noetic Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Consciousness Studies. Excitement galore, at least for me! And for others, too, in that I heard from many people who had reacted positively to my articles.

Putting these articles aboard the Internet advanced my thinking, freely, to all kinds of different people, hailing from all over the world. Never made a cent on all this work, but none of that mattered. I felt pleased that my small efforts in Science and Spirituality, working more into the concept of the Cosmic Christ, were appreciated. And though I was only on the popular edges of this new field, I also remain happy that finally it is bursting forth at now nearly Light Speed. Far greater minds than mine are now splashing across the spectrum with publication after publication, galore!

Another challenge met, but I continue to grow more tired. I keep wondering when I am going to hang-up my spurs, put down my imaginal Templar sword, and just simply rest. Perhaps soon.

I know that aging medieval Knights Templar, when they no longer could wield the sword effectively, retired to their preceptory. I wonder what they did at that point. History doesn't report much about these *old* Templars. Did they seep more and more into their monastic mantles, since their warrior days were over? I would like to think so.

Anyway, I suspect it is at this point where I stand now, that I have become an old Templar still trying to commit my life more and more to Christ--no matter that I will always try to come to know him better and better. I have some new thoughts as to what I might do in this respect, but I will no longer consider such a challenge. I'm interested in Christ as he might correspond with our slowly evolving Civilization. How have our shifting conceptions of Christ corresponded with our own spiritual evolution and the civilizing edifices we construct along the way towards Omega.

But all this is now just something personal. It just will keep my mind sharp. But I'll share this pursuit with music and poetry and sports and good dinners--and even with a martini in hand, once in awhile. I have become a "solitaire," honing my soul in ways that enhance and give pleasure.

I know that finally I have thrust my Templar sword into the ground, where it stands now as the symbol of the Cross. My warrior days are over, though I will have my memories, knowing always in my mind and heart, there stands "Templar True." Adieu.