A Path to Faith through Science and Common Sense

By Bryan Wetzel

For many skeptics or individuals not exposed to religion, the path to faith may require compelling evidence of a spiritual creator or intelligent designer of our world and universe. This book embarks on a comprehensive exploration of the evidence supporting the existence of God, drawing from scientific discoveries, personal experiences, and unexplained phenomena. It's important to note that this is not a preaching book, nor does it attempt to elevate one religion's deity over another. Instead, it serves as an objective investigation into the mysteries that science has yet to solve and for which it currently has no definitive answers.

The first chapter delves deep into the science of our existence and the universe, posing thought-provoking questions about our origins and purpose. It aims to clarify what science truly knows about the topics covered in this book, dispelling common misconceptions and highlighting areas of uncertainty. Many readers will likely be surprised to discover how limited our scientific understanding is in certain areas and how much of what we consider established science regarding life and the universe is, in fact, based on conjecture and hypothesis rather than concrete evidence.

The second chapter offers a fascinating exploration of the miracles that occur around us, both those we may be aware of and those that often go unnoticed. This section includes a collection of compelling stories drawn from the author's personal experiences as well as those of others. These accounts serve to illustrate the potential presence of a higher power or unexplained forces at work in our daily lives.

In the third chapter, we examine near-death experiences from both scientific and personal perspectives. This balanced approach allows readers to consider the phenomenon through the lens of empirical research while also engaging with the profound and often life-changing nature of these experiences as reported by individuals who have undergone them.

The subsequent chapter tackles the important topic of false idols that many people have begun to worship, whether intentionally or unintentionally. This section encourages readers to reflect on their own values and priorities, considering whether they may have inadvertently elevated certain aspects of modern life to an unhealthy level of importance.

The book concludes with practical guidance on how to deepen one's spirituality and connect with a higher power. Additionally, it provides a curated list of recommended readings from other authors that have been instrumental in the author's own journey towards a better understanding of the world around us and the interconnectedness of all things.

Throughout this exploration, readers are encouraged to approach the material with an open mind, considering the evidence presented and drawing their own conclusions. By examining the intersection of science, spirituality, and personal experience, this book aims to provide a comprehensive and thought-provoking look at the possibility of a divine presence in our universe.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bryan Wetzel
• Release date: Feb 1, 2025
• ISBN: 9798230886525

Bryan Wetzel

Bryan Wetzel has had a diverse career in the film and video industry, working as a producer, director, and editor. He has received numerous awards for his excellence in production. However, Wetzel has also ventured beyond the entertainment realm and started other businesses, including an educational resource company called Skubes. Through his work in marketing the Skubes video and assessment library, he gained valuable insights into the flaws within our education system, many of which are not openly discussed in mainstream conversations. Motivated by these experiences, Wetzel conducted interviews with 69 former teachers and administrators, which deepened his understanding of the real problems facing education. Drawing from his extensive knowledge, he wrote a book titled "The Real Problems Destroying Education." Although Skubes eventually disbanded, Wetzel's entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish two new businesses closer to home, completely shifting away from the education and production sectors.

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INTRODUCTION

As a natural skeptic, I have long approached wild stories and extraordinary conspiracy theories with a critical eye. However, my perspective has undergone a significant shift since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the past, I would often challenge my colleagues and friends to provide concrete evidence for their anecdotes or experiences, seeking plausible explanations that could withstand scrutiny. This approach stemmed from a desire to base my beliefs on verifiable facts and logical reasoning.

Throughout my life, I have encountered events that defy conventional explanations and that I now consider to be miracles. Initially, acknowledging these occurrences was challenging, as they conflicted with my skeptical nature. However, as the saying goes, The truth cannot be denied. These experiences have forced me to reevaluate my understanding of the physical world and consider possibilities beyond the realm of everyday explanations.

Professional skeptics may dismiss these instances as mere chance or low-probability events, attributing them to coincidence or statistical anomalies. However, I have thoroughly considered alternative explanations, examining each event from multiple angles and seeking rational justifications. Despite my best efforts to find conventional explanations, some experiences remain inexplicable through purely scientific or logical means.

In compiling this book, I have been meticulous in my selection of stories and experiences. I have only included accounts that involve multiple witnesses, thereby reducing the likelihood of personal bias or misinterpretation. By focusing on shared experiences, I aim to present a more objective view of these extraordinary events. Furthermore, I have deliberately excluded incidents that could be attributed solely to my own perceptions or experiences, recognizing the potential for subjective interpretation in such cases.

This book represents the culmination of my search for answers to these perplexing events. It is a journey through the unexplained, the miraculous, and our very existence. Within these pages, readers will find carefully documented accounts, thorough analyses, and the insights I have gained along the way. My goal is not to convince but to share and invite readers to explore these extraordinary occurrences with an open mind, just as I have learned to do.

Unfortunately, many individuals with impressive titles or degrees constantly impose atheistic views on those who believe in a higher power. This often leads people to doubt what they instinctively know in their hearts but are hesitant to embrace it due to the fear of being perceived as simple-minded or uneducated. In 1961, Yale University conducted the Milgram experiment, demonstrating that many individuals are willing to comply with unethical actions when instructed to do so by authority figures. I often wonder if this is why so many people deny the existence of God or an intelligent designer of our universe. People with so-called PhDs have belittled believers, labeling them as simpletons who believe in a celestial being or a malicious force of evil. Perhaps this is why many individuals have turned to ideologies like wokeness as their new religion and celebrities as their new idols. They seek answers that are already within religious teachings but choose to ignore the evidence that surrounds them in plain sight.

A second reason for writing this book is that I often share personal stories with others or delve into research on the origin of life and our universe. However, many people, the majority, have not heard most of this information. This is not meant to criticize individuals, as most are occupied with their everyday lives. It is my intention to condense and consolidate this wealth of knowledge into one book, catering to those who may not have the time or opportunity to delve into these subjects extensively. Most books on religion do not explore the supernatural, such as poltergeists. I made the deliberate decision to incorporate these topics as they are intricately connected to my life and the spirituality of our world, possibly in both negative and benign ways.

Finally, regarding the scientific aspects of our biological existence discussed in this book, I must emphasize that I am not a scientist. However, I have had the privilege of collaborating with and interviewing scientists and studying texts written by highly esteemed researchers who challenge the mainstream perspectives on God and the origin of life. I will endeavor to explain these profound scientific discoveries in simple terms, accessible to non-scientific readers, to convey the main points effectively. I hope this brief exploration of these complex subjects will pique your interest and inspire you to explore further the books that have informed and inspired me, shedding light on the new scientific studies that have revolutionized our understanding of the world and the universe we inhabit.

CONVINCING MYSELF

In 2009, my mother passed away, which marked the beginning of a series of unexplained occurrences that I consider miracles. These events left me pondering what we believe about death and the afterlife. Consequently, I embarked on a mission to explore my own experiences alongside other unexplainable events, using scientific methods to better comprehend them. Despite the fact that an atheist scientist would argue that there is always a scientific explanation aligned with our physical world, these events did not conform to this notion. To make sense of things, I sought out research and the expertise of individuals more knowledgeable than myself, whether their explanations originated from the physical world or ventured beyond it. It is important to note that science cannot definitively prove or disprove everything in a spiritual sense. There are certain phenomena that remain unexplainable within the confines of our physical world. Unfortunately, science sometimes dismisses or disregards these phenomena simply because they cannot be labeled or analyzed using cause-and-effect relationships.

At the end of 2009, I met my wife, Carrie, and in a strange way, I believe that we were guided toward each other by the universe or the divine power I am discussing in this book. Unlike other stories and information in this book, I cannot provide solid proof of this, but my soul feels a strong connection. However, we did meet only a few months after my mom passed away. My wife did not grow up in a religious or spiritually enlightened home, but we found our way to church together. Through our shared journey, we have deepened our understanding and appreciation for our creator. This has not made us financially prosperous or paid our bills, but it has enriched our marriage, strengthened our bond, and brought us peace.

To embark on my journey, I divided various topics into a list and began seeking answers for each question. I focused on the scientific evidence for the existence of a creator, not concerning myself with assigning a specific identity to this creator or determining which religious messiah was correct. I aimed to collect evidence demonstrating that the world, universe, and life did not simply emerge randomly.

Throughout my career, which has primarily involved media production, I have had the opportunity to meet numerous fascinating individuals and gain valuable insights. These experiences, as you will soon discover, have fueled my curiosity about life and spirituality. I began my journey by delving into books written by scientists who have come to believe in the existence of an intelligent designer. Thus, I will begin the book with the abundant evidence of God's existence that many often overlook or misunderstand. Regardless of how one chooses to define God—whether as Universe, Creator, Intelligent Designer, or Spirit—the existence of God is pervasive. While many Christians advocate having blind faith, I am naturally skeptical and prefer to examine the evidence. Scientifically, the evidence is compelling.

I then turned my attention to the literature regarding near-death experiences, as documented by doctors and scientists studying this phenomenon. There are scientists who have extensively researched and studied near-death experiences (NDEs), documenting thousands of compelling stories. I will provide an overview of this research, sharing the remarkable account of one individual I knew personally who had a profound NDE. It is hard to dismiss such experiences and their implications. Additionally, we will explore phenomena like ghosts and poltergeists. While I once regarded these subjects as absurd, my perspective has changed. I will recount the stories of the house my mom and stepfather moved into when I was 18 and the unexplainable occurrence witnessed by many, including friends and family.

In the chapter called False Idols we turn our attention to the factors eroding spiritual well-being in our societies. Whether it is our obsession with controlling outcomes and becoming self-proclaimed masters of our destiny or our excessive idolization of wealth and fame, these societal influences are detrimental. Additionally, we will touch upon the manifestation of evil forces in the world today, including an interview I conducted 26 years ago with the high priest of the Satanic Church in California.

Lastly, I explored philosophy because many great philosophers had grappled with existential questions and sought to understand the meaning of life, death, and our existence. Even though I will recount stories of a poltergeist who lived in my mom and stepfather’s house, I intentionally refrained from reading about these subjects. Many books on these topics are written by true believers, lacking the skepticism and impartial analysis that I sought. Some authors were more interested in selling a story than presenting solid evidence.

Additionally, I immersed myself in the study of religious history, with a particular focus on Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, and Judaism. I studied the evidence regarding Jesus’s life and other religions’ histories. I explored modern and ancient philosophy, including the teachings of the Dalai Lama, and delved into anthropological studies. In total, I read thirty-one books. Finally, I will conclude the book by sharing the wisdom I have gained from various spiritual leaders, books, personal experiences, and 56 years of living. The last chapter will feature a compilation of the books that have shaped my understanding and reinforced the message that we should not live in fear.

WHAT THIS BOOK IS NOT

In this book, I aim to demonstrate that the natural world and the love we experience from our families are not random occurrences but rather gifts that should be cherished. It is important to note that this book does not claim to provide definitive answers for all the mysteries of our world and universe. Instead, it highlights the evidence surrounding these enigmas and emphasizes their significance. While supernatural phenomena will be discussed, no conclusive resolutions will be offered. Instead, I hope to inspire further exploration and interest in these topics. Throughout this book, I recount stories I have personally experienced or incidents that bear similarities to my own encounters.

Furthermore, I will not be addressing topics such as aliens, UAPs, or UFOs, as the scope of these mysteries is vast and beyond my expertise. I believe that the unidentified objects observed in the sky may be experimental creations of our own government. My reasoning for this belief stems from the fact that many sightings are reported by military pilots, often occurring near military installations or missile sites. A noteworthy example is the alleged UFO crash and extraterrestrial encounters in Varginha, Brazil, in 1996, as depicted in the Netflix documentary Moment of Contact. Despite the crash occurring in Brazil, the United States Air Force claimed the wreckage and bodies without resistance from the Brazilian government. These circumstances lead me to speculate that alien crafts may be clandestine projects of our government. While I do not discount the possibility of collaboration with an alien community, I remain skeptical. However, I do know someone who claims to have an encounter while in the Air Force. It is important to emphasize that my knowledge of this subject is limited, which is why it will not be mentioned again in this book.

Finally, I want to assure you that this book will not scream religious dogma or emphasize fire and brimstone. Most people do not have the time or inclination to read numerous books or engage in deep spiritual studies if it is not directly related to their profession or interests. Since people lead busy lives, my goal is to provide an overview of what I have discovered within the pages of this book. I hope to inspire skeptics and those sitting on the fence to take another look and recognize that our universe encompasses more than just the physical world before us. Perhaps you, too, will see the path that I see.

CHAPTER 1

THE SCIENCE OF GOD’S EXISTENCE

In the opening chapter, I've chosen to challenge a scientific ideology that some consider off-limits, immediately positioning myself as a heretic. However, this chapter will demonstrate that perspectives on this topic are evolving (you see what I did there). The once-rigid boundaries of scientific discourse are becoming more flexible, allowing new ideas and interpretations to emerge. This shift in scientific thinking is not without controversy, but it represents a crucial step forward in our understanding of complex phenomena. 

Many people hold the misconception that scientists do not believe in God or an intelligent designer of the universe. I, too, used to think the same way when I was younger. However, this narrative gradually changed as I had the opportunity to meet numerous scientists and delve into the works of those courageous enough to express their sincere opinions about the relationship between science and a higher power or intelligent creator. It is essential to note that expressing such beliefs goes against the grain of mainstream science, which tends to discourage any notion of a higher power as the source of the universe's beginning and the origin of life.

In a recent survey conducted among scientists regarding their beliefs in God or a higher power, it was revealed that 45% of scientists hold the belief in a higher power as the ultimate source of all design in the universe. The survey found that mathematicians had the highest belief in a higher power, with 80% expressing belief. This statistic is not surprising, considering how mathematicians frequently discuss the orderliness and fine-tuning of the mathematical principles governing our planet and the universe. They are keenly aware of the remarkable odds against our world becoming so finely tuned without some external influence. Furthermore, mathematicians possess a deep understanding of the mathematical probabilities associated with the countless improbable events that contributed to the formation of our planet and the universe. Given these probabilities, it becomes increasingly implausible to attribute everything to mere chance.⁠ ¹

One prominent scientist who exemplifies this shift in perspective is Antony Flew. Professor Flew, hailed as the father of modern atheism, was a hero to Richard Dawkins, who undoubtedly studied many of his over 30 books and publications that argue against the existence of a God or creator. However, Flew's position underwent a profound change, which made headlines on December 9, 2004. In a video release, Flew explained that he had revised his views, with the headline of the Associated Press story proclaiming, One of World's Leading Atheists Now Believes in God, Based on Scientific Evidence.This pivotal shift led to the publication of Flew's book, There Is a God, in 2007. In this book, he details his intellectual journey that culminated in changing his mind, driven by scientific evidence. In essence, his transformation was a gradual process influenced by scientific discoveries, philosophical concepts, and a commitment to intellectual honesty. Flew recognized the complexity and fine-tuning of the universe, prompting him to consider the possibility of an Intelligent Orderer or Creator.⁠ ²⁠, ³⁠, ⁴

During a 2004 symposium, which can still be viewed on YouTube, Professor Flew shocked his audience by announcing his acceptance of the existence of God despite his previous stance against it. Of the numerous statements he made before a crowd of scientists, one stands out when asked if his change of heart was due to recent advances in understanding the origin of life. He responded firmly, stating, Yes, I now think it does...almost entirely because of the DNA investigations. What I think the DNA material has done is that it has shown, by the almost unbelievable complexity of the arrangements that are needed to produce (life), that intelligence must have been involved in getting these extraordinarily diverse elements to work together. It's the enormous complexity of the number of elements and the enormous subtlety of the ways they work together. The meeting of these two parts at the right time by chance is simply minute. It is all a matter of the enormous complexity by which the results were achieved, which looked to me like the work of intelligence."⁠ ⁵

Regrettably, upon Professor Flew's transformation, many members of the scientific community began questioning his mental acuity, attributing his change of mind to old age. However, a careful reading of his book, There is a God, portrays a man of clear and coherent thinking who reevaluated his position based on newly discovered questions and answers about our universe.

As I mentioned in the introduction, I have dedicated myself to reading numerous books in order to gain a deeper understanding. One of the impactful books I read on this journey was The Science of God: The Convergence of Scientific and Biblical Wisdom by Gerald Schroeder. I came across this book through Antony Flew's description of how Dr. Schroeder meticulously laid out the mathematical odds of life or the universe appearing from nothing. He also disassembled the monkey theorem, a topic we will explore later. After reading this book, I felt compelled to learn more about Gerald Schroeder. As a former atheist and Harvard professor, Schroeder's own change of mind was influenced by scientific evidence. Many of his recent books tackle the complex intricacies of life and the delicate balance on which it hinges.⁠ ⁶⁠, ⁷

Before delving into the scientific discussions that follow in this chapter, I'd like to emphasize the depth and complexity of the source material. The books I've referenced contain extensive, in-depth analyses of these scientific topics. To fully grasp the information, I often read these books multiple times, sometimes revisiting specific chapters to ensure a comprehensive understanding.

As a non-scientist, my goal is to distill this complex information into more accessible language. I aim to present these scientific concepts in a way that's understandable to a general audience without sacrificing the integrity of the original content. This approach allows me to bridge the gap between advanced scientific literature and everyday readers, making these important concepts more widely accessible.

STARTING WITH GENESIS

In 1915, Albert Einstein published a groundbreaking description of the nature of space, time, and gravity that revealed an extraordinary and seemingly unnatural fact: the rate at which time passes is not uniform across all locations. This revolutionary concept, known as the theory of relativity, posits that changes in gravity and velocity alter the flow of time. Initially met with skepticism, this aspect of nature was referred to as a theory. However, over the past few decades, the relativity of time has been rigorously tested and verified thousands of times, elevating it to the status of a scientific law.⁠ ⁸

The law of relativity states that time flows more slowly in environments with high gravity or high velocity compared to those with lower gravity or lower velocity. This means that the interval between ticks of a clock in a high-gravity or high-velocity environment is actually longer than the interval between ticks of a clock in a low-gravity or low-velocity environment. These differences in the passage of time are known as time dilation, a phenomenon that has significant implications for our understanding of the universe.

The implications of time dilation on our understanding of the universe's age are truly mind-boggling. This phenomenon becomes even more pronounced when we consider the cosmic scale, particularly in the early stages of the universe's existence. Immediately following the Big Bang, the universe underwent a period of rapid expansion known as cosmic inflation. During this phase, the density of the universe, which is now spread out as it continues to expand, would have been incredibly high, creating gravitational forces far greater than what we experience today.

In these extreme conditions, time dilation could have stretched time by a factor of 10 ³⁰ (100 nonillions) or more. To put this into perspective, the cosmic perception of time would be stretched by a factor of a million million. To further illustrate this point, let's consider an analogy. Imagine time as a rubber band. In our current universe, the rubber band is stretched out, and time flows at a rate we're familiar with. However, in the early universe, this rubber band would have been compressed, causing time to move much more slowly from an outside perspective. This compression of time could potentially reconcile the scientific observations of a universe billions of years old with other interpretations that suggest a much younger cosmos. This means that when we divide the commonly accepted age of the universe - approximately 15 billion years - by this factor, those 15 billion years are reduced to a mere six days from the perspective of the early universe!⁠ ⁹

This concept challenges our conventional understanding of time and the age of the universe. It suggests that the passage of time is not absolute but relative, depending on the observer's frame of reference. In the dense, high-gravity environment of the early universe, time would have moved much more slowly compared to our current cosmic environment.

This cosmic time dilation leads us to a fascinating conclusion: both Genesis and modern science can be correct in their timelines. When asked whether six days or 15 billion years passed before the appearance of humankind, the surprising answer is yes. Both perspectives are valid, depending on the frame of reference from which time is measured.

It's important to note that this relationship between cosmic time and Earth time is not arbitrary. If the universe had been a different size, temperature, or mass, or if the threshold temperature for matter (protons and neutrons) had varied, this relationship would not exist. Cosmologists are amazed by the fact that the mass and energy associated with the expansion of the universe are remarkably matched, exhibiting what is described as incredible fine-tuning to an extraordinary degree, around one part in 10 ¹²⁰. This level of precision is so striking that it almost seems as if these values were deliberately chosen.⁠ ¹⁰

The correlation between biblical timelines and the cosmic clock may appear coincidental at first. However, there is a way to evaluate this theory. The Bible states that six days passed between the creation