Duality

Wave-particle duality is a scientific phenomenon in which light - and even matter - can be demonstrated to have either the properties of a wave or those of a particle, depending on the experiment a scientist performs. In certain circumstances, a single atom can be shown to be spread out over a vast area (like a field of energy), but, under different conditions, the same atom can be shown as a compressed packet of matter (the conventional observation).

This observation is fundamental to quantum theory, but it is applicable as symbolism far beyond the realm of physics. Many will warn against the use of quantum physics to promote 'mysticism,' so allow me to preface my words with a disclaimer: all references to the spirit and its relations with quantum theory are to be viewed as metaphorical, not literal.

When performing a certain experiment, scientists spread the same atom in two different locations, 'boxes.' They know this, because they can continue the experiment in such a way that the atom appears in a way that only a wave, as multipresent, could appear. However, if they do not continue the experiment and, instead, peer inside the boxes, they find that the atom is only one. The atom has collapsed from a wave state to a particle state. This probably sounds confusing, but this confusion is a good thing. Neils Bohr said, 'If you are not completely confused by quantum mechanics, you do not understand it.'

If wave-particle duality is correct (which it, indeed, is), it means our entire existence is the coexistence of two inherently incompatible ideas. Think about it. This is no different than saying x equals two, but it does not equal two because it equals thirteen, but it does not equal thirteen because it equals two, and so on ad infinitum. Our life is thus a contradiction. This concept is representational (symbolic) of God. God is spread out (like a vast energy (similar to the Force or many ideas in pantheism) but, at the same time, is also a compressed 'lump' capable of conscious thought and will (the traditional concept of God). Just as with light and matter, it all depends on how we look at It.

I propose these two conceptions of God as pandio (the former idea) and centradio (the latter idea).

The fact that God can be seen as both incompatible ideas simultaneously reinforces the idea that God is transcedent, something incomprehensible to the human mind. If I look at God as pandio, and you look at God as centradio, we are not worshiping different Gods. The only difference between our beliefs is that I choose to focus my thoughts on one aspect of God (the 'lamb'), and you choose to focus your thoughts on another equally true aspect of God (the 'lion'). After all, has not God acted as both a lamb and a lion (in addition to many other personae) throughout history?