Outdated religious myths and beliefs that once guided people no longer resonate with many; they have outgrown them. The old scientific model --which amassed an explosion of data only to conclude that the universe is meaningless--also fails to inspire. People are not dumb but numb. Without vision, humankind lacks the zest to move forward.

However, combining religious values--such as ethics, community, and a sense of purpose--with the new scientific perspective--highlighting evolution's direction, the significance of consciousness, and the emergence of the noosphere--represents a breakthrough for the ages.

The greatest scientific discovery and the sacred revelation of all time is the realization that, each moment, in each person, the universe is contemplating itself--this truth transforms human consciousness. Bringing together enlightened faith and humane science gives humans wings of hope to soar into the future.

These reflections--drawing on anthropology, psychology, history, spirituality, and the author's personal experience--are about that. With forewords by Bishop John Stowe and Dr. Duane Roen, Aspire is broadly accessible and written for any seeker with big questions.

A new paradigm has dawned; now a New Story must be told.