Can you mix matter with Spirit?

Homer E Newell (see pp 239-255 Living Christian Science - Fourteen Lives by Marcy Babbitt). 

The NASA site says of him:

 In 1958, he transferred to NASA to assume responsibility for planning and development of the new agency's space science program. He soon became deputy director of space flight programs. In 1961, he assumed directorship of the office of space sciences; in 1963, he became associate administrator for space science and applications. Over the course of his career, he became an internationally known authority in the field of atmospheric and space sciences, as well as the author of numerous scientific articles and seven books, including Beyond the Atmosphere: Early Years of Space Science (Washington, DC: NASA SP-4211, 1980). He retired from NASA in late 1973. 

See "Homer E. Newell," biographical file, NASA Historical Reference Collection, NASA History Division, NASA Headquarters, Washington, DC.

In reading his story I noted all the sciences that were his introduction to his life work: Astronomy, Chemistry, Geology, Maths/Geometry/Theory of Relativity, Physics. And Christian Science. I had recently become more aware that Christian Science is the science of all things and disciplines. I realise that this list does not include all the sciences, but I was impressed.

Homer gives us some wise reasoning. For instance on page 250, “Some people want to mix matter with Spirit; they have an idea that a study of the physical sciences and the physical universe will lead to the understanding of spiritual causation and creation. But this is not going to happen because the study of matter and mortality is the constant study of an enigma.”

In speaking of the NASA work in the universe and all the benefits that have accrued to mankind through it, he says, “But most importantly, I think the activity has given everyone a better picture of the immensity of the universe and of the beauty of the world we live in, while pointing up reasons for more thoughtful, wiser, and more considerate in the way we use our own planet” (p. 245).

Again. “Space exploration has moral, economic, and spiritual implications. The great progressive periods in modern history have almost always been time of war, leading many to conclude that war is necessary for technological and economic progress – a very immoral point of view. But suppose nations become so involved in the challenging problems of exploring the solar system and the universe that they don't have need for wars to spur mankind's progress? Then conquest of space replaces conquest of nations as a productive adventure in the human economy.

“Realistically speaking, man must meet the challenge of space. It has appeared in his line of reason, and he must find the answer to the nature, substance, and identities of the universe. It is in meeting and overcoming such challenges that he grows and progresses. The struggle to know, to understand, to extend his domain is what keeps the spirit of man alive. Wherever his imagination roams, man seeks also to go” (pp 245-6).

“Christian Science presents unfoldment and progress. And the physical sciences offer mankind opportunities for unfoldment and progress. In this sense the purposes of my religion and the physical sciences seem to coincide. The basic divergence between the two come from the limitations and finiteness which the physical sciences would impose upon man and the universe by classifying them as matter. This is the dark side of the picture – a picture that I am convinced the Science of Mind is destined to change. At the present time my participation in the physical sciences is to help spur inspiration, development of insight, and increasing understanding in the field of space exploration. I have a role to play here even though I know that there is another, more direct way to reveal the forces of the universe" (p. 247).

Joyce Voysey