Review of A New Science of Heaven by Robert Temple

Breathtaking new ideas of what constitutes reality

In A New Science of Heaven, Robert Temple explores a bold and unconventional theory that suggests plasma—one of the four fundamental states of matter—could be the foundation for a new understanding of the cosmos, life, and consciousness. Temple, a well-known author and scholar, presents a wide-ranging examination of plasma physics and proposes that what we currently consider "non-living" matter may actually have the potential for intelligence and self-awareness. This is a monumental theory if it is correct because plasma is everywhere in the universe.

Temple begins by introducing plasma as a pervasive and poorly understood state of matter. Unlike solids, liquids, or gases, plasma is ionized gas consisting of free electrons and ions, and it makes up an estimated 99% of the visible universe. Plasma is found in stars, nebulae, and even lightning and auroras on Earth. Temple argues that mainstream science has largely ignored the deeper implications of plasma, especially its strange and potentially intelligent behaviors.

One of the book’s key premises is that certain plasma phenomena—particularly “complex space plasmas”—may exhibit signs of organization and responsiveness that resemble primitive forms of life or consciousness. Temple discusses historical scientific figures like Nobel laureate Hannes Alfvén, whose work in plasma physics was initially dismissed but later validated. He also draws from the field of plasma cosmology, which challenges standard cosmological models like the Big Bang by suggesting that electromagnetic forces in plasma play a larger role in shaping the universe than gravity alone. He also references many of the greats in physics like David Bohm who he seems to have known personally. I found some of the reference detail a bit superfluous but you can't knock it for completeness.

A significant portion of the book is dedicated to critiquing materialist assumptions in modern science, especially regarding life and consciousness. Temple revisits obscure and often marginalized studies suggesting that plasma can form self-contained, coherent structures that persist over time, respond to stimuli, and may even evolve. He speculates that such structures could be the basis for non-carbon-based forms of life and could exist in space or other planetary environments, including in our own solar system.

Perhaps the most controversial idea Temple entertains is that plasma-based lifeforms—possibly intelligent—might have played a role in Earth’s history. He revisits ancient myths, religious visions, and UFO phenomena (he includes some recent sightings and a discussion of crop circles would seem pertinent here but is sadly omitted), suggesting that encounters with luminous beings or unexplained lights could be interactions with plasma intelligence. These ideas are speculative, but Temple defends them as worthy of consideration in light of the vast unknowns surrounding plasma behaviour.

Temple’s approach blends rigorous scientific references with open-minded speculation. He emphasizes that his aim is not to promote a new dogma, but to open up scientific inquiry to phenomena and possibilities that have been ignored or ridiculed. His ultimate thesis is that understanding plasma and its potential properties could revolutionize not just physics and cosmology, but also biology, neuroscience, and our concept of consciousness. This was the best part of the book for me (but I could be biased as that's my area of interest. The idea that we have a 'plasma body' as well as a physical one is very intruiging and could explain the'aura' accepted by spiritual seekers and energy medicine for those of us who are trained in it and can detect energy beyond the body. It also opens up a whole new way of thinking about consciousness which dovetails nicely with Nassim Harramein's and Federic Faggin's ideas. If plasma is conscious then it could be the 'irreducible' constituent of everything.

In conclusion, A New Science of Heaven challenges readers to think beyond conventional scientific boundaries. It suggests that plasma may be not only the dominant material in the universe but also a medium through which life and intelligence might arise in forms vastly different from our own. The book serves as both a critique of scientific orthodoxy and a call to explore new frontiers in understanding matter, life, and the cosmos. I recommend it, although not an easy read.