Greg,
Western science is Cartesian - meaning it's based on empirical evidence, meaning what is in the physical world, what can be tested in the physical world, moreover what tests are repeatable or can be reproduced in a laboratory by anyone if they follow logical steps.
The spiritual world/phenomena exists "inter-dimensionally". Actually quantum psychics is getting very close to it. All is energy, they've already agreed, but this energy comes from somewhere and returns to somewhere...they're not quite sure what to call this source or zero point field, but it is Consciousness. Science and mysticism will meet at the same place eventually. But it takes a while for the accepted realities of quantum psychics (which is based on really complicated math) to trickle down into all the other sciences (some sciences are more ahead of the others).
The ancients mapped out a science of the spiritual realities - for example the Chinese and the whole acupuncture system or the Rishis of ancient India and the science of Kundalini and the chakras.
But to know about spirituality, you need to become a scientist of the inner world and the laboratory is your own being. Some scientists are more open minded to this and they are making great discoveries. Here is an example:
http://www.ted.com/talks/jill_bolte_...ght.htm lThis "Ted talks" sight is part of mainstream university studies. But it takes a while for all the buzz in scientific communities to trickle down into laymen's terms and popular culture, changing society and politics and all that...and eventually into elementary schools.
Wouldn't it be nice to learn about your spiritual anatomy in your first physical anatomy class? That's why I love this book:
http://www.amazon.com/Atlas-Mind-Bod.../dp/185675247X - it's very visual and simple for any child to read.
Ironically the ones who are most close minded to spiritual realities are religious fanatics.
No two people define "spirituality" the same way. If you do a search on this forum you will find that it sparks a huge debate. I think it's because a lot of people confuse the spiritual practice with spiritual experience.
Scientists don't "hate" "spirituality" - that's too general a statement. But careers are made based on politics - to do with tenure and who funds the research and who benefits by it - so a lot of so called science is tied into that. The brave ones come out of the closet with their findings, the ones that upset the Cartesian illusions. And this is becoming more common because we are in an age of enlightenment not "Enlightenment" which is associated with empirical science...meaning...more synchronicities, more telepathy, more premonitions...are becoming more common. Ordinary people are having extraordinary spiritual experiences so life itself is shaking up western science and the status quo.
And in China, cancer has been treated for the last 50 years using a combination of traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine. But in North America, it's slow to be so progressive.
Anyway enough food for thought. What do you think?