The Seen and the Unseen: Connecting Biblical Truths, Donald Hoffman, and the Hermetic Pomanders

Throughout history, humanity has sought to understand the nature of reality. From sacred scriptures to modern science and mystical teachings, one theme remains consistent: the visible world is only a small part of a much greater, unseen reality. The Bible, Donald Hoffman’s Interface Theory of Perception, and the Hermetic text Poimandres each provide profound insights into this truth, offering unique but interconnected perspectives on how the unseen creates and sustains the seen. Together, they suggest a universe governed by invisible forces—be they divine, conscious, or physical—that shape everything we experience.

Biblical Foundations: The Seen Made from the Unseen

The Bible repeatedly emphasizes that the visible world originates from an unseen source. In Hebrews 11:3, we read, “By faith, we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.” This verse encapsulates a profound metaphysical claim: the material universe is not self-existent but arises from an invisible reality—God’s divine will and Word.

Another powerful passage is Colossians 1:16-17, which states, “For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible... He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” The invisible realm, far from being a vague abstraction, is described as the sustaining power of all creation.

Even 2 Corinthians 4:18 teaches us to fix our attention on the unseen: “What is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” This passage not only reflects the idea that physical reality is transient but also points to an enduring truth: unseen forces, such as God’s Spirit or divine will, are foundational to all existence.

In light of modern science, these biblical ideas are remarkably aligned with discoveries about dark matter and dark energy—unseen forces that account for over 95% of the universe's mass and energy. While science explains these phenomena in physical terms, the Bible frames them as part of a greater spiritual reality.

Donald Hoffman: Interface Theory and Conscious Realism

Donald Hoffman, a cognitive scientist, challenges our conventional understanding of reality through his Interface Theory of Perception (ITP). According to Hoffman, what we perceive as the physical world is not an objective representation of reality but a simplified “interface” evolved to help us survive. Just as a computer desktop hides the complexity of circuits and code behind icons, our senses provide a user-friendly interface to navigate reality.

Hoffman’s theory aligns with the biblical idea that the seen is made from the unseen. If our perceptions are merely simplified representations, then the true nature of reality lies beyond what we can observe. Hoffman takes this further in his theory of Conscious Realism, which posits that consciousness—not matter—is the fundamental building block of the universe. Physical objects and space-time are not the ultimate reality; instead, they emerge from interactions between conscious agents.

This perspective echoes biblical passages like John 1:3, which states, “Through Him all things were made; without Him, nothing was made that has been made.” Just as Hoffman suggests that conscious agents generate the physical universe, the Bible describes a divine consciousness (God) as the source and sustainer of all creation.

Hoffman’s work also intersects with the scientific discoveries of dark matter and dark energy. These unseen forces, though imperceptible to our senses, shape the structure and behavior of the visible universe. Hoffman’s claim that the “real” universe is hidden behind the interface of perception resonates with the biblical assertion that the seen originates from the unseen.

The Poimandres: Hermetic Insights into the Unseen

The Hermetic text Poimandres, from the Corpus Hermeticum, offers a mystical perspective on the relationship between the seen and unseen. This ancient text begins with a revelation from the Nous (Divine Mind), the ultimate source of all things. The Poimandres describes creation as flowing from the Nous through the Logos (Word), which shapes and organizes the cosmos.

One of the most striking passages states: “The light and the mind, which were Life, brought forth a Word... the Word that came from the Light is the Son of God.” This closely parallels John 1:1-3, where the Word (Logos) is described as the creative principle through which all things were made. In both traditions, creation arises from an unseen, divine source that manifests as the visible universe.

The Poimandres further emphasizes that the material world is not the ultimate reality but a shadow or emanation of the higher, unseen realms. It teaches that by aligning with the Nous, one can transcend the illusions of the physical world and perceive the eternal truth. This idea mirrors 2 Corinthians 4:18, where Paul encourages believers to focus on the unseen and eternal rather than the visible and temporary.

Bridging Biblical, Scientific, and Hermetic Perspectives

When we compare the Bible, Hoffman’s theories, and the Poimandres, a clear pattern emerges: all three suggest that the visible world is a limited, surface-level representation of a deeper, unseen reality. Each framework offers unique insights into this profound truth.

1. Creation from the Unseen:
• The Bible teaches that the visible world was created by God’s Word, emphasizing the role of divine will in shaping reality (Hebrews 11:3, John 1:3).
• Hoffman’s Interface Theory similarly suggests that the “real” universe is hidden and only accessible indirectly through our perceptions.
• The Poimandres describes the material world as a reflection of the Nous, brought into being by the Logos.
2. The Role of Consciousness:
• Hoffman’s Conscious Realism posits that consciousness is the foundation of reality, from which space, time, and matter emerge.
• The Poimandres aligns with this view, identifying the Nous as the conscious source of all existence.
• Biblical passages like Colossians 1:16-17 emphasize God’s sustaining power as the ultimate force behind creation, which can be understood as divine consciousness.
3. The Seen as Temporary and Symbolic:
• Both the Bible (2 Corinthians 4:18) and the Poimandres view the material world as temporary and symbolic, designed to lead us toward eternal, unseen truths.
• Hoffman’s theory complements this idea by framing the physical world as a perceptual “interface” rather than a reflection of ultimate reality.
4. Dark Matter and Energy as Unseen Forces:
• Modern science’s discovery of dark matter and energy parallels these metaphysical insights. Though unseen and undetectable by conventional means, these forces shape the structure and behavior of the cosmos, much like the divine or conscious realities described in the Bible, Hoffman’s work, and Hermeticism.

Conclusion: Living in the Unseen

What do these perspectives mean for us today? They remind us that reality is far deeper than what we perceive. Whether through faith, science, or mystical insight, we are called to look beyond the surface and explore the unseen forces that shape our existence.

For those with a biblical worldview, this might mean trusting in God’s eternal plan, as described in passages like Hebrews 11:3 and 2 Corinthians 4:18. For others, Hoffman's ideas might inspire a rethinking of how we perceive reality, encouraging a deeper exploration of consciousness and the fundamental structures of existence. The Poimandres challenges us to seek alignment with the Nous, striving to transcend the illusions of the material world.

Ultimately, these perspectives converge on a profound truth: the visible world is but a shadow of something greater. Whether we call it God, consciousness, or the Nous, the unseen is not only the foundation of the seen—it is the key to understanding our place in the universe. By embracing this mystery, we can move closer to the truth that lies beyond perception.