The Fourth Dimension – Part 2: Exploring the Intersection of Science and Spirituality

Where does the fourth dimension take us? Surprisingly, the answer may lie more within the realm of spirituality than that of science. 

In Part 1, we explored evidence indicating the potential existence of a fourth spatial dimension, orthogonal to the three dimensions we inhabit. This perspective on reality finds indirect support through the study of the universe’s curvature¹ and experiments involving the quantum Hall effect.² While the existence of a fourth dimension has yet to be conclusively proven, the late Józef Kajfosz, a distinguished doctor of natural sciences and Christian author, who passed away two years ago, observed: ‘[Multidimensional geometry] has been meticulously developed, without encountering any internal contradictions or paradoxes’.³

This suggests, at the very least, that additional dimensions are indeed possible. Should the fourth dimension exist, it is conceivable that our universe could be a three-dimensional hypersurface within a four-dimensional cosmic hypersphere.⁴ Evidence from the Planck satellite, collected in 2018, seems to lend credence to this interpretation of reality.⁵ However, while these findings stand in contrast to earlier studies on the critical density (the omega parameter), which suggested a flat geometric structure for the universe⁶, they might simply indicate that our universe is indeed curved, but also incredibly vast.

Despite our best efforts to conceptualise it, the fourth dimension persistently eludes our intuition. Within the framework of our three-dimensional reality, we struggle to envisage a space accommodating an additional, perpendicular dimension. While the fourth dimension is more readily defined mathematically, visualising it remains a challenge. The same difficulty extends to dimensions beyond the fourth.⁷ Consequently, as beings confined to three dimensions, we are compelled to rely on two-dimensional and three-dimensional analogies to conceptualise four-dimensional shapes. Examples of such analogies are provided in Part 1 of this article.

In the World of Flatlanders

One notable analogy is found in the thought-provoking experiment presented by Edwin Abbott Abbott in his 1884 satirical novella Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions.⁸ Another, more sophisticated exploration of the subject, An Episode of Flatland, was authored by Charles Howard Hinton and published in 1907. Both works feature fictional beings known as Flatlanders, who exist solely within two dimensions, familiar only with length and width, entirely devoid of any concept of height or the third dimension. These narratives illustrate the difficulties faced by two-dimensional beings for whom the third dimension remains an abstract concept.⁹

Moreover, this concept demonstrates how a being inhabiting three dimensions would possess the capacity to observe all aspects of a two-dimensional world. Such an entity would have complete awareness of both the internal structures of two-dimensional beings and any concealed items, such as the contents of their wardrobes. While a two-dimensional inhabitant must physically open a wardrobe to access its contents, a three-dimensional observer could simply perceive everything within from above, rendering the act of opening unnecessary. Thus, the contents of a two-dimensional wardrobe would remain entirely transparent to a three-dimensional perspective.

Additionally, a three-dimensional being could intervene in the world of the Flatlanders in various ways. To achieve this, it would need to manifest its presence within the two-dimensional plane in a manner perceivable by the Flatlanders. For instance, a three-dimensional entity could introduce a sphere into their world, with its equator intersecting the two-dimensional plane; the Flatlanders would perceive this as a two-dimensional circle. Furthermore, the three-dimensional being could manipulate the Flatlanders’ environment, even exerting influence over a Flatlander by directing its movements in a specific direction. 

A Four-Dimensional World Full of… Four-Dimensional Beings?

These literary explorations of the relationship between two-dimensional and three-dimensional beings offer valuable insights into the potential dynamics of our own relationship with hypothetical four-dimensional entities. Just as a three-dimensional human cannot perceive the contents of a wardrobe without opening it, we would be similarly limited in understanding our own world compared to a four-dimensional being. Such an entity could examine the interior of our bodies or surroundings with ease, yet remain entirely invisible to us—unless it chose to reveal itself in our three-dimensional realm. Analogous to how a three-dimensional being might enter and interact with the Flatlanders’ world, a four-dimensional being could similarly intrude into ours, potentially manifesting its presence, disclosing hidden truths, or even influencing individuals. 

The Fourth Dimension and the Bible

Does this bring to mind anything familiar? Many will recognise these reflections as reminiscent of accounts found in the Holy Scriptures. One such example is the story of Elisha’s servant, who, terrified by the overwhelming Aramean army, was reassured when Elisha prayed for God to open his eyes. In that moment, God allowed him to perceive an even greater angelic army surrounding them, offering protection.¹⁰ How did God open his eyes? It seems likely that He enabled him to perceive what exists in a higher dimension. Another example can be found in the appearance of the mysterious hand in the palace of the Babylonian king Belshazzar, which inscribed words of judgement upon the wall. Soon after, Babylon was conquered by the Persians.¹¹

The New Testament similarly recounts a series of supernatural occurrences. On the Mount of Transfiguration, Jesus Christ appeared in a glorified state, accompanied by Elijah and Moses, before several of His disciples.¹² According to the Old Testament, Elijah was taken alive to heaven¹³, while Moses is believed to have been resurrected.¹⁴ Since they no longer live on Earth, they must exist in a higher dimension, requiring them to manifest in our three-dimensional reality. Likewise, after Jesus Christ’s resurrection, He appeared to His disciples in a room with locked doors.¹⁵ We are not told exactly how He entered the room, but once again, He must have used the fourth dimension to do so.

The entire Bible is replete with miracles and descriptions that become more comprehensible when we consider the possibility of a fourth spatial dimension. This perspective even extends to the account of creation. When Scripture speaks of God stretching out the heavens, what appears to us as a vast three-dimensional cosmos may seem as simple as a sheet to an almighty God or four-dimensional beings such as angels.¹⁶ When God or an angel performs a miracle, they might simply be manifesting themselves within our three-dimensional world. Similarly, when God sent the flood, the “waters above the firmament”—separated from the earthly waters on the second day of creation—may have existed in the fourth dimension, perhaps located beyond the three-dimensional surface of the universe, and could have descended from there onto the Earth.¹⁷

The Fourth Dimension and Paranormal Phenomena

It is also important to recognise that the Bible speaks of fallen angels, referred to as demons, who engage in activities such as possessing humans. Interestingly, paranormal phenomena are not confined to the Bible or other sacred texts. Countless books, films, and other cultural works, including documentaries, have been produced on this subject, reflecting a widespread fascination with such occurrences across various mediums.¹⁸ These phenomena are frequently reported in the mass media, and some individuals may have even encountered them firsthand.

On occasion, individuals may claim to have seen an apparition or observed objects seemingly moving of their own accord. Indeed, numerous locations worldwide are reputed to be haunted and attract visitors seeking such paranormal experiences.¹⁹ Previously, we addressed the notion of demonic possession,²⁰ occurrences of which continue to be reported in the present day.²¹ Additionally, some individuals assert they have observed unidentified flying objects or encountered purported extraterrestrial beings on Earth. Claims of clairvoyance also persist, with figures such as Edgar Cayce frequently cited as among the most prominent prophets of the modern era.²² Nevertheless, these phenomena share a common characteristic: they remain unsubstantiated by the rigorous standards of modern scientific inquiry. Moreover, many of these accounts may be attributed to fabrication or sophisticated hoaxes. 

Two Directions of the Fourth Dimension

A minority of these phenomena, however, persist without satisfactory explanation, even after rigorous examination, which raises the possibility of supernatural involvement. Unfortunately, biblical texts portray such forces as being in opposition to both God and humanity.²³ Their existence and actions could also be interpreted through the lens of a fourth spatial dimension. If our universe is indeed a three-dimensional hypersurface of a four-dimensional cosmic hypersphere, with an internal region (as discussed in Part 1), then it is conceivable that the three-dimensional space we inhabit functions as a boundary—or perhaps even a frontline—between opposing forces engaged in a cosmic conflict. 

We cannot assert with absolute certainty the true nature of the fourth dimension. However, the prevalence of the aforementioned paranormal phenomena suggests that this dimension is not a realm for casual exploration. Like any spatial dimension, the fourth dimension possesses two opposing directions. The question remains: which path will we take? As Jesus stated, ‘He who is not with Me is against Me’.²⁴ Neutrality is not an option in this spiritual conflict. It is therefore imperative to stand with Christ, for only through His sacrifice on the cross can the gift of human salvation be found.

By the way, we recommend reading the articles:

• The Fourth Dimension – Part 1: The Shape of the Universe
• Exploring the Origins of Religion
• Earth’s Axial Precession in Ancient Thought
• What is the Higgs Boson?
• Scientists and Philosophers Who Found Faith in God

Footnotes

1. Di Valentino, E., Melchiorri, A. and Silk, J. (2019) ‘Planck evidence for a closed Universe and a possible crisis for cosmology’, Nature Astronomy, 4, pp. 196–203. Available at: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41550-019-0906-9.
2. Mandelbaum, R.F. (2018) ‘Two Experiments Show Fourth Spatial Dimension Effect’, Gizmodo, 4 January. Available at: https://gizmodo.com/two-experiments-show-fourth-spatial-dimension-effect-1821739488.
3. Kajfosz, J. (2010) U wrót przestrzeni. Warsaw: Oficyna Wydawnicza Vocatio, p. 20.
4. GeekWeek (2020) ‘Wszechświat jest 4-wymiarową hiper-kulą o brzegu 3-wymiarowej sfery ekspandującej’, GeekWeek, 30 November. Available at: https://geekweek.interia.pl/astronomia/news-wszechswiat-jest-4-wymiarowa-hiper-kula-o-brzegu-3-wymiarowe,nId,5546829.
5. Di Valentino, E., Melchiorri, A. and Silk, J. (2019) ‘Planck evidence for a closed Universe and a possible crisis for cosmology’, Nature Astronomy, 4, pp. 196–203. Available at: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41550-019-0906-9.
6. Sutter, P. (2016) ‘The Universe Is Flat — Now What?’, Space.com, 7 December. Available at: https://www.space.com/34928-the-universe-is-flat-now-what.html.
7. Kajfosz, J. (2010) U wrót przestrzeni. Warsaw: Oficyna Wydawnicza Vocatio, pp. 19–20. 
8. YouTube (2007) Flatland – Animated Film Adaptation. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avMX-Zft7K4.
9. Kajfosz, J. (2010) U wrót przestrzeni. Warsaw: Oficyna Wydawnicza Vocatio, pp. 24–28, 32–34. 
10. The Bible, New King James Version, 1982, 2 Kings 6:15–17.
11. The Bible, New King James Version, 1982, Daniel 5:5, 24–28. 
12. The Bible, New King James Version, 1982, Matthew 17:1–9. 
13. The Bible, New King James Version, 1982, 2 Kings 2:11–12. 
14. Indirectly indicates Jude 1:9.
15. The Bible, New King James Version, 1982, John 20:19, 26. 
16. Kajfosz, J. (2010) U wrót przestrzeni. Warsaw: Oficyna Wydawnicza Vocatio, pp. 40–43. 
17. The existence of a fourth dimension may also explain another problem reported on the subject of the biblical Flood. Evolutionists claim that if Noah’s Flood caused a violent release of electromagnetic radiation trapped in radioactive rocks, thus giving false results of dating the rocks for millions of years, the released energy could have caused all the oceans on Earth to evaporate. This is a matter familiar to creationists. The fourth dimension solves the problem in that, theoretically, this energy could have been miraculously redirected in a perpendicular (90°) direction from our three-dimensional reality.
18. Examples of films and documentary series on paranormal phenomena can be found, e.g.: https://www.yourtango.com/self/best-paranormal-documentaries. There is no shortage of voices saying that at least some of them were created for entertainment purposes only, nevertheless there are also more serious productions.
19. The Bible, New King James Version, 1982, Luke 8:27–29. 
20. Conde Nast Traveler (n.d.) Most Haunted Places in the World. Available at: https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/most-haunted-places-in-the-world.
21. Listverse (2013) 10 Alleged Exorcisms and Demonic Possessions. Available at: https://listverse.com/2013/10/15/10-alleged-exorcisms-and-demonic-possessions/.
22. Onet (n.d.) Edgar Cayce – Śpiący Prorok. Available at: https://facet.onet.pl/strefa-tajemnic/edgar-cayce-spiacy-prorok-przepowiednia-jasnowidza-dotyczaca-rosji/he37yxf.
23. The Bible, New King James Version, 1982, Ephesians 6:12. 
24. The Bible, New King James Version, 1982, Luke 11:23. 

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