The basic principle may be understood by considering how the famous cinema effect is produced. By using coloured lenses, usually red and green spectacles, to filter information from the projected screen image to the eyes, a slightly different picture is presented to each eye; and that is all that is necessary for the brain to produce a 3d image. Although the individual left and right images are different, and each of the images is a true representation of reality, it is the combined information which provides the richer view of the subject; only when taken together, is it possible to comprehend the additional dimension.

Holograms provide unique insight into the process of recording three-dimensional images. The generation of a hologram requires the use of laser technology to record the various facets of visual information which are represented by different viewpoints. A laser is used as the light-source for photographing the subject. By also directing some of the beam directly at the photographic film, an interference pattern is recorded. The three-dimensional effect is then produced in the brain by decoding the recorded interference pattern.

The eastern, metaphysical principle of duality is embraced in James Clerk Maxwell’s theories relating to the nature of light; which behaves as both waves and a particles. Neither wave nor particle theory is sufficient to explain the nature of light; but the theories perfectly complement each other so that the description is complete. Maxwell, who was a brilliant physicist and astronomer, was similarly ‘convinced that scientific investigation and the teachings of the Bible were not only compatible but should be linked together104’.

The scientific view of reality, whilst necessarily subjective, provides us with the best human attempt at grasping the truth. If the God of truth represented in the Bible does exist, then his communication with mankind must also be truthful; a faithful representation of reality. If the Bible can be trusted as a truthful record of the events which took place at creation, then we are faced with an interesting possibility because this scenario would permit access to an absolutely reliable reference source. Just as to produce a hologram, and hence record the depth dimension, it is necessary for a reference beam to be directed at the photographic film for comparison with a beam reflected from the subject, so might a comparison of the Bible against our scientific data reveal a hitherto hidden depth - an underlying synergy?

Before we consider the Genesis text, we may wish to note that the Bible does support the existence of higher-dimensional reality; the fifth dimension in which the beginning, according to scientists, must have occurred. The Bible deals with existence outside of our time dimension; both the point when time began105 and also the point when time has ceased106 to exist. There are many references in scripture to this extra-dimensional existence which the Bible calls ‘eternity' .For example, in St Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians107, he says that ‘the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal’ .My dictionary defines ‘temporal’ as, ‘of or relating to time’; and ‘eternal’ as, ‘without beginning or end’ .