Gospels of science

Dave — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 19:55:37 GMT

I find it interesting that Ms. Druyan, in the same way that most people sell God's power short in terms of the grandeur of the universe, sells God's power short in terms of having the ability and the desire to actively care about each individual person in the world. If His power of creation (whether it's in 7 days or 7 billion years) is great enough to create 400 billion star systems in perfect working order, why wouldn't His power of love and power of mind be able to individually care about each of the 6 billion people on earth (and however many trillions of other living things there are in the universe).

Gospels of science

Mike Norman, Oregonia, Ohio — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 21:08:45 GMT

I find it tremendously exciting that these lectures by Carl are now being made available and look forward to obtaining them. He was truly an inspirational thinker and scientist who had a tremendous knack for simplifying complex subjects into laymans terms for people such as I. His childlike wonder and enthusiasm for science, reason, human thought processes and learning has been a lifelong inspiration for me. His passing 10 years ago was truly a sad day for me personally but he continues to motivate and inspire through the efforts of his beautiful wife Ann. We owe her a tremendous debt of gratitude for her tireless efforts to carry on her husband's legacy.

Gospels of science

Kent Driskill — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 22:43:39 GMT

There is an excellent organization that presents the basis for a Creator. That website is called www.reasons.org The organization is named "Reasons to Believe" and the organization's founder is Dr. Hugh Ross an astrophysicist. Dr. Ross has an excellent book, "Creation as Science", which I recommend for those wanting to understand the creationist point of view. In fact, I would hope that you will add www.reasons.org as a hyperlink for the creationists point of view. There is an excellent FAQ page available at this website as well.

Gospels of science

Mike Maxwell — Wed, 08 Nov 2006 01:49:25 GMT

Along the lines of Dave's comment: It is not the Judeo-Christian view of God that is too small, but Ann Druyan's, who appears to believe that God has too much on His mind to worry about us. To get a handle on this: suppose the entire universe were downsized to the size of our bodies. A galaxy might correspond, say, to a single cell; the Earth to a single DNA nucleotide; and a person to a single subatomic particle. Now suppose that particle has the potential to disrupt the DNA, as a result of which the cell could turn cancerous. Would we not be concerned about that particle? Size doesn't determine something's importance. Having said that, I suspect the immense size of the universe was intended to awe us, as it did the author of Psalm 19--who marveled that God was nonetheless concerned about man. So yes, Ann, be awed at the universe, as many believers have been throughout the ages.

Gospels of science

Kitty, Oregon — Wed, 08 Nov 2006 03:13:54 GMT

I am thankful to be able, through a written legacy, to still enjoy Carl Sagan's journeys through space/time and his wonder. And this is a most amazing interview as well. I am struck by how thoughtful and expressive Ann Druyan is in her own right. Thank you.

Gospels of science

Bill Henderson, Big Bear Ca — Wed, 08 Nov 2006 03:41:12 GMT

Mankind thru the ages and in every culture has invented some sort of god-identity; it is just a manifistation of our animal fear of being eaten.

Gospels of science

Bernard Jay, Tehachapi, CA — Wed, 08 Nov 2006 10:04:38 GMT

I am going to have to obtain a copy of this work by Mr. Sagan. It could very well point to answers I have been looking for. I have long held that science and religion are not as separated as the current views would have us believe.

Gospels of science

Michael Nabors, Detroit, Michigan — Wed, 08 Nov 2006 17:00:01 GMT

A fascinating and mind-opening read. As a baptist minister, I have always felt my efforts actually truncate the expansiveness of God. This piece confirms it. We may give God glory and praise, but we always fail when it comes to identifying and describing God. The key for a successful merging of science and religion, lies in the capacity to expand horizons and eradicate fears. Both science and religion must discover paths towards one another, in the name of God.

Gospels of science

Dave Snider, Toronto, Canada — Wed, 08 Nov 2006 18:05:02 GMT

I have a Christian faith that was a long time and hard fought in coming. I had my long and strong period of atheism and I have always been fascinated by science in all of its forms. I attribute both the need for scientific explanation and religious faith to being natural facets of the human mind. We have learned so much, yet we know so very little about the nature of the universe, from the vast cosmos right down to the subatomic realm. The human mind will never stop seeking more knowledge, and those who seek to resist this thirst on any basis, religious or not, have no hope in succeeding. On the other hand, faith is driven by the human thirst for knowing, and it is an equally irresistable force. No amount of "proving", or inability to "prove", will ever stop these natural and unstoppable human drives. So, to my mind, it is not a worthwhile application of human intelligence to engage in philosophical battles trying to "prove" the other perspective to be wrong. All humans have to understand their universe in whatever limited way each can. What we truly need to come to terms with, though, is that this tiny speck of dust we live on is becoming rapidly overwhelmed by the teeming masses and runaway technology we have unleashed upon it. Sometime in the foreseable future the earth is going to "sneeze" and eliminate these irritants known as humankind. The earth will continue, as will the universe, but the human species, just as the dinosaurs, has only a marginal chance of continuing. Faith in God gives some comfort to those of us who have no real faith in humanity.

Gospels of science

Manny Cordero, Center Moriches, New York — Wed, 08 Nov 2006 19:30:11 GMT

I always thought that God and science intersected at the point of personal introspection. Given the limitations of our senses, we should, I think, be willing to accept the fact that our capacity for reason does not automatically convey the ability to determine what is reasonable. As we approach an age where the notion of a universal theory of everything is not so unimaginable, isn't it also possible that we simply lack the 'perspective' to embrace the totality of the universe conceptually? A person who can do that would have to exist 'outside' our reality, no? Our ancestors have embedded within our collective minds, several universal truths, as Joseph Campbell would say. I, for one, am not inclined to immediately abandon the notion of a God, simply because it's too big to reconcile with my notions of morality or purpose

Gospels of science

Don, Orlando Fl — Wed, 08 Nov 2006 19:47:10 GMT

Humans have had Gods for everything we couldn't understand. We no longer worship the Gods we created, like sun Gods, fire Gods, and so on. Life and death, That is what the current Gods represent, which also happens to be what we fear and understand the least. I personally think that there may be God like beings, because we just have reached their level of understanding, but could never beleive in the Gods that current religions have created.

Gospels of science

Daphne Vandervalk, Thousand Oaks, California — Wed, 08 Nov 2006 20:19:00 GMT

I find it sad that for so long, men of science were often men of faith, and that in recent times this wall if division has been pushing science and faith apart. Both scientists and the religious are truth-seekers, or should be. Christians need to get back into science. I find it interesting that Ann says there is no evidence of any kind of intelligence guiding creation, when the codes and patterns of our genes so closely resemble a written language. If such messages were to reach us in a form emanated from outer space, they would be received as proof of extraterrestrial intelligent life elsewhere in the universe.

Gospels of science

Rob, State College PA — Wed, 08 Nov 2006 22:37:24 GMT

"Faith in God gives some comfort to those of us who have no real faith in humanity.” Well said, Dave Snider. I don't have faith in God because of how humanity has turned the very idea of God into a concept that breeds war and "my way or the highway" mentality. But I do understand where you are coming from in that statement. I feel very similar about Carl Sagan to the way you do about God. His writings give me comfort that humanity is not lost and there are rational thinking people that can look beyond our violent traditions and into human knowledge itself. His lectures are more relevant now then they were in 1985 given the conflict between religion and science happening in the present.

Gospels of science

Blythe Guvenen, Sierra Vista, Ariz. — Wed, 08 Nov 2006 23:49:32 GMT

I find it disheartening that so many Christians reject science that supposedly conflicts with their faith. They should find some middle ground and try to follow both. In a way, both support one another. I personally am an atheist, but science and faith are more reconcilable than people like to admit. You can easily conclude that god created the universe and life through the natural and elegant processes revealed by science. Apply your won belief system to it all... no crime against that. As Carl Sagan himself said: "How is it that hardly any major religion has looked at science and concluded, 'This is better than we thought! The Universe is much bigger than our prophets said, grander, more subtle, more elegant. God must be even greater than we dreamed'? Instead they say, 'No, no, no! My god is a little god, and I want him to stay that way.'"

Gospels of science

Chris Minley, Austin, Tx — Thu, 09 Nov 2006 07:41:15 GMT

Yea verily yea! let us go forward with open hearts and open calculators, processors and pentacles, prostrate at the pedestal base of infinite knowledge and let us learn! Let us grow! Let us become the sum of truth in its multitude dimensions! Amen.

Gospels of science

Paul, Tucson, Arizona — Thu, 09 Nov 2006 07:47:33 GMT

As a scientist and a Christian, I do not see a conflict between the two. As Ms.Druyan mentioned, the serious study of science and of the universe was initiated primarily by Christians who understood that if God created the universe, then it would be ordered and knowable... and therefore the study of science on all levels would lead to a greater understanding and appreciation of the Creator as well. Looking at distant galaxies thorugh my telescope gives me not only a sense of awe at the amazing enormity, beauty and complexity of the universe, but also a glimpse of the awesomeness of the God who created it all (as well as a humble perspective regarding my relationship to Him). It says in the bible (Romans 1:19-20) regarding our knowledge of God "that which is known about God is evident within them (us), for since creation His invisible attributes, eternal power and divine nature have been clearly seen, being understood through that which has been made." As Ms. Druyan also indicated, we are a long way from understanding all of nature through science. Therefore we are also a long way from understanding God, who created and transcends nature. The ultimate proof for me though came not from looking outward, but inward. The very ability to reason and to be inspired to awe, to love, to recognize beauty, to have compassion, all speak of something greater than ourselves. The existence of a spirit within us is something that cannot be explained by elaborate combinations of amino acids and any amount of time and cosmic chance. The deep yearning within ourselves to seek truth and yearn for a connection to something or someone that transcends our own apparent mortality is universal. Given our limited understanding of the natural universe, which is finite, we are unlikely to come to a full understanding of God, who is infinite. Fortunately, He desires to reveal Himself to us. "You will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart (Jer 29:13)".

Gospels of science

Ralph Garner — Thu, 09 Nov 2006 16:40:49 GMT

Carl Sagan was a man and a true scientist. I felt a great loss when he passed away. As an atheist, I will always remember his response on one of the talk shows, when ask "Do you believe in God?" and his most intelligent response, "If you take all of the physical laws of the universe and consider them God, Yes." I think it was pretty much word for word and I thought, If the people of this world would open up and look and believe in what they see and how science if trying open our eyes to the ultimate reality, What a UTOPIA we may just realize.

Gospels of science

G.C. Hunt Northbrook, Illinois — Thu, 09 Nov 2006 17:25:59 GMT

At this time Sagan and Gould have been my favorite science writers. Can you provide more information about their relationship?

Gospels of science

Gale, L.A. CA — Thu, 09 Nov 2006 19:39:15 GMT

Carl Sagan was a man of true wisdom and vision. His passing was a great loss for us all but his words will be with us always. If only people would take off their blinders of religion and see the truth in his writings. People who believe in religion, ghosts, astrology, bigfoot, alien abductions, devils and all other sorts of nonsense should read Sagans book, The Demon Haunted World. I am an agnostic. I don't think it is possible for the human mind to know if there is or isn't a God. Yes, you can believe or not believe, but you can never know, and people who say they know have not evolved beyond the scared, ignorant, superstitious humans of thousands of years ago. Carl said, "Life is but a momentary glimpse of the wonder of this astonishing universe, and it is sad to see so many dreaming it away on spiritual fantasy." I agree.

Gospels of science

Barbara LeMaster, Pompano Beach, Florida — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 14:26:34 GMT

I definitely plan to find this book. I'd also recommend Sagan's book 'The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark' to anyone who hasn't read it yet.

Gospels of science

Donna Max, Provo, UT — Tue, 14 Nov 2006 03:45:51 GMT

Religion is a big part of my life, always has been, but I had a lot of questions. I now know that science and religion go hand in hand. When I read the comments I remember I had the same questions, but now they are answered. Yes there are answers out there. Our finite minds want to complicate everything. Many of the early Christian writers talk about how the prophets, such as Abraham and Moses were given the information as to the creation of this earth, and the knowledge that many more earths exist for the testing and trial of God's children and pass away as the tests are completed.

Science has determined that galaxies are stacked one upon another, until they cannot be counted. God said to his prophets: "My work and my glory is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." That's quite a concept. But for our testing and advancement each earth & those that populate it are quaranteened for a time, as are millions or billions of other earths that are testing grounds for the Lord's children - its not essential that we know everything right now, as our tests on this earth are to develop in ways that we could not develop before we came here. We had a lot of knowledge in a pre-existent life, even about the galaxies, and it will be restored to us - but having had that knowledge, it is not absolutely necessry we review it at this particular time, although it is interesting. Our tests are more basic, to find out who the Lord can trust in an environment where we don't have perfect knowledge, and one of those tests require that we learn faith - that is the element that most of these people seem to overlook.

There is a writer called Hugh Nibley, who has written about 10-12 books. He died this last year, but he had an incredible grasp on what is called "The Great Plan of Salvation" which God, our Heavenly Father presented to all of us before this earth for radification and implimentation. I watched the history channel the other night and a Christian and a Rabbi both expressed the knowledge (from their ancient writings) that what I have said is true - that these things and other things have been lost, and are now being restored in huge libraries of information coming forth from the Middle East, which support the Bible, but which give more information to answer the so called big questions about God.) Hugh Nibley knew multiple ancient languages, and he researched them in depth for years and years. His criteria for truth was - if, lets say a hundred or more out of the multitude of papers, and papri, etc he researched said virtually the same thing then we have some truth out there. And that's simplifying it. However, his book called "The Old Testament and Related Studies," is incredible - I found that by reading it and marking it that amazing information could be gleaned from it about God and the cosmos. Where man came from, why he is here and where he is going. Nibley was an individualist, and he was also a part of organized religion, but was no finatic. His books are a little deep but they are understandable because they are for the seeker of truth.

Gospels of science

Leslie Olson, Dolorado Springs, CO — Tue, 28 Nov 2006 14:27:44 GMT

After years of education, continued reading in the sciences, i.e. archaeology, biology especially, I had come to the conclusion that my early love affair with the Christian religion was flawed. However, during a time of great crisis in my life, I returned to my beginnings and started studying about Jesus Christ. Sometimes I felt oddly like a castoff from the scientific field, but the joy and peace that I have obtained through my beliefs and studies have been reassuring. "The Lord God made them all."

Gospels of science

Jenae Reese, Spokane WA — Wed, 06 Dec 2006 21:08:42 GMT

I grew up as a Christian Fundamentalist. Walking away from my faith was the most difficult and rewarding thing that I ever did. One of the books that convinced me was Carl Sagan's "Demon Haunted World" . I wish that he had been alive when I read the book. I would so like to tell him how much his reasoning meant to me.

Gospels of science

Jesus4rk — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 12:44:22 GMT

I'm sure Carl would be pleased that he has turned peoples hearts away from God. I'm sure Ann Druyan is too but I pray something will open her heart to God while there is time. It is too late for Carl.