The Birth of Stars

Because of our conversation about mystery, paradox and enlightenment yesterday, I wanted to link you to this NPR article about new discoveries regarding the birth of stars. I am also including it, because I think that as we talk about the relationship between science and religion, the concept of beauty should come in. Science often uncovers vast beauty: beauty in order, beauty in interrelation (as Carl Sagan expresses in our reading from last night), beauty in vastness, as well as visual and aural beauty. If stars are not part of all of those types of beauty, I am not sure what is. But beauty is also a theological idea and God (the infinite) is seen as supremely beautiful. It is an interesting place for a conversation, and hopefully one we will return to periodically.

In looking at the Armstrong and the Barbour readings, I found that it seemed that both authors were ultimately conveying the message of exploring new ways of knowing truth in light of our modern world, but chose different ways of going about it.

Obviously, the Barbour reading was more in-depth than the Armstrong reading, and focused more fully on science. Barbour went about his discussion by looking at claims about religion through the lens of not only the 'hard' sciences, but also examining religion socially and to some extent, psychologically. Armstrong explored modern views on religion both in the scientific and philosophic communities, ultimately offering her alternative to what she sees as the problem with the modern way of perceiving God.

Both authors strive to test the boundaries of the way we perceive God in light of the changes in the world today.

The Tree of Life

Since I know that many of you will be looking over this blog before class begins (becuase I have invited you to it), I thought I would post something that I found interesting recently and that relates to our topic. I recently saw this film:

and found myself thinking about prayer, nature, creation, evolution, sin, death, and the mystery and wonder of God. If you haven't seen it, I strongly recommend it. If you have, feel free to post some of your thoughts in the comments section below.