The balance of science and religion is a challenge faced by every mainstream researcher and historian that holds any spiritual belief system at heart. A fantastic article from Faith21 touches on the subject of the Oceans and the Bible.
Why dare even attempt to Blog on what could be such a controversial subject?
Well, I’ve recently taken some time to reflect on why I am where I am, and why I do what it is I do everyday (blow bubbles). I’ve been asked that troublesome question ‘why?’ with nearly every pursuit – especially of the more expeditious endeavors. Why bother? Why endure the risk/challenge? Why will this benefit me (the donor/sponsor)? Why not just send a sensor or robot down there? Why you, and not someone else? Just plain ole ‘Why?’. Period. Ugghh.
It all comes down to the power of observation and the element of surprise. This became much clearer to me after reading a recent interview with Jacques Piccard about his history-making dive aboard the Trieste to the bottom of the Marianas Trench – of which the 50th anniversary of this event is just one week away. Piccard went on to describe the value of the submariner, that is putting a human in an environment to make a first hand observation, and then react to it. Whether changing a science plan, snapping a photo, or making a simple note of a split second observation. This is the information that captivates us as a species; that element of surprise, and discovery of yet another question to be answered.
While out in the field, I’ve experienced that element on numerous occasions – it has sparked creative pursuits, and fueled persistent passions. That inherent drive within humanity is a gift that only our species seems to experience…and there is no textbook science that accounts for this.
Experiencing the process of discovery does not require a devout religious commitment, but when that marvel of nature stares you straight in the face, it is clear that we (humanity) has been given a number of gifts; novelties in nature, the ability to make discoveries at any number of levels, and that ongoing pursuit to know that which is unknown. In that pursuit, it is perfectly OK to challenge both belief systems and scientific knowledge because that’s what we are supposed to do…it’s in our DNA.
That pursuit not only guides us through understanding our past and the world around us, but helps us gain a deeper understanding of our personal selves.
The balance of science and religion is often especially sensitive with regard to the possibility of life on other planets. Proof of such a discovery would have religious and social implications at a massive scale here on Earth. Even so, again, the pursuit for this knowledge is a part of our species, so it must be addressed by every side of the balanced equation. Call it weird science, call it propaganda, call it what you will – the following piece from CNN sheds some light on the ‘Why?’ question from where it is least expected…