God’s Scientific Universe
This week we reflect on the role faith and science play in our lives.
It is an interesting concept to consider these two aspects in the same breath.
The SALT lectionary notes this week talk about two miracles preformed by Jesus. As an "unclean" woman has the audacity to approach and touch him, the crowed is appalled. Soon their reaction turns to shock, as Jesus touches her, and heals her, despite the fact that she is an outcast. Jesus heals her, because she has demonstrated such faith in him. Secondly, he brings the daughter of a leader of the synagogue, back to life. Again, despite the fact that Jewish leaders were often at odds with Jesus's teachings and popularity, Jesus follows him to his home and the daughter is brought back to life. Here are two clear examples of Faith resulting in science defying outcomes.
The Broadview article with Jane Goodall speaks of how the approach of science has changed over the last 50-60 years. In the 1960's empathy was considered a lack of objectivity and therefore, clouded scientific research. And yet, it was Jane Goodall's empathy and curiosity that led her to be the first person to discover that chimpanzees use tools to collect food, that they have emotional connections with their fellow chimpanzees, and that they can even have an emotional connection with human beings.
The second article mentions several important scientists who have acknowledged that science alone, cannot explain the mysteries of the universe. Albert Einstein, one of the greatest scientific minds of the 20th century spoke of his attitude toward God: “We see a universe marvelously arranged and obeying certain laws, but only dimly understand those laws. Our limited minds cannot grasp the mysterious force that moves the constellations.”
Understanding the Universe
Science and Compassion
by Yonat Shimron, Religion News Service | June 10, 2021
Jane Goodall shares with us her belief that science and religion are compatible, not conflicting, entities. She believes that more minds are seeing the purpose behind the universe and intelligence, through the lens of religion and science together.
Science and Spirituality
by Dr. Rex E. Piercy, February 5, 2019
The late Carl Sagan (astronomer, cosmologist, astrophysicist) said, “Science is not only compatible with spirituality; it is a profound source of spirituality… The notion that science and spirituality are somehow mutually exclusive does a disservice to both.”
Miracles of Faith
by SALT team | June 22, 2021
SALT presents us with two miracles preformed by Jesus. He heals an "unclean" woman, and the daughter of a leader of the synagogue. The woman's faith is what brings about her healing, and Jesus uses this as a lesson for the spiritual leader who also seeks his healing ability for his daughter.
Living Our Faith Day-to-Day
June 27 is also the birthday of Helen Keller, born in Alabama in 1880. When she was just shy of her second birthday, she was struck by an illness that left her both deaf and blind. And though she’s primarily known today as an inspirational figure who overcame adversity, she devoted her energies largely to improving the lives of others.
“Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.”