Wow. Good thoughts. I've found the internet is an extension of self; it is very empowering. A few years ago I met my best friend through our wives. Both wives have a similar interest. He works in one of the nuclear labs doing optical work. My background is that I have two degrees: one in computer science and another in geological science. I've also got a life-long interest in all science.
My friend was one of the few people besides myself who seemed interested in asking these types of questions. We are like twins separated at birth! My wife is my complement and is unusual in her own right. These are the two bright stars in my life. My wife doesn't like the out of doors, is very intellectual and likes to ponder the imponderable, but her interests are less technical than mine. My buddy and I talk for hours as we saunter through the hills nearby. One can only wonder what someone would think who overheard us.
There is a synergy that exists between people and things. I agree that the notion of a bearded man in the clouds is preposterous (certainly to me and , apparently, to you ). In fact, it is an insult to The Deity (if there is one) to put the expression in such banal and weak anthropomorphic terms.
The discoveries in science only seek to reinforce my sense of connectedness with other creatures, the space we live in and a greater "plan". My own personal observations of nature and sense of wonder seem to be at odds to what I consider simplistic dogma.
I have another friend who is a Christian. He is a funny sort of Christian though in the sense that he isn't into judgement and dogma. His explanation is that religion is like a TV tuner. There is a channel for everyone. Much of it is in metaphor and people mistake the metaphor for the truth. We've had some wonderful talks and what fascinates me about him is the richness and complexity of his model. It is all well thought-out and consistent, but very different from mine.
I'm not into to telling people what to believe, only what I believe. I want to hear what others believe so that I may compare and add it to my own understanding. I am Borg - prepare to be assimilated. Well, your ideas anyway.
I like what you write and I hope we are not the only ones. It is a lonely intellectual world out there when you find that most people posit the most absurd opinions and then say you need to believe their way or something really, really bad will happen to you. You seem to be saying that what I believe... this is a path to discovery for all of us. If we simply open our eyes, there it is.
BTW, don't deprive yourself. I bought a 4.5" telescope at Costco after the Christmas clearance for $150. They have one NOW for $199 (after coupon) and this one has a finder computer and motor drives. It is a Meade. I use mine about 12-15 times a year and am considering joining the local amateur astronomy to gain access to a large aperture Dobsonian. |
