Better Living Through Science?

The author of Let The Hammer Fall pointed this out to me. Isn't the detached, almost clinical description interesting? I thought the author was just trying to be accurate, but the last sentence shows his true leaning. This is another example of why faith an reason (or science and religion) have a link that only a fool pretends to ignore. Science gives us some control over our world, but on what do we base our decisions to use that control? This author seems to think that it is a good use of technology to prevent obese people from procreation, purportedly for their own good.

Nowhere does this author seriously ask if it's right, although it is implied that it is about time.

Time Robs Hope for Recovery

Heartbreaking cases like these demonstrate the need for a connection between faith and reason. Why? Because reason needs a basis on which to make such important decisions.

Read the referenced article, and count the contradictions. After 20 months, "Mack" regains consciousness, although the definition of a "persistent vegetative state" is only 3 months after oxygen deprivation. The chance that Schiavo can show any improvement is virtually nil. Yet most such patients die of infections or other ailments within 5 years. The chance of surviving 15 years is also virtually nil. "It is an illusion of consciousness, doctors say." Unless it's not, as in Mack's case.

So here is where faith must meet reason -- where we really don't know something. You have to have the faith to do the right thing anyway. Even, maybe especially, if it involves suffering.

And let's be clear about Schiavo's suffering: if the doctor's are correct and she feels nothing, then why are we starving her to death? But if they are wrong, and she does feel, then why are we starving her to death? Neither choice limits her suffering. Only ours.

"Be it done unto me according to thy word."

Project STOQ: Science, Theology, and the Ontological Quest

Let's see... JPII wrote the Encyclical "On Faith and Reason" in September 1998. Six and one half years later, we have an official project! This is great though, and should go a long way to heal the hurt caused by the Galileo incident. Here's the kind of thought they will pursue:

The president of the pontifical council affirmed that the project also includes: "the definition of joint programs with other public and private universities, with the possibility of attaining a form of double recognition; scholarships for doctoral theses; and the organization of an international congress in November 2005 on the theme 'Infinity in Science, Philosophy and Theology,' in which scientists, theologians and philosophers from all over the world will participate."

Stay tuned to this. The world is about to change. Again.

Great Quote on Pain

I saw this great quote on a comment in Let the Hammer Fall:

When slapped with evil in the face (rape) or forced to make decisions about someone else's future (adoption), the choices are to trust in God's protection or fear that we are abandoned to the wretchedness of this world. Pain can give us amnesia - we forget how much we are loved by God-we are His beloved even in (or especially in) our sufferings. Never forget,you are his beloved daughter.

anonymous

Let the Hammer Fall: The Silent Genocide

I told you it would be interesting!

Let the Hammer Fall

Watch this new blog. I know the author, and I bet it will be interesting!