Christianity and Science

Where science thrives, so does Christian bashing, or so it seems to be for me in the United States. I can't say I entirely blame the scientists, just go onto any forum about evolution or the big bang and you'll find a christian tripping over themselves in an attempt to prove that they are right, where there statements are often fragmented, not well thought out, and here's the kicker: most of their stances aren't even in the bible, which they claim to know better then the back of their hand. The conversations always divulge to fire and brimstone where the man of science spills out theories as if they are fact, and the "bible thumper" tells the scientist that they are going to Hell. It's a lose-lose situation.

These Christians may feel that they have accomplished something by sending their foes into a blind rage wondering how the other can even breathe, but at what cost? The Catholic church has done it's fair share of damage to the world of science, and if it wasn't for them, we'd probably be more technically advanced. Do I hate them? No, I just find their arrogance to be disgusting. Baptists, Lutherans and all the other denominations are also to blame, all have played a part. The cost of these people who prowl the world via internet, campus or wherever result in the scientific community generally looking down upon those who call themselves Christians.

It is very angering to me because the two don't have to war like they have for centuries. Each has a shared guilt in this moronic conquest to prove the superiority of the other.

Why....

To The Church

Let me start with the church, you speak evils and hate on such an intense level I wonder if you have ever opened a bible yourself. Sadly most people of faith blindly follow the words of their pastor/priest without checking to see if what they are saying makes sense, we are taught to be Christ like, not pastor like.

 Without knowing the bible on a personal level how can one truly call themselves well versed in god? I'm not saying you have to be experts in the bible, but realize the gravity of your actions when claiming what you believe is in the bible, because often it is not.
What do I mean? When quoting a verse a few things must be taken into mind: you must understand the context of the time, you MUST understand the context of the verse, those one hit wonder verses typically have nothing to do with what you speak, and finally know who is being addressed in the book. Without those key points your quotes are pointless, because you are human and lack the authority to put words in gods mouth. If you know beyond a doubt that your verse is applicable in both the situation and in context(s) then by all means use it.

Next, realize the bible is about faith and spirituality, and is a guide for how to live, as well as many other things. But you know what it isn't? The bible isn't a scientific road map as many of you seem to think. In the bible I notice they do not mention subatomic particles, or panda bears. Does this mean they can not exist? No, of course not, it just did not find that mention such objects was important. Did the bible state that some animals are capable of altering their abilities to survive in otherwise unsurvivable habitats (like invasive species for example)? No, because again it was not important.
Why was it not important? Because believing in intelligent design by god through evolution, or believing that the Universe originated in a single point, or anything along those lines do not have to do with your righteousness (right standing with god). I am no biblical expert, but I know this to be true, how?

Ephesians 2:8-9 -"For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast."

Romans 3:28 - "For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law."

Galatians 2:16 "Yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified." 

I'm going to stop there but there is plenty more stating the exact same thing. It does not say that you are saved though belief in Jesus Christ and belief in scientific principals told by the church, no just saved through Faith by Grace, no science is involved in the salvation aspect, therefore I see no reason why a book meant to help guide and redeem you would need to include such matters at such a precise level.

Also does it not say:

Romans 12:18 - "If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all."

So please stop picking your battles in at attempt to do who knows what because in the end all you are accomplishing is widening the schism between science and Christianity.

Did Jesus not come and teach us love? That despite the cruel world we live in, we are to be respectful loving people? It is hard yes, and we will all fail, but why do we have fight useless fights that only separate others further from god?
God is love, and we need to strive to be better, not because we have to be better but because we have been given a beautiful gift, a gift we should offer (NOT FORCE) it to others. If they wish not to heard, why make them? It is their choice. 

There is no spiritual gain, nor godly gain in blasting those with different views. God is just, and perfect while you are not. No matter how perfect you believe you are you still sin, so what makes you good enough to have the right to judge everyone else? You don't.

I just don't like him because he's cockier than
Hawking, and less intelligent

To the (Christian disliking) Scientists

My statements will be shorter to you, but that does not make you any less at fault. One thing scientists seem to fail to understand is that what you believe is not set-in-stone. Yes, many of the theories ad laws are mostly likely correct, considering they can accurately depict the actions of an object in a set field of requirements, but they do not always prove to be perfect.

The more advanced we get the more we learn, but as we learn the ideas and beliefs we had tend to evolve, or even completely fall apart. On top of that the more we learn, the less we realize we know. You are not perfect, just because your theory has a few points to it doesn't make it correct, so stop saying everyone else is wrong because yours is absolutely right. In order for it to be absolutely right, without any doubt you would need a non-compromised observation, which sadly the human mind itself is compromised and is known to alter things, thus how can you say anything you know is certain?

I am not just saying your deputing of a god, but the way you treat other theories. You act as if yours alone is the only way, which is not how real scientist should think. Their minds should be open to anything, seeing as how the universe is infinity complex and ever changing to think you alone are right is foolish. 

So to put it more clearly: Scientist need to open their minds, not just to the possible existence of a god, but to so many theories that get pushed back because they don't believe it fits the standard model, only to find twenty years later it was exactly what they needed. You are holding the human race back, keeping them at a walk when they could be running. Open your mind, there is so much to see and so much that we don't know.

My Thoughts

I am pursuing Astrophysics in college and I also am a devout christian. This to some would seem like a paradox, but for me it just makes sense.

I believe what the bibles says, I believe that god created the universe I believe Jesus died for me, and I believe that there is a heaven and a hell. I also believe the bible is meant to guide me spiritually, as well as make me into the person I am supposed to be.
But I also believe the world is billions of years old. I believe gravity exists (as I hope everyone else does...), I agree with most if not all of the current physics models, because to me it makes sense. The universe has laws and regulations to keep it going, I can deny it all I want but logic and observable experiments prove that it functions in certain ways.

To me the universe is beautiful, and studying and learning about the physics and astronomy is not a test against my faith, but rather builds my faith. The vast complexity, and beauty only makes me respect, and love my god even more. For me worship is looking at his work and seeing the creativity and wonders he has made. It is truly amazing.

Why can't I believe that a creator set in motion the world around me? We know not what started the Universe, so why can't I believe it was god? I do and it is just as valid as believing the universe started with particles that were just there.

I pursue the knowledge of how the universe works to better see the beauty of my creator, that is how I can reconcile the two, because they don't need to fight. It is people that make the two clash.

If you see a typo or something that doesn't make sense, I had a migraine while writing this so just ask if you're confused. I am a logical person, so if that is in question, please comment. 

The Eagle

It's story time! Are you ready for an adventure? Well so am I.

            Once upon a time there was a great wilderness. It's thickets rose blocking the sky above, and covering the ground below. The times were dark as the sun barely broke the canopy, save for the gaps of fallen trees. Green brush filled the area between the wall like build of the trunks. Few ventured the lush land for thousands of years.
           One day this all changed. An inquisitive Bald Eagle wishing to find what was hidden in the forest bellow devised a plan. To the east of the mighty wilderness lay a patch of bone dry trees, the Bald Eagle planned to drop a piece of burning tinder upon the dry earth beneath, hoping the flames would erupt, removing much of the foliage. The trick would be finding such tinder.
That night while the Bald Eagle rested the sound of a mighty roar echoed from the edge of the wilderness, rocking the bird into a frenzy as he peered down. The source of the sound seemed to be emanating from the forests edge. The Bald Eagle jumped from his perch sliding through the air like a dolphin through water. The stars shown brightly above as he landed.
          The brush began to rustle, as something moved within. About five feet from the tree emerged a lion, it's thick mane reflected the moonlight as he shook his head. Staring intently up at The Bald Eagle, the lion asked "What brings you to my domain?"
         A pause fell over the Eagle as he processed what to say, "I require your assistance, if you will. I wish to acquire some tinder and flame in order to burn down the forest so that we may know what is within."
        The Lion cogitated for some time before replying "I can acquire tinder, but fire is beyond my capabilities. However, I have heard rumors of a dragon in the land capable of such a feat. I can take you to the one who told me of such things, if you wish. But we must wait till dawn to depart."
        The Bald Eagle nodded, hoping that this quest would pan out as well as he hoped. He returned to sleep until the early hours of the sun as it rose in the east. A deafening scream rang out, confusing the Bald Eagle, but the lion seemed not to mind.
       "That is the one we seek, the rooster calls, and now we can find him." said the Lion "follow me."
       The Bald Eagle and the lion traveled west along the line of the forest crossing rivers and valleys. The sun was at it's zenith when they came upon the roosted who sat upon a stump.
       "Good day Lion, who is it that follows behind?"
       "This is the Bald Eagle, he seeks the dragon of which you spoke. Do you know where it dwells?"
       The Rooster appeared puzzled, "Why do you seek the dragon?"
       "We seek the dragon to acquire fire in order to burn the forest down, so as to find what is inside." replied the Bald Eagle.
      The Rooster pulled a map from under a moss covered stone, pointing to the mountain at the edge of the land, "This is where the Dragon resides. I will take you there."
      "Much thanks." replied the Bald Eagle as the three moved westward through the fields and plains.
      As the curve of the world began to swallow the sun, the field around the lion and rooster became of gold. It flowed like silk as soft winds swept gracefully over the tops of the grass. The crickets arose from the depths to sing songs to the stars as the danced in the twilight. The Bald Eagle looked about, wondering how much farther they would go for the day when a screech rippled through it's skin as it found itself in a downward spiral. Disoriented the Bald Eagle twisted it's body upwards as it struck the now red grass below. Above it was a Black Eagle.
      It's mouth opened as it began to speak "Why have you, Great Bald Eagle crossed into my lands? We were separated by the mighty winding river, a boundary in place by the world itself. But here you are on my side of the line, what brings you to my home, my territory?"
    The Bald Eagle defiantly struck back, knocking the Black Eagle backwards. The Bald Eagle rose, flying straight upwards, the Black Eagle right behind. The two locked talons and spiraled towards the ground, as the clouds above glowed of blood red. They both began to twist in hopes of crashing the other into the ground. The Bald Eagle waited for the final moment before releasing all force. Causing the Black Eagle to slip underneath, slamming into the ground. It flopped around as it slipped in and out of consciousness.
    As the Black Eagle came to, the Bald Eagle responded "we have come in order to gain fire from the dragon in the mountain at the end of the world. With that fire we plan on burning the forest down so that we may find riches, or things of great excellence inside."
    The Black Eagle thoughtfully looked to the sky. "With my assistance the journey may be faster, if you will have me!"
     The Bald Eagle, Rooster, and Lion spoke for some time before concluding that the Black Eagle would be welcomed on their quest. All four rested until the dew was aglow as the sun overtook the horizon. Through the fields they traveled, from morning to evening. Ahead lay a patch of trees extending a mile to the foot of the mountain. As the four entered a low growl echoed in their skin, as the became afraid. From the right, where the trees were red and tall stood a great Bear. It's claws extend, and teeth flashed as it approached.
  It's thick brown fur shook as it's muscle tensed, "I am the guardian of the mountain and of the worlds edge. For what purpose have you come?"
     "We seek fire from the dragon, in order to burn the forest down, so as to find riches and unite the land as never before seen" replied the Lion.
      "Riches, and unity. I shall let you pass, but I must accompany you in this land."
      "Fair enough" replied the Eagle, as the five began the climb.
      The sun now fell behind the lion casting a shadow upon them. The land was barren and beaten from a time long gone. Together the group worked their way to each natural terrace, until the Lion grew tired, and ran ahead with the Bald Eagle.
     By morning the group had arrived at the mouth of the cave. Darkness poured out, evaporating in the sun. Bones of fallen creatures lay scattered on the ground, burned and near ash.
     The Bald Eagle, with great boldness and no feared called out into the darkness "Dragon who dwells in the deep, I call upon you for a favor, where riches and gold may find you."
     A grumbling erupted as out of the cave came a dragon. "And how, do you suggest we find gold and riches?" asked the dragon in a daze.
      "We ask for your fire, and with our tinder we can burn the mighty wilderness down to reveal what it hold within."
      Without hesitation the dragon responded "I shall assist you, let us make haste."
       The six powers moved swiftly east to the untamed forest, where with the help of all a fire was started and burned from end to end of the wilderness.
      Great and mighty riches fell upon them all as the controlled the world around them. A group, they did make of mighty power. Lesser animals of far away kingdoms ask to join their United Nations, and many were accepted, but at a lesser voice than the Six. The Great Bald Eagle, being the brainchild of the Unity, and the most powerful of the land began to centralize his power, taking from the other five.
     The Bald Eagles arrogance made him believe that they others would bow before his decision, regardless of how pointless and unintelligent it was. With the reasoning that without his pursuit into the unknown none would have any power, he took control. The five let it be, thinking the Bald Eagle had the interest of all in its mind. And for some time the Bald Eagle appeared to keep its course, keeping the main goals of the six in line. But as time passed and greed filled the heart of the mighty bird, it became apparent that the only interest of the Bald Eagle was the Bald Eagle.
       The Great Bald Eagle with a cape around its neck flew high above looking down upon all as they worked in their fields. It swept and took whatever it chose, leaving the others hungry. Many of the smaller nations tried to grow so that they too could be one of the six, making it seven, but the Bald Eagle refused, limiting what little they already had. Many smaller nations fell into revolt leading to great disarray in the unity.
        Soon the Great Five grew tired of the Bald Eagle and plotted in secret behind his back. The Great Bald Eagle soared above watching all, recording all but failed to catch these secret summits. Soon a darkness once again fell over the land as the Five waited for the Eagle to rest. As it slipped into sleep, the Five surrounded it, making sure that it would never wake again.

The Bald Eagle failed to realize it's own arrogance, it's own pride. Finding itself invincible only led to demise. It was blind to the world for it cared for itself alone. There is only so much that you can push before the world retaliates, and soon the world shall respond.

Journey: In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb

"And so here at the end of my life, I do once again betray a former master. The path ahead is fraught with peril. But I will do all I can to keep it stable - keep you safe. I'm not so foolish to think this will absolve me of my sins. One Life hardly balances billions. But I would have my master know I have changed, and you shall be my example." 
                                                                     --Mendicant Bias in the last terminal of Halo 3

My years as a teenager have come and gone, in like a lion and out like a lion riding a unicorn made of fire shooting weaponized orangutans. A brutal start to a more brutal end. 

I knew the world, what it was and how to solve everything as a teenager. I knew that when I was older, in my 20s and onward that I would conquer any task that lay ahead. College would be a breeze, I had my entire future mapped out before me. I was certain everything was going to happen the way it was supposed to happen, that everything would work the way it was supposed to work.

But here I find myself just past the end of my teenage life, and everything I thought I knew, my future, my world has shatter like a mirror. The world I thought I could control has shown the teeth it possesses, and now it awaits my response.

I truly thought that entering college I would easily pass all my course, I mean it's college and I've always been good at school. Despite the fact I am the lesser of three sons in many aspects, I still had a 3.6-7 GPA in highschool. It's not perfect, but that'll do, especially since I had a 100% chance of getting into my college since I graduated from a local highschool.

But I have fallen flat on my academic face and failed a majority of the courses I have taken. I'd like to say this was caused by my constant partying or drug use, but it was not caused by either. Being an annoyingly morally obtuse person, I would never use an illegal substance, and I never get invited to parties because during my highschool career I had painted a picture that I am this ultimate recluse, which though not far from the truth, is not the case all the time. (These parties would not involve alcohol, by parties I mean late night hanging out with friends). In addition not having a licence helps seal the deal on the lack of invitations flowing my way, my fault truly and wholly. So with those two out of the question you could assume I didn't study enough.

This too falls flat, I studies for 6 hours a night at least, and even gave up playing video games for a majority of the semester. My life became studying, and yet test after test the wild F has appeared at the top of the paper. And let me tell you, it feels great. Saracsam.

A majority of the people I knew saw me as this prodigy child, like River from Firefly (only I'm a guy).  Everyone foresaw my future, it was filled with greatness and success. But to their disappointment, I have thus far amounted to nothing. Not only did I not meet their expectations, I fell far bellow their standards of acceptable, and some now seem to look down upon me with conceit, adults and kids alike.

So at about this time in my life I feel wonderful. But hey as the River Monster guys puts it, the lows just make the highs seem so much better. Speaking of which...


As my dreams do this awkward dance like a broken toilet (seen plenty of those lately at work) and as I grasp one final time at my dreams before I flare or fade, my rage rises. It is not something I want but the continued and growing stresses of everything is causing magma to build beneath my crust. Bah volcanoes.

Meanwhile at the same time my respect for the life on this planet grows. I have to rationalize killing a bug. It's to the point where if a bug comes into my house I catch and let it go because I take unnecessary mercy on it.
I mean it's just a bug doing it's thing, it didn't consciously think hey I'm going to go mess with that human over there! No it was being a bug, so what gives me the right to end it's life? I don't always spare them, but I try. And I hate feeling like that, because Vegans... ehhhhhhhhhh not my favorite group. Not to mention the reason I find killing bugs and animals more difficult is because they can not be judged in my sight, for they are less cynical than mankind.

Through this turmoil I have had some of the greatest days of my life, for example a couple of weeks ago I volunteered at this event called Astrofest where I helped teach children about astronomy and I also got to meet some excellent people, as well as give advice to younger up and coming highschoolers. It was one of the best experiences of my life. On top of that got invited to a LAN match, which turned out to be an excellent time as I got to hang out with some of my best friends.

This fall I am taking a class where 50% of the class drops in the first week, and only a small fraction pass. The odds are stacked against me, but I am gambling. It determines my future, pass or fail, I will know the first step in this world I must take.

To note: I don't not write this so that you can all ooh and ahh, or whatever the heck you do while reading my serious blog posts. No, I put this incredibly personal and raw topic where the whole world can see (well the few of you that read) in hopes that one of you, the faceless and nameless, finds comfort in knowing that you are not alone in a world of broken hearts. Mines but ruble in a dessert of troubles, and I hope you can find some fragment of hope in knowing that there are more of you out there.

And finally:
I once convinced a government agency to send me free volcano ash just because I asked. Yup.