In contemplating the attributes of God, His love, intelligence, justice, omnipotence, and fidelity, it's impossible not to reflect deeply on the catastrophic voids that their absences would leave in the cosmos. As a research scientist, I find the hypothetical absence of these divine qualities not only spiritually disconcerting but also intellectually provocative.
Firstly, God's unconditional love anchors the emotional and moral compass of countless believers. If this were absent, I imagine a universe cold and indifferent not just to human suffering but to the very notion of well-being itself. This thought experiment parallels my work in the laboratory, where the absence of a controlled variable can dramatically skew an entire experiment. It teaches me the importance of constancy and attention to detail.
Secondly, considering God as devoid of intelligence, imagining Him as "dumb" challenges me to appreciate the intricate complexity and harmony of nature. My work, which often dwells at the intersection of undiscovered scientific fields, mirrors this reflection. It pushes me to acknowledge that behind every unturned stone of scientific inquiry could lie a testament to a greater intelligence, a blueprint of higher design that we, as part of creation, strive to understand.
Thirdly, the notion of God lacking justice brings to light the fundamental need for fairness and accountability in my field. Just as divine retribution offers comfort against the backdrop of worldly injustice, rigorous peer review and ethical standards in research ensure that truth and integrity prevail over misconduct.
Reflecting on a hypothetical weakness in God reminds me of our own vulnerabilities particularly in the face of natural disasters or the vast unknowns of space. It underscores our limitations and the humility required to truly advance in any scientific endeavor.
The promise-keeping nature of God resonates with the commitments we hold as scientists to pursue and disseminate truth, despite the pressures and temptations to do otherwise.
Sam, I am grateful for the thought-provoking article. It has not only offered a spiritual reflection but also a mirror to the virtues and challenges inherent in the scientific pursuit. I look forward to your next piece with great anticipation, eager to explore further the intersections between our faith and our work in the scientific realm. Thank you for enriching my perspective.
“Journey” in acrylic by Myra Alibrando (Sam's birthday request last April 2023)
To my creative friend, Myra, your acrylic painting "Journey" is absolutely breathtaking. The majestic ship with its billowing sails instantly captivates me, as if it’s embarking on a grand adventure across serene waters. The way you’ve captured the soft, warm light of the setting sun reflecting on the waves is magical, it creates such a beautiful contrast with the cool blues and purples of the water. It feels as though the ship is sailing through time, carrying with it the promise of discovery and new horizons.
The delicately painted sky, with its hints of pink, blue, and golden hues, adds such a dreamy quality to the scene. The sun, glowing gently on the horizon, gives the painting a peaceful, calming atmosphere, while the ship itself feels powerful and full of purpose. The reflection of the light on the rippling water is incredibly well done, almost as if the colors are dancing along with the motion of the waves.
What strikes me most is how you’ve combined a sense of stillness with movement, there’s tranquility in the scene, yet the ship feels alive, as if it’s ready to take on the unknown. It speaks to the beauty of the journey itself, not just the destination.
Your talent for bringing such depth and emotion to a piece is inspiring. Keep painting, my good friend! As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, "Life is a journey, not a destination." Your art captures that sentiment perfectly, continue to share your gift with the world!
Thanks Karen
In contemplating the attributes of God, His love, intelligence, justice, omnipotence, and fidelity, it's impossible not to reflect deeply on the catastrophic voids that their absences would leave in the cosmos. As a research scientist, I find the hypothetical absence of these divine qualities not only spiritually disconcerting but also intellectually provocative.
Firstly, God's unconditional love anchors the emotional and moral compass of countless believers. If this were absent, I imagine a universe cold and indifferent not just to human suffering but to the very notion of well-being itself. This thought experiment parallels my work in the laboratory, where the absence of a controlled variable can dramatically skew an entire experiment. It teaches me the importance of constancy and attention to detail.
Secondly, considering God as devoid of intelligence, imagining Him as "dumb" challenges me to appreciate the intricate complexity and harmony of nature. My work, which often dwells at the intersection of undiscovered scientific fields, mirrors this reflection. It pushes me to acknowledge that behind every unturned stone of scientific inquiry could lie a testament to a greater intelligence, a blueprint of higher design that we, as part of creation, strive to understand.
Thirdly, the notion of God lacking justice brings to light the fundamental need for fairness and accountability in my field. Just as divine retribution offers comfort against the backdrop of worldly injustice, rigorous peer review and ethical standards in research ensure that truth and integrity prevail over misconduct.
Reflecting on a hypothetical weakness in God reminds me of our own vulnerabilities particularly in the face of natural disasters or the vast unknowns of space. It underscores our limitations and the humility required to truly advance in any scientific endeavor.
The promise-keeping nature of God resonates with the commitments we hold as scientists to pursue and disseminate truth, despite the pressures and temptations to do otherwise.
Sam, I am grateful for the thought-provoking article. It has not only offered a spiritual reflection but also a mirror to the virtues and challenges inherent in the scientific pursuit. I look forward to your next piece with great anticipation, eager to explore further the intersections between our faith and our work in the scientific realm. Thank you for enriching my perspective.
“Journey” in acrylic by Myra Alibrando (Sam's birthday request last April 2023)
To my creative friend, Myra, your acrylic painting "Journey" is absolutely breathtaking. The majestic ship with its billowing sails instantly captivates me, as if it’s embarking on a grand adventure across serene waters. The way you’ve captured the soft, warm light of the setting sun reflecting on the waves is magical, it creates such a beautiful contrast with the cool blues and purples of the water. It feels as though the ship is sailing through time, carrying with it the promise of discovery and new horizons.
The delicately painted sky, with its hints of pink, blue, and golden hues, adds such a dreamy quality to the scene. The sun, glowing gently on the horizon, gives the painting a peaceful, calming atmosphere, while the ship itself feels powerful and full of purpose. The reflection of the light on the rippling water is incredibly well done, almost as if the colors are dancing along with the motion of the waves.
What strikes me most is how you’ve combined a sense of stillness with movement, there’s tranquility in the scene, yet the ship feels alive, as if it’s ready to take on the unknown. It speaks to the beauty of the journey itself, not just the destination.
Your talent for bringing such depth and emotion to a piece is inspiring. Keep painting, my good friend! As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, "Life is a journey, not a destination." Your art captures that sentiment perfectly, continue to share your gift with the world!
Great subject!