We live
in a time in which sound bites are designed to express a world of emotion and perspective
in the fewest possible words. Social media, news tickers, media scrums,
question periods, and press releases are expressions that have become shorter
and denser in recent years. We seldom slow down sufficiently to read long
articles or multi-volume books. Our attention-span is considerably shorter than
that of previous generations. While our ancestors may have sat around a fire
for hours at a time listening to well-told stories, we get our information,
wisdom, and emotional direction from 90 second news updates covering multiple
stories. The incessant speed with which information is presenting itself to us
does not allow for much consideration. Most often our reactions are highly
influenced by the emotions and intensity of the person who gives us the news.
Alternatively, our reactions and emotions default to well-worn channels of our
thought processes that take us in the directions that we have always taken
before.
in a time in which sound bites are designed to express a world of emotion and perspective
in the fewest possible words. Social media, news tickers, media scrums,
question periods, and press releases are expressions that have become shorter
and denser in recent years. We seldom slow down sufficiently to read long
articles or multi-volume books. Our attention-span is considerably shorter than
that of previous generations. While our ancestors may have sat around a fire
for hours at a time listening to well-told stories, we get our information,
wisdom, and emotional direction from 90 second news updates covering multiple
stories. The incessant speed with which information is presenting itself to us
does not allow for much consideration. Most often our reactions are highly
influenced by the emotions and intensity of the person who gives us the news.
Alternatively, our reactions and emotions default to well-worn channels of our
thought processes that take us in the directions that we have always taken
before.
Recently,
I was struck by the words of a person who was very good at slowing down and
thinking through concepts with which he was presented. This author, thinker,
and teacher seemed much more able to slow his thoughts sufficiently to get to
the heart of a concept. I found myself desiring to be more like C.S. Lewis. The
following example may help to show you what I mean.
I was struck by the words of a person who was very good at slowing down and
thinking through concepts with which he was presented. This author, thinker,
and teacher seemed much more able to slow his thoughts sufficiently to get to
the heart of a concept. I found myself desiring to be more like C.S. Lewis. The
following example may help to show you what I mean.
Many of
us struggle with the words “hate the sin, but not the sinner.” This phrase has
been much maligned, and both those who use it and those toward whom it points
feel uneasy in the use of the expression. In the early seventies, C.S. Lewis
found himself struggling with this terminology and so he thought about it long
enough to come up with a solution. He had this to say about it in his extremely
insightful book, Mere Christianity.
us struggle with the words “hate the sin, but not the sinner.” This phrase has
been much maligned, and both those who use it and those toward whom it points
feel uneasy in the use of the expression. In the early seventies, C.S. Lewis
found himself struggling with this terminology and so he thought about it long
enough to come up with a solution. He had this to say about it in his extremely
insightful book, Mere Christianity.
“I remember Christian teachers telling me long ago that I must hate a
bad man’s actions but not hate the bad man: or, as they would say, hate the sin
but not the sinner. …I used to think this a silly, straw-splitting
distinction: how could you hate what a man did and not hate the man? But years
later it occurred to me that there was one man to whom I had been doing this
all my life — namely myself. However much I might dislike my own cowardice or
conceit or greed, I went on loving myself. There had never been the slightest
difficulty about it. In fact the very reason why I hated the things was that I
loved the man. Just because I loved myself, I was sorry to find that I was the
sort of man who did those things.”
― C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
bad man’s actions but not hate the bad man: or, as they would say, hate the sin
but not the sinner. …I used to think this a silly, straw-splitting
distinction: how could you hate what a man did and not hate the man? But years
later it occurred to me that there was one man to whom I had been doing this
all my life — namely myself. However much I might dislike my own cowardice or
conceit or greed, I went on loving myself. There had never been the slightest
difficulty about it. In fact the very reason why I hated the things was that I
loved the man. Just because I loved myself, I was sorry to find that I was the
sort of man who did those things.”
― C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
I know that this will not solve the
struggle in using this terminology for every person; C.S. Lewis’ opinion will
not be the last word on any subject. Yet, his thoughts are helpful precisely
because they show that he did not reject a concept quickly. One can tell that
he was uncomfortable with the concept and so he meditated upon it until he
could get at why he was uncomfortable and how he might resolve his discomfort
with a concept that was accepted by others whom he respected. There is a great
deal of humility and a search for unity in the process that Lewis uses.
struggle in using this terminology for every person; C.S. Lewis’ opinion will
not be the last word on any subject. Yet, his thoughts are helpful precisely
because they show that he did not reject a concept quickly. One can tell that
he was uncomfortable with the concept and so he meditated upon it until he
could get at why he was uncomfortable and how he might resolve his discomfort
with a concept that was accepted by others whom he respected. There is a great
deal of humility and a search for unity in the process that Lewis uses.
It seems to me that I might use a similar
technique when it comes to phrases that do not sit well with me. Rather than
using stock answers to sound bites, could I seek a similar humility and search
for the common ground of unity. Might I try this with phrases like, “Black
lives matter,” and “All lives matter”? Could I seek greater respect toward
those whose foundation for truth, morality, or love is different than mine?
technique when it comes to phrases that do not sit well with me. Rather than
using stock answers to sound bites, could I seek a similar humility and search
for the common ground of unity. Might I try this with phrases like, “Black
lives matter,” and “All lives matter”? Could I seek greater respect toward
those whose foundation for truth, morality, or love is different than mine?
It takes a great deal of strength and considerable
time to truly listen to another’s argument and feel it in our bones rather than
simply rejecting it outright. It is much easier to counter one argument with
another argument without truly hearing the other person. In this way, many a
debate between opposing positions has fallen short as we watch the speakers
talk past each other’s understanding and over each other’s heads.
time to truly listen to another’s argument and feel it in our bones rather than
simply rejecting it outright. It is much easier to counter one argument with
another argument without truly hearing the other person. In this way, many a
debate between opposing positions has fallen short as we watch the speakers
talk past each other’s understanding and over each other’s heads.
I want to learn to slow down and listen
before formulating my response. I do not want to be guilty of responding with a
half-formulated answer to a concept, rather than thinking upon the words that
have been spoken to me. May God grant me greater peace, greater patience,
greater understanding, greater love, a greater desire to walk a mile in another’s
shoes. Perhaps I might be able to contribute to a better and more unified
world.
before formulating my response. I do not want to be guilty of responding with a
half-formulated answer to a concept, rather than thinking upon the words that
have been spoken to me. May God grant me greater peace, greater patience,
greater understanding, greater love, a greater desire to walk a mile in another’s
shoes. Perhaps I might be able to contribute to a better and more unified
world.
Works Cited:
Lewis, C.
(1978). Mere Christianity. Glasgow: William Collins Sons and Co. Ltd.
(1978). Mere Christianity. Glasgow: William Collins Sons and Co. Ltd.
If you were to destroy the belief in immortality in mankind, not only
love but every living force on which the continuation of all life in the world
depended, would dry up at once. Moreover, there would be nothing immoral then,
everything would be permitted.
love but every living force on which the continuation of all life in the world
depended, would dry up at once. Moreover, there would be nothing immoral then,
everything would be permitted.
Fyodor Dostoevsky, The Brothers
Karamazov, 1880, p. I, 2, 6 (p. 69 in the 1990 translation).
Karamazov, 1880, p. I, 2, 6 (p. 69 in the 1990 translation).
Should this statement give
the “New Atheists” pause? Do they have a good philosophical answer to
Dostoevsky’s challenge? Sam Harris believes that he can navigate through these
stormy seas by pointing to increases in happiness and decreases in suffering.
He states that “questions of right and wrong are really questions
about the happiness and suffering of sentient creatures.”[1]
Thus, for Harris, the foundation of morality comes down to caring for the
well-being of all sentient creatures. This has led Harris, and other atheists similar
to him, to a Vegan-like diet because they believe that it is wrong to cause
pain and death to animals. Harris calls the source of this basic moral
knowledge “moral intuition.” He also suggests that being moral tends to
contribute to one’s happiness.
the “New Atheists” pause? Do they have a good philosophical answer to
Dostoevsky’s challenge? Sam Harris believes that he can navigate through these
stormy seas by pointing to increases in happiness and decreases in suffering.
He states that “questions of right and wrong are really questions
about the happiness and suffering of sentient creatures.”[1]
Thus, for Harris, the foundation of morality comes down to caring for the
well-being of all sentient creatures. This has led Harris, and other atheists similar
to him, to a Vegan-like diet because they believe that it is wrong to cause
pain and death to animals. Harris calls the source of this basic moral
knowledge “moral intuition.” He also suggests that being moral tends to
contribute to one’s happiness.
One must concede that there is a degree of logic to
the Harris argument, even as it seems to argue in circles. The degree to which
a creature is sentient is difficult to determine. Is a lobster more or less
sentient than a chicken, sheep, or steer? What about studies that suggest
plants have feelings? Does a tree “know” that it is being felled in the forest?
Does it care? As the “Arrogant Worms” sing in one of their comedic songs, is
carrot juice murder?
the Harris argument, even as it seems to argue in circles. The degree to which
a creature is sentient is difficult to determine. Is a lobster more or less
sentient than a chicken, sheep, or steer? What about studies that suggest
plants have feelings? Does a tree “know” that it is being felled in the forest?
Does it care? As the “Arrogant Worms” sing in one of their comedic songs, is
carrot juice murder?
Comedic references aside, what about sentience and consciousness
in general? The same atheists who argue that we should care about conscious
animals, will also argue that consciousness is nothing more than chemical
processes in a brain, consisting of atoms that came together through many
processes, stemming from the Big Bang of the universe’s beginning. In the philosophy
of the New Atheists, are the chemical processes in the brain-stem of a sheep
more important than the chemical processes in the circulation system of a
turnip, or an ancient White Oak tree, or a human child who is not even aware
she is alive?
in general? The same atheists who argue that we should care about conscious
animals, will also argue that consciousness is nothing more than chemical
processes in a brain, consisting of atoms that came together through many
processes, stemming from the Big Bang of the universe’s beginning. In the philosophy
of the New Atheists, are the chemical processes in the brain-stem of a sheep
more important than the chemical processes in the circulation system of a
turnip, or an ancient White Oak tree, or a human child who is not even aware
she is alive?
Does Harris ever question his own happiness? Why
should he feel happy at not eating a lobster; or happy at giving money to a
street survivor in New York; or unhappy with himself for not giving money to a
person on a New York street? How is his happiness affected by whether I
walk past or contribute to that same street person in New York?
should he feel happy at not eating a lobster; or happy at giving money to a
street survivor in New York; or unhappy with himself for not giving money to a
person on a New York street? How is his happiness affected by whether I
walk past or contribute to that same street person in New York?
Dostoevsky makes the
stronger case and ultimately speaks the greater truth. It is easier to see Dostoevsky’s
words coming to fruition than the hopeful, but ultimately, groundless words of Sam Harris. I
can appreciate that Sam Harris is an intelligent person and is trying hard to
create a plausible system, but the system falls shorts and ends in the circle
within which it began. Without a foundation in a moral Creator, morality based
on our emotions will never triumph and the best laid plans of Harris and others
will most often go very far astray.
stronger case and ultimately speaks the greater truth. It is easier to see Dostoevsky’s
words coming to fruition than the hopeful, but ultimately, groundless words of Sam Harris. I
can appreciate that Sam Harris is an intelligent person and is trying hard to
create a plausible system, but the system falls shorts and ends in the circle
within which it began. Without a foundation in a moral Creator, morality based
on our emotions will never triumph and the best laid plans of Harris and others
will most often go very far astray.
Works Cited
Dostoevsky, Fyodor. The Brothers
Karamazov. New York: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, 1990.
Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
"The New Atheists." Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. 07
27, 2016. http://www.iep.utm.edu/n-atheis/ (accessed 07 27, 2016).
[1] Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, "The New Atheists." http://www.iep.utm.edu/n-atheis/,
viewed 2016-07-27.
Somewhere in a dark research lab in Oak
Brook, Illinois, Ronald McDonald is working on further developments in retinal
scans, finger-prints, and facial recognition. The latest technology in use at
my local McDonald’s is just one step away from using this technology.
Brook, Illinois, Ronald McDonald is working on further developments in retinal
scans, finger-prints, and facial recognition. The latest technology in use at
my local McDonald’s is just one step away from using this technology.
Recently, I walked into a McDonald’s in
Calgary, Alberta and was confused about how I should order. There was still one
person at a till at the counter, but there were six shiny, new, touch screens
where I could place my order as well. I could sort through categories and
touch pictures of my favourite burger, drink, and fries, place my order and pay
for my meal. It was a surprisingly fast and efficient process. I was given an
order number and the factory in the back of the restaurant (still an assembly
line of people – for now) put together my order. When it was ready, my order
number showed up on a screen above the counter and a smiling host handed me a
tray carrying my meal.
Calgary, Alberta and was confused about how I should order. There was still one
person at a till at the counter, but there were six shiny, new, touch screens
where I could place my order as well. I could sort through categories and
touch pictures of my favourite burger, drink, and fries, place my order and pay
for my meal. It was a surprisingly fast and efficient process. I was given an
order number and the factory in the back of the restaurant (still an assembly
line of people – for now) put together my order. When it was ready, my order
number showed up on a screen above the counter and a smiling host handed me a
tray carrying my meal.
I thought about how they could take this
process to the next level. A number of mechanisms could be used to identify a
person when they walked into the restaurant (thus, the research in Illinois);
something as simple as giving each person a unique number and pin with which they
could log in to a terminal could work. Then, the device could ask you if you
wanted your usual order or something different (most of us are creatures of
habit when it comes to fast-food) and streamline the process further. The
terminal could be linked to your usual method of payment and instantly your
order would be placed. Now that would be “fast-food!”
process to the next level. A number of mechanisms could be used to identify a
person when they walked into the restaurant (thus, the research in Illinois);
something as simple as giving each person a unique number and pin with which they
could log in to a terminal could work. Then, the device could ask you if you
wanted your usual order or something different (most of us are creatures of
habit when it comes to fast-food) and streamline the process further. The
terminal could be linked to your usual method of payment and instantly your
order would be placed. Now that would be “fast-food!”
Of course we might ask some questions about
this process. What about the number of employees at the counter? Where will
they work if not at McDonald’s? Perhaps they will work at the factories
producing facial recognition cameras. What about the personal, human, element?
How personal is the usual exchange at any till? “Hello, can I take your order?
Big Mac, fries, and coke. That will be $X.YY. Thank you. Have a nice day.”
this process. What about the number of employees at the counter? Where will
they work if not at McDonald’s? Perhaps they will work at the factories
producing facial recognition cameras. What about the personal, human, element?
How personal is the usual exchange at any till? “Hello, can I take your order?
Big Mac, fries, and coke. That will be $X.YY. Thank you. Have a nice day.”
We have asked these types of questions
since before Henry Ford started building cars on an assembly line. Those who
lamented the loss of personal craftsmanship and the human touch have been labelled
“Luddites” for about the same length of time. Yet, those questions are still
worth asking. There may be a place for automated systems as well as a place for
old-fashioned craftsmanship, customer service, and the personal touch. Perhaps
we should think about the industries where each type of service is appropriate:
restaurant chains, the health industry, manufacturing, book sales, … Might we
slow down long enough to make some informed decisions rather than let
technology take the driver’s seat? What kind of society do we truly desire? We
need to ask these questions before they are answered for us. For now, I will go back to quietly eating my Big Mac, ignoring everyone around me while I check Facebook on my phone.
since before Henry Ford started building cars on an assembly line. Those who
lamented the loss of personal craftsmanship and the human touch have been labelled
“Luddites” for about the same length of time. Yet, those questions are still
worth asking. There may be a place for automated systems as well as a place for
old-fashioned craftsmanship, customer service, and the personal touch. Perhaps
we should think about the industries where each type of service is appropriate:
restaurant chains, the health industry, manufacturing, book sales, … Might we
slow down long enough to make some informed decisions rather than let
technology take the driver’s seat? What kind of society do we truly desire? We
need to ask these questions before they are answered for us. For now, I will go back to quietly eating my Big Mac, ignoring everyone around me while I check Facebook on my phone.
A team of over 1000 people from 17
countries is currently working on the James Webb Space Telescope. Three space
agencies are collaborating on this major undertaking, including NASA (National
Aeronautics and Space Administration in the United States), CSA (Canadian Space
Agency), and ESA (European Space Agency). Many believe this will be the next
great space telescope of our time and they have high hopes that the James Webb
will further elucidate the conditions of the early universe because of its
ability to detect ancient radiation released from events in the distant past.
countries is currently working on the James Webb Space Telescope. Three space
agencies are collaborating on this major undertaking, including NASA (National
Aeronautics and Space Administration in the United States), CSA (Canadian Space
Agency), and ESA (European Space Agency). Many believe this will be the next
great space telescope of our time and they have high hopes that the James Webb
will further elucidate the conditions of the early universe because of its
ability to detect ancient radiation released from events in the distant past.
Previously, the Hubble Space Telescope has
been (and still is) the main work-horse of planetary discovery and space
imaging. Launched over 26 years ago in 1990, Hubble has served well despite initial
problems with its mirror (which were later corrected by astronauts who worked
on Hubble while in orbit). The new James Webb telescope will benefit from the
hard-learned lessons of Hubble and will incorporate current technology which
surpasses that installed on Hubble. The ground glass mirror on Hubble is 2.4
metres in diameter, while the compound 6.5 metre diameter mirror of the James
Webb is a gold-coated beryllium reflector. The collecting area of the Hubble is
4.5 m2 while the James Webb will have a collecting area of 25 m2.
Hubble has four main instruments on board, while James Webb will have five
high-tech devices for viewing a wide spectra of radiation including UV,
Infra-Red, and visible light.
been (and still is) the main work-horse of planetary discovery and space
imaging. Launched over 26 years ago in 1990, Hubble has served well despite initial
problems with its mirror (which were later corrected by astronauts who worked
on Hubble while in orbit). The new James Webb telescope will benefit from the
hard-learned lessons of Hubble and will incorporate current technology which
surpasses that installed on Hubble. The ground glass mirror on Hubble is 2.4
metres in diameter, while the compound 6.5 metre diameter mirror of the James
Webb is a gold-coated beryllium reflector. The collecting area of the Hubble is
4.5 m2 while the James Webb will have a collecting area of 25 m2.
Hubble has four main instruments on board, while James Webb will have five
high-tech devices for viewing a wide spectra of radiation including UV,
Infra-Red, and visible light.
Of further note is the difference in orbit
of the two telescopes. While Hubble travels in a low-earth, geocentric orbit,
the James Webb Space Telescope will be situated near Lagrange 2 relative to the
Sun and Earth. This means that it will be in a reasonably stable orbit with an
equal gravitational tug from both Earth and the Sun. This will put the James
Webb much further from the Earth and other radiometric influences and will
allow it to peer deep into space away from the Sun and Earth.
of the two telescopes. While Hubble travels in a low-earth, geocentric orbit,
the James Webb Space Telescope will be situated near Lagrange 2 relative to the
Sun and Earth. This means that it will be in a reasonably stable orbit with an
equal gravitational tug from both Earth and the Sun. This will put the James
Webb much further from the Earth and other radiometric influences and will
allow it to peer deep into space away from the Sun and Earth.
The launch is scheduled for October 2018
and researchers anticipate five to ten years of functionality. The launch mass
is sizable (6,500 kg) and the 18 facets of the mirror must be folded for launch
and deployed in space. There is much that could go wrong in such a complex
system and so we pray for a safe and efficient launch of the James Webb Space
Telescope.
and researchers anticipate five to ten years of functionality. The launch mass
is sizable (6,500 kg) and the 18 facets of the mirror must be folded for launch
and deployed in space. There is much that could go wrong in such a complex
system and so we pray for a safe and efficient launch of the James Webb Space
Telescope.
Details:
James Webb – 25 m2 collecting
area; five main instruments: NIRCam – Near IR Camera, NIRSpec – Near-Infrared
Spectrograph, MIRI – Mid IR Instrument, NIRISS – Near Infrared Imager and
Slitless Spectrograph, FGS – Fine Guidance Sensor; 6.5-meter-diameter
gold-coated beryllium reflector with a collecting area of 25 m2
area; five main instruments: NIRCam – Near IR Camera, NIRSpec – Near-Infrared
Spectrograph, MIRI – Mid IR Instrument, NIRISS – Near Infrared Imager and
Slitless Spectrograph, FGS – Fine Guidance Sensor; 6.5-meter-diameter
gold-coated beryllium reflector with a collecting area of 25 m2
Hubble: 2.4 metre mirror; 4.5 m2
collecting area; four main instruments observe in the near ultraviolet,
visible, and near infrared spectra; When finally launched in 1990, Hubble’s
main mirror was found to have been ground incorrectly, compromising the
telescope’s capabilities. The optics were corrected to their intended quality
by a servicing mission in 1993.
collecting area; four main instruments observe in the near ultraviolet,
visible, and near infrared spectra; When finally launched in 1990, Hubble’s
main mirror was found to have been ground incorrectly, compromising the
telescope’s capabilities. The optics were corrected to their intended quality
by a servicing mission in 1993.
Sources
Cited:
Cited:
NASA.gov, NASA Website, “James Webb Space
Telescope,” http://jwst.nasa.gov/public.html,
viewed 2016-07-22.
Telescope,” http://jwst.nasa.gov/public.html,
viewed 2016-07-22.
Wikipedia, “James Webb Space Telescope,” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Webb_Space_Telescope,
viewed 2016-07-22.
viewed 2016-07-22.
Wikipedia,
“Lagrangian Point,” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lagrangian_point,
viewed 2016-07-22.
“Lagrangian Point,” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lagrangian_point,
viewed 2016-07-22.
The wonders of God’s creation will never
cease to amaze me. On three different occasions in two geographically distinct
areas I have witnessed Red-winged Blackbirds riding on the backs of hawks. You
have likely seen the phenomenon where smaller blackbirds are seen harassing larger
hawks. Red-winged Blackbirds can be quite territorial and will work to protect
their nests. Hawks, being carnivorous, are not opposed to eating smaller birds
and particularly, young ones in the nest. The blackbirds will chase hawks away
from their nesting area by flying at the large bird from above, thus avoiding
the lethal talons and beak. They will peck at the hawk and generally cause
enough disturbance to chase away the large predator.
cease to amaze me. On three different occasions in two geographically distinct
areas I have witnessed Red-winged Blackbirds riding on the backs of hawks. You
have likely seen the phenomenon where smaller blackbirds are seen harassing larger
hawks. Red-winged Blackbirds can be quite territorial and will work to protect
their nests. Hawks, being carnivorous, are not opposed to eating smaller birds
and particularly, young ones in the nest. The blackbirds will chase hawks away
from their nesting area by flying at the large bird from above, thus avoiding
the lethal talons and beak. They will peck at the hawk and generally cause
enough disturbance to chase away the large predator.
A few of the little blackbirds get quite
bold. They will actually land on the back of the large hawk and peck at his
neck while riding at a position just in front of the hawk’s wings. It is the equivalent
of an avian rodeo. The hawk will begin to fly more erratically in hopes of
shaking the tiny bird off of her back but the blackbird can hang on for quite a
while. It is also slightly reminiscent of scenes in the movie Avatar, where the residents of Pandora manage to ride on the backs of large winged beasts.
bold. They will actually land on the back of the large hawk and peck at his
neck while riding at a position just in front of the hawk’s wings. It is the equivalent
of an avian rodeo. The hawk will begin to fly more erratically in hopes of
shaking the tiny bird off of her back but the blackbird can hang on for quite a
while. It is also slightly reminiscent of scenes in the movie Avatar, where the residents of Pandora manage to ride on the backs of large winged beasts.
How did this behaviour develop? Did one
little bird do this by accident and then realize he could impress his friends? “Watch
this fellas! I’m gonna ride a killer!” Did the behaviour get passed around
blackbird circles when they all went to their wintering grounds in California?
little bird do this by accident and then realize he could impress his friends? “Watch
this fellas! I’m gonna ride a killer!” Did the behaviour get passed around
blackbird circles when they all went to their wintering grounds in California?
Watch for this behaviour the next time you
are out in a marshy area with lots of blackbirds and hawks. You might just be
rewarded by a glimpse of this comical looking performance.
are out in a marshy area with lots of blackbirds and hawks. You might just be
rewarded by a glimpse of this comical looking performance.
At a time when racism, violence, and suffering seem to be
greater than ever, these words of Fyodor Dostoyevsky are very appropriate.
greater than ever, these words of Fyodor Dostoyevsky are very appropriate.
“I believe
like a child that suffering will be healed and made up for, that all the
humiliating absurdity of human contradictions will vanish like a pitiful
mirage, like the despicable fabrication of the impotent and infinitely small
Euclidean mind of man, that in the world’s finale, at the moment of eternal
harmony, something so precious will come to pass that it will suffice for all
hearts, for the comforting of all resentments, for the atonement of all the
crimes of humanity, for all the blood that they’ve shed; that it will make it
not only possible to forgive but to justify all that has happened.”
― Fyodor Dostoyevsky, The Brothers Karamazov
like a child that suffering will be healed and made up for, that all the
humiliating absurdity of human contradictions will vanish like a pitiful
mirage, like the despicable fabrication of the impotent and infinitely small
Euclidean mind of man, that in the world’s finale, at the moment of eternal
harmony, something so precious will come to pass that it will suffice for all
hearts, for the comforting of all resentments, for the atonement of all the
crimes of humanity, for all the blood that they’ve shed; that it will make it
not only possible to forgive but to justify all that has happened.”
― Fyodor Dostoyevsky, The Brothers Karamazov
I witnessed a powerful act of family on the
weekend. Most families are made up of a diverse collection of genetic and
non-genetic relationships and our Westwood/Smith family reunion on the weekend
was a great example of this. The glue that holds this family together is the
patriarch Albert Edward Westwood who was my grandmother’s father. My
grandmother, Bertha Smith (nee Westwood) had a brother, William, who had five
children: Ralph, Eva, Marvin, Gordon, and Barry. My grandmother died in 2010
and her children and grandchildren carry on the tradition of getting together
with the Westwood clan for a sometimes annual reunion. My cousin, Dan Smith,
and his wife Linda, are truly gifted in hospitality and bless many people by
opening their home to family and friends. They shared their acreage near Three
Hills with the more than 50 people who gathered, ranging in age from 2 months
to 79 years.
Beyond the glue of genetic relationships,
there are bonds of marriage, friendship, adoption, spiritual resemblance,
spiritual difference, love, care, concern, debate, music, and comradery. As we
all took time out of our busy schedules and got reacquainted, there was a sense
of awe as we considered how this family came together through many
circumstances. We spoke of the randomness with which our ancestors came to
reside in Central Alberta. My father’s father came to Canada from Ireland at 14
years of age because some relatives of his had relocated to the prairies. My
mother’s father arrived from England at 17 and added "Maclaren" as a
middle name, playing up his Scottish heritage, so that he could get work in the
West where there was a prejudice against privileged English boys. He too had
followed relatives to Canada after considering moving to New Zealand. We
considered the coincidences of people meeting and marrying, adopting because of
care for another portion of the family, or adopting from outside of the family
for medical reasons. We realized how fortunate or blessed we were to know this
diverse crowd of people and call them family.
Coaxed by his aunt and his distant cousin,
young Liam, lived up to his Celtic name, and quieted the crowd as he sang Gordon
Lightfoot’s “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.” He sang a capella as he read
the lyrics from another distant cousin’s smart-phone and brought down the
house. Liam was later seen playing along on the cajón, keeping rhythm while
others sang.
“. . . spiritual matters are very hard
to explain. . . . I am convinced that those who
refuse to believe that God can do far more than this, and that He is pleased
now, as in the past, to communicate Himself to His creatures, shut fast their
hearts against receiving such favours themselves. Do not imitate them, sisters:
be convinced that it is possible for God to perform still greater wonders. Do
not concern yourselves as to whether those who receive these graces are good or
wicked; as I said, He knows best and it is no business of yours: you should
serve Him with a single heart and with humility, and should praise Him for His
works and wonders.–
Teresa of Avila, The Interior Castle
The Interior Castle
by Teresa of Avila
is a classic of spiritual literature. Teresa is a humble and devout follower of
Jesus who experienced a great many spiritual manifestations. She saw miracles,
experienced communication from God, and had physical experiences that both
comforted her and caused her to repent of sin. Yet, she always found it
difficult to explain her spiritual experiences to others and often repeated the
sentiment that “spiritual matters are very hard to explain.” I would concur
with this idea. The way that God communicates with each of us can be very
unique and difficult to explain to someone else who may be wired quite differently
from ourselves. Some of my own most intimate moments with God have left me
overwhelmed and encouraged by His presence but when I try to explain them to
even my closest friend (my wife), I am left speechless. When I share my journal
writings with her she must sometimes wonder if I am having a schizophrenic
break.
by Teresa of Avila
is a classic of spiritual literature. Teresa is a humble and devout follower of
Jesus who experienced a great many spiritual manifestations. She saw miracles,
experienced communication from God, and had physical experiences that both
comforted her and caused her to repent of sin. Yet, she always found it
difficult to explain her spiritual experiences to others and often repeated the
sentiment that “spiritual matters are very hard to explain.” I would concur
with this idea. The way that God communicates with each of us can be very
unique and difficult to explain to someone else who may be wired quite differently
from ourselves. Some of my own most intimate moments with God have left me
overwhelmed and encouraged by His presence but when I try to explain them to
even my closest friend (my wife), I am left speechless. When I share my journal
writings with her she must sometimes wonder if I am having a schizophrenic
break.
Yet, Teresa of Avila continues to encourage
us to trust that God can do far more than one typically sees in the world and
to never “shut fast our hearts against receiving such favours” ourselves. She
says, “be convinced that it is possible for God to perform still greater
wonders.” What wonders might we be missing because we have shut the door to
miracles and manifestations of our God? How might He communicate with us if we
truly opened ourselves to His presence?
us to trust that God can do far more than one typically sees in the world and
to never “shut fast our hearts against receiving such favours” ourselves. She
says, “be convinced that it is possible for God to perform still greater
wonders.” What wonders might we be missing because we have shut the door to
miracles and manifestations of our God? How might He communicate with us if we
truly opened ourselves to His presence?
Yet Teresa is also quick to direct us away
from putting too much emphasis on the miracles of God. She reminds us that we
are not to focus upon miracles nor only seek the spectacular in our
relationship with Jesus. She says that we should simply, “serve Him with a
single heart and with humility, and . . . praise Him for His works and wonders.”
This too is good advice and I highly recommend reading The Interior Castle for a greater explanation of these matters.
from putting too much emphasis on the miracles of God. She reminds us that we
are not to focus upon miracles nor only seek the spectacular in our
relationship with Jesus. She says that we should simply, “serve Him with a
single heart and with humility, and . . . praise Him for His works and wonders.”
This too is good advice and I highly recommend reading The Interior Castle for a greater explanation of these matters.
Charlie Peacock is a
gifted song-writer and jazz player known best for his song “In the Light,”
recorded by himself and by DC Talk.
One of his lesser known songs is called “Beauty Left the Room.” The lyrics
follow here.
gifted song-writer and jazz player known best for his song “In the Light,”
recorded by himself and by DC Talk.
One of his lesser known songs is called “Beauty Left the Room.” The lyrics
follow here.
Beauty Left the Room
(Lyrics and Music by
Charlie Peacock)
Charlie Peacock)
The sky had a
heartache
The truth couldn’t wait to slip out
And miss little-black-checkered-pants
Was clutching a new Coach bag
heartache
The truth couldn’t wait to slip out
And miss little-black-checkered-pants
Was clutching a new Coach bag
Then Beauty left the room
Beauty left the room
And the smell of America took its place
When beauty left the room
I wanna go home
Back to the house by the river
Live in the time-honored way
Owing no debt but love
When beauty leaves the room
When beauty leaves the room
And the smell of America takes its place
Oh when, Beauty leaves the room
You’ll know it when you see it
When you smell it, when you feel it, smells like
Burnt toast and repetition, Ah the repetition
All alone with a mission
We’ve got so good at saving face
The sky had a heartache
The truth couldn’t wait to slip out
And miss little-black-checkered-pants
Was clutching a new Coach bag
Then Beauty left the room
Beauty left the room
And the smell of America took its place
When beauty left the room
Beauty left the room
You can rise before the morning sun
End the day and not be done
That’s the way it is in the work of finding courage
You gotta ask yourself
Hey what’s the rush, what’s the hurry?
Here I am again, with my pencil and my paper
Listening, for a sign, for a word from my Maker
The sky had a heartache
The truth couldn’t wait to slip out
And miss little-black-checkered-pants
Was clutching a new Coach bag
In one interview, Peacock spoke of these lyrics and said that they were mostly about the smell of
America, the materialism of Florida, nice Coach bags, girls in short skirts,
and coffee. However, I will take a turn at interpreting the words of this song.
My philosophy is that a songwriter has many meanings in his head as he writes a
song, some are known to him and a few are not. Of course I am also speaking of
the songs that I have had the good fortune to write. Others can always
interpret a song in its relevant culture and come up with further meanings
inherent in the lyrics, even if the author would not interpret the song
precisely that way.
America, the materialism of Florida, nice Coach bags, girls in short skirts,
and coffee. However, I will take a turn at interpreting the words of this song.
My philosophy is that a songwriter has many meanings in his head as he writes a
song, some are known to him and a few are not. Of course I am also speaking of
the songs that I have had the good fortune to write. Others can always
interpret a song in its relevant culture and come up with further meanings
inherent in the lyrics, even if the author would not interpret the song
precisely that way.
“Beauty Left the Room,”
sounds like a song about what happens when we stop recognizing and appreciating
beauty. The first stanza speaks of the beauty of a sky as it is about to give
way to lightning and rain and the beauty of a woman in black checkered pants
with a Coach bag in hand. These are things that need to be recognized for their
beauty and the author is very much aware of these things in his view.
sounds like a song about what happens when we stop recognizing and appreciating
beauty. The first stanza speaks of the beauty of a sky as it is about to give
way to lightning and rain and the beauty of a woman in black checkered pants
with a Coach bag in hand. These are things that need to be recognized for their
beauty and the author is very much aware of these things in his view.
The chorus speaks of
what happens when we let go of beauty and of what takes the place in the vacuum
that is left behind. The “smell of America” is what replaces beauty, and one
gets the sense that it is not a pleasant aroma. Verse two is like lines from a
Wendell Berry book as Peacock is thinking nostalgically and wishes for times
past when he lived a simpler life and owed no one anything but the debt of
love. The next stanza gets explicit about the smell of America: burnt toast and
repetition, mission without vision. It goes on to talk about “saving face”: looking
good in front of others and following the crowd.
what happens when we let go of beauty and of what takes the place in the vacuum
that is left behind. The “smell of America” is what replaces beauty, and one
gets the sense that it is not a pleasant aroma. Verse two is like lines from a
Wendell Berry book as Peacock is thinking nostalgically and wishes for times
past when he lived a simpler life and owed no one anything but the debt of
love. The next stanza gets explicit about the smell of America: burnt toast and
repetition, mission without vision. It goes on to talk about “saving face”: looking
good in front of others and following the crowd.
The song goes back to
the first verse and the chorus before challenging us to ask ourselves, “What is
this all about? Why are we in such a rush? The last lines challenge us to come
back to beauty, come back to poetry. The poet waits with pencil in hand,
waiting for the muse of his Maker to give him the words to describe beauty. It
is not about facts and figures, rising before the sun, rushing to a job, or
working hard. Those are part of life; but the real message of life is in the
poetry. It is in the beauty.
the first verse and the chorus before challenging us to ask ourselves, “What is
this all about? Why are we in such a rush? The last lines challenge us to come
back to beauty, come back to poetry. The poet waits with pencil in hand,
waiting for the muse of his Maker to give him the words to describe beauty. It
is not about facts and figures, rising before the sun, rushing to a job, or
working hard. Those are part of life; but the real message of life is in the
poetry. It is in the beauty.
Beauty left the room.
Have we become so pragmatic, so utilitarian that beauty has left the room? Even
in our churches, has beauty left the room? Beauty, poetry, and songs, have they
left the room because we no longer pursue them? How do we invite this beauty
back into the room?
Have we become so pragmatic, so utilitarian that beauty has left the room? Even
in our churches, has beauty left the room? Beauty, poetry, and songs, have they
left the room because we no longer pursue them? How do we invite this beauty
back into the room?
Isaac Asimov’s “Three Laws of Robotics”
- A robot may not
injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to
harm. - A robot must obey
orders given it by human beings except where such orders would conflict
with the First Law. - A robot must protect
its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the
First or Second Law.[1]
Conversations about driverless cars just got a little more
difficult. Isaac Asimov’s “Three Laws of Robotics” cannot help
robotic cars in situations where they must choose between harm to passengers or harm to
pedestrians. A recent article[2]
in Science News includes the
following graphic and explanation to illustrate the point.
difficult. Isaac Asimov’s “Three Laws of Robotics” cannot help
robotic cars in situations where they must choose between harm to passengers or harm to
pedestrians. A recent article[2]
in Science News includes the
following graphic and explanation to illustrate the point.
J.-F.Bonnefon et al/Science 2016
“Driverless cars will occasionally face emergency situations.
The car may have to determine whether to swerve into one passerby to avoid
several pedestrians (left), swerve away from a pedestrian while harming its own
passenger (middle), or swerve away from several pedestrians while harming its
own passenger (right). Online surveys indicate most people want driverless cars
that save passengers at all costs, even if passenger-sacrificing vehicles save
more lives.”
The car may have to determine whether to swerve into one passerby to avoid
several pedestrians (left), swerve away from a pedestrian while harming its own
passenger (middle), or swerve away from several pedestrians while harming its
own passenger (right). Online surveys indicate most people want driverless cars
that save passengers at all costs, even if passenger-sacrificing vehicles save
more lives.”
Of course one might argue that, on average, humans are no
better at such moral dilemmas. Perhaps the issue is that with a robotic car we
know exactly what we will get. Programming will determine the choices a
driverless car will make in any given situation, whereas humans are much less
predictable and the choices they make are dependent upon the degree of altruism resident in the individual
driver. Many times, in a moral dilemma, we do not know how an individual human
will respond. Will they choose to sacrifice themselves for the sake of
strangers? Will they sacrifice themselves and their child for the strangers?
What about the scenario in which their pet would be sacrificed for the sake of
unknown pedestrians? We may do surveys and get a statistically accurate average
on the answers to these questions but we know that there would be outliers and
unique decisions made at the spur of the moment. With robotic programming, the
driverless car does not make a choice, it simply follows the program with which
it was built. This puts the onus on the manufacturer rather than a driver or a
car or a robotic brain. In a litigious society, this may be the problem that
slows the progress of driverless cars.
better at such moral dilemmas. Perhaps the issue is that with a robotic car we
know exactly what we will get. Programming will determine the choices a
driverless car will make in any given situation, whereas humans are much less
predictable and the choices they make are dependent upon the degree of altruism resident in the individual
driver. Many times, in a moral dilemma, we do not know how an individual human
will respond. Will they choose to sacrifice themselves for the sake of
strangers? Will they sacrifice themselves and their child for the strangers?
What about the scenario in which their pet would be sacrificed for the sake of
unknown pedestrians? We may do surveys and get a statistically accurate average
on the answers to these questions but we know that there would be outliers and
unique decisions made at the spur of the moment. With robotic programming, the
driverless car does not make a choice, it simply follows the program with which
it was built. This puts the onus on the manufacturer rather than a driver or a
car or a robotic brain. In a litigious society, this may be the problem that
slows the progress of driverless cars.
[1] In 1942, the science fiction author Isaac Asimov published a short
story called “Runaround” in which he introduced three laws that governed
the behaviour of robots. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Runaround_(story)
story called “Runaround” in which he introduced three laws that governed
the behaviour of robots. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Runaround_(story)
[2] “Moral Dilemma Could Put Brakes on Driverless Cars,” Bruce Bower,
June 23, 2016, Science News, https://www.sciencenews.org/article/moral-dilemma-could-put-brakes-driverless-cars
June 23, 2016, Science News, https://www.sciencenews.org/article/moral-dilemma-could-put-brakes-driverless-cars