Wednesday, July 12, 2006

Cool picture from space

I haven't had time to play around with the pictures and upload them (I'm doing this entry from work and the pics are on my home computer where the editing software resides), so for now, nothing more on church camp. Instead, I'm sharing this picture called "the eye of God" which was already on this computer for some unknown reason. I have no idea who to credit for the picture but it's cool and I'm fascinated with space stuff, particularly at this time when Discovery has successfully gone up to its mission at the international space station.

A lot of people talk about whether or not we should spend so much money on space exploration and why it is or isn't worth it. I have to admit that while I think there are much more pressing matters here on Earth that we could putting that money into, there is something fascinating and alluring about outer space. Some people might call is a big diversion from "real life" on Earth, but I think it's more profound than that. I think looking to outer space gets us in touch with nature and our Creator in a way nothing on Earth can do. It also instills a feeling of hope for the future - that there are so many things we haven't thought of yet, haven't discovered yet, that anything may be possible... What do you think?? Are we wasting our time and money with the space program?? What kinds of feelings does outer space instill in you?

3 comments:

Big Unit said...

In touch with our Creator; I hope the ACLU doesn't here about this. The whole space program could be shut down; separation of church and state. Hope the astronauts don't pray before lift off.

I think a lot of the space exploration is to prove the big bang theory.

Watched a deal on the Discovery channel the other night about the conspiracy theory nuts who don't bevieve we went the moon.

revhipchick said...

i tend to be a naysayer about the space program. i wonder about the aspect of escapism from this world. sometimes i wonder if it's our way of figuring out a back-up plan for when we finally trash this planet, are they looking for another they can populate and get a clean start?

i love the stars and find the night sky beautiful and amazing and mysterious. i am leary of those who want to pick it apart and figure it out...it seems like something else we humans are trying to control. personally i love the mystery of it all. not that we shouldn't be educated and use and enjoy science--i dont' know, there has to be a balance somewhere.

Kim in KCK said...

Sunday I preached on Psalm 8. My favorite part is vs 3-4: When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have established;
what are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you visit them?

While at times, I share Crystal's cynicism about the reasons for space exploration, for me it just further reminds me of the magnificence of all of creation. All the more reason to take care of it.

And you can't tell me there weren't people praying when that shuttle took off. I know I was.