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Science and Religion: The Odd Couple
Navigating The Moral Landscape
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"This introduction will present a new "deep focus lens" for viewing the physical universe, from sub-atomic particles to galactic realms unknown before the Hubble telescope. The Electric Universe is a holistic answer to myopia* -that narrowing of vision which naturally accompanies the fragmentation of knowledge and learning. For those with the courage to see clearly, the required "unlearning" of fashionable ideas carries no real cost whatsoever. The terror Lovecraft envisioned is only the first rush of uncertainty, when ideas long taken for granted are thrown into question by facts and simple reasoning previously ignored. The "piecing together of dissociated knowledge" will only require us to confront the deep contradictions in things experts have long claimed to know. With the courage to see clearly, the adventure itself could well be "the most merciful thing in the world," adding new insights into the greatest dramas of early human history and vital perspective to humanity's situation in the cosmos. Lovecraft did not realize that the "terrifying vistas" are but a mirage seen through an open door. The truth is always unified, and as such it can only be friendly to those who seek the truth first. As we pass through the door, it is not fear that goes with us, but the exhilaration of discovery.
- Wal Thornhill / David Talbott
*Myopia - a disinclination to acknowledge the existence of something. "
“'From the smallest particle to the largest galactic formation, a web of electrical circuitry connects and unifies all of nature, organizing galaxies, energizing stars, giving birth to planets and, on our own world, controlling weather and animating biological organisms. There are no isolated islands in an electric universe'.
- David Talbott and Wallace Thornhill
Thunderbolts of the Gods"
"This web site aims to provide an introduction to the emerging Plasma Universe paradigm, and to explore some of the many profound implications.
Mainstream science, for the most part, looks on the universe as electrically neutral and purely mechanical; a place where the weak force of gravity holds fort. Plasma Cosmology, by contrast, acknowledges the electrodynamic nature of the universe. Gravity and inertia are NOT the only forces at work.
The history of science, of course, is fraught with controversy, and it is important to bear in mind that the situation today is little different."
"OPENINGMIND.COM brings together within one website the variety of philosophical activities that Pierre Grimes, and the community of philosophers relating with him, have been engaged with and have developed over the past 35 years."
"New Scientist magazine was launched in 1956 "for all those men and women who are interested in scientific discovery, and in its industrial, commercial and social consequences". The brand's mission is no different today - for its consumers, New Scientist reports, explores and interprets the results of human endeavour set in the context of society and culture.
New Scientist online was launched in 1996 and now carries an archive of over 76,000 content pieces. Our online content is considerably enhanced by an international online news team, posting updates every day.
In November 2008, NewScientist.com has been relaunched in order to provide our content in an organized and more accessible fashion for our readers. Similarly in 2009, New Scientist magazine will also have a more contemporary look and feel.
We currently get around 14 million page impressions a month with over 3 million unique users. (source: ABCe March 2009). For more specific information on our inventory available, please contact us."
"The mission of the Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science is to support scientific education, critical thinking and evidence-based understanding of the natural world in the quest to overcome religious fundamentalism, superstition, intolerance and human suffering."
"Socratic Method Research Portal. Dedicated to Advancing the Use of the Socratic Method"
http://www.crandallu.ca/courses/grphil/indexgrph.htm
Lectures on ancient Greek philosophy by Professor Barry D. Smith
"We are a dedicated team, proud to stand together and work together as one family. We firmly recognize that the martial arts are a way of life, and take with due respect and regard our responsibility to teach those who seek the growth and development inherent in their study. We protect each other and we protect those in our care, and it is our aim to serve in whatever capacity our scholarship calls for.
It is our position that the martial arts are a sacred science whose ancient practice and study are profoundly rooted in the healing and philosophical arts. When taught well, we believe the martial arts awaken an innate spirit of dynamic physical, mental and spiritual performance. "
http://youstupidrelativist.com
"Mission Statement: To utterly destroy the idiotic religions known as General Relativity, Quantum Mechanics, and String Theory. You Stupid Relativist is determined to debunk and eradicate Mathematical Physics (the 'science' of reification)... an amusing world of... cuckoos and cranks"
The Humanist applies humanism—a natural and democratic outlook informed by science, inspired by art, and motivated by compassion—to broad areas of social and personal concern. In pursuit of alternative ideas, the Humanist airs opinions that may not necessarily reflect those of the editors or the publisher, the American Humanist Association (AHA).
The AHA is a membership organization founded in 1941 whose history can be traced back to 1927, when professors and seminarians at the University of Chicago organized the Humanist Fellowship, and began publishing the New Humanist magazine. By 1935 the Humanist Fellowship had become the Humanist Press Association, replacing the New Humanist with the Humanist Bulletin. The Humanist Press Association reorganized itself in 1941 as the American Humanist Association and began printing the Humanist magazine under the editorship of Edwin H. Wilson. (Click here for a list of former editors and here for more on the AHA).
With a distinguished cadre of writers covering everything from science and religion to media and technology to politics and popular culture, the Humanist continues to challenge readers with insightful ethical critique and commentary on the central issues of our time.
RNS is owned by Religion News LLC, a non-profit, limited liability corporation based at the University of Missouri School of Journalism. Its mission is to provide in-depth, non-sectarian coverage of religion, spirituality and ideas.
RNS advances its mission through our website and by partnering with regional hubs and a diverse group of subscribers who distribute our work.
RNS strives to meet the highest standards of public service journalism. Through our work, we report, write, compile, record and post news, features, photos and video.
Our goal is to promote civic engagement and discourse on religion. We strive to inform and challenge our readers, out of a conviction that religious literacy is a necessary component of effective citizenship.
RNS does not endorse or promote any particular religion, creed or set of beliefs or non-beliefs. We are a secular organization committed to an ongoing conversation about the role of religion in public life.
BQO aims to ask and explore the Big Questions of human purpose and ultimate reality, with a focus on science, religion, markets, morals, and the dynamic intersection among them.
The National Center for Science Education (NCSE) is a not-for-profit, membership organization providing information and resources for schools, parents and concerned citizens working to keep evolution in public school science education. We educate the press and public about the scientific, educational, and legal aspects of the creation and evolution controversy, and supply needed information and advice to defend good science education at local, state, and national levels. Our 4000 members are scientists, teachers, clergy, and citizens with diverse religious affiliations.
Project Reason is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation devoted to spreading scientific knowledge and secular values in society. Drawing on the talents of the most prominent and creative thinkers across a wide range of disciplines, Project Reason seeks to encourage critical thinking and wise public policy through a variety of interrelated projects. The foundation will convene conferences, produce films, sponsor scientific studies and opinion polls, publish original research, award grants to other charitable organizations, and offer material support to religious dissidents and public intellectuals — all with the purpose of eroding the influence of dogmatism, superstition, and bigotry in our world.
While the foundation is devoted to fostering critical thinking generally, we believe that religious ideas require a special focus. Both science and the arts are built upon cultures of vigorous self-criticism; religious discourse is not. As a result, religious dogmatism still reigns unchallenged in almost every society on earth—dividing humanity from itself, inflaming conflict, preventing wise public policy, and diverting scarce resources. One of the primary goals of Project Reason is to change this increasingly unhealthy status quo.