Some thoughts on Videos

Beyond Belief Conferences...

BB 2

Newton, brilliant intelligence… yet would support “intelligent design” in writings

Like other brilliant minds of the past. Science takes their breath away and makes them stand in awe of the Creator. We wouldn’t dismiss their passion or amazing contributions to science, so why are some scientists so quick to call the 15% who believe in God fools. Lecturer reminds me of many science professors: sounding so paranoid ‘n counting all the bad things that could happen (thanks to what science tells us). So cynical. And critical of Collins’ conversion. Sounds like a spoiled child, complaining about what they don’t have and not grateful for what they do have (think of all the animals that aren’t capable of doing the things we can). As “intelligence” goes up, religious belief goes down. Why is that? People of faith lose faith? Or is it more that people with no faith are able to access money and education easier? Is it because their passion is so wrapped up in science that there’s no room for anything or anyone else?

BB 3

Interesting attempt to connect parts of science (specifically evolution) to the Bible. And it’s interesting how it seems like atheists want to take away faith from believers, but a believer would want an atheist to gain something… something more wonderful beyond words. What can an atheistic life offer? Oh gosh, I can remember what a life w/out God offered me and there is no comparison. I agree that scientists are so quick to compare the best of science w/ the worst of religion. Seems easy for people to see God in everything but Biology… I don’t think I’m wrong when I’m fascinated w/ the intricacy of life ‘n thank God for letting me know how things work. Most of this is a review of my science courses. Not really learning much…

BB 4

Consciousness. This one’s interesting because I’m taking Neurobiology right now. I love that class. Easy to follow along w/ scientific part of lecture, good presenter. Rest kind of goes over my head, but the science is cool. E=H/T. What scientists seem to dismiss is a version of God that is downright silly and oversimplified. They quickly dismiss what they do not understand. Sounds familiar… Their definition of God is pretty… yeah, not accurate, but okay. Cool stories… out of body experiences… Tests of personal God… prayer test… no… have to pray according to God’s will… how can we possibly test God’s will?? How can we measure whether a person actually means it, or they’re just praying for an experiment? Silly silly for scientists to consider such a test.

BB 5

Speaker verified what I thought I’d learned before in my R/St 100 class, that there are hardly any religious people in England (most are atheists/agnostics). It’s such a huge question, huh? How did all these atoms come together, how did all these molecules come together to start all of this? Apart from simply saying, “God just snapped His fingers” how do we answer that?? I can see how scientists get so excited, hopeful that someday science will be able to figure it all out. It’s fun. A learning game. More on God and morality… the “law” is supposed to help us see what bad is; letting us know with certainty where God is coming from, what He expects, so there’s no question. I think that’s the definition of being “moral,” following the rules that the rule-maker has made. That’s the connection.

BB 6

Interesting hearing non-believers “preach” on the Bible. Male speaker… interesting ideas/suggestions. Using different areas (Intellectual, Aesthetic, Experiential, Ritual, Instituational) to articulate and explain science to public/individual minds. Next speaker shared her personal story. Religious belief… why is it a nightmare to some people? What are their experiences? So important to share the positive aspects of living a life knowing God w/ people, otherwise they have misconceptions. Try to watch end later (keeps freezing).