What do you think of this quote [see details]?

Question

This is one of my favourite quotes:

"In some respects, science has far surpassed religion in delivering awe. How is it that hardly any major religion has looked at science and concluded, "This is better than we thought! The Universe is much bigger than our prophets said, grander, more subtle, more elegant. God must be even greater than we dreamed"? Instead they say, "No, no, no! My god is a little god, and I want him to stay that way." - Carl Sagan

What are your opinions on this? (I would particularly like to hear creationists views on this quote, but also everyone else)

Answer 1

I agree that "relgions" don't have that reaction to the universe. I do think that millions of individuals have had that very reaction to the universe, however. I remember one time when I was brought to tears with how huge it all was, how precious my life was, and how I would never know all there was to know.

Answer 2

I'm not a creationist, but I just had to tell you that I like that quote. I have believed for very long that science and religion can be combined. After all, we are made in his image and likeness, and he is "all knowing". So why can't science and religion be compatible. I think we were given a "brain" and a free will, so that we could discover on our own how Great God Is. I also believe that scientists, using the "brain" they were given, are discovering things God wants us to discover. Whether we use it for good or bad is our choice. I sometimes think that organized religion forgets that we have a "free will". It is each individuals choice how they think about the discoveries that have been made. I also believe that most people, like Carl Sagan, see these things and think - He is bigger and greater than we imagined.

Answer 3

well, I do not know what Carl was talking about unless it is the fact that people as a whole do not think very highly of God.

I mean they go to a building and listen to someone else read the bible (which is supposed to be God's word) and talk about God becasue they don't have the time for it, what does that tell you about their thinking/lack thereof?

Actually I do not recall prophets describing the cosmos other than Genesis and if I am not too far off in revelations John was predicting the future (not other worlds but hey who's perfect?)lol.

My main point is this... There is NO END to anything... Given enough thought anyone can come to this conclusion, change may occur but nothing can be dissipate of energy to the fullest degree.

Answer 4

I think that the quote is one of Carl's best, and I think I have an inkling as to why.

Contrary to common supposition, most religions have been constructed on intentional enforced, even induced, ignorance. Science, on the other hand has always been the search for ever greater truths. It was difficult for data to be sought out outside of our immediate 'space' prior to the understanding of the electro-magnetic spectrum, and certainly until the telescope came along visual input was limited.

Whatever 'curses' science has laid upon us with it's 'errors', the blessings of an ever expanding realm of understanding surpass them all.

My only problem comes when some, usually not the brightest, of our scientific brigade get too 'religious' in entrenching their positions on the rigidity of data. It is a shame that the nature of academic tenure tends to breed conservatism, and inhibit new growth. But no matter, the great will always shine through.

I look forward with great enthusiasm to where the investigation of the quantum 'world' will take us next . :-)))

Answer 5

The God of the Bible is an Awesome God. Just think, if every detail of creation was recorded down. Have you ever wondered how big the Bible would be?

In John 21:24-25, John writes this concerning Jesus; This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true.

And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, "I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written" Amen.

So, just imagine how big the Bible would be, if all events of God's creation, was written down?

If the world could not contain the Books, of just Jesus?

Oh No! Our God is an Awesome God, who fills the universe with His Glory.

Answer 6

Did you ever see one of those nights where the stars and constellations are so bright and awesome that before long, you realize you've lost track of time, and you've been standing there for a couple of hours? Not drunk or high-completely straight and sober?
When I lived in Fairbanks, Alaska I actually saw the light of the Aurora Borealis as a pin dot coming straight at me in the atmosphere before it's light began its sine-wave pattern across the sky. I took some really good pictures of it. It was awesome.
As for the quote, Sagan generalizes like almost all in the field of science that christians are incapable of appreciating anything that God created and science attempts to explain. Such far reaching, yet closed-minded generalizations reveal more of arrogance and disgrace on his part than he'll ever infer about christianity.

Answer 7

My opinion is this:

Why do scientists keep insisting that we should be AWED by the mere SIZE of the universe? Or even the subtlety and design? Humans have never had to look further than the next TREE to realize they were relatively small; that there were things of grace and beauty around them.

Why should the revelations of science somehow lay claim to religious awe? People experience awe from any number of sources. What makes one superior to the next?

Answer 8

I think you are wrong and Carl Sagan is wrong. If we see the picture from the Hubble Telescope, how can we not be in awe of the beauty of the Lord? I agree with Sagan in one respect that often Christians and atheists think of God in a small way and they limit God. I serve and worship a God that cannot be limited and the universe portrays the works of His hands. Look inside the human body, cell by cell and the wonderful knowledge of DNA and stand in awe of the wonderful God who said, "we are fearfully and wonderfully made." The Bible tells us He knows all the stars by name. He counts the hair on our head. He hung the earth on nothing.
God holds it all by the strength of His arm, yet He engraves my name on the palm of His hand.

Oh, I think our prophets knew the splendor of God and often God opened the windows of heaven to give them a peek. We haven't seen anything yet. When Christ returns shortly it will be the most glorious sight ever seen with the human eye.

Answer 9

"There are things that are known and thing that are unknown, and in between, there are doors."- by William Blake perhaps we all give the best of our hearts uncritically…to those who hardly think about us in return."-by T.H. White When so many are lonely as seem to be lonely, it would be inexcusably selfish to be lonely alone."by-Tennessee Williams I believe that everything happens for a reason.people change so that you can learn to let go,things go wrong so that you can appreciate them when they're right , you believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but your slef, and some times good things far apart, so better things can fall together these are quotes that i like alot an follow

Answer 10

Mr. Sagan was so correct. But instead of keeping an open mind and embracing change and taking a look at the big picture, the religious lemmings have consistantly rejected the wonders of learning from the universe new things, and have in turn basically rejected new generations of followers...not that having new lemming-drones followers is a bad thing....

Answer 11

Look at Buddhist response to science. Many deeply religious people love science as a way to aggrandize creation.