Religious quote, agree or disagree???

Question

Such reports persist and proliferate because they sell. And they sell, I think, because there are so many of us who want so badly to be jolted out of our humdrum lives, to rekindle that sense of wonder we remember from childhood, and also, for a few of the stories, to be able, really and truly, to believe--in Someone older, smarter, and wiser who is looking out for us. Faith is clearly not enough for many people. They crave hard evidence, scientific proof. They long for the scientific seal of approval, but are unwilling to put up with the rigorous standards of evidence that impart credibility to that seal. [Carl Sagan]

Answer 1

Everyone knows that Carl Sagan was a tool of the Devil.

Answer 2

I think it is possible to live without the belief that there is someone older and wiser taking care of us. I think this need is stronger(and sometimes overpowering) in some people due to certain childhood needs not being taken care of. But it probably exists to some degree in everyone.
And there is a desire to have it all figured out. Because an uncertain world is difficult and anxiety provoking. A certain world is easy and comforting. But accepting unknown and uncertainty is also an adult quality. That word "proof" comes up a lot. I don't think science proves anything in the purest sense of the word. Scientists just have a lot of faith in some things because they make sense and have worked well for some time. The only things that can be proven absolutely are mathematical things. To be truly scientific means to be willing to accept some uncertainty. No theory or model or law works perfectly under all circumstanses. So how can one say if it's reality or just a good way to model it or think about it.
So I guess the point is that we will always have to accept some uncertainty, even in the light of scientific "proof". In addition to that, science never answers the why questions, just the how questions. Even if science says there are really 11 dimensions, why are there eleven?

Answer 3

Carl Sagan did a great job in popularizing science and the cosmos and was a great man. He did not fear the religious fanatics of today.

Answer 4

I tend to agree. Carl Sagen was wise in that he had the courage and wisdom to admit that he was not ultimately able to 'know.' The observations on human emotional needs and how folks seek to fulfill them are sound. He, more then most, always was willing to 'leave the door open' in so far as spirituality and the basis of creation goes. To revel in the wonder....Blessings...

Answer 5

Not remotely. Carl Sagan is obviously pitying adults acting and thinking like children, which is a good summary of god-belief.

Answer 6

It's the old psychology card. I could slightly edit the quote (for example, changing "believe" to "disbelieve") and say pretty much the same about atheists

Answer 7

In a way, I agree. Only because Carl could not understand or grasp anything beyond the physical or material. He did not understand, or even wish to understand, that there was something more beyond the confines of our limited physical dimensions of space-time. Not one of his quotes could prepare him for what laid beyond after his death in 1996.

For many people, this quote is true. But only if they limit themselves to thinking only within the plane of our physical dimension. I came to believe in God because He gave me proof and answer to what lies beyond they physical, and how to prepare for it. Not because I am looking for story tellers to make me feel good. But because I now possess evidence that Carl Sagan missed because he was too busy discrediting, and not honestly exploring that which goes beyond this plane of existence.

Answer 8

agree with his statement.
no worries carl has his questions answered now.

Answer 9

I AGREE!, but I don't think that was religious at all!