Scientific Fundamentalism…

Science versus Faith

There are people who have very fixed beliefs about science, and those with very fixed beliefs about esoteric and religious concepts. And many and especially in the scientific community, who seem to believe that in their case the other two are absolutely mutually incompatible with hard, provable evidence based knowledge.

Templeton Prize

This has been borne out with with the recent controversy over Sir Martin Rees also known as Baron Rees of Ludlow, the UK’s Astronomer Royal, deciding to accept the £1M Templeton Prize, whose previous recipients have included Mother Teresa and evangelist preacher, Dr Billy Graham.

Sir Martin Rees

So why has this caused such a stir? Well, there are many people in the field of astrophysics, who feel that Lord Rees has “sold out”. Their reasoning is that there is no compatibility between science and faith, or belief, which the Templeton Foundation seeks to promote.

For Lord Rees part, he says that he has no religious beliefs personally, but was brought up in the Church of England and says he values its culture and ethics. In his acceptance speech he said…

“All (of us) must be guided by the knowledge that 21st Century Science can offer but inspired by an idealism, vision and commitment that science alone can’t provide”.

Scientists don’t believe in God

So, what I believe he is essentially saying, is that science alone cannot live in isolation from the world,  its beliefs and its humanity. However,  a recent survey of top scientists found that over 90% of them,  said that they did not believe in God.

Scientific Fundamentalism

And I trend I have been observing this year with the Professor Brian Cox “affair” is an almost scientific fundamentalism that is creeping into the public domain, which implies that anyone with any beliefs at all, is frankly stupid, and beneath contempt, of those possessing this enlightened, scientific and “higher” knowledge…

Rowan Williams

And I believe this is very dangerous territory indeed. I once heard Rowan Williams the Archbishop of Canterbury and leader of the Church of England, speak most beautifully about faith, love and science.

And essentially I felt he was saying that human capacity to make things happen positively, through kindness, thought, deed, prayer and spirit, was something that couldn’t be quantified by measurement, mathematics and a monster awareness of data.

The Planetarium

Now, I must assert at this stage my love of science, and all the wonderment and human assistance it can bring. One of the highlights of my youth, was a school visit to The Planetarium in London, and I was hooked…

Astrology

However, my own journey deeper and deeper into astrology, has taught me that a subject that is roundly condemned  by those in the scientific firmament, brings so much help and goodness to people, but it is closed minds and arrogance, which are the enemies of any belief system, because you are essentially adopting a defensive pose and open-mindedness, to me, should be open ended concept!

Shrewsbury School

Yet there are some things to mention here, which are more local to me. Sir Martin was educated at Shrewsbury School, which is about a mile from where I live. Perhaps the most famous Alumni of the school being Charles Darwin, who himself held back from releasing his first work, because of the fear it would rock the then religious orthodox and partly out of respect to his devout, Christian wife.

Scientific Thought Police

Wow, how things have changed. Now it seems to me, some scientists are in danger of becoming the new thought police. And if they don’t have beliefs outside of factual reasoning that is fine, but are they worthy of standing in judgement of any one else who does?

For my own part, I was born at and educated at Catholic Schools, and whilst perhaps not the greatest fan of this organisation, I do however, have many friends who are very spiritual, across the whole spectrum of faiths, and it really is down to personal choice.

I also know that a number of astrologers are believers in God, some are church goers, some more drawn to earth power. There are numerous references to astrology linked to the bible  in the new and old testaments…and I have the utmost respect for any person who invests of themselves a spiritual journey, in whatever way.

There are a couple of articles you may wish to read Defence of Astrology and About Astrology.

Have a great weekend, I am off to see the Shrewsbury International Cartoon Festival!

Kind regards Patrick

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Post Author: Patrick Arundell

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