post #165 "A Fragile World"

So what intrinsic values came of the two worlds under discussion: the world of Faith/Tradition and the world of the Intellect, the world of Reason? What intrinsic values came from the controversy that has raged for hundreds of years from generation to generation? One should ask to what degree, if any, the new scientific modernity succeeded in replacing traditional values with its own. What of seemingly noble values we see as having taken root in our present world? Can these traditional values be attributed to, or enhanced by, an evolving modernity? What of these values of tolerance, of peaceful co-existence, of democratic values, self-government, and individual rights, including the right to individual conscience and the right to question?

On the surface these values may be argued to exist and flourish in today's societies, but on a much deeper level of truth this seems not to be the case. It would be fair to ask if these values have ever really existed in recorded history, or more importantly, in creation. As previously noted, a serious look at all aspects of the present world situations cannot help but be alarming. On that very serious note, the world seems to be on a path of world destruction, horrifyingly, that path is a path of self-destruction.

Something has gone wrong or never was right in the first place. Is the world of science and technology, for all its condemnation of faith and tradition, on the same path it accuses religion of taking? It must have to do with life and death. It must have to do with Power. It must have to do with who is in power. It must have to do with Power and vulnerability, for power cannot exist without vulnerability and vulnerability cannot exist without Power. What of the basic questions, those elemental questions of humanity? Are these basic questions of humanity questions affected by Power and vulnerability? Have these questions been openly and honestly addressed by science? Has science addressed these basic questions that rightfully should result from the centuries of the quest for power over life and death?