Science vs. Faith

There have been several letters to the editor in our local paper recently debating the long standing argument of science vs. faith. One side claims that those that believe in God are delusional, unrealistic and living in a fantasy world. The extreme on the other side discounts scientific discovery in the interest of faith. It has made me once again reflect on the battle that rages in today's society that for some reason faith and science cannot be reconciled.

To me there is no contradiction. The argument for both sides is really the same and in that it is a paradox.

Some proponents of scientific theories such as evolution claim that because of 'iron-clad' facts that have been proven through scientific methods faith in God is a crutch for weak minded individuals. I am always amazed at such arguments.

Scientists who are continually learning new things everyday, literally expanding our universe by their discoveries would have to be at the peak of arrogance to say that they understand the whole of the origin of man.

Looking through history it was not long ago that we did not know about atoms, then that there were smaller parts that made up atoms, then that there are subatomic particles. To think that we have 'reached' the pinnacle of scientific knowledge is folly at best.

I frankly don't understand why a person that can be so 'open minded' when it comes to the scientific method can be so small minded when thinking about what the big picture might contain. Any scientist worth his salt is continually looking for new breakthroughs, new ideas, new theories to explain the phenomenon of every facet of our lives.

I recently read a book about a scientist that did in fact embrace both views of science and faith. Mormon Scientist, The Life and Faith of Henry Eyring. Henry developed the Absolute Rate Theory (ART) that is a standard in current day quantum physics. I couldn't explain what it means in layman's terms, but it was a significant scientific break through, and he was nominated multiple times for the Nobel Prize in Science. He worked with scientific greats like Einstein and wrote an astounding number of scientific papers. He had a brilliant mind, loved everything science related but also had an unwavering faith in God, the Eternal Father and in his son Jesus Christ.

He had many contemporaries that did not understand how he could do both. They felt that he must compartmentalize his beliefs and didn't let them meet. He however, did not see that there was a problem. His method of discovery was to search for truth wherever it may be even if it seemed contradictory. When faced with such paradoxes he said, "Yes, these two facts seem contradictory. Let's assume that they are both true and see if we can find the missing pieces that reconcile them." Interestingly he regularly applied this method to scientific problems that seemed to not fit and often did find the missing piece.

His thoughts on truth reminded me of a recent talk by Dallin H. Oaks. He made the point that different types of knowledge are verifiable in different ways. For example you can scientifically know that the weather outside is hot or cold by looking at a thermometer. That is scientifically verifiable information. Just as important you can know that your parents, or kids or your spouse love you (or not I guess). Though it is not verifiable by a scientific method, it is still very important knowledge. Dallin H. Oaks said, "When we know spiritual truths by spiritual means, we can be just as sure of that knowledge as scholars and scientists are of the different kinds of knowledge they have acquired by different methods."

I can honestly say that I know God created this world. I know that he provided a plan through his son Jesus Christ for his children to return to him. And while I know not all people agree with me, and I respect their views and defend their right to hold those views, nothing could disabuse me of this knowledge. Neither could you convince me that it must not be cold to get snow. I believe that in the end the paradox of science vs faith will be no contradiction at all. In the end all those missing pieces will fit into the grand puzzle and truth in whatever form it is found will be whole.

My Monday Mini-Rant

Now taking bets...



How long will it be until Kat remembers to do 10 Digit Dialing???






This is worse than writing out the wrong year on checks...I mean really how often do I write checks anymore? And yes I use my cell phone all the time...but almost ALL of the numbers stored don't have the area code in front.

For all you non-Utahns (all one of you. LOL) We have sadly run out of room on our 801 area code so instead of setting up a NEW area code for the state we now have an OVERLAY. End result we have to dial all 10 numbers to call anyone...even my sister across the street. URGGHH It is faster to run over there now.

UGH>>>>>I just took a break from this rant to make a quick phone call...and you guessed it...EVEN then I didn't remember. It's official...I'm brain dead.

Please leave your eulogies below.

(The font is so large because face it...you should talk a bit louder when you are ranting....right?)

Trippin with the Goblins...

So in my blog journeys I happened across an invitation to a virtual field trip at the blog Yarns of My Heart. The author Jena doesn't know me from Adam...but since she invited 'everyone' I thought I'd join in. You can too if you like.

So buckle up tight we are off...

DESTINATION: Goblin Valley (Central Utah)

Goblin valley is a Utah State Park. It is a hands on playground of sandstone formations that look very much like goblins. The great part of this park is rather than just 'viewing' the incredible red rock of Utah at this place you can experience it your self by climbing, hiking, hiding and exploring. Here is a quick video showing the park. It is located on just over 3 1/2 acres and includes a campground.

HISTORY: Goblin Valley was first discovered (by non-natives) in 1920 by ranchers looking for lost cattle. Can you imagine having to search for cattle in there!?! Later the name 'Mushroom Valley' was coined and in 1964 it was made a State Park with the name of Goblin Valley.

LOCATION: It is located in Central Utah in Emery County. It is 30-40 miles from the nearest town of Green River. YES it IS out in the middle of nowhere.

WEATHER: HOT--in summer anyway. There is no getting around the heat in this area. The most comfortable times to visit are Spring and Fall. We were there at the very beginning of June and the heat was definitely on.

OPPORTUNITIES: It is an awesome place to learn about geology, rocks, erosion and more. These rocks have been eroded by wind and if you are there for very long you will get to experience that for yourself. One time when Mike and I were there we were camping and the wind was so strong that it kept deflating our pop-up tent then letting it out like a firecracker. After being brutally jarred out of sleep 2 or 3 times we chose to pack up and sleep in the car. The rocks themselves are like a giant Nature-Made Playground. This newsletter highlights some of the fun to be had there. When we were there last there was a Scout Troop with HUGE semi-automatic type water guns. They were having a blast jumping from Goblin to Goblin trying to avoid the splatter. We were there during the State of Utah's 100 year anniversary. During that year at all the state parks they held Geo-Cache Treasure Hunts--complete with GPS coordinates and clues. You can find your own geo-hunt here. We had a blast and ACTUALLY found our treasure this time.

Ethan wants to touch the rocks too.

Savanna leads the way.

Looking for the treasure.

FOUND IT!

What's up with that--legislative edition

My state Senator has been sending me weekly updates of this year's legislature. Don't get me wrong, I am appreciative of his efforts to stay in contact with his constituents, but some of the things that are going on Utah's State Capitol...are mind boggling, some stupid, and some maddening and of course the odd good idea. Here's a slice of what's going on from my point of view.

SUBJECT: FEDERAL STIMULUS--STATUS--UNSTIMULATING

So the federal government in all of their government glory has passed a
TRILLION dollar stimulus package...we already know none of us really has a clue what a gianormous number that is...spending $ 1million per day since the day Christ was born would only add up to about 3/4 of a trillion dollars. NASA says 1
trillion seconds would be more than 31 MILLION years. CNN delved into what
a trillion dollars means and you can find more on YouTube it's
staggering!The crazy thing is...no one really knows where all that money
is going. My senator sent me 8 PAGES of proposals to where that money might go in the state of Utah. But does anyone really know how long it is...some reports say 600, some 800, some over 1000. The devil is in the details and nobody even
knows WHERE the details are much less WHAT. There was less than 48
hours to review it after the final draft and many house members complained that
they didn't have time to review it. How could you?? Even my senator hasn't
had a chance to review Utah's piece of the pie. He says, "Our staff is working on an analysis". The 8 pages of where the money will go..it is what you might call a great Bedtime Stimulus for amnesics...it will definitely cure the ailment.

SUBJECT: ETHICS BILLS--STATUS--INCOMPLETE

I'll give some credit for effort. Two ethics bills HAVE passed the senate
this week. One, saying a retired politician can't use left over campaign
money for his own personal use...DUH. And two, a politician must
report any gifts over $10 and meals over $25...BIG WHOOP!

What we are MISSING...is the obvious elephant in the room. Politicians
should NOT be able to become paid lobbyists for at least a year after leaving
the legislature. It may surprise some to find out that last year's Speaker
of the House (who was quite popular among legislators though not popular enough
to get re-elected) is now a PAID lobbyist for the tobacco companies. Is it
any wonder that Utah has the 34th highest (16the
lowest) Tobacco tax in the nation? Now you know that I questioned WHERE
that tax should go...but it is a no brainer to make it higher. Tobacco is a health
detriment not only to those that use it but EVERYONE in the vicinity.

SUBJECT: CLAY'S LAW (Making it mandatory for insurance companies to cover Autism related Disorders)--STATUS--STILL HANGING IN THERE BUT AT RISK OF BEING DEFEATED

PROS: Children who are no routinely denied coverage and in turn therapies
for Autism Spectrum disorders would now have the opportunity to receive life
changing therapies that would not only help the child, but the family, AND
the community. This article explains how research based therapies that are currently available could save the state $1.8-$2.7 million dollars per child that is treated successfully. That is HUGE...we can pay for it now and get the benefit of
a child's life changed, a family life perhaps saved and a community debt
avoided or we can pay for it later, with higher medical bills, education
bills, criminal bills. See what the senate is saying about it here.

CONS: Hmmm...I guess there could be some (government intervention, modest
premium boosts--but this one to me seems that the pros far outweigh the
cons.)

SUBJECT: SINGAPORE MATH GRANTS--STATUS--POSSIBILITY

I looked into this program a bit when I heard my kid's school would be
using the method for their math classes. I read a lot of good reviews...but was
a bit surprised that it was a method that was used most often by homeschoolers. I can't really say whether or not it is a better method than what they used at our last school. I am happy that it has been good for Tim. He hasn't been bored and seems to be learning well...same goes for Sierra. So while I don't know if it is the solution to all our countries math problems, I do think it is a good step to allow for schools to test it out if they like, because that just adds another 'choice' for parents and kids in
their education.

SUBJECT: LIQUOR LAWS--STATUS--HAVE WE GONE DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE???

Apparently we have passed a law that our beer can now be 'heavy beer'
meaning resellers will be able to sell beer with more than 3.2% alcohol
content outside of the State liquor store. (currently and alcoholic drink
over 3.2% alcoholic content can only be sold in the state liquor store.) BUT
we are also on the way to passing the Zion curtain (meaning restaurants
would have to build a 10 ft wall around any place that prepared alcoholic
drinks.) As Alice said, "It would be so nice if something would make
sense for a change."

To contact your Utah State Legislators:

House Members & Senators

My experience is they really do listen...they won't always vote like you want them to, but that doesn't mean you can't make a difference--that, however, is fodder for another blog post.

I'm ready to scream at blogger and its weird formatting tonight...sorry if this is bizzare.

So maybe I'm OCD

{OCD} Kat's definition:

Obsessive...Compulsive...Direction


I tend to like to learn new things. And when I learn new things I tend to be a bit obsessive about the process. And then if I like what I'm learning I tend to have a compulsion about delving into said subject with even greater gusto. And then my direction (for the time being) is plowing through, nothing wavering and straight on 'til morning.

(I'm pretty sure this is a quality that on some level drives my dear sweet husband nuts...thanks for hanging in there with my honey.) In my defense...I don't think this is necessarily a BAD quality...it can just take those around you by surprise and maybe give them a little whiplash when all the sudden you are 'totally into' something new.


So what is my latest OCD? Blog reading. I blame you...you know who you are...the ones that got me all psyched about this blogging thing anyway. :) Thank you. I've been enjoying myself immensely.


What kind of blogs have you been reading? You ask. Oh this, that, the other...and several on education. If you know me that is a hot topic and has been an OCD of mine with hot and cold moments for years. I have strong opinions on the subject and regularly bore my friends with my ideas. (Thanks for still being my friend...you know who you are.)


My educational philosophy is basic.

'Don't let schooling get in the way of your education'.

I inherited this philosophy from my father. He is an educated and a wise man.

To me, it means...that learning moments are all around us. There is really no time or place that learning cannot occur. Some of these things are 'academic' some are 'lilfe skills' and some are from the school of 'hard knocks'. You would 'think' that certain types of learning might be more likely to occur in a school setting as opposed to a home setting, but that is not always true.

This philosophy is especially important to me because I have 5 kids whom I'm educating. It is my (& that dear sweet husband of mine's) responsibility to ensure they have the 'education' to be successful in the world. I most want my kids to have a LOVE of learning. I think they do. I am especially pleased that this love is being nurtured at school and home this year.

Alot of the blogs I have read are homeschooling blogs. I think blogging is a great way to show the product of learning. It has been very interesting reading these blogs because they have given me lots of ideas. And I LOVE ideas. In a way you could say that our family is a homeschooling family, though perhaps in an untraditional way. Untraditional in that my kids do go to an organized school, traditional because we still try to 'learn' in the moment. I'm guessing that this is not unique to our family but it is a fun way to be. Ideas happen...and when they happen I think you should hold on to them...inspect them....look at them upside down and sideways...then see where they lead.

I love when my kids get an idea and we can go all out and explore all the facets of it. My latest example was with Savanna and Ethan. We are headed to the Grand Canyon in a few weeks as a family...in preparation we have read a bunch of books on the subject, talked about how canyons are made and what erosion is. Savanna can tell you that erosion is caused by wind or water and she is excited to look for the animals that we might see there. I hope that the actual trip will be a bit more exciting now that she knows that the different colors in the rocks are actually different layers...and that in SOME of the layers lie fossils. Fossils sounded pretty dang cool to Savanna.

Savanna made my day while were exploring the Grand Canyon...she said, 'Mom, I love it when you are my teacher.' Man talk about an ego boost. It brought to my mind this quote by

M. Russell Ballard:

"Recognize that the joy of motherhood comes in moments. There will be hard times and frustrating times. But amid the challenges, there are shining moments of joy and satisfaction. "

DESPITE all those times that the 'moments' where frustrating, challenging or anything BUT shining...isn't it great when that small sunbeam breaks through? THAT is what IT is all about.

What were you doing 11 years ago today?

I was recovering from the best epidural I ever had. :) With a wonderful, cute, bouncing (ok not bouncing) but definitely starving baby boy.

And 11 years later...He's still starving.

Yes the eggs are green...He does share his special day with Dr. Suess you know.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TIM!

Taking a Field Trip

Today Savanna, Ethan and I took a trip to the Grand Canyon. Did you know it is more than 275 miles long? It has 10 different rock layers. It became a National Park in 1919 but the first evidence of human life dates to 2000 BC. You can find big horn sheep, lizards, squirrels, birds and other animals there.

These are the pictures from our journey....medium...crayons and watercolors.

Look close to find the very happy big horn sheep who is ready to take flying lessons. :)

Ethan took a more expressionistic approach...he is positive there are train tracks somewhere in the canyon.

Originals currently on display at the Clark Art Gallery. Admission: Free.