One of the presented thoughts on Open Source Religion is to reflect upon scientific discoveries and then relate them to spiritual ideas. That is, what might they mean in relationship to our humanity and
the humanities, our destiny, and our relationship to the micro and the macro.
Too often, I see in the discussions a sliding into ineffectual debate and argument. Sadly, the point which was originally raised is often missed entirely.
“Suppose you and I argue.
“If you win and I lose, are you indeed right and I wrong? If I win and you lose, am I right and you wrong? Are we both partly right and partly wrong? Are we both all right or both all wrong? If you and I cannot see the truth, other people will find it even harder.
“ Then whom shall I ask to be the judge? Shall I ask someone who agrees with you? If she already agrees with you, how can she be a fair judge? Shall I ask someone who agrees with me? If she already agrees with me, how can she be a fair judge? Shall I ask someone who agrees with both of us? If she already agrees with both of us, how can she be a fair judge? Then if you and I and others cannot decide, shall we wait for still another?
“Waiting for changing opinions is like waiting for nothing.
“Seeing everything in relation to the heavenly cosmos and leaving differing opinions as they are, we may be able to live out our years.
“What do I mean by seeing things in relation to the heavenly cosmos? Consider right and wrong, being and non-being. If right is indeed right, there need be no argument about how it is different from wrong. If being is really being, there need be no argument on how it is different from non-being.
“Forget time; forget distinction. Enjoy the infinite; rest in it.”
—Zhuangzi (cf. Feng & English, 1974)

MESSIER OBJECT 101
This object exists in space independent of man. It was "discovered" by Charles Messier. Named M101. M42, aka the Andromeda galaxy, was first documented by an Arab astrologer in 936 CE. Our knowledge and description of it has changed over the years as new information became available. Quite recently, scientist discovered M42 was 5 times larger than originally thought.
Fives times!!! I do not argue about Andromeda, I am filled with philo and encouraged to seek after sophia.
We make discoveries and develop theories according to the scientific model. This is a largely intellectual endeavor; the intellect being the "safe" realm of the masculine. But does not this image evoke a feeling of awe and wonder. Feeling is the realm of the feminine. Please allow me to use these terms loosely. Yin and Yang are not absolute; there is no pure yin or pure yang. What may present as yin in one situation, can easily present as yang in another. The ancient Chinese understood the relativity of all things in the Universe.
Does the scientific method necessarily exclude or negate the feminine?
Does science necessarily engender argument?
Is it possible for Open Source Religion to integrate science and spirituality with equal parts feeling and intellect?
Can we share our own experiences as additional evidence without the desperate need for ego to be "right"?
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