The Late Dr. William A. Marra on Science and Technology

Dr. William Marra discusses the proper use of technology and its limits.

http://www.keepthefaith.org
http://www.distributistreview.com/mag

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[wowaconia]

The RC Church has even changed its stance on what is defined as ordinary and extraordinary means concerning the morality around dying, previously anything manmade was extraordinary now things as complicated as feeding and breathing tubes (developed by science) are declared ordinary and would be immoral to not make use of. So the issue is more complicated than the arrogance of philosophers.

[wowaconia]

Catholics such as Dr. Marra hold that miracles still happen, saying one can be cured at Lourdes, but even Pope JP2 in his final days turned to medical science to fight inflammation and influenza.

[wowaconia]

The difficulty with his position is that religion declares that faith in it is required for it to work, Matt 13:58 "And he [Jesus] did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith." Penicillin works even if you believe that it wont. So even people who say "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" (Mark 9:24) would worry that this doubt/unbelief would disqualify them from a cure, while penicillin works regardless of a person's mindset so even believers begin to turn to it.

[wowaconia]

I realize this was recorded years ago but currently we already have several of these without such problems; some brands are RoboMower, LawnBott, Automower. His argument can not be dismissed out of hand merely because he chose a bad analogy but it can't be seen as a proof of his position either. The only definition of "humane living" and "a good human life" he puts forward is being able to have a conversation with family, it would be more instructive if he had defined this further.

[wowaconia]

A different analogy is needed rather than lawn cutting robot. The robot is not sentient and so is programmed, it could be programmed to mow at a certain time. Market forces would also encourage electric robot lawnmowers that were quiet and one could purchase that or seeing a desire in the market create that.

[Paul Anthony]

Dr. Marra was a phenomenal man, a Man of God--

I adored this man and his ideas-

Rest in Peace, Dr. William Marra