Stardust and Death (pt 2 of 4) with Connie Barlow

The fact that the atoms of our bodies were forged inside of stars, and that the explosive deaths of ancestral stars seeded the galaxies with complex elements, is an understanding born of modern science. It is also an understanding that helps us relate to the vast cosmos in a familial way, and that comforts us with the awareness that death is a natural and creative part of the universe. This 4-part "Stardust and Death" series is drawn from a longer program ("Death Through Deep-Time Eyes") that Connie Barlow has been presenting while living on the road with her husband since 2002 — as America's "evolutionary evangelists." The background science, all the songs, adult and children's curricula, and more "stories of awakening" can be accessed on Connie's website: http://thegreatstory.org. Besides this series of 4, two more short videos excerpt other portions of Connie's "Death Through Deep-Time Eyes" presentation. One is titled: "Time and Death" and it examines how an understanding of paleontology and the evolution of complex life can foster a sense of gratitude for the existence of death in the world. The other is: "Why Is There Death? Finale"

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• periodic table of elements
• Mendeleev
• creation
• helium
• helios
• Big Bang
• planets
• chemical elements
• atoms
• Arthur Eddington
• Hans Bethe
• Fred Hoyle
• we are stardust
• evolution
• ancestor stars
• sun
• red giant stars
• oxygen
• death of sun
• carbon dioxide
• calcium
• bone
• star death
• gratitude
• natural death
• religious naturalism
• Easter
• death and resurrection
• science versus religion
• humanism
• creation versus evolution
• carl sagan
• cosmos

[gespilk]

@MassLiberal1

Why worship at all?

Feelings of "awe" are irrelevant in the universe. Objective observer recognises his feelings and how they affect his perceptions. In pursuit of objective truth we have to develop inner self that is above feelings, sensations, beliefs, moral values and everything human. In pursuit of truth we need to become pure and indifferent as the Universe is. However we could not afford to do that all the time. To secure our existence we need time off to be selfish.

[MassLiberal1]

@gespilk Better to "worship" science then to worship ancient scriptures filled w/ fantasy. Humans are meaning making creatures; comes natural to us. Nothing wrong w/ being spiritually inspired by the cosmos. Einstein, Sagan, and Hawking often used religious language to express their awe of the universe and it didn't ruin their science.

[gespilk]

Why sing about the cosmos? If we are to be real scientists there should not be emotional content when observing the reality. Songs are intended to provoke emotional responses.

To be real observer means not to fall under the influence of logic traps or emotions and that includes accounting for the effect of various emotional stimulus like songs, motivational speeches,art, acting, scenery, etc.

Singing about science seems like beginning of worshipping of science. Who needs science as religion?

[SaganAppreciationSoc]

Neat.