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I just watched my first real-time shuttle launch. Until about 10 minutes ago, I’ve only seen recorded versions of the launch. I have to say, It was fascinating and nerve-racking at the same time. Remember, I’m a part of the generation that was in 4th grade when the Challenger blew up and the major networks showed it over and over and over for weeks on end. This is why it was nerve- for me to watch the launch today. Right when the camera showed that familiar shot of the shuttle, boosters and all, I winced, waiting for tragedy.
But all went well today. Flawless launch, from what I can tell. As I walked back from the lunch room with my viewing buddies I found myself asking the question again,
“What actual, long term benefits – for the costs and risks we invest – does the US space program bring us?”
I once asked this question to a co-worker a few years ago and received quite the unanticipated reaction. That’s cool. I get it that some are die-hard fans of the space program. That’s fine. I’m not knocking things like exploration, discovery and learning either. I’m just asking the broader question of value. For the billions(trillions?) we pour into it (which, by the way, we don’t really have) coupled with the risk of life, is the return worth it?
What do you think?
well, for one thing, we got better tennis racquets(look it up)
and what woman can resist an astronaut?!?
This is an extremely interesting question. Have you ever heard of the god of the gaps?
It’s a (considered strong) argument against Christian logic that claims [we] Christians use God to fill the gaps which Science cannot explain (yet).
You might ask, ‘what on earth does this have to do with the funding of NASA’? Well, good question. Why has the NASA program recently become under scrutiny for it’s existence? Why does the PUBLIC want to use less of their own money to fund space exploration?
The opposing view of ‘god of the gaps’ uses Science to explain why God is non-existence. I think its worth asking a few questions.
+ Why do we continue to use exploration/science to diminish our creator’s credibility?
+ How much spending should we continue when we could be using it to serve God’s greater good?
+ Why did we send space monkeys first?
Besides the last point, I think we should seriously consider the first two.
Remember, Barack Obama was the peoples choice for president. He truly is an the leader of the American populace. Albeit, he may have his many differences from the conservative viewpoint, which I cannot begin to describe, he also has a few interesting points that I feel are *godly in their manner. His stance on NASA is godly in my opinion. I’m not necessarily supporting the entire stance of Barack Obama, however, I think its worth noting he does have spiritual attributes which are reflected in his domestic policies.
All said and done, we are all sinners. However, we hopefully, are all struggling to become closer to God. That is what matters most in this short lived life we call home.
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*(notice godly spelled without uppercase G as only God himself should be considered as a unique being).
Outstanding points, Nick! I’ll definitely look at the ‘god in the gaps’ view more.