Quotes: Short and Interesting

False Hypotheses - 2023 February

A false hypothesis is better than none at all for that it is false does no harm at all. But when it fortifies itself, when it is accepted universally and becomes a kind of creed that nobody may doubt, that nobody may investigate, that is the disaster of which centuries suffer. - Goethe

Designed performance - 2023 January

Every cell in our bodies is wildly more sophisticated than anything else humans have ever made. Biology is insanely complex, but never needlessly complex. Everything you find in biology is there for a very specific reason. Nature is an amazing designer and manufacturer. - Ralph DiMeo

Problems with Standard Cosmology

2023 Feb 4

The standard Big Bang cosmological model is the Lambda Cold Dark Matter (ΛCDM) model. It apparently provides a reasonable account of observed properties of the cosmos, including (from Wikipedia):

the cosmic microwave background
the large-scale structure in the distribution of galaxies
the observed abundances of hydrogen, helium, and lithium
the accelerating expansion of the universe

I can accept some aspects of the this model, however, I have doubts this model is correct because I see some serious and (what seems to me to be) fatal problems with it.

Touring St. Edwards Lodge

2022 Nov 24

A decade ago I was able to get a private tour of the St. Edwards Seminary building. In the years ever since then, they were worried that the building would fall into such dis-repair (from water damage) that it would have to be condemned. Finally an arrangement was made for it to be turned into a private hotel. They renovated the building and the work has been completed since the end of last year.

Late this afternoon I was back walking at St. Edwards State Park. I had never gone inside the old seminary building since then, so at the end of my walk I checked it out. Outside the lighting is quite elegant, with gas lanterns along the walkway.

Two Cello Pieces

2022 Nov 6

Last night was my cello teacher's studio recital and I played two pieces.

Why I am Still a Christian

2022 Sep 14

I was born into a Christian family. However, today my view on Christianity is not the same as it was when I was a child.

Often a person remains in the religious belief system they grew up in. If they do leave their belief system it may be for reasons that involve experience, rationales or evidence. I however am still a Christian, and it is because of evidence, reason and experience.

Kayak Camping Ross Lake

2022 Jul 1

I kayaked-camped at Ross Lake with an interesting group of guys. We had good company and beautiful scenery.

The Ross, Diablo and Gorge lakes are a series of reservoirs that create hydropower for the city of Seattle. Ross is the longest at about 23 miles and at its north end it crosses about a mile into Canada. There is no road access to Ross from the US side. However, you can drive to Diablo and then travel by boat to Ross. We did this by putting in at Colonial Creek Campground.

What I promote

I write about things on this website. What agenda do I have?

I promote:

A simple, coherent, orthodox and practical Christian spirituality: see the Good News.

A family that works toward good relationships, mental health, maturity with fun, and care for others.

The scientific theory that certain features of the universe and living things are best explained by an intelligent cause rather than a natural process: Intelligent Design.

What is Leadership?

2022 Jan 23

When I went to Trinity Western University they had a motto about all their students becoming leaders. However, I did not understand this because it was unclear to me what they meant by a leader. And it seemed obvious that not everybody can be the leader; followers are needed too.

The clarification that was needed here matters substantially. Initially in my view, there were limited openings for leaders. If they were speaking of "elite" leaders, then most people have no part in leadership.

However, I have learned that leadership actually is something that everyone can have a part in. The key is to understand how and why.