Tomorrow is Thanksgiving in the United States, a time for gratitude and community. Intangible qualities like these challenge science, since they don't lend themselves as readily to quantifying or to controlled investigation. Much easier for a scientist to tackle topics like tryptophan in turkey--no, that's not what makes you drowsy after dinner--because we have better tools for studying molecules. That doesn't mean gratitude or community aren't real or significant to our lives, just that we need different tools to study … [Read more...] about Science Corner: Prayers and Placebos
Thanksgiving
Continuing Thanksgiving (Scholar’s Compass)
Tamarie Macon shares some post-Thanksgiving (the holiday) thoughts on thanksgiving, the hopefully ongoing practice in our lives. To read other posts by Tamarie, click here. Scripture "Because a loveless world," said Jesus, "is a sightless world.” John 14:23 (The Message) Reflection Practicing gratitude has become popular these days. At least it's widely embraced to say that's what you do. … [Read more...] about Continuing Thanksgiving (Scholar’s Compass)
Science Corner: Offering Thanks for Science & Technology
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I wanted to highlight a few scientific and technological developments of the past year for which I am grateful. Let's start with a story I alluded to last week, the shrinking hole in the ozone layer. Changes to the ozone layer were first detected in 1974 and traced to human release of chlorofluorocarbons into the atmosphere. Because ozone helps to shield us from harmful radiation, an international agreement was reached in 1987 to eliminate chlorofluorocarbon usage. As a result of those … [Read more...] about Science Corner: Offering Thanks for Science & Technology
Christianity: The Feasting Religion
In this season of harvest and celebration, scholar/teacher/novelist David Russell Mosley offers a reflection on feasting in the Christian tradition. Read more of David's work for ESN here, or browse his recent author interview for ESN. … [Read more...] about Christianity: The Feasting Religion
Thanksgiving for Domestic Hospitality (Scholar’s Compass)
Scripture So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:10, ESV) … [Read more...] about Thanksgiving for Domestic Hospitality (Scholar’s Compass)