"Why is the sky blue?" is a perennial question of young children. It is also somewhat notorious for producing incorrect or incomplete answers, even from fairly credible sources. The typical answer for why 'x' is whatever color it is has to due with the wavelengths of light it absorbs. What we see is what is not absorbed but instead reflected, so if an object absorbs light from the red end of the spectrum it will look more blue, and vice versa. The sky appears blue for a different reason, though. Some white light from … [Read more...] about Science Corner: It’s Not That Easy Being Blue
vision
Science Corner: Seeing is Believing
Twenty nineteen has been a banner year for glimpses at the elusive and previously unseen. Earlier this year, we were treated to our first direct view of an actual black hole (as opposed to the physically accurate but fully simulated one in Interstellar a few years back). More recently, we saw the first images of quantum entanglement, the first view of molecules changing shapes as a result of gaining or losing electrons, and rare footage of a giant squid (only the second such video). We gain a lot of information about … [Read more...] about Science Corner: Seeing is Believing
Next Steps for ESN —Part 2: Vision, Partnership
I greatly appreciate the ASA's ongoing partnership with InterVarsity, particularly when it comes to engaging with college and graduate students at our Annual Meeting. Hannah Eagleson and Tom Grosh have done a wonderful job of creating opportunities for students to interact with their peers as well as professionals within their disciplines. These networking connections are a win for everyone involved, and we look forward to continuing this partnership at next year's ASA meeting. -- Leslie Wickman, Ph.D., Executive … [Read more...] about Next Steps for ESN —Part 2: Vision, Partnership
Imago Dei: Vision and Value (Part 4 of 5)
Michael Huerter continues his series responding to The Image of God in an Image Driven Age: Explorations in Theological Anthropology, edited by Beth Felker Jones and Jeffrey W. Barbeau (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2016). See Part 1 of Michael's explorations here, Part 2 here, and Part 3 here. Whether we think of the image of God as being related to human beings' unique rationality, their place as representatives of God's reign, their potential for relationships, or their ability to make moral choices, … [Read more...] about Imago Dei: Vision and Value (Part 4 of 5)
Imago Dei: Culture and Creativity (Part 3 of 5)
Michael Huerter continues his series responding to The Image of God in an Image Driven Age: Explorations in Theological Anthropology, edited by Beth Felker Jones and Jeffrey W. Barbeau (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2016). See Part 1 of Michael's explorations here, and Part 2 here. … [Read more...] about Imago Dei: Culture and Creativity (Part 3 of 5)