“The Window of Our Cultural Soul” by Chris Maser
This essay was written to persuade people and to open their minds to the idea that the earth is very important and we should always put effort into using its resources wisely. It encourages people to appreciate the land around us and to consider it a piece of art. Humans have a special relationship with the earth, and that is displayed especially in gardening because we are both caring for the earth itself and making it beautiful. The essay also illustrates the different reasons people use the earth, and that it represents the existence of the transcendent “other”.
“Religion and Science” by Albert Einstein
This essay by Albert Einstein was showing the connection and relationship between religion and science in our society. Einstein defined religion as being a method of avoiding death and suffering and suggested that fear is the main reason that people are religious. He goes on to say that science is only useful if scientists consider other ideas than just the practical results. Einstein points out that religion and science do not exist without each other and that the most important function of science itself is to discover more spiritually.
“The Obligation to Endure” by Rachel Carson
The essay by Rachel Carson is helping people to become aware of the dangers of chemical insecticides. She says that these insecticides are destroying plant and animal life and thinks that people have a right to be more educated about this subject. She stresses the need to do more research about the harmful effects of these insecticides and states that “the obligation to endure” gives each person the responsibility to be more aware of these scientific activities.
My Discussion Question:
Is Albert Einstein valid in saying that fear is the only reasoning behind religion?
I thought of this question because after reading the essay I could not decide whether I agree with this statement. It is possible for me to understand why someone would think this, because the idea of where someone will end up after death is an important part of almost every religion. You could see this as a way for people to feel more comfortable about death when they are scared. I would want to think of other reasons for people having a certain religion, to prove that this might not be valid.
