Hubble - A second view

Doug writes:

Yesterday’s thoughts about Hubble and a spaced-out perspective on our human situation on this planet has made me think further.

Science has become a major part of all our lives – even thirty years ago, when Hubble was launched, computers and similar technology were rarely used in most people’s homes. I had a small laptop, which now seems primitive (as one day this one presumably will) and I would never have expected to carry a phone which can not only call or answer people anywhere but do most computing tasks out in the street or garden. Oh to live on the Isle of Wight and assist science with the experimental social distancing app……

Years ago most people would have prayed for a religious solution to the Covid-19 crisis. Nowadays it seems that only a few of us do so, and frankly in a rather measured way, asking that scientists are led towards a cure. As indeed we do, despite churches being closed, for we can pray anywhere. However, such is the reliance on science and the perception that it has the answers, that we almost inevitably put our hopes on human knowledge and inventiveness, scarcely thinking about the limitations -and potential dangers – of science.

Science is wonderful, God-given even, but it does not give all the answers we may need about our individual or shared lives. For example, scientifically we have learnt to drive cars and lorries, keep ourselves warm and comfortable, operate on our bodies when health lets us down, fly through the air and - beyond Hubble - people have walked on the moon. And yet the sheer cost of the space telescope and the moon missions has been – yes – astronomical and many have argued strongly that the money could have supported socially disadvantaged people and provided water, sanitation, healthcare etc for millions.  

Science has many wonders which we all value, but it is humans who deploy and use the inventions, and we cannot re-invent ourselves. We all fall short of the glory of God, of being the people the Lord wants us to become. Our thoughts and prayers should not rely on our human inventiveness alone, but on people discovering again the godly way of peace, hope and love. Thankfully we can see heroic action going on in our nation now, not least in the NHS and Care Homes. But we also need to pray for wisdom, for ourselves and all people, especially those in authority, that we may all use our abilities wisely, to seek to ensure that we look ahead responsibly in how our scientific inventions are likely to affect us. Faith means discovering the way ahead with God, trusting that our scientific endeavours will be successful and, above all, used wisely for everyone’s benefit.

Creator God, we are here in this world because you want us to be here, and we rejoice that you love us despite our sinfulness and failures. We thank you for scientists who are working to find a vaccine, and we trust that their work will prosper, but help us to avoid trusting only in our own achievements.

In a world which, seen from space, is one planet with one human family, hold us in these challenging and complicated times, where the world keeps changing and developing through people’s discoveries, that we may hold on to spiritual and human values of faith, hope and love. Be with all who are in pain today, all who suffer, the many people who have lost loved ones unexpectedly, those who are unsure of the future.

God of eternity, lead us through this world’s tempestuous journey that we may have a vision of serving your loving purposes for all people. In Jesus’ name. Amen.