Agreed! I was really surprised and really appreciated it when Sagan, even in a fictional work, was willing to entertain the idea that the universe is intelligently designed and endorse it as a real possibility! He also thereby admitted the possibility of scientifically proving intelligent design. This revealed a form of intellectual honesty and openness on his part that is too often not found among secular authors on this subject. Good for hm!
Thanks Jimmy! Yeah, it was a really a surprise for me -- and pleasantly different from some of the current atheist/agnostic voices. Nice to hear from you!
I just finished this book and was delightfully surprised by Sagan's evenhandedness, fairness, and honesty. My respect for him grew. I wonder what it would be like if he were still with us today. Every Christian should read this. I appreciated your Atticus Finch nod as well and agree it's a good thing to be open to understanding someone else's perspective. The film is one of my favorites. There is a dreamy quality to it.
Lovely. I had forgotten that movie but I will get the book. I've been through several paradigm shifts and passed in and out of communities of worldviews and never felt at home because nobody seemed to know how much we all have in common. Knowing that made me feel like the odd one. Now I have met God I'm taking a leap of faith that I'll find what I'm looking for beyond this life. Home will be nice.
Contact is my favourite Science Fiction film, because of the key story of what happens to Ellie and how she is brought to a place of faith in something far higher then herself. She also finds love through her relationship... with a theologian (!) who knows God's love is what makes everything meaningful. Beautiful.
Great literature resonates with each reader in a way that is true for them. I didn't take away the same impressions as you but that is as it should be,.
I really like the way you speak and present! Great hearing you talk about your thoughts and interpretation. This is one of my favorite books (and movies!) and I wholeheartedly recommend both to like-minded explorers of this universe. Mr. Sagan was a very special human. Thanks for the video.
Loved your review, thank you so much Gavin! I had watched the movie before, but don't remember much of it. However, the passages you quoted conveyed to me that the book is beautifully written. Thank you also, for this new perspective on Sagan
People assume someone’s beliefs based on his quotes, but ignore when that person said it. I was led to believe that Benjamin Franklin was a deist. After reading his autobiography, he laments his younger days as a deist, so many people just quote that part to mislead people. Even the great St. Austine’s theology changed over time. Carl Sagan is no different. I am sure there are days or years as a Jew and astronomer he would have contemplated and struggled with the existence of the ordered and beautiful universe that he so cherished.
Benjamin Franklin was raised a Congregationalist. "Deism" was a generalized epithet thrown about back then, but it was actually vaguely defined, more of a sentiment than an ideology.
It’s funny because I was angry almost the entire time I was reading that book, I only picked it up because my daughter wanted to read it and I was curious. But the change in her after the experience turned the book around for me, I know Sagan is not a Christian but he believes in a higher something and the way he left the book, Ellie involved with the theologian and talking all of this stuff out - it gave me hope for her. Idk it wasn’t what I expected up to that point, it’s a lot to process. 🙂
I saw the movie, and liked it. If I didn't know who Sagan was I would be a bit more sympathetic in my attitude toward the author. But he confidently told us, in his know-it-all tone of voice, that "The Cosmos is all that is or was or ever will be." I knew all those years ago that the sense and appeals to transcendence in the movie (and it was indeed very moving to me) were utterly incompatible with his crass materialism. The quotes you cited from the book are remarkable. Almost as if he suspected that his professed beliefs were wrong.
I have only seen the movie, sorry, but the thing that struck me hardest was that (at least according to the movie narrative) Ellie did, in fact, objectively, make contact with the far away station. Her experience was REAL and factual. Vega DID exist. Unfortunately, she couldn't "prove" it, so it was dismissed. Very similar, to me, when trying to describe my own salvation experience.
Ah, I had that same observation on fiction authors revealing their worldview in subtle ways, while reading Dan Brown's novels - when I finished reading "DaVinci Code" at the urging of a non-Christian co-worker, I concluded "New Age Guy". This was confirmed when I read about his affinity for the works of Joseph Campbell. Which is not a irretrievable position for a person to land in, from the viewpoint of sound faith. But it's difficult to leave, without a strong dose of apologetics and real history.
There is a difference between believing doctrines and the other-worldly. This is the kind of mistic experience that few religeous people have. That deep sense of love for others comes only under certain conditions. You see the lack of that love in people roundly condeming him and other athesists. Inasmuch as other humans, even atheists are spiritual beings we see God on their other side. If anyone looks at them without that love something is lacking - which some atheists have. Faith is an experience. Not a set of statements.
If you're interested in how Contact treats the aliens as peaceful and is more focused on how humanity responds to them, you may want to check out Arrival. It's less focused on the religious parallels, but it goes a fair bit into eternalism you might find interesting.
I suppose the next question would be, does religion evolve as science advances, which is probably true on some levels. But strangely might be a reason why some think religion is less necessary as science advances
The mind of the so-called "stereotypical" Christian(aprticularly the fundamentalist sect)is,by biblical necessity,limited. (Amos 3:3,Ephesians 5:11,II Corinthians 6:11) They cannot--dare not--conceive of,let alone agree with,the notion of the possibility,however remote,that the human race is the only one that walks amongst the stars. That there are other beings out there,in the universe,that they might share our beliefs,thought processes,values and something of our history. To entertain such a possibility would be unbelievable,unbiblical and therefore dangerous. This is the reason why I don't have enough faith to be a Christian. Then I hear someone like you and I have to say to myself, "Perhaps there's some hope for you guys, after all. "
Science has always been compatible with religion. Science is the study of the universe. However, if you look back through history, Bruno, Kepler, Galileo, and onward, religion was cruel to anyone who even studied the subject. I think what you're trying to do is solidify a connection between the bias of religion and the interrogative nature of science. Carl Sagan taught us that science has a way of checking itself, its built on challenging itself. Whereas religion used to put these people to death, or branded the non religious as evil. Even to this day people think atheists are evil just because. You should read pale blue dot next. And demon haunted world. And watch a documentary on galileo and kepler and bruno. We cling to old religions, when we should be creating new ones. The scriptures havent changed in millenia. Thats not something we should cherish in a modern society
Agreed! I was really surprised and really appreciated it when Sagan, even in a fictional work, was willing to entertain the idea that the universe is intelligently designed and endorse it as a real possibility! He also thereby admitted the possibility of scientifically proving intelligent design. This revealed a form of intellectual honesty and openness on his part that is too often not found among secular authors on this subject. Good for hm!
Thanks Jimmy! Yeah, it was a really a surprise for me -- and pleasantly different from some of the current atheist/agnostic voices. Nice to hear from you!
@@TruthUnites Likewise! Just sent you an email.
I just finished this book and was delightfully surprised by Sagan's evenhandedness, fairness, and honesty. My respect for him grew. I wonder what it would be like if he were still with us today. Every Christian should read this. I appreciated your Atticus Finch nod as well and agree it's a good thing to be open to understanding someone else's perspective.
The film is one of my favorites. There is a dreamy quality to it.
Just love your enthusiasm, very inspirational. And you are not overdoing it.
Delightful commentary!
I’m only listening to this now. Such a fantastic viewpoint. Contact has always been my favorite movies and I can’t agree more with your points.
Lovely. I had forgotten that movie but I will get the book. I've been through several paradigm shifts and passed in and out of communities of worldviews and never felt at home because nobody seemed to know how much we all have in common. Knowing that made me feel like the odd one. Now I have met God I'm taking a leap of faith that I'll find what I'm looking for beyond this life. Home will be nice.
Dang! This is cool to see and hear you talk about. Thank you for sharing your takeaways.
Contact is my favourite Science Fiction film, because of the key story of what happens to Ellie and how she is brought to a place of faith in something far higher then herself. She also finds love through her relationship... with a theologian (!) who knows God's love is what makes everything meaningful. Beautiful.
Great video!
Thanks for all the great content and the wonderful witness to Christ and the Christian faith!
I haven't read the book, and now i am very curious 🤔
Thanks for recommending, i love that you read books from the other camp 👌
Great literature resonates with each reader in a way that is true for them. I didn't take away the same impressions as you but that is as it should be,.
I really like the way you speak and present! Great hearing you talk about your thoughts and interpretation. This is one of my favorite books (and movies!) and I wholeheartedly recommend both to like-minded explorers of this universe. Mr. Sagan was a very special human. Thanks for the video.
Loved your review, thank you so much Gavin! I had watched the movie before, but don't remember much of it. However, the passages you quoted conveyed to me that the book is beautifully written. Thank you also, for this new perspective on Sagan
People assume someone’s beliefs based on his quotes, but ignore when that person said it. I was led to believe that Benjamin Franklin was a deist. After reading his autobiography, he laments his younger days as a deist, so many people just quote that part to mislead people. Even the great St. Austine’s theology changed over time. Carl Sagan is no different. I am sure there are days or years as a Jew and astronomer he would have contemplated and struggled with the existence of the ordered and beautiful universe that he so cherished.
Interesting observation, thanks Thomas!
Benjamin Franklin was raised a Congregationalist. "Deism" was a generalized epithet thrown about back then, but it was actually vaguely defined, more of a sentiment than an ideology.
Thank you
Love this.
Thanks. You have inspired me to consider reading the novel. I've seen the film a few times and liked it.
Hope you enjoy it!
It’s funny because I was angry almost the entire time I was reading that book, I only picked it up because my daughter wanted to read it and I was curious. But the change in her after the experience turned the book around for me, I know Sagan is not a Christian but he believes in a higher something and the way he left the book, Ellie involved with the theologian and talking all of this stuff out - it gave me hope for her. Idk it wasn’t what I expected up to that point, it’s a lot to process. 🙂
I watched the movie many years ago and was struck by a philosophical spirituality and from an author like Sagon it was a shock.
yeah, right? The book is like this even more.
I saw the movie, and liked it. If I didn't know who Sagan was I would be a bit more sympathetic in my attitude toward the author. But he confidently told us, in his know-it-all tone of voice, that "The Cosmos is all that is or was or ever will be." I knew all those years ago that the sense and appeals to transcendence in the movie (and it was indeed very moving to me) were utterly incompatible with his crass materialism.
The quotes you cited from the book are remarkable. Almost as if he suspected that his professed beliefs were wrong.
I know, right? Its interesting to wonder about this seeming tension between his professed philosophy and his fiction.
I have only seen the movie, sorry, but the thing that struck me hardest was that (at least according to the movie narrative) Ellie did, in fact, objectively, make contact with the far away station. Her experience was REAL and factual. Vega DID exist. Unfortunately, she couldn't "prove" it, so it was dismissed. Very similar, to me, when trying to describe my own salvation experience.
Great and fascinating video. I have always felt all science points to God. Thank you and I know what book I'm going to read very soon.
awesome to hear! Hope you enjoy it!
Ah, I had that same observation on fiction authors revealing their worldview in subtle ways, while reading Dan Brown's novels - when I finished reading "DaVinci Code" at the urging of a non-Christian co-worker, I concluded "New Age Guy". This was confirmed when I read about his affinity for the works of Joseph Campbell.
Which is not a irretrievable position for a person to land in, from the viewpoint of sound faith. But it's difficult to leave, without a strong dose of apologetics and real history.
Interesting, thanks Johann!
There is a difference between believing doctrines and the other-worldly. This is the kind of mistic experience that few religeous people have. That deep sense of love for others comes only under certain conditions. You see the lack of that love in people roundly condeming him and other athesists. Inasmuch as other humans, even atheists are spiritual beings we see God on their other side. If anyone looks at them without that love something is lacking - which some atheists have. Faith is an experience. Not a set of statements.
👍🏼
If you're interested in how Contact treats the aliens as peaceful and is more focused on how humanity responds to them, you may want to check out Arrival. It's less focused on the religious parallels, but it goes a fair bit into eternalism you might find interesting.
I suppose the next question would be, does religion evolve as science advances, which is probably true on some levels. But strangely might be a reason why some think religion is less necessary as science advances
interesting question! What I'm proposing is that the necessity of religion increases in some ways as science advances.
it's a novel. "How he thinks..." You won't get that in a novel but a non-fiction book.
The mind of the so-called "stereotypical" Christian(aprticularly the fundamentalist sect)is,by biblical necessity,limited. (Amos 3:3,Ephesians 5:11,II Corinthians 6:11) They cannot--dare not--conceive of,let alone agree with,the notion of the possibility,however remote,that the human race is the only one that walks amongst the stars. That there are other beings out there,in the universe,that they might share our beliefs,thought processes,values and something of our history. To entertain such a possibility would be unbelievable,unbiblical and therefore dangerous.
This is the reason why I don't have enough faith to be a Christian.
Then I hear someone like you and I have to say to myself, "Perhaps there's some hope for you guys, after all. "
Science has always been compatible with religion. Science is the study of the universe.
However, if you look back through history, Bruno, Kepler, Galileo, and onward, religion was cruel to anyone who even studied the subject.
I think what you're trying to do is solidify a connection between the bias of religion and the interrogative nature of science.
Carl Sagan taught us that science has a way of checking itself, its built on challenging itself.
Whereas religion used to put these people to death, or branded the non religious as evil.
Even to this day people think atheists are evil just because.
You should read pale blue dot next.
And demon haunted world.
And watch a documentary on galileo and kepler and bruno.
We cling to old religions, when we should be creating new ones. The scriptures havent changed in millenia. Thats not something we should cherish in a modern society
So another atheist deep down backs off from his true beliefs, hahah