Was that really necessary? (Zack Nguyen, #66)
------------
I believe so, Zack, and this subject is really important to me -- just keep reading to learn "where I'm coming from".
------------
I guess what you are saying is that the universe is so vast that we aren't as significant as many think we are. (Stingray51, #57)
------------
That's exactly what I'm saying -- but hear me out, please...
------------
I reach the opposite conclusion, i.e., that the entire vastness of the universe is the stage which exists for the purpose of providing a physical location for the story of humanity to play out, and that its very vastness is indicative of how important the human struggle is. Which makes sense from a Christian perspective (to me at least) because if God thought mankind was important enough to send His Son to die for, it would not be surprising if He wanted to provide a mind-bogglingly vast universe as background for something so significant. (Stingray51, #57)
------------
I really appreciate your thoughtful and kind response; it states the "homocentric" position as well (and as nicely) as I have ever seen it stated. And...I once believed just as you do...
Before we proceed further, though, I think you should know the following about me (posted on a thread entitled, "Life's Complexity Diminishes Darwinian Potency") earlier this week:
------------
"FWIW, and before you label me in your mind as a "heathen", know this: I am a born-again believer in Christ Jesus, and accept the bare outline of creation in Genesis as fundamental truth. (The Bible, is, after all, a spiritual guide -- not a science text.)"
However, as a scientist (physical chemist), I consider it my calling in life to "read" the "other book" God left as a record for us -- all his mighty works -- so that I might seek to understand the majesty of all that He has made.
------------
Mankind are insignificant occupants of a second-rate planet, orbiting a third-rate sun, out in an empty spot between arms on the fringes of a modest galaxy -- one among billions of galaxies in Gods wondrous Creation. And that is precisely why I rejoice in the wondrous miracle of God's great love that sent His Only Son here to die for us!!
If Mankind were the most important thing in God's Creation -- where would the miracle be? But, no...we are the least significant of His creation -- yet he sent His Son to save us!!! Talk about "Amazing Grace"!!!!
Now, I hope you can see why each new revelation of the majesty of His creation -- as revealed in the APOD images, for example -- fills me with ever-growing awe for the wonder of His love... And, perhaps, you can understand why I now feel that my old position (that I and my world were the center of all) was the height of hubris and arrogance...
------------
(Was it because we were significant -- or was it because we sinned?)