A problem with perspective...
No disrespect intended, but I've encountered some problems with this book. The first chapters or so that I've been reading were kind of insulting. He goes to great lengths to describe how ludicrous it is for people to believe that the earth (and mankind) is the center of everything. How stupid people are to believe that our God is better than that of some other possible being from another planet.
I thought the book was going to be about the possible exploration and colonization of other planets. Why does it have to be a religious discussion? Not even a discussion. It's a browbeating.
If Sagan were speaking only from the perspective of the early church, I might have easily overlooked it (or probably even agreed). How long did it take mankind, and especially "the church," to give up its idea that the earth was the center of everything??? I think we've now progressed past that mentality, though.
For the record, I do not think that mankind is the center of creation. If we were to meet beings from another planet, solar system, whatever... there's no reason that I would automatically think humans to be superior. My belief in God encompasses all that lives... here and anywhere else. Yes, we are a tiny speck in the immensity of space. Believing in God does not necessitate this huge arrogance that the entirety of creation was made for just this one population of humanoids.
Ok, venting is complete. I'll try to get back into the book. Getting my students through to graduation took my time away from much reading. Too many books... not enough time... I had FABRIC OF THE COSMOS by Brian Green on reserve list at the library. My turn just came up. So, PALE BLUE DOT has some significant competition.
Karen
aka SunSprite
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