I have been troubled by a comment left in response to the story, Foundations of the World in which the reader strongly stated:
The story is another feeble attempt to justify faith is a positive element of society. For millennia stories have been used to control how people think and behave. Since they have no basis in truth, the stories have cause much damage to people throughout the world by forcing religion on ignorant “fools” (as referenced by the story posted)
Religious beliefs are out-dated at a time where we have such deep understanding of science, but history shows a constant tension between scientific and theological thought. The strength of science is in its dependence on verifiable thought for this reason society is advancing towards a secular, rational society and a culture where religion at best is something private but widely viewed as fantasy and superstition. Most people respect science and the benefits it brings to society, such as new technologies and medical treat…. Religion is subjective and filled with flawed concepts since it is based on philosophy – of which very little is based on verifiable facts, just opinion. Most social ills – from bigotry to ignorance – can be blamed on religion. One of the purposes of science is to free people from what they call “religious superstition”. The story posted has no relevance on the discussion of the virtues of science and the failings of religion.
As a storyteller, the rabbi responded:
Religion contributes the sense that people are not to be held captive and entranced without growth of spirit, there is something in each person that yearns for meaning beyond numbers and theorems. People want to be touched in a metaphysical/spiritual way. They want to explore the meanings of life and travel the adventure of life. The sterile approach of science denies one’s sense of humanity and basic dignity.
The sense of mysteriousness and fundamental dignity within each person is where a great deal of moral understanding starts, and applies to everything around them. The attack on faith and stories is a sign of the callousness of science and its inability to elicit true feelings.
Religious stories always have an underlying purpose, which is to inspire people with faith and communicate wisdom and values. Stories and storytelling play an important role in most if not all spiritual traditions, religions and cultures. The spiritual wisdom of past ages were transferred mouth to mouth from generation to generation, often in the form of a story.
Stories carry the quality of exciting the listener through stimulation of the imaginative side of people who listen to a story. A story is also easier to remember than a theory or spiritual principle without a defined context.
Spiritual storytelling communicates directly to our Soul and affect us on a subtle and often unconscious level.
Here is another thought written some time ago:
Storytelling Memories of the Future
So many ask, “Why tell the stories of yesterday? The world has changed and are they relevant today?” The Jewish people have a long memory of all that has past, but they also need a memory of their future. The past and the future are joined together by our traditions, rituals, prayers, hopes and the stories.
One may ask how this is possible.
As one prepares to tell a story, they take a deep breath and begin to pull the listener into the tale. The journey begins as one becomes part of the adventure, as they get entangled in the struggle while thinking and working towards a resolution of the conflict. The listener cries and laughs, and change begins to happen.
The stories are timeless and transcend place and culture. They carry within them a special element that touches people in such a way nothing else can. They inspire and entertain, moving the listener to change. They motivate and amuse, providing the listener the ability to grow. But most of all the stories teach. Each story takes on a life of its own as they touch the mind, body and very soul of the listener allowing them to reach and touch places deep within one’s inner being.
As the tales of yesterday touch the listeners today, they are changed. Those changes lead to memories of tomorrow.
By listening and telling the tales of yesterday one builds the memories of the future. The dreams and hopes of bygone years become the blueprints for tomorrow.
The stories are the links from yesterday to today and on to the future.
What do you think?
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The person who commented does not deserve our anger or frustration. They are a product of this science oriented society and lack imagination. Without imagination there is no curiosity and no growth. I for one look forward to the stories for many reasons. Most importantly they make me feel good about who I am and give me hope that I can make some small change to make the world a better place.
The conflict between faith and science is ancient spanning from Biblical times to the Egyptian Empire to the Greek philosophers. Rabbi Saadia Gaon in Emunot v’Deot (933 ce) said, “The only reason why the love of physical science has been implanted in man is that it might support the science of religion and its law, both together making an excellent combination.”
Another approach is that without faith science lacks substance. The commentary, Mishle Yehoshua (1885 ce) says, “The sciences are pearls strung on a cord of faith.” The medieval scientist Galileo Galilei sum up this when he wrote, “Science tells us how the heavens go. Religion tells us how to go to heaven.”
One of the greatest minds and scientists of the 20th century – Albert Einstein in his writings once said, “True religion is real living; living with all one’s soul, with all one’s goodness and righteousness.” He wrote in another essay, “All religions, arts and sciences are branches of the same tree. All these aspirations are directed toward ennobling man’s life, lifting it from the sphere of mere physical existence and leading the individual towards freedom.”
The stories are thought provoking and takes us beyond the physical barriers enriching the soul and strengthening the heart. Sadly to many people have become slaves to science and no longer think or reach out to greater goals
While I don’t particularly care for the tone of the comment and I really enjoy the stories that are posted on the Story Tour blog, I can somewhat understand the commenter’s position. Society is looking for answers to things and science offers safe and sterile solutions to problems they believe are caused by religion. I am in the nanotechnology field and am very familiar with the sterility of science from a unique perspective. The philosophia of science based on verifiable facts and having to wear a white suit in my lab make me very aware of the emptiness of science.
The common belief that science encourages imagination is not true today as people are numb to anything outside of the realm of science and the technology that results from it. I was recently at a conference and attended a session, Science and Storytelling Are They Mutually Exclusive?
I learned that storytelling scientists are telling extraordinary stories about their quest to understand the natural and supernatural world. With much skill, these scientist-storytellers are creating compelling tales that provide listeners with an entryway into otherwise difficult scientific subjects. Their work turns the abstract and the inspiring into stories so memorable that the listeners can embrace science and fully appreciate it.
I really enjoy the stories and they help me relax and explore my own beliefs in light of the dogma of my church. The stories posted on the Story Tour blog reminds me of the Jewish roots of my Christian beliefs. Please keep posting these great stories