A little girl’s letter to Einstein: Do scientists pray?

The Riverside Church

January 19, 1936

My dear Dr. Einstein,

We have brought up the question: Do scientists pray? in our Sunday school class. It began by asking whether we could believe in both science and religion. We are writing to scientists and other important men, to try and have our own question answered.

We will feel greatly honored if you will answer our question: Do scientists pray, and what do they pray for?

We are in the sixth grade, Miss Ellis’s class.

Respectfully yours,

Phyllis

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January 24, 1936

Dear Phyllis,

I will attempt to reply to your question as simply as I can. Here is my answer:

Scientists believe that every occurrence, including the affairs of human beings, is due to the laws of nature. Therefore a scientist cannot be inclined to believe that the course of events can be influenced by prayer, that is, by a supernaturally manifested wish.

However, we must concede that our actual knowledge of these forces is imperfect, so that in the end the belief in the existence of a final, ultimate spirit rests on a kind of faith. Such belief remains widespread even with the current achievements in science.

But also, everyone who is seriously involved in the pursuit of science becomes convinced that some spirit is manifest in the laws of the universe, one that is vastly superior to that of man. In this way the pursuit of science leads to a religious feeling of a special sort, which is surely quite different from the religiosity of someone more naive.

With cordial greetings,

your A. Einstein

 

source: brain pickings

Daily Prompt: Quote Me – Does Evil Exist?

 

“Do you have a favorite quote that you return to again and again? What is it, and why does it move you?”

When it comes to what I believe, I bear in mind that the word God might be different to other belief system.  If you are reading this, the word God should be replaced by whatever higher power or inspiration you believe in.

Here is a man who questioned everything.  And he answers it, too.

The question is “Does Evil Exist?”

His answer:
“Evil does not exist or at least it does not exist unto itself.”
“Evil is simply the absence of God.”

Thought provoking.  This poster hangs on the west wall of my sanctuary.  I stare at it every day.

I want to know God’s thoughts … the rest are details.