Pillars of Creation
You can probably tell from the number of astrophotography pictures on this site than I am a fan of astronomy. Unfortunately this picture was not taken with my Orion 10" telescope ;) It was taken with the Hubble Space Telescope.
This photo from the Eagle Nebula has come to be known as the Pillars of Creation. The pillars contain dense gas that is being compressed by gravity to form new stars. See the bright areas near the top of each pillar? Radiation from recently formed stars near the tops of the pillars is "blowing away" low density material. When the process of star formation and ejection of excess material is complete, there will likely remain several bright shining stars with planetary systems not unlike our own solar system.
The power of God is driving this creation. The gods who were given the mandate to create these worlds are "watch[ing] th[e]se things which they had ordered until [they are] obeyed" (Abraham 4:18).
The absence of chance and the serving of ends are found in the works of nature especially.
-Aristotle
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This photo of several galaxies gives us us a glimpse into the vastness of creation. Each galaxy contains billions of stars and billions of planets. Whether our God is the creator of one or all of these galaxies, He is still a creator of worlds without number.
Have you ever wondered what "matter unorganized" looks like?
The dark pillars in this photo of the Carina Nebula are clouds of dust and gas - factories for the formation of new stars and planets. This photo gives new meaning to the scripture: "We will go down . . . and we will take of these materials, and we will make an earth whereupon these may dwell." (Abraham 3:24)
To learn more about the connection between the scientific Dark Ages and the spiritual Apostasy, get Truth & Science.
What is Mormons and Science?
Mormons and science is a website dedicated to examining the crossroads of LDS theology and scientific discovery. Visitors are encouraged to drop in on a regular basis, peruse the book reviews, read the blog, and post their comments.
Why this website?
The Encyclopedia of Mormonism claims that interest in the relationship between science and Mormonism “continues and is presently sustained within the larger Latter-day Saint culture." From what I have experienced in my association with others, this is certainly the case.
Members of the church are intrigued by the relationship between gospel teachings and scientific discovery because they generally accept religion and science as legitimate and authorative sources of truth.
What happens when these two sources of truth disagree, as is so often the case? Does it mean that science got something wrong? On the other hand, what does it mean when science and the gospel agree? Does it mean that science got something right? These are important issues for scholarly-minded Latter-day Saints to consider and discuss.
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
There is much to be gained, and lost, from combining Mormon theology and scientific discovery. I like to summarize the consequences of combining science and mormon religion into three categories. They are the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.
First, the Good. Combining theology and science can enlighten minds and help bring souls unto Christ. This is why President Brigham Young urged Latter-day Saints to seek out secular truth and bring it to Zion. By learning about the workings of nature and humanity we increase our understanding and appreciation for the handiwork of God.
Second, the Bad. Some Latter-day Saints who are not firmly committed to the gospel may have their testimonies weakened by teachings of science that are contrary to the doctrines of the restored gospel. Others may apostasize over issues where the gospel does not appear to be in harmony with scientific teachings. Those who apostasize suppose that if science presents a bold claim that differs from gospel teachings and backs it up with apparent facts, then the gospel must be wrong.
Third, the Ugly. Unscrupulous individuals who have learned the principles of science and understand some Christian doctrines use science to assail Christian beliefs. They hope to convince believers of their supposed irrational belief in God. Recently a select few have even aimed their sights at LDS beliefs with the intent of distancing people from the church and downplaying members' beliefs.
The science and religion blog covers these and other issues.
"The gospel embraces all truth, wherever found, in all the works of God and man that are visible or invisible to the mortal eye." -Brigham Young
Please note: This website is not an official website for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The ideas presented herein are not intended to represent the official doctrines and positions of the LDS church.