(definitions per Wiktionary)
1. The study of the physical universe, its structure, dynamics, origin and evolution, and fate
2. A metaphysical study into the origin and nature of the universe
3. A particular view (cultural or religious) of the structure and origin of the universe
Encompassing all three aspects of the above definitions, the cosmology inspiring the GUS blog is awfully, Awe-Fully big!
Which is to say that contemplating the cosmos can leave me, for one, utterly Filled with Awe. Such is how the word must originally have come into being, yes?
A shame, then, that "awful", in most people's ears, doesn't any longer describe being filled with a majestically sublime reverence, for instance - an experience, sometimes, so overwhelming that it may even engender an otherwise indescribable wonder, or humble us, or even evoke our fear.
Such that "awe", evolved into it's contemporary usage, speaks significantly about where we've gotten to, as a species. Humans are, first and foremost, tool-makers and -users, aren't we? And to design a tool, one must of course first understand the task at hand for which the tool is wanted. And from bone hammers to binary code, we have certainly excelled at tool design.
Perhaps, though, we've lost sight of a crucial design element in crafting those mental tools wanted for comprehending this cosmos; we seem to have supplanted our once robust feelings of what an awe-inspiring place this is, with our priority on the need to feel in control. Have we controlled even our proper awe to the point that to be full of awe has become a pejorative expression?
I got a little side-tracked, there - when I'd only begun to describe what a really REALLY big thing, is this cosmos - and my little role, in contemplating or otherwise addressing that Vastness. The founding cosmology of GUS is entirely spacious enough to accommodate the practice and/or profession of many differing faiths and/or traditions - hence the several graphical references in the right margin, over there.
I also quite deliberately write of cosmology - instead of, say, "religion" - to describe the roots of this blog in order that I might spare any visiting Sister or Brother the unpacking of that often weighty baggage apt to clutter up encounters with those of a dissident sect, apostate congregation, counter-orthodox pedagogy, or any other-like confabulation of spirituality. The GUS blog has ample room for anyone else's peaceful and respectful expression of their belief or opinion.
But, for the spirit in moderating any comments from visitors who may choose to unleash their judgmental moral or religious beliefs, I look to the great American Jurist Oliver Wendell Holmes, who's opinion I paraphrase: Any visiting Brother's or Sister's right to swing the Fists of their Faith ends where the Nose of Mine begins!
But, for the spirit in moderating any comments from visitors who may choose to unleash their judgmental moral or religious beliefs, I look to the great American Jurist Oliver Wendell Holmes, who's opinion I paraphrase: Any visiting Brother's or Sister's right to swing the Fists of their Faith ends where the Nose of Mine begins!
