This post originally ran on Nov 25th, 2010. I’m thankful for a lot of things, and I hope you are too. Too bad all that Goresian “dirty weather” around the USA today will spoil it all. /sarc
Much like the famous editorial, Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus, it has become a tradition this time of year to see some newspapers reprint President George Washington’s Thanksgiving Day proclamation, it seemed appropriate to repeat here today:
George Washington’s 1789 Thanksgiving Proclamation
Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me “to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:”
Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enable to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted’ for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.
And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have show kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.
Given under my hand, at the city of New York, the 3d day of October, A.D. 1789.
I can’t hold a candle to the prose of our nation’s first president, but I can say that I’m thankful for the health of my family, that I still have employment in debt ravaged California, for the WUWT community of people that help with content and moderations, and visit here every day, and for living in an age where I can make friends (and enemies) instantly across the globe with the click of a mouse. – Anthony
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I just looked at all the pro-AGW sites on the side bar, not one made a mention of Thanksgiving, none! I was hoping they would be thankful for Obama, Lisa Jackson, government funding or media coverage. Just shows no heart, no soul and a heart of coal. Maybe they are working on the last part. Cheers to all!
Chris said on November 22, 2012 at 11:50 am:
This can be a contentious issue, and this is a day for seeking unity. So here is a considered response.
It is a mark of wisdom to know that no matter how much one knows, there is much more one does not know.
Science does not claim absolute knowledge. There is no settled science, everything is open to challenge and revision as warranted by the evidence.
Thus science cannot claim whether God does or does not exist. The evidence for it is insufficient, the evidence against it shall always be insufficient as we will never know everything.
Thus when thinking scientifically, agnosticism is required.
What can be agreed upon, is the universe is ours to explore, we are a curious and intelligent species ably qualified to explore and logically understand the world around us, and science is the tool we use to shape that understanding.
Indeed, it is manifestly obvious that humans, by whatever reason, are meant to be scientific, to find order and structure. At the base level, it is a trait that enhances the survival of the species.
So use that tool which you are meant to use, for what it is meant to do. But matters concerning God, faith? That tool ain’t meant for that, and never was. Use a different one.
@chris “Science and god, do they fit together?”
Our understanding of God has to evolve the same way science has over the centuries.
Happy Thanksgiving to you Anthony, the abundant great contributors to this site and all our American neighbours.
There is a sense of community here of fruitful collaboration and mutual respect.
I am thankful to our host and the mods for the healthy venue they have provided.
John
“that great and glorious Being that is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be”
Including CO2, without which there would be no life on this planet, as we know life.
So give thanks today.
Chris says:
November 22, 2012 at 11:50 am
Science and god, do they fit together?
That is an excellent question! Here is an interesting quote from:
http://www.reasons.org/about/our-creation-model-approach
“We believe God’s two revelations (Scripture and nature) will agree when properly interpreted. When apparent contradictions arise, we reexamine the data—both biblical and scientific—recognizing that our understanding is incomplete. Sometimes the scientific data seems an unclear or awkward fit with the biblical data. But we see such instances as an opportunity to study both of God’s revelations more deeply.”
Here is a quote from Stephen Hawking that also relates to your question:
“Even if there is only one possible unified theory, it is just
a set of rules and equations. What is it that breathes fire into
the equations and makes a universe for them to describe?”
Any theory of the universe has to explain how ancient wandering illiterate shepherds got the whole sequence of evolution and cosmology and nuclear physics and astronomy and geology and plate tectonics exactly correct; minus a few decimal places. (But dates and log’s and powers-of-ten hadn’t been invented yet, by the way. Nor could they count with zero’s … which also weren’t invented yet.)
But they got the formation of the stars from plasma and dust, then light; then the planets, then the moon and oceans, the single continent being created in the middle of a single sea; then the splitting of that land mass by continental drift; then plants, the clearing of the atmosphere with oxygen so stars and the moon became visible; then dinosaurs (Genesis evens creates birds BEFORE mammals!); then finally domesticated animals and Man. Snakes coming in nearly last in the timeline? Yes, even snakes are credited with coming in late in evolutionary string of things!
Not a bad scientific record for a bunch of farmers who couldn’t count!
With this, am I stretching the truth, or trying to “edit” science terms into some Biblical terms where it doesn’t fit?
Not very much: Consider that “waters” isn’t a stretch into -> fluids -> gasses -> plasmas. And a “mighty force upon the waters” certainly could describe the (Divinely initiated) initial forces of the Big Bang. Which absolutely, as science claims, began as a “formless structure” in the void.
Again, both theories are correct, but Genesis was first.
Separating “light” from “darkness” requires mass be present, which only happened after “light” energy cooled down into the first matter.
Again, both theories are correct, but Genesis was first.
Separating “waters above” (interstellar gasses) from “waters below” (the atmospheric gasses) by the “dome” of the sky certainly happened. Most remarkable, because there is no reason for someone in ancient Israel to know enough to invent a tale about the interstellar gasses at all at that time!
Again, both theories are correct, but Genesis was first.
Gathering the waters (the traditional seas, in this case) into one basin certainly happened. And, if there were “one basin” then there could only be “one” land mass as well, yet clearly, Genesis contradicted what the Jews could see with their own eyes! Obviously Europe, Asia, and Africa WERE separated by different seas into different lands! (In fact, even “science” ridiculed the original proponents of continental drift (one only land mass was gathered together in the beginning, and only one sea was created in the beginning) up until the early 60’s! Only now, 5500 years after it first written, and then re-discovered in the mid-20’s, is continental drift accepted.)
Again, both theories are correct, but Genesis was first. Genesis was just harder to believe than “science” at every age.
Sea creatures and birds (dinosaurs) were the first forms of animal life, appearing well after the plants began to grow. But “science” is only now beginning to theorize that dinosaurs and birds were (are) from the same root stock!
Again, both theories are correct, but Genesis was first.
Mammals didn’t just suddenly “appear” after the dinosaurs were destroyed 65 million some-odd years ago, but they didn’t come to dominate the earth until then either. Appropriately and accurately, domesticated mammals and Man (and snakes) were certainly created last.
Again, both theories are correct, but Genesis was first.
Science/God….
opinion/
The practice of Science has brought parts of nature into the category of high confidence (known).
Beyond science there are endless mysteries yet to be brought into the known category.
Religion has established sensible rules for living as human beings, many of which have a basis in science and which serve society well. Religion also tends to acknowledge our mortal limitations as compared with the infinite universe. The practice leads one toward a sense of gratitude for the gift of life and a desire to emulate that which gives it.
Science and religion are both subsets of God. They are not mutually exclusive. Most of our greatest scientists have written about their personal faith and inspiration.
To answer your question, yes, science fits well within the domain of God, along with religion, atheism, agriculture, sports, the arts………and so on.
/opinion
Pamela Gray says:
November 22, 2012 at 12:49 pm
“One of these days I will return to Ireland. I was not born there but most of my ancestors were. And for some reason it feels like my real home tho Ive never been there. And nearly all were from the North. And independent as all get out. Most were red headed and stocky. Musicians all. Fiddlers.”
Pamela, I have seen it written that there are 40 million Americans who describe themselves as Irish.
That is 10 times (give or take) the number of Irish people that have ever lived.
You are in numerous company!
The “great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be” is presumably not the same ‘Being’ who is the author of all the evil, deprevation and hopelessness that faces the inhabitants of Goma and many other regions of the world.
Well Ant as a citizen on the UK, I am thankful for a country called The United States and all it’s efforts to protect and secure the freedom of the Western World! Happy Thanksgiving America!!
Pamela Gray says:
November 22, 2012 at 12:52 pm
Gail do u have some book titles to share related to your comment? …
_________________________________
I would suggest going straight to the source. History of Plymouth Plantation by William Bradford the governor of the colony.
Amazon link
There are related books at the bottom of the page also by William Bradford.
Happy thanksgiving to the greatest nation of this planet.
I have a geneology recod from my grandfather. Right down to the town tho the name escapes me.
More than one male fought in the American Revolutionary war. Later on the Civil War beckoned my great uncle. My grandfather competed in old time fiddle contests and won a few trophies. When I get back home I’ll look up the names.
When in the course of human events the calendar comes round to the fourth Thursday in November all right thinking people should wish Americans Happy Thanksgiving.
Happy Thanksgiving, Yanks! 🙂
Gail Combs
Thank you for your comment and link. My daughter, who was quite familiar with the full and accurate story have discussed this. It was a significant reason the US moved in a capitalistic versus a socialistic direction. History is replete with examples of a failure of extreme socialism.
There certainly would not be the initiative to organize so many to analyze the quality of the temperature stations in the US or to create a 24 hour broadcast.
By comparison NASA, even though they had information suggesting a lack of quality of many stations never took the initiative to investigate. They certainly had more financial resources.
Just no incentive.
It points to the weaknesses of human nature and the grand experiment of the forefathers in the US. They recognized a need for checks and balances, that is a three prong government. Of course, the branches have all tried to extend their power into or around the other branches and that is a danger we now have.
Because of human nature we must have oversight over all major endeavors. The IPCC has certainly tried to extend its power beyond being a fact finding organization and seems to be ignoring IAC recommendations. In the United States the EPA did terrific things in the beginning, but it, like the IPCC, is gradually becoming more corrupt. No oversight!!! Whether it be politicians, Military leadership, or the things of the dual warnings of Dwight Eisenhower,
The Military-Industrial Complex or Science controlled by government through funding.
It is human nature to want to survive and to promote ones self. Science controlled by government spending, if it is at all biased, is a form of socialism and as Ike said, ‘Gravely to be regarded’
I am thankful for the health and well being of my family and friends.
I am also thankful for the freedom which permits the sharing and caring that bolsters our knowledge and understanding, in so many different ways, right here at WUWT.
kadaka (KD Knoebel) says @11:51 am
RE: solar cooker and 6 to 8 hours on a clear, sunny day
Having lived in solar-restricted geographical locations all my life’s Novembers, I think it is likely that by following your kind advice I would have, long ago, asked that Thanksgiving be moved to a late August Thursday. Luke warm but still raw turkey may be one of life’s great joys, but I’ll pass.
Hope y’all had a great day!
Pamela Gray (others) and the Irish:
My Grandmother was from Ballinamore, Leitrim and explained how fair-minded the Irish are. She said they disliked everybody equally.
Happy Thanksgiving !
For those interested in further historical background regarding Thanksgiving – and its Flemish/Dutch origins: http://tinyurl.com/c7out6h
I went to the National Day of Mourning in Plymouth, MA, yesterday. My wife is a choctaw, and I am not American, so we have no affiliation to traditional Thanksgiving dinner. It is an excellent experience to hear the other side of history. I highly recommend it to all good skeptics.
John F. Hultquist says:
November 22, 2012 at 10:46 pm
Pamela Gray (others) and the Irish:
My Grandmother was from Ballinamore, Leitrim and explained how fair-minded the Irish are. She said they disliked everybody equal.
____________________________________
Any time you get a number of individuals with a common background together you can find:
See the stranger
Hate the stranger
Kill the stranger
(the baboon theory) as a guiding principle. Humans have just as much tendency to form ‘packs’ as other social animals. Generating hatred of outsiders is one method used by leaders to keep control. It is the political philosophy of “When all else fails start a war.” It diverts attention from the mess at home and unites the people under you (hopefully)
Dick Lamm, the former Governor of Colorado, at an immigration-overpopulation conference in Washington, DC, gave the following speech Eight Steps To Destroy America
When we look back at those who made our lives possible, in a direct, physical way, the numbers double with each generation: Two parents, four grandparents, eight great-grandparents, sixteen great-great-grandparents. Assuming an average age of 25 years for each generation, by the time you get back to the Pilgrims you have 32,768 Great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-grandparents.
That’s roughly how many people were working hard, back in 1620, making you. Feel important? Or thankful?
What are the odds one of those 32,768 great x 13 grandparents were one of the hundred or so Pilgrims who survived the first year?
The first generations of pilgrims had huge families. Fifteen children was not uncommon. A hundred grandchildren and a thousand grandchildren wasn’t all that unlikely, though it was unlikely all would survive or you’d live to see them.
When you follow the Pilgrims down through time, the numbers grow to an amazing ten to twenty million, who walk the earth today, who can claim an ancestor was on the Mayflower. Therefore it isn’t really anything to be snobby about. However it is something to be thankful for, because those few people made a huge difference.
As they first began their “New World,” Pilgrims did toy with some social structures we might call “socialism,” attempting to be like Christians are described as being in the Book of Acts, however they swiftly made adjustments, as reality tempered idealism. If you are honest and face Truth, Truth has a way of knocking sense into your skull.
If those who came before us didn’t face hard facts and make difficult choices, they would have died, and we simply wouldn’t exist. You are therefore the last and latest in a long line of winners, even if your parents seem like dopes. And even if you yourself are childless, your ideas may stretch ahead and effect the future in ways you cannot imagine, like a mere pebble starting an mighty avalanche.
Truth is such a huge and mighty thing that, if you cling to it, and stand for it, and battle for it, it doesn’t matter how insignificant you are. Little acorns grow mighty oaks, and tiny websites become like WUWT.
Be thankful Truth has this amazing power.