Original photo by: astique

What seems missing from the debate, in my opinion, is science. I hear a lot of ideology coming out of Washington and being espoused at town hall meetings and by protesters on both sides of the issue. I don’t hear much from people who have studied various health care systems and have gathered good information about what systems work and why they work and how to practically adapt such systems in the United States.

I think that science is fundamentally about information and religion is fundamentally about relationship. The word religion comes from the Latin "to reconnect." Immanuel Kant wrote in The Critique of Pure Reason that human reason has gone from the position towards nature as that of a pupil before the teacher, to that of a judge before a witness. In other words, science has become more about information and less about a basic curiosity and respect and even love for nature. On the other hand, religion has become more and more self-centered. When Catholic Bishops care more about the reputation of the Church and less about the welfare of the poorest and most vulnerable in their communities, we have a problem. When popular preachers use their influence to push a particular political agenda, while enriching themselves in the process, we have a problem.

I don’t know how the debate about health care will turn out, but I do have an example of how it can work. I take medication for a chronic condition, and see a doctor two or three times a year to discuss my medication, make adjustments, and so on. With her help I have been able to live a pretty healthy and fulfilled life. She spent years in medical school working very hard to gather information about the human body, its deceases, and its cures. She has spent many years gaining experience in applying that information in particular cases. But when I see her there is more going on then the passing of information. I believe she cares how I am doing. I think, within the boundaries of her profession, that she loves me, as she does her other patients with whom she has been able to build a relationship over time. However the health care debate turns out, I hope it allows more people to have the kind of relationship I have with my doctor. And I hope that it encourages more doctors to be healers, and not just dispensers of information and pills.

37.8686 -122.267

President Obama with Chief Justice John Roberts, after taking
the oath of office a second time. Source: whitehouse.gov

Add to our joy as a regular citizens that of our tribe–scientists and other seekers of the truth in its many forms. It’s time we came out of the shadows. Here is some of the reason for our joy, in the form of excerpts from President Obama's inauguration speech.

"We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age… "

"Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends–hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism– these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths."

Our success depends on curiosity! Say amen! I say amen!

We have a world leader now who believes that moral clarity and the continual pursuit of truth are inseparable.

I could talk about the proposed economic recovery package and the billions of dollars that will weatherize 1-million homes a year; or the billions that will go to renewable energy research and development; or the millions of jobs that will be created in a new, more sustainable economy. But I want to take a moment to pat us on the back.

One of the values taught me in theology classes, which comes straight from the Bible, is the value of a faithful remnant. Some might know of the story of Abraham and God discussing the fate of Sodom and Gomorrah, and how God was hot to destroy the cities but Abraham talked God into relenting if only ten good people could be found there. There is the non-biblical story of the rainmaker who came to a town in the midst of drought, and by living a simple, quiet, decent life, brought rain. I don’t think God is into democracy. God won’t wait for 51% of us to get it right. It only takes a few. So to the relative few who continued to pursue goodness, beauty and truth in the last 8 years, I say congratulations. We kept the faith; we ran the race; we won. Way to go. There will be lots of hard work and setbacks ahead, of course. But for now, let’s celebrate.

37.8686 -122.267