Pardon the break in blogging…. now back. Our inquiry into America’s divorce from nature takes us squarely to the discussion of how to talk about nature, how to talk about the Creation, in language that makes sense to all involved. Two weeks ago, co-producer Josie Merck and I had the opportunity to sit down and chat with Carl Safina. This was my second conversation with Carl. He is a keen thinker and writer who helps communicate the observations and conclusions of scientists who are working with the world’s oceans. Trained as a scientist himself, Carl understands this community and the significance of scientific procedure and findings. Our interview took place on the beach of Long Island Sound in front of the house of one of Carl’s gracious neighbors. We were way out at the tip of Long Island, near the town of Montauk. These are waters Carl has also spent a lot of time exploring as a fisherman.

Anyone who fishes or hunts or spends a lot of time outside knows the importance of patient observation. To care, no other training is required. If patient observation is done repeatedly by many people, in many different conditions, many common points of reference begin to emerge. On the ocean, these reference points might be noticing what fish show up in what waters…or… how often? What happens after a big rainfall? These kinds of common references are why experienced fishermen can talk with experienced marine biologists. If either has NOT put in the time outdoors, the conversation suffers and breaks down. Fishermen and scientists can also talk with people of faith about the ocean. If both care about Creation, and care enough to put in the time to know it, the conversation is fruitful. More than fruitful, I believe. This dialogue is essential. The right thing to do.

Carl shared the following with us:
“What is our relationship with the rest of what “IS” ? with the rest of Creation -if you wish- or the rest of the universe? Scientists are still trying to figure that out. Religious people are still trying to figure that out. The divergence has come because some scientists think that the answers and explanations don’t include a theological component. But what we’re really interested in still has a lot of overlap.”

Posted on August 11th, 2009 in Christians, Environmentalists, Scientists

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