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.”

How to work alongside people who think and believe differently than you do? Is it always east goes east and west goes west? On some issues, yes. But on many other issues that are significant to the future well being of life on earth, I believe the reality is more like an actual exploratory hike through the landscape. Navigating around a steep hill causes an easterly course. Walking along a pond sends you more to the north. Science -as a way of picking up information- gives indicators along the way. For the faithful, the bible is a field handbook. In the clip below, Cal presents one biblical teaching which demonstrates that non-believers can be approached to do important common work on this hike. Likewise, in E.O. Wilson’s letter to a pastor (his book THE CREATION), he demonstrates his own approach of common alliance.

A term that Cal introduced in our conversation (excerpted in the video clip below) – degradation – is a rich word to describe human-induced changes to the earth. I’m a big believer in the power of words and story. On occasion, when somebody signifies a new word for me, I explore its meaning with a little etymological research. Here’s the finding for degradation.

The basic meaning of this action term is that of a reduction or forced step-down in grade, rank, or status, with the sense of moving to a state of lesser quality. Additional meaning for this term, as used by some, includes a stepping down or lowering of moral quality (or character). Tracing the meaning of the term back to its Indo-European roots, we find the root ghredh- which means to walk, go. Other words which share this common root with degradation, with grade, include regress, progress, congress, and transgress. Synonyms include dishonor, discredit, shame, and disgrace.

The following clip represents thoughts from E.O. Wilson concerning this parable.

Cal DeWitt responds to the question “What is the meaning of Noah’s Ark?” in the video clip below.

Tomorrow, a clip from E.O. Wilson addresses the same question.