Introduction, Session 11: Science and Religion
In "Love Connects Us," a Tapestry of Faith program
Pleasure lies not in discovering truth, but in seeking it. — Leo Tolstoy
This session explores the Blake covenant phrase to "seek the truth in love." Through the story of Joseph Priestley (1733-1804), participants discover our Unitarian heritage of seeking truth and our calling to act on our understanding of what is true and right.
Priestley, a scientist and a Unitarian minister, actively combined his theological beliefs with scientific inquiry. He made scientific breakthroughs we recognize today, such as proving the existence of oxygen. Yet, Priestley was ostracized during his time for his freethinking ideas and determined inquiry. Priestley refused to back down from his discoveries even when he and his family were threatened with bodily harm. His story reminds us of the dual importance of seeking the truth in love and following our conscience in standing up for our beliefs.
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Last updated on Thursday, October 27, 2011.
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