THE MEDIA ARE GOOD BUT…CAUTION!!!

For the 42nd World Communications Day that will take place in the next May 4th, Pope Benedict XVI, as he usually does, has addressed to the whole world his thoughts. Here are some pieces:

“…There is no denying the contribution they can make to the diffusion of news, to knowledge of facts and to the dissemination of information: they have played a decisive part, for example, in the spread of literacy and in socialization, as well as the development of democracy and dialogue among peoples. Without their contribution it would truly be difficult to foster and strengthen understanding between nations, to breathe life into peace dialogues around the globe, to guarantee the primary good of access to information, while at the same time ensuring the free circulation of ideas, especially those promoting the ideals of solidarity and social justice.

Indeed, the media, taken overall, are not only vehicles for spreading ideas: they can and should also be instruments at the service of a world of greater justice and solidarity. Unfortunately, though, they risk being transformed into systems aimed at subjecting humanity to agendas dictated by the dominant interests of the day. This is what happens when communication is used for ideological purposes or for the aggressive advertising of consumer products. While claiming to represent reality, it can tend to legitimize or impose distorted models of personal, family or social life.

Moreover, in order to attract listeners and increase the size of audiences, it does not hesitate at times to have recourse to vulgarity and violence, and to overstep the mark. The media can also present and support models of development which serve to increase rather than reduce the technological divide between rich and poor countries…”

“…It is clear, for example, that in certain situations the media are used not for the proper purpose of disseminating information, but to “create” events…”

“…For this reason… it is essential that social communications should assiduously defend the person and fully respect human dignity. Many people now think there is a need, in this sphere, for “info-ethics”, just as we have bioethics in the field of medicine and in scientific research linked to life…”

WHY WE ARE NOT GOD (II)

Astronomic findings are in progress. Astronomers have already found our Solar System of 8 planets (now!!!) was not the only one in the galaxy. The Cancri Star 55, similar to our Sun, has 5 planets now instead of 4. An American scientists team has found a new planet which orbits this Star. The finding was announced 2 months ago during a press conference the NASA has released in November 2007.

Let’s ask ourselves! For ages, no one knew that another Solar System of 5 planets similar to ours exist? It’s now known if we trust in our American researchers.

6 month before, in April 2007, A French, Portuguese and Swiss astronomers team have said they have made a great discovery using a telescope in Chile. Actually, they have found a new planet named Gliese 581c not too far from the Earth but outside of our Solar System which orbits the faint Star Gliese 581. For them, any water there could exist in liquid form and this raises the chances it could also harbor life.

In November 2003, the NASA itself showed to the whole world a particular discovery: SEDNA, a planet which is part of our Solar System which seats ice and rock. What is next? Our galaxy (since there are billion) has not finished to give us his wonders yet. Alone, it owns about 200 to 300 billion of stars and some planets probably orbits them.

The International Astronomic Union had to work hard for interpreting the complexity of the planetary System. And researchers are doing so. They want to know and find what is behind the Earth. This is challenge for Man. This is also his ambition: know what is unknown. That’s why he is seeking, exploring, digging galaxies and discovering, sometimes, some hidden things. The space missions over the Moon, March and the Planetary System are obvious evidences. The space shuttle Atlantis might go on the next January 24th (if possible).

All this mean Man do not have everything under control. He doesn’t know many things. He experienced his weaknesses when he came to realize that Pluton can no longer be considered as a planet. He cancelled it from our Solar System in August 2006 during a meeting in Prague. 4 decades has passed and Man was misled by his own calculus and errors about planets!

Man is limited. He is not the master of the Universe. A BIGGER than him, with great acknowledgment, should have have all the information he is seeking. A BIGGER than him should know all the details about galaxies, stars, planets and exoplanets in the Planetary System. A BIGGER than him already knows whether or not there is life somewhere. A BIGGER than him knows the right networking of the Universe.

The Earth, regarding his size, is nothing in our galaxy. A BIGGER than Man has really no concerns to manage it and others stars. Man is not God. He is a created and limited person. He is a living being able to fulfill himself and build what SOMEBODY has given to him. If he closes his eyes over these facts, he is voluntarily weakening his intelligence and nothing good and true could be found.

Scientific research is necessary and essential. However, it must consciously be done with reason and patience without leaving behind the ONE who knows everything and still helps us to make great discoveries.