• Home
  • The Class
  • The Book
  • The Author
  • Reflections
  • Contact

Micheal’s poem

“Religion” and Biodesign

Posted on September 22, 2014 Leave a Comment

Screen shot 2014-09-22 at 11.17.39 AMExcerpt: BOFAW. “I suggested that believing in God was like catching poison oak; some people do and some don’t and no amount of word-making will likely change that.”

Muir was considered an “uneducated tramp,” by some and an “ignoramus” by Calif. State geologist Josiah Whitney. His vision of saving vast wilderness areas as “parklands” for future visitors was often described as lunacy.

Thoreau was often considered a lazy misfit/ recluse who only survived because of Mrs. Emerson’s cooking.

Emerson’s religious views were often considered radical at the time. He believed that all things are connected to God and, therefore, all things are divine. However, even though he regarded Jesus as a “great man,” he did not regard him as the son of God. Although his lectures on the “transcendent power of nature” were popular, he had large groups of critics who labeled him as an atheist.

Loren Eiseley was harshly castigated by scientists who thought he was too religious and equally castigated by “believers” who thought he was too scientific.

In the beginning of the Biodesign experience, I did not realize that, by using these authors, I would be subject to many of the same criticisms that they were. In the introduction to Biodesign Out For A Walk, Linda Williamson described an aura of mystery surrounding room 103 at St. Helena High School. Although I was aware of it at times, I was also aware of storm clouds that were never far away. Just like my mentor’s critics, I had critics (even enemies) who were convinced that the class was really a philosophy or religion class, offered as Advanced Biology.

Because of the scope and depth of Biodesign, it is nearly impossible to select a signature piece of writing that encapsulates the essence of The Class. However, Michaels’ poem comes as close as possible.

“May you always be inspired …

To stand tall in the sunlight,
to seek out the bright face of Beauty,
To reach for the Dream, the Star,
to see the World through eyes of tenderness,
To love with open-heartedness,
To speak the quiet word of comforting,
to look up the mountain and not be afraid to climb,
To be aware of the needs of others,
to believe in the wonder of life,
the miracle of creation,
the rapture of love,
The beauty of the universe,
The dignity of the human being.”
Michaels
The poem was not only one of the most important goals of the class, it was a beautiful summation of the works of Muir, Thoreau, Emerson and Eiseley. If my critics regard it as“religious” then I humbly stand guilty as charged.

Lowell H. Young, Author: Biodesign Out For A Walk

Posted in: Reflections | Tagged: Advanced Biology, Emerson, freedom of religion, Loren Eiseley, Micheal's poem, Thoreau

Recent Posts

  • John Muir: Semi-Skinny Dipping Under Nevada Falls
  • “At-onement”
  • Maria’s Story: It’s About Time
  • Miracle in an Old Barn
  • “Let Freedom Ring!” Dr. Martin Luther King

Bio-Words

4th of July Advanced Biology Amazing Grace Author Lowell Harrison Young big bang theory Bio-spirituality bio-spirituality. freedom of religion Biodesign Biodesign class Biodesign Out For A Walk Biodesign Out For Walk Charles Darwin evolution existence of God faith freedom of religion Grand Canyon Half Dome Henry David Thoreau intelligent design John Muir John Muir vision Loren Eiseley love lessons Lowell Harrison Young Mendocino Merry Christmas miracle of life mystery of life Nature nature inspiration Power of Music soul soul medicine Spirit of Thanksgiving spiritual evolution spiritual gifts spiritual growth spirituality spiritual origin of music the origin of life wilderness Yosemite Yosemite Temple Yosemite Valley

Copyright © 2023 .

Theme by ThemeHall.