Able Quote by Carl Sagan
“How is it that hardly any major religion has looked at science and concluded, “This is better than we thought! The Universe is much bigger than our prophets said, grander, more subtle, more elegant?” Instead they say, “No, no, no! My god is a little god, and I want him to stay that way.” A religion, old or new, that stressed the magnificence of the Universe as revealed by modern science might be able to draw forth reserves of reverence and awe hardly tapped by the conventional faiths.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Cosmos, 1980
Science reveals a vast, elegant universe that challenges narrow religious views, suggesting faith could embrace wonder.
In simple terms: Science shows the universe is huge and beautiful, beyond old religious limits.
Key Takeaway
Encourage faith that appreciates scientific awe.
Themes
science
religion
wonder
humility
knowledge
Mood
curious
inspired
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- education
- public discourse
- interfaith dialogue
- science communication
Key Concepts
cosmology
theology
epistemology
Questions to Reflect On
- How can religious communities integrate scientific discoveries?
- What benefits arise from a faith that embraces cosmic awe?
A Different Perspective
Religious traditions may resist change due to doctrinal inertia.
![“[ When a religious couple wrote to Sagan about fulfilled prophecies, he wrote back in May 1996 :] If ‘fulfilled prophecy’ is your criterion, why do you not believe in materialistic science, which has an unparalleled record of fulfilled prophecy? Consider, for example, eclipses.” quote by Carl Sagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/875/carl-sagan-160_belief_when-a-religious-couple-wrote-to-sagan-a_25095.jpg)
