Sin Theory Self-Critique

Introduction

In my reflections about my Global Warming text from April 16, I have grown a bit uncomfortable with some of the ideas that I expressed in it. Since it is my intent to grow in my understanding of weather, I test my theories with some regularity to see if they agree with reality. Due to the mystery surrounding certain elements of weather and my understanding of human imperfection, I try to remain open to the idea that I may need to make major or minor edits to both my theories and maybe sometimes my logic, as necessary.

I admit that all of this “testing of my theories” outside of the realm of a formal master’s or doctoral program probably may seem a bit out of place for a public “blog” forum; not to mention how its also possible that any bold declarations that I make about GOD and weather may not necessarily seem suitable for a scientific discussion. Nonetheless, in what may just turn out to be one grand brain-storming event for a future theory, I will press on in my desire to continue seeking comments and criticisms from the scientific community in response to my current theories and ideas.

Noah’s Weather Service began as an effort to chart new territory in the forecasting of weather to better protect the public from the dangers that many storms pose. Though it may be true that our ever-changing technology seems to be advancing the science by leaps and bounds with ever-increasing frequency, I still see consistent death and destruction in the weather statistics year after year. As I’m sure is probably true of most meteorologists, I would also like to use whatever means possible to, at the very least, make an attempt to save a few more lives each year.

In doing whatever it takes to accomplish such a lofty aspiration, would it not be true to at least consider some consider some of the basic strategies of the scientific greats of the past? Albert Einstein’s early years were marked by failure and discouragement but his later work caused a monumental shift in the scientific community because he did not allow himself to be bound by the limitations of traditional thinking. Likewise, now, I’m suggesting that we open up the potential goldmines of wisdom that are within our reach. If we would only consider that some of our traditional ideas about why weather occurs are too small in scope and are therefore not completely capable to explain the some weather events, then we may never again forecast a blizzard as a “virtual certainty” on national TV and get nothing close after all is said and done.

One of my history teachers in high school posted a sign in his classroom stating how we are all doomed to repeat the mistakes of history if we don’t learn from the lessons derived from its study. If the past 30 years of computer, radar, and other technology upgrades can not wipe out the death statistics of weather, then I’m skeptical that any future technology can.

By putting my different ideas out into the public forum, perhaps at the very least, some of the comments that I get in response may actually assist me or some other like-minded scientist enough to generate a theory to cause the next monumental shift in weather forecasting.

My Self-Critique of the Sin Theory

Even though I have the opinion that sin does have an important role to play in weather, it is not easy to show its relationship with our knowledge of weather.

It is probable that many readers will dismiss the sin theory about global warming for one of two reasons, if not both:

First, there is the popular idea that there is no GOD. Not a problem. People are entitled to their own opinions. Others could also dismiss my ideas easily by saying that it’s very convenient for me, as a practicing Messianic Jew, to just suspiciously insert some of my faith-based ideas into my weather theories in order to force people to believe in GOD. Frankly, it’s His job to show people that He’s real. My responsibility as an eved HaShem (servant of GOD) is to (1) do my best to describe how He is involved in the phenomena of weather and (2) just put out there the suggestion that if you don’t believe in GOD or Yeshua, ask Him to prove his existence to you, Himself.

Secondly, a person may find difficulty agreeing with my sin theory because it actually seems to be eaten up by my own opinions about a “global air temperature cycle.” Some might say that it would seem practically impossible to read into a statistical analysis any influence due to sin. Its challenging enough to consider such agents such as sun-spot activity, volcanic event frequency, earth-axis wobble, deforestation, and urban heat island effects could be more easily correlated with long-term average global temperatures. I agree with this counter-position, it has merit.

Thirdly, “How can I even say sin has anything to do with it?” might be a common question on the grounds that I was comparing apples and oranges by mixing philosophy with earth science. In the very best, most gracious scenario one or two “free thinkers” could say the theory could have the remote possibility--with the allowance of a little creative license. I think that this seemingly “philosophical” scenario is actually the one platform where my ideas have the potential to gain the most merit—based on the Einstein example. During the time of his failures, Einstein was greatly misunderstood, and that is the key.

To explain, let’s briefly consider King Solomon. During his reign over Israel, he wrote down what many consider to be some of the wisest statements that have ever been made by a mere man. In Kohelet (Ecclesiastes), chapter 11, verse 5 of the Jewish Scriptures, it says:

“…you cannot understand the work of GOD, the Maker of all things”(NIV)*

If this verse meant that we are not able to understand any of His work, then we would have no reason to promote anyone’s name above any other as the definite Messiah, nor would we really understand enough for it to even be an issue. However, the truth is we can understand a lot of GOD’s work and many will tell you that they have evidence to back it up. What King Solomon actually said was that we cannot understand “everything” that He does. This brings us to the point of the matter: just as Einstein was eventually understood through patience and close examination of his work, I believe that much of what GOD does with weather can also understood by using the same methods.

*Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers.

Global Warming footnote

Shalom again!

As I was reviewing the pros and cons of my Global Warming post I realized that at least one important item was missing.

With reference to the Scripture notation, the following information was mistakenly forgotten:

Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers.

Shalom for now!

Global Warming

11 Nisan 5768 - 4/16/08

The below opinions are cited in reference to a recent CNN.com article.
Some scientists believe that global warming is going to reduce the number of Atlantic Hurricanes (if not also reduce the number of such similarly characterized storms that occur worldwide). In addition, others have added that the storms which do develop will be more intense.

This topic is addressed in a CNN.com/weather article that was published on Monday March 17, 2008. The article specifically cites the two major hurricanes which hit portions of southern Mexico in 2007. Also included is the general observation by some experts that an “escalation in intensity” of hurricanes is due to global warming.

What’s interesting about this article is that CNN writer Charlie Devereux reported that some scientists “argue that the forces of these devastating disasters is exacerbated by human activity.” Although I do agree with the evidence that the earth is warming, I believe that the explantion that is commonly attributed to global warming stops short of including other potential influences.

A more complete explanation would include two more influences in addition to the human emission of greenhouse gases.

I believe that serious consideration must also take place regarding the following:

(1) I believe that the global temperature rise is a natural part of the cycle of warming and cooling that already exists--a global air temperature cycle--independent of the human emission of “greenhouse gases”. Mr. Devereux cites the scientific theory of the Atlantic multidecadal oscillation which is the cycle of temperature variation in the Atlantic Ocean. My idea about the “global air temperture cycle” is just an equivalent cycle to the Atlantic oscillation cycle, but it applies to the air. With that said, the effect of the human emission of greenhouse gases may not be a primary cause. At the very least, it may be an additional cause of global warming.

(2) Secondly, human sin is another reason. Human irreverence and disrespect for the GOD of Israel that is common worldwide, I believe, is an indirect cause for the warming. The above mentioned “escalation in intensity” of hurricanes [that] is due to global warming is a more direct consequence of this sin problem.

In the Jewish Bible, Nahum mentions part of GOD’s weather plan in chapter 1, verse 3 of his prophecy:
“…His way is in the whirlwind and the storm…”

His use for storms in the world is often a form of “tough love” that is often difficult to see or understand. But through faith in Israel’s Messiah: Yeshua HaMashiach (Hebrew for Yeshua the Messiah), GOD will either steer the storm away from you or save the lives of you and your family during a direct hit (as I am aware that He did for one family, even though Hurricane Andrew severely damaged their house while they were all inside of it praying). Shalom for now!