Wednesday, August 31, 2011

The Story of Louis Pastuer (1935)



“There is no remembrance of men of old, and even those who are yet to come will not be remembered by those who follow.” Ecclesiastes 1:11 (NIV)
In past years revisionist historians have been rewriting the worldview of Christians who have made some of the major discoveries in biology and medicine. It appears that postmodern revisionists are rewriting history to support their agenda of a more “secular” explanation to science. The Judeo-Christian worldview is not politically correct in most universities. This is true in regard to past scientists such as Louis Pasteur who believed in creation. According to reliable, primary sources such as René Vallery-Radot, Pasteur’s son-in-law, Pasteur’s unique view and application of operational science gave him a significant advantage, benefiting mankind in a number of critical areas.
Shortly after Darwin published On the Origin of Species in 1859, Pasteur began to challenge the idea of spontaneous generation—the foundation of the evolutionary view on the origin of life. Pasteur’s simple, but elegant swan-necked flask experiments not only put to rest the organic life-from-non-life idea, but also set the foundation for the law of biogenesis: life only comes from life. The genesis of germs in hospital patients were the result of microbes having parents, not a result of spontaneous generation. This revolutionary idea would have application in many areas of medicine. It forms the basis of sterilization, asepsis in surgery, and the germ theory of disease.
Pasteur had the uncanny ability to combine theoretical, operational, and applied science—the mark of a truly gifted scientist. Pasteur understood the variability of microbes and how he could apply this principle in vaccine preparation. For example, he noticed that Bacillus anthracis cultures sometimes lose their pathogenic ability when heated, and then retain this modified, nonvirulent, or “attenuated” trait through many generations. He applied this concept to vaccinate dozens of sheep that would have otherwise died at a critical time in France. His understanding of this natural variation was also successfully applied in developing vaccines for chicken cholera and rabies.
Although his scientific pronouncements were sometimes abrasive to his fellow scientists, he remained firm in his convictions, borne from painstaking research. Pasteur had a strong religious and humanitarian spirit. He firmly believed in God, as the Creator of all living things. From his knowledge of the Gospels, he wanted to benefit mankind by having his ideas used to “heal the sick.” Ref. http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/arj/v1/n1/louis-pasteurs-views

What do you think of Louis Pastuer? Does this article and the movie agree? What is historical revisionism? How do worldviews affect moviemaking?  What scientist would you like to see a movie about?

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The BC Team
1 reply · active 710 weeks ago
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Andrew Bartlett · 710 weeks ago

Testing 2...
If you sign-in using one of the supported platforms, commenting is a lot easier.
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Alexandra Camacho · 710 weeks ago

"Absolute faith in God and in Eternity, and a conviction that the power for good given to us in this world will be continued beyond it, were feelings which pervaded this whole life; the virtues of the gospel had ever been presented... Full of respect for the form of religion which had been that of his forefathers, I came simply to it and naturally for spiritual help in these last few weeks..." Louis Pasture, sometime before his death in 1895.

What is most interesting about his film is that Pasteur was portrayed. To an outsider watching this film the dramatic irony, knowing he will succeed, despite the opposition all contrary to his beliefs and predictions, this section of the film had me on my toes!

A straightforward comment that Mr. Pasture made during the film I admired fully, and will take it with me from now on. (Simplistic, and brief, but something that seems to be overlooked and forgotten.) "Benefits of science are not for science Mary, they're for humanity." He is completely right. This selflessness that is illustrated by him in the film is how I, with great amount of 'hope', all scientists feel. They are important. The people yes, themselves have value, but to understand what they are doing is greater than themselves is something to be revered.

Wether it's a coincidence or not, the pure fact that Pasteur's mindset came from one of a belief in creation, tells a lot about where his logic in other sciences will lay. (To say however, or lump Christianity with science was not intended, just for this articles demonstrations sake) However, the article, in my own view, did a agreeable job in coinciding with the film, and vice vera.

As the article stated, "Pasteur had the uncanny ability to combine theoretical, operational, and applied science—the mark of a truly gifted scientist." Among the group of greats, I think one who should have his story told more is probably one of the greatest scientific minds that ever existed. Eratosthenes of Cyrene (276 - 195 BC). Several hundred years before the birth of Christ he determined that the earth was spherical, and was able to calculate the circumference of the earth within about 20% of its actual value. That is an achievement well beyond his time, and dangerous beyond doubt to believe! To see a movie portraying his find would be both compelling and interesting!
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J. Aaron Guy's avatar

J. Aaron Guy · 710 weeks ago

"How does the worlds views affect movie making...?"
by: J. Aaron Guy
Well in a lot of ways. The fact that everyone has an opinion and has an idea of how things are to go and what should happen is a major factor. Everyone wants to have control over something no matter what it is. (myself included) So the fact that my life and my fate rest in a all knowing all powerful God is scary to most, which in turn makes them want to write their own story...to make their own "god". Many movies have been made and changed because one person thought it would go better this way or that way.
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J. Aaron Guy · 710 weeks ago

I know this because when I was little (and sometimes still) if I read or watch a movie, and I don’t like the way they have written it...I re-write that part. With God however you can’t do that. God has planned everything that we do and go through, He says he knows the number of hairs on our heads that he will never leave you nor forsake you. When directors leave God out of the picture they put their lives, their own life..." when in reality God is in control. Even when you think he's not.fates into their own hands. Because the world tells you, "You can be the master of your
J. Aaron Guy's avatar

J. Aaron Guy · 710 weeks ago

The fact that we as people...sinful...evil, wicked creatures try and tell God what our life should be...it's a wonder why God hasn't sent fire from above. But because he loved us...he sent his son Christ to die for our sin...the sin of trying to keep God out of our lives, of trying to push his hand of grace away from us. As Christians we see this now a little better than we did before; and we look at the movies that people make and the things that are being published; and we shake our heads in knowing that they don’t have the love of God. The fact that they don’t have the assurance of knowing that God will take care of them so they rely on themselves...and write their own stories...trying to be their own "god".
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J. Aaron Guy · 710 weeks ago

The world is a big influence on everything, to what we eat, to who we hang out with. But what should be the main factor in what we do? That is your choice to make...weather you’re pleasing God...or pleasing self as Christians I hope we chose God. (I know I have to ask forgiveness for many things when I try to make myself like God and serve self.)
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J. Aaron Guy · 710 weeks ago

The second pharagraph got mummble-jummbled at the end...editorial difficulties sorry...=p
J. Aaron Guy's avatar

J. Aaron Guy · 710 weeks ago

( this is the real ending to the 2nd paragraph...oops.)
When directors leave God out of the picture they put their lives...their fates, into their own hands. Because the world tells you, "You can be the master of your own life when in reality God is in control. Even when you think he's not.
3 replies · active 710 weeks ago
Dr Bartlett's avatar

Dr Bartlett · 710 weeks ago

You might like to see what my sons submitted to a film festival this summer at: http://excelsiorthemovie.com
J. Aaron Guy's avatar

J. Aaron Guy · 710 weeks ago

I watched the littel preview of your sons movie it looks great! I will most likely watch it when it comes out on DVD
I wasnt makeing a statement about all directors just the general outlook on movies and directors today thats all =]
J. Aaron Guy's avatar

J. Aaron Guy · 710 weeks ago

sorry...l-i-t-t-L-E not e-l
Daniel Guy's avatar

Daniel Guy · 710 weeks ago

To reply to Dr. Bartlett, I believe that the article is completly relevant to the video, it gives a better look at what Louis Pastuer stood for.Also the biblcal aspect of of it gave it a relatable view on him and to say, "That could be me." It gives something to strive for.His view on his work... to benefit mankind and help others is one of the best views we can have.[other than to serve and please God of course.]__
Bailey Hand's avatar

Bailey Hand · 709 weeks ago

Well... I think they did sort of agree. I mean, when Pasteur said that the disease came from germs and not inside them that's wise thinking. He has more biblical knowledge which should make him wiser.
Bailey Hand's avatar

Bailey Hand · 709 weeks ago

I think Louis Pastuer was very smart and confident. He was very confident in knowing that his vaxine would work. He was kind in his forgiving his good friend at the end. He was an all around good guy.
1 reply · active 709 weeks ago
Daniel Guy's avatar

Daniel Guy · 709 weeks ago

I believe you'r corect in your observation and to add to that, I would go so far as to say that Pastuer did all he did for God. Also he had a heart for people and how he did so is threw science.
Bailey Hand's avatar

Bailey Hand · 709 weeks ago

Honestly i do not know what historical revisionism is.
1 reply · active 709 weeks ago
Dr Bartlett's avatar

Dr Bartlett · 709 weeks ago

Basically, selectively leaving out details of history to influence the direction of cutlure. Here is quick intro: http://www.probe.org/site/c.fdKEIMNsEoG/b.4222683...
Daniel Guy's avatar

Daniel Guy · 709 weeks ago

Dr. Bartlett, indeed the telescope opens up a new veiw on God's creation and gives a uneque perspective on it. Also the fun of building things like the telescope is a great activity to do in your spare time....I would enjoy it greatly.

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