Call me a skeptic. A nonbeliever. Even a hater. But in a perfect world—a world that suits my preferences, I should say—it doesn’t exist.
What is “It,” you ask? The Star Wars prequels, of course. Last weekend the family and I cuddled up to have a Star Wars marathon. Naturally I had to tweet about it. And, much to the chagrin of a nameless fanboy, this marathon would consist of just three succinct and coherent films—the original trilogy (OT). I had denied the prequel’s very existence. (For those curious, my quick response is that the only notable thing to come from the prequels is Weird Al Yankovic’s The Saga Begins. My blogging cohort, Maureen, fervently agrees. Her take is that the prequels sacrifice story for special effects.)
Still, despite my anti-prequelistic preference, everywhere I look—toy stores, hobby shops, the entrance to Frank & Son’s Collectible Show—evidence counter to my worldview of choice flaunts itself shamelessly and befuddles my perspective.
In the same vein, evidence for the just-rightness of our universe continues to strut its cosmic stuff, making it increasingly difficult to hold to a worldview that prefers naturalistic causes only. Whether it’s through podcasts, publications, books, or DVDs, there’s no shortage of resources that support a God-created universe.
RTB scholars remain committed to bringing this cutting-edge research to all science apologetics fan-boys and girls. One such resource, and RTB’s latest booklet, is the 10 Breakthroughs of 2010. (Apologist J. P. offers a review of this resource on his blog Logical Truth and NewsVine.com present their own take here.)
An article of interest is astrophysicist Jeff Zweerink’s “Other Planets: Plenty of Water, No Life.” Here he explains how astronomers have found evidence of liquid water having existed on numerous bodies, including Mars, Venus, and the Moon. Yet the existence of water doesn’t necessarily equate to the existence of life. (Unless you’re a Gungan on Naboo.)
On the contrary, the more scientists learn about the solar system’s history and elemental makeup, the more their hope of finding a life-hospitable planet like Earth is virtually obliterated, a la the Death Star to Alderaan.
Zweerink explains, “Many bodies in the solar system started with liquid water, yet 4.5 billion years later, only Earth maintains a stable, life-supporting water cycle. The results of these recent discoveries affirm the biblical idea that Earth is specifically designed for life.”
With a family trip to San Diego’s Comic-Con International just months away, it’s certain there will be plenty more disturbances in my worldview’s force. Likewise, the more scientists uncover about our universe, the more we can anticipate disturbances in naturalism’s force. Like it or not the evidence speaks for itself. Should you disagree, I find your lack of faith disturbing.
-Sandra
What’s your take on the Star Wars franchise? Original trilogy only or all six episodes? Leave a comment and you may win all five “episodes” of the 10 Breakthroughs booklets (2005-2010). We’ll select three winners at random. Happy commenting!
Just for fun – Fans of the entire Star Wars franchise, mark May 19 on your calendars. It’s Star Wars Prequel Appreciation Day. Aficionados in general might appreciate the Little Darth Vader commercial and this important PSA on How to Talk to Your Kids about Star Wars.
PS Han shot first
February 11, 2011 at 9:13 am
Episode I is the absolute worst. Children should NOT be the main character in a movie (unless its a kids movie) because they are *too* annoying to watch and it just ruins the film. Of course there are some exceptions (E.T., Sixth Sense) but usually kids only help to ruin what might otherwise be an enjoyable film.
February 11, 2011 at 9:36 am
So true. Although I’d have to say Episode II is the worst–it should win an award for world’s lamest love story. I cannot wrap my mind around the idea that Padme actually loves Anakin. Why? He’s annoying, creepy, and always looks like he’s going to cry or have a tantrum.
February 11, 2011 at 1:15 pm
Oh man, this is all kinds of hilarious.
February 11, 2011 at 12:33 pm
Got here from facebook, excelent!
February 11, 2011 at 12:56 pm
Original trilogy trumps prequels, not that people shouldn’t watch all 6. As crappy as the prequels are, it’s best to watch them to get the “full effect.” Shame on you Sandra for skipping them lol -shakes head-.
But I agree with your topic. There’s plenty of evidence around us that our world was designed by God. It’s hard to look at the statistics and facts, especially about water, and not believe that they’re true.
Lastly, yay, Star Wars!!
February 11, 2011 at 1:04 pm
This made me lol…twice! Yay Star Wars, indeed. 🙂
February 11, 2011 at 2:12 pm
I agree about watching all six to get the full effect. The nice thing is that by the time you get to Episode IV, you feel ecstatic to finally be watching a good movie.
(BTW, Riff Trax makes the prequel trilogy bearable.)
February 11, 2011 at 2:03 pm
Yes, the more we search to find other “habitable zones” the more we become frustrated. Why isn’t there life outside of planet Earth? Hmmm…. Well, I hate to burst those naturalists preverbal water bubble, but the answer is that God created Earth for us.
Oh, and the Star Wars thing – I never was into Princess Leia or Hans Solo. Trekkie only here! Remember the Prime Directive!
February 11, 2011 at 2:10 pm
Live long and prosper, Joseph.
February 11, 2011 at 4:12 pm
Being a geek for anything and everything Star Wars, I feel that my two cents I must throw.
I have to say that I totally agree. None of the prequels even come close to the OT. I mean seriously, whoever thought of introducing such annoying and irritating characters such as Jar Jar Binks should be banished from Earth and sent to the cold, cruel planet of Hoth (sorry Mr. Lucas. However,I do have to say that Mr. Lucas did redeemed himself by casting Ewan Mcgregor as Obi Wan (he’s hotter than a smackdown on the Mustafar system). Furthermore, Hayden Christensen’s acting was awful! Yes, he was cute, but I can only ignore high school level drama department acting for so long. Otherwise the prequel is just a bunch of special effects, a cheesy love story and blah, blah, blah. Let me also take this time to say that when the OT was re released and they put in all those “extra, new, bright and shiny” extended scenes, they kinda ruined it for me. What happened to the awesome OG ending in Return of The Jedi where the Ewoks danced and sang their catchy little celebration song, and don’t even get me started on why Hayden Christensen replaced Sebastian Shaw as the Jedi ghost of Anakin Skywalker watching over Luke and the gang.
Ahhh, ok, I’m getting all emotional now and need to take it down a notch.
Anyhow, back to my original point…
Nothing beats, compares or will ever come close to the Star Wars OT. May the force be with anyone who disagrees. 😉
February 11, 2011 at 4:15 pm
Preach it, sister! 😉