I'm trying to remember the name of a sci-fi book. I read it like 10 years ago, so my memory of it's a bit fuzzy. One of the major topics was something about the religion of science. I remember a guy who was able to trick people, a traveling salesman of sorts, who sold someone a machine that turned lead into gold. The machine actually worked, but would stop working after he got away with his money. I don't *think* I'm imagining this book, but who knows...
posted by Political Funny Man on Nov 11, 2009 - 5 answers

What could be causing an image of Jesus to appear in this man's truck window? [more inside]
posted by longsleeves on Nov 4, 2009 - 23 answers

Are there any substances, other than water, where the solid form is less dense than the liquid? [more inside]
posted by Baby_Balrog on Feb 20, 2007 - 19 answers

How is my belief that the world is round any more scientific than someone else's belief that a benevolent deity listens to her prayers? (I know this may seem chatty or open-ended, but I have a feeling that there is a neat argument out there that would wrap up this question for me, and meanwhile I'm in a bit of philosophical crisis about it.) [more inside]
posted by CrunchyGods on Dec 4, 2006 - 60 answers

Is there a good reference for the standard evolution vs. creationism arguments? [more inside]
posted by mattholomew on Nov 21, 2006 - 18 answers

My religion prof. tried to tell our class that there was a 'scholar' who did research and came up with the claim that 90% of the presumptions upon which current science is based are wrong. Where can I find who said this so that I can find a rebuttle saying it is crap?
posted by ackeber on Oct 10, 2006 - 24 answers

I was raised as a christian scientist, meaning no medicine, no doctors and I was not even allowed to believe that any physical symptom of illness or injury I might have was real. Needless to say such beliefs have not promoted a healthy self awareness, self image or even much of an instinct for self-preservation. I also had some persistent medical problems as a child that went untreated. [more inside]
posted by gallois on Mar 18, 2006 - 8 answers

What do you think is going to happen to the USA if "Intelligent Design" is successfully placed into the science curriculum? [more inside]
posted by five fresh fish on Oct 10, 2005 - 48 answers

I am looking for cross-cultural examples of conflict between science and religion/traditional beliefs. [more inside]
posted by Tallguy on May 3, 2005 - 16 answers

I just got done reading Ishmael by Daniel Quinn for class. Now, I have to find a book that also deals with nature in the same regard to read (ie, we're destroying it- go fix it! Though it could be how nature is ours to control and we should actually exploit it more). Preferable, though not necessary, for my own pleasure would be something that intertwines religion and science with nature (from a negative or positive standpoint) into the book.
posted by jmd82 on Sep 8, 2004 - 15 answers