Readers’ Forum

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Universal Model asks people to seek truth

In response to an ad regarding the Universal Model, members of BYU’s Department of Geological Sciences offered their opinion about discoveries in the Universal Model, A New Millennial Science. With the claims included in the Universal Model, we expect lively feedback from students and professors from various universities. There’s no surprise they find these scientific evidences challenging. Fear of change has often caused men to critique rather than analyze paradigm-changing discoveries. The Universal Model stands by the principle “Question Everything with an Open Mind.” To arrive at a fitting conclusion about scientific discovery, inquirers must examine the evidence after setting their emotions aside.

For many years, our earth held a position at the center of our solar system until proven false with new empirical, scientific evidence. Just because a theory is taught for generations does not make it credible or true when the observable evidence shows otherwise. The purpose of science is to question, research, experiment and make observations — to discover new natural laws. When it comes down to it, YOU, the reader, form your own opinions about what is true and what is false. We remind our readers and critics that the Universal Model is not a religious book, but is a secular science book based on experimentation and observation. Chauncey C. Riddle, professor emeritus of philosophy at BYU, said the critics of the Universal Model “will be ignoring this work and discouraging others from reading it. Just as the politicians in charge try to marginalize everyone who is not ‘politically correct,’ so will influential members of the science community try to ignore and belittle this work. But every honest seeker after truth will relish the opportunity to think freshly about important scientific matters, in a refined paradigm of science, and with new facts and laws to ponder.”

Jarom Sessions and the UM Team

Social media trap

With social media being so relevant, people are afraid to say or post something that could receive harsh feedback. People are scared to cause conflict, so they end up staying silent on their opinions. Open political discussions have come to a halt, and Trump jokes have become something of a common antidote for any awkward situation. Why is this? Social media has allowed people to attack ideas of others with little to no consequences. Tolerance is something that only applies to those with liberal views. Social media has gone from promoting freedom of expression to eliminating any open discussion amongst those with opposing views.

What can we do to stop this? It starts amongst our colleagues and coworkers. We need to have open discussions about important subjects like politics and be understanding to opposing views. We also need to be more careful of our social media posts. Before you post think “would I say this at family dinner?” or “Do people really need to know this?” If we listen with an open mind, with tolerance and without hate, we can start to solve this problem.

Matt Carlson

Cleveland, Ohio

Millennial courtship

I received a friend request from a random girl, looked through her photos on Facebook and she was gorgeous. We had lots of mutual friends. After briefly messaging her, I decided to take her out on a date. On the date, I was alarmed when the girl who entered my car looked completely different from her photos. From the online conversation and our date, it appeared I had taken out a different person. Though social media can be a great source for meeting new people, it can also create false perceptions.

We are all familiar with the Facebook-stalk and the Tinder-swipe used to evaluate prospective relationships. Social media provides a great source to connect with individuals. However, these sources have been tainted by Photoshop, filters and the occasional duckface. Ironically, these social media masks create social barriers. How many of us have judged a prospective date based on his/her profile picture or their last post? These predetermined judgments could inhibit the opportunity for a lasting relationship. I encourage you not to judge a book by its cover photo and to not Facebook-stalk until you talk.

Cason Wight

Beaverton, Oregon

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