On the agenda today: matters of creation, Scotland’s money, an energy lesson from history, a new Perth bridge, alcohol pricing, cyclists, and the war in Afghanistan.
Did Big Bang create beauty and goodness?
Sir,-The existence of God cannot be concretely proved or disproved within the context of physics at its present stage of development.
Even such an eminent scientist, the remarkable Stephen Hawking, provides what is only a theory.
His idea of gravity or spontaneous creation begs the question, from whence comes gravity and spontaneous creation? The notion that existence comes from nothing is just not credible.
The fact remains that ex nihil nihilo, (from nothing, nothing comes). Every effect must have an adequate cause.
Since humankind possesses self consciousness, it postulates that behind our being is some superior being who is also self conscious. Aristotle called this a first cause, itself uncaused. Plato concluded that this was the “prime mover.”
The idea that God can be encapsulated within the context of scientific investigation has led to much misunderstanding. God is not an object alongside other objects which can be isolated and measured. Without God there is nothing.
If the cosmic scheme of things is from nothing, if it is mindless, if it has no meaning or purpose, it is difficult to explain human-kind’s search for meaning.
What of beauty, truth and goodness? Is it all a matter of fortuitous accidental circumstances based on nothing?
Such a notion would be nonsense.
(Rev) J. Harrison Hudson.22 Hamilton Avenue,Tayport.
Mint leaves hole in our economy
Sir,-The 16th condition of the Treaty of Union of 1707 between Scotland and England provides that, “The coin shall be of the same standard and value throughout the United Kingdom as now in England and a Mint shall be continued in Scotland under the same rules as in England.”
Under what circumstances was the mint removed from Scotland? Is there any prospect of a mint being re-established in Scotland, or is this another broken promise?
Donald J. MacLeod.49 Woodcroft Avenue,Bridge of Don.
A lesson from history
Sir,-A recent episode of Coast on BBC television identified that George Bruce had the vision to develop the Fife coalfields around Culross as Scotland had virtually exhausted its forests to supply timber for burning.
I hope that Forth Ports and their partners review history before attempting to construct timber-fired biomass power stations on the Tay and the Forth.
Eric R. Page.16 Strathern Road,Dundee.
A bridge too far for Perth
Sir,-Your question can Perth afford a new bridge (September 4) implies there is a choice.
But Perth and Kinross Council’s view has been reported that the bridge funding allocation is set in stone. It is far from clear that the proposed new crossing is really needed, and, if rumours are right that cyclists have successfully pressed for it, would they not be better off with extra (reserved) cycle tracks?
Those now available to them are very limited and any improvements would be a more rational use for the money in these harder times. These tracks would also enhance road safety.
The bridge, as now planned, could be justly dubbed Perth’s white elephant so, Perth and Kinross Council, please think again.
(Dr) Charles Wardrop.111 Viewlands Road West,Perth.
Little value in minimum pricing
Sir,-So a price of 45p per unit of alcohol in cheap drink will supposedly save the lives of 50 people a year (September 2).
But just whose lives are to be saved?
Certainly not those of the most harmonious and productive members of our society.
Malcolm Parkin.15 Gamekeepers Road,Kinnesswood,Kinross.
Selfish cyclists causing chaos
Sir,-A dozen cyclists had a long queue of cars behind them as they made their way into Perth via the Coupar Angus road the other day. I know, because I was the driver just behind them.
Their speed did not exceed 20mph and, as there is only one lane available on the final approach to Perth, it was difficult to pass them. It was made even more difficult on the rural stretch by some cycling in twos.
Fortunately, the cyclists turned into a car park and traffic was able to proceed normally but the nose-to-tail queue made things difficult for the local traffic in Scone.
How selfish can you get? I cycled to France as a teenager and our group leader instructed us to cycle in single file in traffic and to leave enough space between each cyclist to allow cars to pass gradually along the column. Why are cyclists so inconsiderate and heedless of their own safety?
George K. McMillan.5 Mount Tabor Avenue,Perth.
Are we fighting in same conflict?
Sir,-You reported the tragic deaths of seven US soldiers, bringing to 14 the number of US troops killed in action in eastern and southern Afghanistan within a three-day period last week.
A total of 48 US service personnel have died in Afghanistan during August.
You also reported that Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg insisted during a trip to Afghanistan that the military campaign in that country was “turning the corner.” Is this the same war the Americans are fighting? Is this the same Afghanistan?
Sandy West.Bridge of Dun,Montrose.
Get involved: to have your say on these or any other topics, email your letter to letters@thecourier.co.uk or send to Letters Editor, The Courier, 80 Kingsway East, Dundee DD4 8SL.