Here’s an interesting question to discuss that’s tied into the movie that we’re

Here’s an interesting question to discuss that’s tied into the movie that we’re watching this week: “Contact.”
http://www.sdjhh.com/play/26283-0-0.html
Which side do you believe in: the scientific side (like Jodie Foster’s character believes in the movie) or the religious / faith side (like Matthew McConaughey’s character believes in the movie)? Why? Please explain.
I’m curious how this discussion will develop. I’m always interested in my students’ answers to this question.
This gives us a great chance to discuss differing viewpoints on an issue. It’s very important to be able to “validate” and discuss perspectives that may differ from our own in a respectful way. This is also an important component of being an effective public speaker!
As usual, please make your “main” response and also respond to two of your classmates’ posts. Thanks, and enjoy!
Please complete the homework as required. Please remember that I am an international student. Please don’t use too difficult grammar and vocabulary. Don’t forget to reply to the classmates post, which is also part of the homework.
first classmates post：
Good morning Professor & classmates:
Contact is a film that take place at the intersection of science, politics, and faith. Those are three subjects that don’t always fit easily together. In the film, an alien intelligence transmit an image of three pages of encrypted symbols. It’s clear where the corners of each page are.
Watching the film again after for about 11 years I would say, I was startled by how bold it is. Its heroine is a radio astronomer named Dr. Eleanor Arroway (Jodie Foster), who is an atheist. In the film she forms a curious relationship with Palmer Joss(Matthew McConaughey), a believer in God who writes about science. Key role are played by science advisors to the president, who see aliens, God and messages space all in cynical political terms. They justify their politics with the catch – all movie of “National defense”
In ” Contact ” I was particularly absorbed by the conversation between Ellie and Palmer, the atheist and believer. They like one another ;indeed, they even go to bed once, but love is cut short because Ellie can do the math and realize if she gets to travel on the alien machine the logic of moving at light speed means no one she knows will be alive when she return. Still, he loves her, and much is made of a little plastic toy he finds in a Cracker Jack Box… a compass. But if the woman he loves doesn’t believe in God, she shouldn’t make the trip, in my opinion.
second classmates post：Hello professor and classmates,
Contact may be a film that happens at the convergence of science, governmental problems and confidence. Nevertheless, within the film, an outsider insight communicates an image of 3 pages of disorganized pictures. At the purpose once Ellie was asked by Congress within the event that she had confidence in God, the correct answer would are, “that isn’t your concern. “In other words, this would be the typical correct answer of any white man, notwithstanding whether or not they place stock in God or not. With that being said, the key part of the film includes legislature hearings to work out who got to be the area soul on board the boat. Ellie, whose cluster got the message, is one among the competitors. At a late purpose within the hearings, linksman god catches off-guard Ellie by inquiring on whether or not she has confidence in God. She answers genuinely. This brings up an issue ought to the first human to satisfy an outsider place stock in God. This movie allowed for me to see the difference between people from different beliefs like an atheist and a believer. Coming from a believing family I always feel odd because my beliefs are different from there’s even though I am a believer.
Best Regards,
Comments from Customer
Discipline: public speaking