OUR MISSION STATEMENT
“Dare to ask the “WHAT IF?” question. ”
The inquiry of the why behind the “what if” question, as well as what effects of 1. Coming to an understanding in which one realizes a question must be asked. 2. What is the question that must be asked? 3. What would an answer for said question imply? 4. What is the psychophysiological reaction of the individual asking the question? For the hypothesis of one of the key ideas of Wondermentology is that each individual will have a certain set of qualifying parameters in their life before a willingness to learn and ask the important questions must be met. As the psychology of an individual emerges into a blossoming form throughout their life the right conditions for a flower to bloom in spring must also be right. For a great many individuals inherit an understanding of what they must do with their lives, like a forgotten memory it becomes clear as day of the direction they must go to do great things for the benefit of many others. This is the underlying reason we are doing what we are doing here and now.
This may seem rudimentary to human thinking and adaptability, but the process is little studied in scientific literature and studies. It helps us create our vision: Wondermentology is a process of understanding eco-centric thinking in a positive manner for the betterment of the whole of the earth and its inhabitants.
Resources: Science, as it has been taught in US schools for several decades, has a ‘doomsday’ message to it. While disputing the facts of science-based data has been its own political hotbed, the real culprit of this messaging can be found in typical fashion from the following recent article: “Climate change is thought to have a vast range of impacts on health today. However, experts believe that this will become even more severe unless action is soon taken. The health of vulnerable groups might become more jeopardized by both direct effects, such as excessive heat, and indirect effects, such as those of decreased food and nutrition security. Outstanding scientists from around the world have teamed up to gather and assess relevant data in order to produce science-based analysis and recommendations on a global scale. They have been brought together by the world’s science academies under the umbrella of the InterAcademy Partnership (IAP). The three-year project, which included more than 80 experts from all around the globe, also looked at a variety of climate mitigation and adaptation measures that might significantly enhance health and health equity….” (2) The article actually goes on to offer hope in its own unique way: “The researchers believe that climate change threatens the health of billions of people, even those who contribute little to climate change. However, there is good news. In the short term, various methods of reducing greenhouse gas emissions may improve health. The recent report, “Health in the climate emergency – a global perspective”, published by the InterAcademy Partnership (IAP) analyzes how climate change has an impact on global health and states the need for urgent action….” (2) Even while trying to offer hope, the messaging still has a quality of hopelessness or, at the very least, a sense of critical urgency. What is also typical of this messaging is the increased risk to vulnerable populations.
VISION
A detailed historical analysis of this pattern would actually whole chapters in a book or multiple books. American science has always been hopeful and optimistic – it is part of our success. However, we left social groups behind, like black, Hispanic, etc., in our quest for greatness. Currently, we are still lagging for inclusion of other social groups in the STEM fields. So, while I can mention a few important black and brown scientists along the way, we pretty much killed the incentive of these other groups to ‘rise above’ and dare to ask the questions – they were too busy fighting for their OTHER rights, especially economic survival.
INNOVATION
Wondermentology studies, as its own subcategory of sociology offers an opportunity to turn this tide around. As a subject matter that was previously left only to theological studies, this new approach allows for advanced and documentable understanding. For scientists and theologians who question whether this approach is valid, neither discipline has ever really been separated from the other: “What matters is that science and religion can coexist peacefully. part of the
human condition is to seek answers about our world in an attempt to understand our nature. Scientific discoveries that have enriched our understanding of the universe and of ourselves now provide many of those answers. nevertheless, there remain fundamental questions of meaning, value and purpose that science might never be able to answer. the truth remains that for billions of people, religion and faith provide comfort and meaning where science offers only
fact or no answer at all. as such, although extremists on both sides of the divide are likely to continue to pound their fists and demand surrender, everyone else might find that science and religion—so long as they stick to what they are good at—can both enrich our lives.” (3)
MISSIOn
But you can only keep an inquiring man ‘down’ for just so long before the fight to express yourself comes boiling up and, I dare say, the want to contribute to the betterment of the human race is still there, no matter your level of oppression. It takes a healthy dose of the ‘scientific drive’, daring to us humans to ask the “What if?” questions and with the need to ‘prove the evidence’: 24 But Thomas (who was called the Twina]), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.”
26 A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”(John 20: 24-29, NRSVUE)
What is key is that it was recorded that Thomas was allowed to touch Jesus after death. A skeptic dared to ask the “What if” question…and touched God in the process.