Research, research, ethics, & research.

I am learning so much about research here at WashU. However, much of it isn't dirctly about the reseach I am conducting. Now don't get me wrong here, I am learning loads about the redious, frustrating, painstaking process that is research. But, what I believe is more important is that I have been constantly asking, "why?" Why go through this process (as described above) and spend all of this time, (someone's) money, and mental effort participating in a process that carries (sometimes larger than others) a risk of failure?

But, at the same time, and from a more bibilical perspective, I know that we are to seek knowledge. I am just confused as how to discern when seeking knowledge is pushed aside for the academic glamour, career advancement, and/or money. If I am going to conduct research in the future, I must remember the larger picture: love God and love my neighbor as myself (Luke 10:27). I am slowly beginning to realize how incredibly easy it is to miss this.

On to ethics. Yesterday all of the interns in my program attended an ethics seminar all day. While thee are some really difficult ethical dilemmas that arise, I just really believe that, in its most simple form, the decisions we make boil down to honestly seeking truth. Yes, this is really simplifying the study of ethics, but this is how I am able to make sense of ethics in light of Jesus and the Gospel.

Prayer Requests:
- Doing good science for Christ in a secular environment
- Finding my comfort in the Father during frequent times of loneliness
- Giving people the benefit of the doubt