(Letter to the Editor - Graphic Illustration/MetroCreativeConnection)

I write this as a progressive person of faith after reflecting on recent news reports. Like millions of people around the world, I have found the initial images from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to be astonishing and magnificent. My theological understanding is not threatened by scientific advances; it welcomes them. To me, the magnificence of God is brought into sharper focus by images of a Universe much larger and older than one that is implied by a literal interpretation of ancient scripture.

The Bible and other sacred texts were written many centuries ago, yet they continue to provide inspiration and guidance to many millions of people worldwide. A progressive faith recognizes that the true value of these texts is revealed through careful study — not by insisting that every word is to be taken literally.

The First Amendment allows a broad range of religious thought; mandating a “one-size-fits-all” theology is unconstitutional. As an American, I am grateful for the religious freedom afforded by the Constitution and for the contribution of American engineers and scientists to the international work to create the JWST.

(Note: The author is a priest in the Catholic Universalist Church and a member of the Wood County Democratic Executive Committee).

Steve Peck

Washington, W.Va.