Article July 26, 2010 Issue

Formula One racing—and prayer

BY HELEN SMART

THIS YEAR'S FORMULA ONE motor racing season is moving toward its climax, which will be a Grand Prix event in the United Arab Emirates in November. Races take place on every continent, and involve drivers, manufactures, and mechanics from many parts of the world.

The cars are built by many of the most famous names in the automotive industry and are designed to attain ever-faster speeds, while maintaining scrupulous safety standards. Each season reveals innovations in technology and aerodynamics, which, they say, can only benefit those of us who drive more sedate cars to work or play.

But what, you may ask, has any of this to do with a magazine concerned to promote understanding of "the kingdom of Truth on earth" (Science and Health, p. 281)? After all, isn't Formula One racing—if it's "sport" at all—essentially about the promotion of big business interests, contracts worth millions of pounds, euros, or dollars, and celebrity lifestyles accompanied by gossip and intrigue?