Article February 21, 2000 Issue

Prayer that leads to solutions

By Robert L. Eichelberger

Many physical scientists hold the view that all technical progress is the result of human endeavor, the product of mankind's superior brainpower. I don't think so. Both my own experience in the field of chemistry and my study of Christian Science tell me otherwise.

A few years ago I was working at a large engineering center, whose major project at that time was the testing of a very large power-generating component. Many technical people from a number of engineering and scientific disciplines were involved. We were organized into specialty groups—instrument engineers, materials experts, mechanical engineers, stress analysts, and so on. My part in the project was that of technical consultant in several different areas, but I had no decisionmaking responsibility.

It soon became obvious that the work wasn't going well, and successful completion by the date promised appeared doubtful. The various groups weren't getting along, and some were blaming "the other guy" for the lack of progress. Both the management and the customer were very unhappy with the situation.

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