LETTERS: SUPERCONDUCTOR SEARCH

To the editor:

Science is getting closer to developing a superconductor which will so dramatically reduce friction and make it easier to transmit energy. We all enjoy the benefits of what technology has done to bring us certain physical and material comfort and ease, but how can we apply all our knowledge and skill to live together as we might will, to live in harmony and peace, to understand others and be understood? Many suggestions are made for better human relations.

Our social studies have been neglected and much of life affected.

The religions of the world which claim to promote understanding and a higher standard of cooperation and moral life often result in divisiveness. Even within Christianity there is a degree of sectarian strife. Each group at times implies that theirs is the only true and perfect approach to faith. Christians sometimes fail to work as diligently to reach their same goals.

How can we use the techniques of science to live together as individuals and as nations? Northern Ireland is still trying to resolve its problems. (Read "The Trinity" by Leon Uris.) The Middle East has its disagreements, and there are others in the world which are searching for a superconductor to reduce the friction.

Since the second Vatican Council, a new opening has been made to enhance greater cooperation and understanding. I had the privilege of assisting groups of Roman Catholics, priests and laity, in Argentina in their efforts to translate the New Testament into the Argentine idiom, and then help was sought from the cardinal in the Netherlands for financial support for its production and publication.

What better time to make the search for that peace and understanding central than during the season of Advent. We can hope that this holiday season may be a season of peace, joy and goodwill to achieve the harmony which is so desperately needed in our world. It is that kind of a superconductor that is needed, even as scientists continue to search for their answer.

IVAN NOTHDURFT

Cape Girardeau