Changes

From a religious point of view, Sagan was an [[atheist]] or an [[agnostic]] depending upon how it is interpreted.  In practice he was an atheist, but as a scientist could never say with certainty that evidence couldn't arise that is currently unknown that would point toward a god force, he is more correctly described as being  agnostic.<ref>http://www.nndb.com/people/324/000022258/</ref><ref>http://www.adherents.com/people/ps/Carl_Sagan.html</ref> Interestingly, the ending of ''Contact'' does imply to some extent the existence of a Universal Creator. The novel concludes {{Cquote|The universe was made on purpose ... In the fabric of space and in the nature of matter, as in a great work of art, there is, written small, the artist's signature ... there is an intelligence that antedates the universe.}}

From a religious point of view, Sagan was an [[atheist]] or an [[agnostic]] depending upon how it is interpreted.  In practice he was an atheist, but as a scientist could never say with certainty that evidence couldn't arise that is currently unknown that would point toward a god force, he is more correctly described as being  agnostic.<ref>http://www.nndb.com/people/324/000022258/</ref><ref>http://www.adherents.com/people/ps/Carl_Sagan.html</ref> Interestingly, the ending of ''Contact'' does imply to some extent the existence of a Universal Creator. The novel concludes {{Cquote|The universe was made on purpose ... In the fabric of space and in the nature of matter, as in a great work of art, there is, written small, the artist's signature ... there is an intelligence that antedates the universe.}}

Some commentators feel that this represents a shift in Sagan's views, much as the protagonist of the novel experiences a similar shift. However, others feel that since this was a work of fiction, it did not necessarily represent what Sagan really thought. For instance, science-fiction author Robert J. Sawyer opines that "Sagan was no more obligated to believe in what he wrote than than George Lucas was to believe in The Force". (In Lucas' movie series ''Star Wars'', "The Force" was the guiding principle behind the fictional Jedi religion practiced by the characters in the film). The latter interpretation would better reflect Sagan's stated atheist views.  

Some commentators feel that this represents a shift in Sagan's views, much as the protagonist of the novel experiences a similar shift. However, others feel that since this was a work of fiction, it did not necessarily represent what Sagan really thought. For instance, science-fiction author Robert J. Sawyer opines that "Sagan was no more obligated to believe in what he wrote than than George Lucas was to believe in The Force". (In Lucas' movie series ''Star Wars'', "The Force" was the guiding principle behind the fictional Jedi religion practiced by the characters in the film).

At the height of his popularity, Sagan became something of a media celebrity, occasionally appearing on popular entertainment programs.  His speaking style became well known, and one phrase of his was often spoofed and referenced in the media&mdash;"'''BILLIONS''' and '''BILLIONS'''"&mdash;with the words emphasized and drawn out, though he never actually used it.<ref>http://www.nytimes.com/learning/general/onthisday/bday/1109.html</ref>

At the height of his popularity, Sagan became something of a media celebrity, occasionally appearing on popular entertainment programs.  His speaking style became well known, and one phrase of his was often spoofed and referenced in the media&mdash;"'''BILLIONS''' and '''BILLIONS'''"&mdash;with the words emphasized and drawn out, though he never actually used it.<ref>http://www.nytimes.com/learning/general/onthisday/bday/1109.html</ref>