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Since my smaller group discussion did not really focus on the skyhooks vs. cranes idea, I never thought that the two could be alike or even possibly the same.  However, the more I think about it, the more I see that a "skyhook" could just be a crane in disguise.  We simply cannot see the other parts of the crane.  The skyhook/crane symbolism is probably meant to show us that there is no G-d or higher power since everything can be explained, however the more I read this book, the more I question my own beliefs in a lack of G-d.  If a skyhook doesn't actually exist, and is simply a crane that we will never, or do not yet understand, why can't a G-d-like figure be the ultimate crane of misunderstanding?  I was speaking with some friends over the weekend about how incredible evolution has been and how it is impossible to even imagine what the next steps could be.  In this case, why is it academically and intelectually aceptable to not believe in g-d, but believe in unimaginable bounds to evolution, while a belief in a G-d is so frowned upon in academic circles, and in the novel we're reading?