Cultural Perceptions of Science and Faith

Nicholas Spencer joins us for a fascinating conversation about the complex relationship between science and religion, moving far beyond the tired warfare narrative that dominates popular discourse. As a senior fellow at Theos and author of several important books including the recently released The Landscapes of Science and Religion: What Are We Disagreeing About?, Nick brings both historical depth and contemporary insight to these conversations. We dive into how the real tensions between science and religion often center on competing claims about what it means to be human and who gets to make authoritative statements about human nature. From Darwin's legacy to AI ethics, from mental health to consciousness studies, we explore how these disciplines can engage more constructively when we recognize them as complex, shifting landscapes rather than fixed territories in conflict. Nick's research with both academics and the general public reveals surprising nuances in how people actually think about these relationships, and his upcoming work on bioethics, genetic engineering, and other emerging technologies shows why these conversations are more urgent than ever.

You can WATCH the conversation on YouTube

Nicholas Spencer is a senior fellow at Theos, a British think tank focused on the intersection of religion, politics, and culture. He is the author of several acclaimed books including Magisteria: The Entangled Histories of Science and Religion, Playing God: Science, Religion and the Future of Humanity, and his latest work The Landscapes of Science and Religion: What Are We Disagreeing About?. Spencer hosts the "Reading Our Times" podcast, which explores big ideas through conversations with leading authors. With a background in literature, history, and political theology, he brings a unique interdisciplinary perspective to debates about science, religion, and public life. His work challenges simplistic conflict narratives and explores how different ways of knowing can contribute to our understanding of what it means to be human.

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