Science and Spiritual Experience #Experiencing God
Jan 28, 2023
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Join Dr. Myron Penner, Dr. Sarah Lane Ritchie, and Dan Koch in a nerdy and robust exploration of divine encounters. They discuss God-experiences, science, philosophy, and theology. Topics include being spiritual but not religious, taking science seriously in theology, exploring spiritual technologies, trauma-informed churches, the significance of rituals, marital toys and intimacy, and upcoming events and movies.
Curating a spiritual life involves exploring practices with a solid background in philosophy and scientific literature, while maintaining a connection to one's cultural roots.
Integrating scientific perspectives into theological beliefs requires a critical examination of doctrines and questioning traditional interpretations.
Supporting individuals who have experienced trauma in spiritual communities necessitates a trauma-informed approach and seeking guidance from professionals specializing in trauma and spirituality.
Deep dives
Importance of Curating a Meaningful Spiritual Life
Curating a spiritual life that is rich and rewarding involves exploring various spiritual technologies. While there is no dismissal of specific practices like astrology, tarot, essential oils, crystals, etc., it is suggested to focus on practices that have a solid background in philosophy, have been time-tested, and are connected to scientific literature. Additionally, engaging in spiritual practices from different traditions can provide fresh perspectives and experiences. It is important to adopt a curious and critical mindset, holding spiritual practices with an open hand while maintaining a connection to one's own cultural or traditional roots.
Taking Science Seriously in Theological Beliefs
Taking science seriously in theological beliefs can lead to questioning certain doctrines. For example, the belief in a literal hell could be reconsidered in light of evolutionary psychology and the understanding of the human need for punishment. Additionally, scientific findings on human evolution and human-non-human species relationships may challenge traditional interpretations of doctrines like original sin and the concept of a distinct binary between humans and other creatures. It is suggested that a critical examination of doctrines is essential when integrating scientific perspectives into theological beliefs.
Navigating Trauma in Spiritual Communities
Supporting individuals who have experienced trauma in spiritual communities requires a trauma-informed approach. Being compassionate and asking open-ended questions can create a supportive environment for them to share their experiences and needs. It is recommended to explore resources on trauma-informed practices and seek guidance from professionals who specialize in trauma and spirituality. Engaging with communities that prioritize empathy, understanding, and provide a safe space for healing can also be instrumental in the recovery process.
Forming Desire through Spiritual Technologies
Engaging with spiritual technologies involves the formation of desires that can influence personal growth and well-being. While even harmful doctrines may be infused with desire, it is important to critically examine the objects of desire and their alignment with flourishing. The framing of spiritual technologies should invite individuals to cultivate desires that promote flourishing not only for themselves but also for others, including enemies. By exploring desires within a thoughtful and compassionate framework, individuals can develop a meaningful spiritual life that enriches their personal and interpersonal well-being.
The Importance of Desire in Spiritual Yearning
Desire plays a central role in spiritual yearning, motivating individuals to seek unity, transcendence, or spiritual flourishing. It is a vulnerable admission of a lack or deficit that drives people to search for something more. Recognizing and naming these spiritual desires is crucial to the cultivation of spiritual technologies and the promotion of spiritual flourishing.
Cognitive Science of Religion and its Influence on Belief
Cognitive science of religion (CSR) does not necessarily undermine or invalidate religious beliefs. Instead, it offers tools to understand and process individual religious experiences. CSR provides insights into the psychological and social aspects of religious belief and behavior, encouraging a more nuanced and humble approach to theological claims. It invites epistemic humility and can enrich one's spiritual journey, regardless of religious or atheistic perspectives.
Kick off the new year with a nerdy good time. The next Homebrewed class will be a robust exploration of how the tools of science, philosophy, and theology help us discern meaning from divine encounters. We’ll discuss God-experiences as mediated through faith communities, the mind, nature, the Bible, psychedelics, and more. And we’ll do all this with an eye towards the future, exploring the possibilities for how a lived-theology could express itself in the world. Check it out here.
Dr. Myron Penner is a professor of philosophy at Trinity Western University and director of the Anabaptist-Mennonite Centre for Faith and Learning. On top of being a stellar scholar, he is a dear friend and the coolest Mennonite Canadian philosopher on planet earth
Dr. Sarah Lane Ritchie received her B.A. in Philosophy & Religion from Spring Arbor University, an M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary, and an M.Sc. in Science & Religion from the University of Edinburgh. She obtained her Ph.D. at the University of Edinburgh in Science & Religion with a thesis on divine action and the human mind, and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of St. Andrews. She has published a book with Cambridge University Press and numerous articles in academic journals, and continues research in the field of science and religion.
Dan Koch is one of my favorite people. He reached out to connect in person when he was thinking of starting a podcast, and since then, he has not only produced several quality podcasts, but I have grown to love having him in my life. Pretty Good Vibrations analyzes and celebrates pop and rock music and its crucial role throughout our lives. Podcast veteran and host Dan Koch (You Have Permission Podcast) has been a professional musician for most of the last 20 years: songwriter for the emo-pop band Sherwood, then as a commercial composer since 2012. Multiple episode styles include bracket-style tournaments, chronological walk-throughs, and deep dives into genres, artists, and eras. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Sarey Martin Concepción is a writer, podcast producer, and filmmaker with roots in L.A. and Portland, OR. She has an MA in Theology and the Arts from Fuller Theological Seminary and works as communications director for Blueprint 1543, which cultivates integration between theology and the psychological sciences. Currently, she’s in preproduction on a feminist, sci-fi short film (winemakermovie.com). Before pursuing independent fiction and nonfiction projects, she worked for 10 years as part of Rob Zombie’s production and management team. More at secretartproject.com. Sarah, Dan, & Myron’s Previous Podcast Visits