Dr. Myron Penner, a philosophy professor, and Dr. Sarah Lane Ritchie, a science and religion scholar, join in a discussion exploring heresies, contemporary worship music, ecstatic worship experiences, moral discourse complexities, and the notion of America as a great country. They also engage in casual conversations about power ranking religions and the law of manifestation.
Contemporary worship music is designed to evoke intense emotional experiences and connect worshippers to spirituality.
Embracing heresies challenges mainstream thinking and creates space for divergent opinions and perspectives.
Moral judgments are influenced by genetics, upbringing, and cultural identities, highlighting the need to consider diverse perspectives and contextual factors.
Deep dives
Exploring the Impact and Design of Contemporary Worship Music
The podcast episode delves into the unique design and impact of contemporary worship music. The hosts discuss how this genre is intentionally curated to elicit intense emotional experiences and connect worshippers to spirituality. They explore the sensory and relational aspects of contemporary worship and the possibility of it being more effective than progressive music in inducing spiritual experiences. The episode also raises questions about personal preferences and the potential harm and benefits of engaging with this form of worship music.
Challenging Norms and Embracing Unconventional Heresies
In this experimental episode, the hosts engage in a playful game of presenting personal heresies within their social circles. They explore the idea of embracing unconventional thoughts or beliefs that may challenge the norms within their respective contexts. They discuss the value of pushing back against mainstream thinking and the importance of creating space for divergent opinions and perspectives. The hosts also reflect on the line between heresy and personal exploration, considering the potential discomfort and judgment that may arise.
Reflecting on Moral Judgment and the Role of Normativity
The episode delves into the complex nature of moral judgments and the role of normativity in evaluating actions and beliefs. The hosts discuss how moral judgments can be influenced by various factors, including genetics, upbringing, and cultural identities. They explore the tension between culturally specific moral standards and the pursuit of universal moral truths. The conversation navigates the challenges of assessing harm and flourishing, highlighting the need to consider context, diverse perspectives, and the potential impact on individual and communal well-being.
America's role as a global leader
The podcast episode discusses how America's position as a global superpower has helped maintain peace by preventing the use of atomic weapons since Nagasaki and reducing large-scale wars. It also highlights the reduction of world poverty and various forms of slavery under American leadership.
The great qualities and complexities of America
The podcast explores the positive and unique qualities exhibited by Americans, including creativity, entrepreneurship, and the ability to exhibit a wide range of compelling and interesting characteristics. However, it also acknowledges the dark side of American nationalism and the challenges Americans face, such as inner conflict and deaths of despair. It further reflects on personal experiences as an American, highlighting instances where being an American citizen provided certain benefits and opportunities.
Nothing says friendship like permission to dabble in heresies together. In this episode, a group of friends who happen to be scholars of philosophy, psychology, science, and religion try to make each other uncomfortable by sharing a heresy. This podcast format was inspired by Kevin Kelly, who got Tim Ferris to try it on his show. We all had some fun. Let us know what you think about the format and how we might change it up in the future.
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 working 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, Sarey & Myron’s Previous Podcast Visits
