Ilia Delio, a Franciscan sister and theologian known for her work on science and religion, dives into the evolving relationship between divinity and modern knowledge. She discusses her book, exploring how technology influences spirituality in the digital age. Topics include reimagining theology through science, the interconnectedness of humanity as a 'global super organism,' and the complexities of consciousness and identity. Delio emphasizes a dynamic engagement with the divine, encouraging renewal and deeper connections in a rapidly advancing world.
Ilia Delio emphasizes the need to reassess traditional theological concepts to align them with contemporary scientific understandings, fostering deeper spiritual engagement.
The podcast highlights the impact of technology on human relationships, stressing the necessity for spiritual grounding amidst growing disconnection from nature and each other.
Delio's notion of 'The Not Yet God' encourages a dynamic understanding of divinity that promotes human creativity and collaboration in an evolving universe.
Deep dives
The Role of Theology in Modern Understanding
The discussion revolves around the importance of reassessing theological concepts to align with current understandings of science and cosmology. Traditional views shaped by figures like Aristotle are described as outdated, thus hindering the contemporary understanding of God and spirituality. This reassessment calls for a theology that embraces modern science, particularly evolution and quantum physics, suggesting that many old conceptions of God contribute to societal fragmentation and division. Thus, a fresh theological perspective is essential for engaging with modernity and fostering a healthier dialogue between faith and science.
Integration of Science and Spirituality
The episode highlights how modern science, specifically insights from evolution and quantum physics, challenges traditional dualistic views of existence. There's a call to recognize the dynamic interconnectedness of matter and spirit, urging a shift in how humans conceive of consciousness and its relation to the divine. This perspective is reinforced by the idea that humans are not separate from evolution; rather, they are a continuation of it. Emphasizing an ongoing process of becoming, this viewpoint invites listeners to engage with a more integrated understanding of spirituality that aligns with scientific advancements.
The Challenge of Modern Technology
The conversation reflects on how technology has transformed human interaction and understanding in contemporary society. It is suggested that the rapid advancement of technology has led to a disconnection from natural environments and genuine human relationships. There's a concern that reliance on technology mediates our experiences and shapes our values in ways that could potentially undermine authentic connections to each other and to nature. This technological entanglement emphasizes the need for a spiritual grounding that must guide humanity's engagement with its own creations.
Evolving Concepts of God
The title 'The Not Yet God' signifies an evolving understanding of God, suggesting that God is not a fixed entity but an ongoing process that invites human participation in creativity and love. This perspective aligns with the ideas explored by theologians like Teilhard de Chardin, who viewed the divine as an integral part of the evolutionary process. The innovation of such a concept urges a departure from static religious metaphors, advocating instead for a relational and dynamic spirituality. This evolving understanding aims to foster a sense of hope and possibility within humanity's collective journey.
The Importance of Shared Narratives
The dialogue emphasizes the role of shared narratives in fostering a sense of community in a rapidly changing global landscape. As modern society grapples with divisions entrenched in identity politics and technology, establishing common spiritual narratives becomes crucial for collective existence. It argues that these narratives hold the potential to bind individuals and communities together, encouraging unified action toward common goals. The narrative of the 'not yet' serves as both a caution and an invitation to craft a new story that acknowledges human complexity while striving for deeper connections.
Reimagining Religious Authority
The episode calls for a rethinking of religious authority in light of contemporary challenges, suggesting that a shift is needed towards more inclusive and adaptive theological frameworks. Traditional institutions may struggle to address the dynamic, multifaceted issues posed by modernity and technology, potentially leading to feelings of alienation among believers. Emphasizing a need for new prophets and leaders, the dialogue advocates for religious communities to engage actively with the pressing issues of the time, such as climate change and social justice, framing them as moral imperatives. This reimagining seeks to empower both individuals and communities to forge a resilient path forward together.
In this exhilarating discussion with Ilia Delio, we are taken on a profound journey through the intersection of theology, science, and the future of humanity in the shadow of burgeoning technological advancements. Delio, known for her insightful work on integrating science and religion, shares invigorating ideas from her latest book, "The Not Yet God," delving into how our traditional understanding of divinity must evolve in the face of our rapidly changing world.
In this conversation, we cover...
The Not Yet God: Reimagining Divinity in an Evolving Universe
Ilia Delio, OSF, PhD is a Franciscan Sister of Washington, DC, and American theologian specializing in science and religion, with interests in evolution, physics, and neuroscience and the import of these for theology.
Ilia currently holds the Josephine C. Connelly Endowed Chair in Theology at Villanova University and is the author of twenty books, including Care for Creation (coauthored with Keith Warner and Pamela Woods) which won two Catholic Press Book Awards in 2009, first place for social concerns and second place in spirituality. Her book The Emergent Christ won a third-place Catholic Press Book Award in 2011 for the area of Science and Religion. Her recent books include The Unbearable Wholeness of Being: God, Evolution and the Power of Love (Orbis, 2013), which received the 2014 Silver Nautilus Book Award and a third-place Catholic Press Association Award for Faith and Science. Ilia holds two honorary doctorates, one from St. Francis University in 2015 and one from Sacred Heart University in 2020.
