Finding God Through Science, Mysticism, and Mystery: A Conversation - w/ Science Mike McHargue

Sep 14, 2016

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How does science intersect with faith, and what happens when that intersection helps you find your way back to God? In this episode, Mike Erre and Andy sit down with Science Mike (Mike McHargue), co-founder of The Liturgists and host of "Ask Science Mike", for a funny, thoughtful, and wide-ranging conversation about evolution, neurotheology, gender, sexuality, spiritual trauma, and how science can invite us deeper into wonder — not away from faith.

With a background in marketing and zero formal scientific credentials, Science Mike built a massive following by offering nonjudgmental, inclusive dialogue about life’s biggest questions. This episode explores how neuroscience supports different conceptions of God (angry vs. loving), the science of identity and orientation, and how shame-based religion causes lasting harm to those who dare to doubt.

Key Takeaways: • Science as a Bridge to Faith – Mike shares his journey from devout Southern Baptist to atheist to mystic, helped along the way by cosmology, quantum physics, and neuroscience. • Neurotheology & God’s Nature – The brain’s picture of an angry God leads to fear and control, while a loving God actually rewires your brain for empathy and grace. • Spiritual PTSD – What happens when churches mirror authoritarian power structures, and how people can find healing from spiritual abuse through safe relationships and storytelling. • Sexuality and Gender in Science – A look at the surprising research on transgender identity, intersex births, and how simplistic gender binaries fail to reflect biological realities. • Faith and Evolution – The five major Christian views on Genesis and creation, and how belief in evolution doesn’t disqualify someone from being a devoted follower of Jesus. • The Missing Middle – Mike discusses why his work resonates with people disillusioned by both hard-line atheism and rigid theology — and how open conversations can heal. • Prayer and Bible Meditation – Scientific insight into how practices like contemplative prayer and Lectio Divina literally reshape the brain for connection to a loving God.

Guest Highlights: Mike “Science Mike” McHargue – Author, speaker, and podcast host who explores the intersection of science, faith, and human experience with curiosity and compassion. Known for his work on The Liturgists podcast and Ask Science Mike, his new book Finding God in the Waves shares his personal story of losing religion and finding a mystic faith rooted in both reason and mystery.

Resources Mentioned: • Science Mike's website & book: findinggodinthewaves.com • Ask Science Mike Podcast – asksciencemike.com • The Liturgists Podcast – theliturgists.com • BioLogos (Science + Faith) – biologos.org • Andrew Newberg’s work on Neurotheology – Center for Spirituality and the Mind

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Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

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