Thriving with Stone-Age Minds: Evolutionary Psychology, Christian Faith, and the Quest for Human Flourishing
Sep 5, 2021
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Featuring Justin Barrett, a cognitive scientist, Pamela King, a co-author focused on human flourishing, Joanna Collicutt, a psychological scientist clergy, and Jonathan Jong, known for his research on psychology and spirituality. The discussion reveals how evolutionary psychology can enrich Christian faith. They explore Blueprint 1543's role in merging science and theology and share insights on thriving through faith and psychology. The conversation also delves into moral philosophy, the dynamics of human nature, and the transformative power of understanding mortality in our spiritual lives.
The interplay between evolutionary psychology and Christian faith offers a richer understanding of human flourishing beyond traditional definitions.
Thriving is framed as an adaptive process, emphasizing the importance of resilience and flexibility in facing life's inevitable changes.
Insights from evolutionary psychology can guide effective parenting by creating nurturing environments that promote emotional growth and healthy relationships.
Deep dives
Bridging Science and Faith
The podcast highlights the dynamic interplay between evolutionary psychology and Christian faith, emphasizing how these fields can mutually enrich our understanding of human flourishing. Authors Justin Barrett and Pamela King present their book, which seeks to expand the conversation around the relationship between science and religion, specifically focusing on what it means to thrive as humans. They argue that recognizing and integrating insights from both theological frameworks and scientific inquiry can lead to a deeper exploration of the human experience. This approach encourages listeners to engage with psychological science not as a threat to their faith, but as an invitation to a fuller comprehension of life and well-being.
Understanding Thriving
The discussion delves into the complexities of what it means to thrive, presenting three dimensions: subjective happiness, harmonious existence, and principled living. Barrett and King challenge the notion that thriving can be universally defined, suggesting instead that cultural and scientific perspectives should inform our understanding of a flourishing life. By considering what it means to be human through the lens of evolutionary psychology, they articulate that thriving is not only about individual well-being but also about how our values and needs evolve alongside our environment. This multi-faceted view encourages individuals to rethink their definitions of success and fulfillment within their cultural contexts.
The Role of Change in Human Life
Change is presented as a central theme in the human experience, with the authors emphasizing the need for flexibility and adaptability. They explore how evolutionary psychology illuminates our constant efforts to manage and navigate change, highlighting our capacity to innovate and create solutions to new challenges. This insight underscores that thriving is not a static state but an ongoing process requiring resilience and the willingness to adapt to shifting circumstances. Understanding that change is inherent to being human provides a practical framework for coping with life’s uncertainties and fosters a capacity for growth.
Nature vs. Nurture in Thriving
The podcast engages with the classic debate of nature versus nurture, positing that humans are not blank slates but rather possess inherent characteristics shaped by evolution. Barrett suggests that there are fundamental traits embedded in our evolutionary history that influence behaviors and abilities, thus impacting how we thrive. This perspective encourages listeners to appreciate the natural predispositions we possess while also recognizing the role of culture and environment in shaping our experiences. The discussion positions evolutionary psychology as a valuable tool for understanding these dynamics and supporting pathways to flourishing.
Parenting and Flourishing
A significant portion of the conversation focuses on the implications of evolutionary psychology for effective parenting. The authors provide insights on fostering environments where children can thrive by emphasizing the importance of relating, regulating, and learning. They urge parents to embrace the complexities of supporting their kids through challenges posed by modern culture, including technology and social interactions. The podcast offers practical advice on how to create nurturing spaces that allow for emotional growth, resilience, and the development of healthy relationships.
Death, Mortality, and Meaning
The podcast examines the profound significance of mortality and how awareness of our finite existence can enrich our lives and foster deeper relationships. During the discussion, it is emphasized that acknowledging death should not lead to despair but can inspire a more meaningful pursuit of life. This perspective promotes the idea that understanding our mortality encourages us to appreciate our connections with others and our purpose in the world. By rethinking how we view death, the conversation opens avenues for exploring beliefs about hope, resurrection, and ultimate flourishing.
Check out our partner: Blueprint 1543 is an organization that develops grant projects at the intersection of faith and the sciences. With cognitive scientist Justin Barrett as one of its founders, BP1543 takes a special interest in how the psychological sciences might be integrated as a tool for a more robust understanding of human flourishing.
To learn more about the Thrive Center head over here. Pam has a chapter on "Vocation as Becoming: Telos, Thriving & Joy" right over here. Additional interdisciplinary work (pubs, videos) on telos can be found here on Thrive's website here.
