Spiritually Incorrect

In the second part of our alien series, we bring in Cambridge professor Andrew Davison, famed for a recent series of articles about theologians funded by NASA to investigate the religious implications of extraterrestrial life. Bearing the (remarkably appropriate) title Starbridge Professor in Theology and Natural Sciences, Dr. Davison has doctorates in both biochemistry and theology. In a book releasing next year, Dr. Davison tackles the most difficult issues around alien life and the church. Will extraterrestrials need a savior? Would God incarnate on their planet? If we ever make contact, how ought the church regard such beings? In this episode, we get a great sneak peek of his answers and ask him all the awkward questions every Christian has wondered yet few dare to ask. Grab your tinfoil hats and get ready for one of our best interviews to date!

It's been over five hundred years since the beginning of the Protestant Reformation, and tensions within the Western church haven't abated. However, the 20th century saw renewed efforts to open communication between the two largest branches of Christianity. Catholics began to refer to Protestants as "separated brethren" rather than heretics and schismatics. The formation of the document Evangelicals and Catholics Together was approved in 1994 which communicated a new era of ecumenicism. Yet the division remains, and there is little hope for further reunification in the near future. For many, this is no bad thing.  In many Evangelical circles, accusations against Catholics are rampant: the worship of saints, extra-biblical heresies, and works-based salvation. Are they true? What do Catholics actually believe? What are the walls separating us, and are our battles better spent fighting the growing secularization of the West? Or would such an alliance ultimately prove harmful?  Here to discuss these increasingly important topics is Prof. Jonathan Reimer, the John H. Van Gorden Assistant Professor of History at Eastern University. Prof. Reimer is not only an expert in the Protestant Reformation but is himself a convert to Catholicism from Protestantism. As such, there seems to be no better person to talk for both sides and help illuminate us on the truths about the one billion-strong church next door.  For those curious about what actually goes on behind those giant Gothic doors, this episode is for you. 

God's grace can cover any sin, right? Well, there is that one unforgivable sin, and then Jesus does say that those who don't forgive others won't be forgiven... Does grace have a limit, then? And, if so, what is it? Are serial killers beyond the scope of forgiveness? In this episode, we tackle the bloody and horrific reality of serial killer conversions. Many high-profile murderers have become Christians in their final moments. How should we as Christians interpret this? Do we embrace them as fellow repentant sinners? Or does the reality of some unforgivable sins make us pause?

Few subjects are more taboo than the topic of mental telepathy, and this might be especially true in the church. The idea that we can somehow tap into the thoughts and feelings of others seems like pure science fiction. Yet, astonishingly, there's a live scientific research program aimed at demonstrating its truth. While it might be convenient to ignore such programs, it might not be wise. Is telepathy real? And if so, how would that impact our understanding of Christianity? There seem to be few more equipped to answer this question than Prof. Rupert Sheldrake, a Cambridge-trained scientist whose research may suggest the phenomenon is, in fact, a reality. But, more importantly, Prof. Sheldrake is also a professing Christian and convert from atheism.  In this episode of Spiritually Incorrect, we ask Prof. Sheldrake to share some of his research and how he squares his belief in telepathic powers with his faith in Jesus Christ. It's an episode you don't want to miss.

Demonic Possession. It's not something we usually like to talk about. For nonbelievers, it's the perfect example of the religious clinging to medieval superstitions. For believers, it is an uncomfortable and frightful topic, one few seem comfortable addressing.  But is it real? Are there really dark forces lurking around us waiting to overtake our bodies? Do people really manifest ungodly, supernatural powers, or is this just a movie spectacle? In this Halloween special, we bring in Father Vincent Lampert to answer these very questions. If you don't know him, he is the designated exorcist of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Indianapolis, having performed dozens of exorcisms over the past few decades. We ask him to share his spookiest stories and convince us the devil truly does still haunt our modern world.  For Christian and non-Christian alike, you will not want to miss this episode. 

Science fiction has had a heyday speculating on whether or not we are alone in the universe, but there are, in fact, real scientists trying to discover life on other worlds as we speak. What would it mean for our faith if they are successful? What would such life look like?  On this week's episode, we ask Dr. Paul Rimmer, a Christian and geochemist at the University of Cambridge and the Leverhulme Centre for Life in the Universe, about his thoughts on the question. As someone who has actually participated in this research, what are the chances we will find life on other worlds in our lifetime? How ought the church respond? How would it impact your faith? Should we baptize a Martian?

The idea that our souls are reborn over and over throughout history is a popular one among Eastern faiths (and a growing one in the West), but it's just something one takes on faith. It's not something Christians need to worry too much about. Or is it? Well-credentialed scientists have made some shocking discoveries that may challenge the faith of many. How ought the church respond to the supposed scientific case for reincarnation? Is it an open and shut case? Or can we poke holes in the evidence? In this week's episode, Jonathan and Seth explore the scientific case for reincarnation to see if really lives up to its paranormal claims.