Religion on the Mind

Just in time for Halloween (not on purpose actually!)... What exactly is the "supernatural"? When God does something in the natural world, is that the same thing as saying that God broke the laws of physics? Theologian Thomas Jay oord helps Dan explore these questions, and whether or not it makes more sense to think of the “natural” and “supernatural” as essentially no different from one another. Or in Tom’s words, “For every event that happens in the world, there are both divine and creaturely causes.” They consider some possible ramifications of this move, including the resurrection of Jesus, miracles, the inspiration of Scripture, the life to come, and more.Tom’s website, including links to his books: http://thomasjayoord.com/Citizens - “Fear” (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/album/0abL7FZysjxpaxEPURpBsl Edited by Laura Kondourajian Join the Patreon for exclusive episodes (and more) every month: patreon.com/dankochYHP Patron-only FB group: https://tinyurl.com/ycvbbf98Website: youhavepermissionpod.comJoin Dan's email list: dankochwords.comArtwork by http://sprungle.co/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Philosopher Myron Penner (Trinity Western University) helps Dan think through some interesting but complicated and challenging findings from cognitive science (the study of the mind, not the study of the brain -- that's called neuroscience) and what they mean for our understanding of religions beliefs, behaviors and experiences. By explaining religious belief from a cognitive perspective, how does cognitive science of religion not *explain away* religion altogether? Does cognitive science of religion present evidence for God, for atheism, or neither?- “When God Talks Back” - https://smile.amazon.com/When-God-Talks-Back-Understanding/dp/0307277275/ref=sxts_sxwds-bia?keywords=when+god+talks+back&pd_rd_i=0307277275&pd_rd_r=eda4ec56-9673-42b7-bdb8-d6faeaa93daa&pd_rd_w=jfc0X&pd_rd_wg=PM7eF&pf_rd_p=a5491838-6a74-484e-8787-eb44c8f3b7ff&pf_rd_r=GA0N6HXQHCG8MZNJ3RE6&psc=1&qid=1571604451- Citizens - “Fear” (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/album/0abL7FZysjxpaxEPURpBsl - theopsych.com - Fuller Seminary initiativeEdited by Laura Kondourajian Join the Patreon for exclusive episodes (and more) every month: patreon.com/dankochYHP Patron-only FB group: https://tinyurl.com/ycvbbf98Website: youhavepermissionpod.comJoin Dan's email list: dankochwords.comArtwork by http://sprungle.co/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do we parent our kids after faith deconstruction? What if only one half of a couple is going through faith changes? Can people of different faith traditions have healthy marriages? How do I relate to my family, who haven’t had the same faith changes that I have, and who now think I’m going to Hell? Is this what “unequally yoked” is actually supposed to mean? This is a long, meaty episode, where we get into as many questions like these as possible (asked almost entirely by listeners of the show) with Dr. Doug Shirley, a psychotherapist who teaches at the Seattle School of Theology & Psychology and specializes in questions like these in his own private practice.dougshirleyresearch.comHoly Longing: https://smile.amazon.com/Holy-Longing-Search-Christian-Spirituality-ebook/dp/B004DEPESM/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=holy+longing&qid=1570899882&sr=8-1Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work: https://smile.amazon.com/Seven-Principles-Making-Marriage-Work/dp/0553447718/ref=sr_1_1?crid=9XGS9DL4PJFO&keywords=seven+principles+for+making+marriage+work&qid=1570899898&sprefix=seven+principles%2Caps%2C197&sr=8-1Finite and Infinite Games: https://smile.amazon.com/Finite-Infinite-Games-James-Carse/dp/1476731713/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1N9D2WRINZTQJ&keywords=finite+and+infinite+games+by+james+carse&qid=1570899926&sprefix=finite+and%2Caps%2C195&sr=8-1The Sin of Certainty: https://smile.amazon.com/Sin-Certainty-Desires-Correct-Beliefs/dp/0062272098/ref=sr_1_1?crid=SZU6J7FT9FDZ&keywords=sin+of+certainty&qid=1570899914&sprefix=sin+of+cer%2Caps%2C193&sr=8-1Edited by Josh Gilbert (Gwall.Gilbert11@gmail.com)Join the Patreon for exclusive episodes (and more) every month: patreon.com/dankochYHP Patron-only FB group: https://tinyurl.com/ycvbbf98Website: youhavepermissionpod.comJoin Dan's email list: dankochwords.comArtwork by http://sprungle.co/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why is everyone suddenly talking about psychedelic drugs again? What do we know about them, and what is their relationship to more “ordinary” religious experiences? Is taking a psychedelic as part of a worship service any different than dimming the lights and swaying together to worship music? What can we learn about human brains and religious experience in general from the research on psychedelics? Today we hear from theologian Sarah Lane Ritchie, who both works on these questions from a theological perspective and also has been a participant in a controlled psilocybin trial in the UK. And yes, she tells us about her trip! Later in our chat, she shares her personal struggles with experiencing God as “personal” in the way that so many of her friends and colleagues are able to do (myself included). This was an incredible conversation.Sarah is Lecturer in Theology and Science at the University of Edinburgh. She has a PhD in Science and Religion from the University of Edinburgh, where her doctoral work focused on the question of divine action in the human mind. A Michigander by birth, Sarah also holds a BA in Philosophy and Religion from Spring Arbor University, an MDiv from Princeton Theological Seminary, and an MSc in Science and Religion from the University of Edinburgh. Her published work focuses on questions arising from the intersection of theology, philosophy, and the various brain-related sciences. Sarah’s Book: https://smile.amazon.com/Divine-Action-Current-Issues-Theology/dp/1108476511/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=sarah+lane+ritchie&qid=1570383111&sr=8-2Sarah has a chapter in this much cheaper collection as well: https://smile.amazon.com/Philosophy-Science-Religion-Everyone-Pritchard/dp/1138234214/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=sarah+lane+ritchie&qid=1570383111&sr=8-1Edited by Laura Kondourajian Join the Patreon for exclusive episodes (and more) every month: patreon.com/dankochYHP Patron-only FB group: https://tinyurl.com/ycvbbf98Website: youhavepermissionpod.comJoin Dan's email list: dankochwords.comArtwork by http://sprungle.co/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is experience potentially a direct pathway to the God of the universe? Or is it simply “the heart [being] deceitful above all things”? Can we trust our spiritual experience, and if so, which experiences are trustworthy? This topic was recommended by my guest Dustin Kensrue (singer/songwriter of the band Thrice, former worship director at Mars Hill Church in Seattle), and I jumped at it. In today’s episode, we go through Dustin’s own story, from young Christian punk rocker, to prominent Neo-Calvinist, to church scandal whistleblower (sort of), to reconstructed liberal Christian, all the while considering the role of experience in that journey.Check out Dustin's new podcast Carry the Fire wherever you get your podcasts.Edited by Josh Gilbert (Gwall.Gilbert11@gmail.com)Join the Patreon for exclusive episodes (and more) every month: patreon.com/dankochYHP Patron-only FB group: https://tinyurl.com/ycvbbf98Website: youhavepermissionpod.comJoin Dan's email list: dankochwords.comArtwork by http://sprungle.co/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What exactly is “purity culture,” and why is everyone talking about it? Was it really so harmful? Isn’t it pretty straightforward to not have sex until marriage? Today’s guest Linda Key Klein has interviewed hundreds of young women about their experiences in and after purity culture, and she has written a fantastic book about it, “Pure: Inside the Evangelical Movement That Shamed a Generation of Young Women and How I Broke Free.” But also, what comes AFTER purity culture? Simply an “anything goes” sexual ethic, or something more robust and still identifiably "Christian"? Pure: https://smile.amazon.com/Pure-Inside-Evangelical-Movement-Generation/dp/1501124811/ref=sr_1_1?crid=369666CXFZDKC&keywords=pure+linda+kay+klein&qid=1569189472&s=gateway&sprefix=pure+linda%2Caps%2C211&sr=8-1Linda’s personal site: https://lindakayklein.com/Edited by Scott CangemiJoin the Patreon for exclusive episodes (and more) every month: patreon.com/dankochYHP Patron-only FB group: https://tinyurl.com/ycvbbf98Website: youhavepermissionpod.comJoin Dan's email list: dankochwords.comArtwork by http://sprungle.co/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Darwin’s theory of evolution by common descent is so widely agreed upon by scientists that it is either the best explanation we have for the origins of life on this planet, or else it is a massive conspiracy involving millions of people. It is also, according to some Christians, a dangerous theory that undercuts basic claims of Christianity. Sometimes these Christians, working through organizations that promote Young Earth Creationism or Intelligent Design, spread misconceptions about Darwin’s theory, either mistakenly or on purpose. Jim Stump, philosopher and Vice President of Biologos, counters these misconceptions with data and scientific explanations. After putting these myths to bed, Jim and Dan move on to the perplexing fact that the book of Genesis seems quite cavalierly to suggest that many people lived between 600 and 900 years of age -- what is this about, and what are some possible ways of reading or thinking about it?Later, Jim helps Dan answer a listener question: “How do you understand the Bible as pre-scientific? For example, stories like David and Bathsheba, where the child is born and ‘struck by God’ rather than the child simply fell ill.” (1:13:30)DNA article: https://biologos.org/common-questions/can-evolution-generate-new-information“10 Myths about Evolution” article: https://biologos.org/articles/10-misconceptions-about-evolutionThe Biologos podcast Language of God - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/language-of-god/id1451956029Jim’s author page at biologos.org - https://biologos.org/people/jim-stumpEdited by Josh Gilbert (Gwall.Gilbert11@gmail.com)Join the Patreon for exclusive episodes (and more) every month: patreon.com/dankochYHP Patron-only FB group: https://tinyurl.com/ycvbbf98Website: youhavepermissionpod.comJoin Dan's email list: dankochwords.comArtwork by http://sprungle.co/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s guest is Peter Wehner -- Vice President and Senior Fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center, contributing opinion writer for the New York Times, and a contributing editor for The Atlantic magazine. He served in the Reagan and George H.W. Bush Administrations prior to becoming deputy director of speechwriting for President George W. Bush, and is one of the more prominent “NeverTrump Conservatives.” Peter has recently given up his membership in the GOP over their increasing identification with Trump. He and Dan talk about Trump and Evangelicals’ very public romance, and what that might say about the efficacy of Evangelical Christian faith. Peter also makes his case for a politically engaged Christianity, over and against a more Anabaptist-style detachment or principled uninvolvement/pacifism.Later, Dan answers six listener questions, all centering around questions of faith and politics (1:20:00)Pete’s book: https://smile.amazon.com/Death-Politics-Frayed-Republic-After/dp/0062820796/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=peter+wehner&qid=1567988321&s=gateway&sr=8-1His conversation with Jon Ward on the Long Game podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/peter-wehner-on-trump-impeachment-limits-faith-to-overcome/id1248994688?i=1000441130129Alan Jacobs “How to Think”: https://smile.amazon.com/How-Think-Survival-Guide-World/dp/0451499603/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=how+to+think&qid=1567988343&s=gateway&sr=8-2Edited by Scott CangemiJoin the Patreon for exclusive episodes (and more) every month: patreon.com/dankochYHP Patron-only FB group: https://tinyurl.com/ycvbbf98Website: youhavepermissionpod.comJoin Dan's email list: dankochwords.comArtwork by http://sprungle.co/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Fundamentalist” has become a theological swear word. But how does it work psychologically? Why hasn’t it “gone away”? How do religious fundamentalists make sense of their world and find meaning in their lives? And what might this tell us about non-religious fundamentalists? Psychologist Peter Hill joins Dan to talk through the model he and his co-authors developed in their book The Psychology of Religious Fundamentalism (link below). Visual Aids:Fundamentalist - Intratexual Structure: https://www.dropbox.com/s/5io539nbf6oteve/Fundamentalism%20-%20Intratextuality.jpg?dl=0Nonfundamenatlist - Intertectual Structure: https://www.dropbox.com/s/u87g2auitlro9wm/Non-Fundamentalist%20-%20Intertextuality.jpg?dl=0Pete’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Psychology-Religious-Fundamentalism-Ralph-Hood/dp/1593851502Edited by Josh Gilbert (Gwall.Gilbert11@gmail.com)Join the Patreon for exclusive episodes (and more) every month: patreon.com/dankochYHP Patron-only FB group: https://tinyurl.com/ycvbbf98Website: youhavepermissionpod.comJoin Dan's email list: dankochwords.comArtwork by http://sprungle.co/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The question of whether or not Adam and Eve were historical figures is a hotly debated topic in some circles of Christianity -- especially more Reformed and/or conservative circles -- and completely ignored in others. But there are a lot of consequences to this question, no matter where you fall theologically. Physicist and Science & Religion veteran Karl Giberson joins Dan to talk through the issue, and what he learned while working on his book “Saving the Original Sinner.”Karl’s book: https://smile.amazon.com/Saving-Original-Sinner-Christians-Oppress/dp/0807012513/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=saving+the+original+sinner&qid=1566844147&s=gateway&sr=8-1BARNA research mentioned: https://biologos.org/articles/a-survey-of-clergy-and-their-views-on-originsEdited by Joe Diaz-RomeroJoin the Patreon for bonus episodes (and more) every month: patreon.com/dankochYHP Patron-only FB group: https://tinyurl.com/ycvbbf98Website: youhavepermissionpod.comJoin Dan's email list: dankochwords.comArtwork by http://sprungle.co/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices