Life has a way of persisting through ecological disturbance in small protected places and then radiating outward. In Hawaii, those places are called “kipukas.” But biological life is not the only thing that can grow and thrive in the refuge of a kipuka. In this episode we hear the story of three places where people are caring for the land. At the base of the Ko’olau mountains in Oahu, a church is setting out to bring 246 acres back to the community and back to health. Down by the sea, the restoration of an ancient fish pond has become an educational opportunity for thousands of children. And over the ridge, into the next valley, the growing of kalo provides a place for people to reconnect with old traditions and knowledge. These stories reveal an important truth: that as we care for and find connection with the land, the land cares for and supports us. And it leads us to ask, can our relationship with God be complete without a healthy relationship with the rest of creation?  Learn more about the organizations in the episode:  A Rocha USA Hakuhia Ho’okua’aina Taro Farm Waikalua Loko Fish Pond Thanks to Herb Lee and Dean Wilhelm for sharing their songs with us. Theme song and credits music by Breakmaster Cylinder. Other music in this episode by Northern Points, Harpo Marks, Cosmo Lawson, and Sarah Chapman, courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc.

Explore the fascinating world of the giant Pacific octopus and its unique evolutionary journey alongside humans. Discover their remarkable intelligence and playful behaviors, highlighting their advanced cognition and camouflage skills. Dive into ethical dilemmas surrounding octopus captivity while reflecting on the deeper bonds we share with non-human life. This insightful discussion invites listeners to appreciate creation and our interconnectedness, encouraging a transformative view of nature and spirituality.

From stargazing as a child to helping lead the team which took the first ever image of a black hole, Heino Falcke has only seen his faith and his work as an astronomer as deeply connected. In this episode we talk about his book, Light in the Darkness: Black Holes, the Universe and Us, where Falcke shares more about what creating the image actually consisted of, and some wisdom he picked up along the way. New discoveries will always challenge and redefine our old frameworks of thought, but Falcke shows us that this change is not fundamental, that it is a humbling reminder that our finite knowledge of the infinite God is always partial. Heino Falcke and his team’s image of the black hole at the center of galaxy M87 reminds us of a message from Paul—that we now see through a glass, darkly; then, face to face. Additional Resources: See the picture of the black hole here Check out Heino Falcke’s book Find out more about Heino on his website Theme song and credits music by Breakmaster Cylinder. Other music in this episode by Babel, courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc.  This episode originally aired on Dec 9, 2021

Litaro Malerani Yermia Allen, Miss Samoa, passionately advocates for climate solutions impacting Pacific islands. She shares inspiring stories from COP29, despite disappointing policy outcomes. The conversation intertwines faith and climate action, highlighting the urgent need for financial support for vulnerable communities. Listeners will learn about the importance of tree planting and the personal transformation required for environmental stewardship. Allen emphasizes solidarity with indigenous voices facing climate challenges and calls for greater Christian responsibility in addressing climate justice.

A reflection on what it means to cultivate joy even if you don't feel very merry.  Theme song and credits music by Breakmaster Cylinder. Other music in this episode by Titan Sound, Vesper Tapes and Glory House, courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc. Renditions of In the Bleak Midwinter and Happy Xmas by Jim Stump. The short clip from COP29 is the voice of Juan Carlos Gomez, Panama’s special representative for climate change.

Jim and Colin report on location from Baku, Azerbaijan where they are attending COP29, the United Nations Climate Change conference. In this bonus episode, they briefly describe what COP29 is, why they are there, share a few stories of their own experiences so far and a few clips from interviews gathered from people from around the world.  Resources: Christian Climate Observers Programs Bringing Hope and Prayer to COP29 (Article)  

Norman Wirzba, a Duke University professor and author of "Love’s Braided Dance: Hope in a Time of Crisis," recasts hope as an action driven by love rather than a mere possession. He shares personal stories that reveal the joy found in familial connections and the motivation to tackle global issues. Wirzba discusses the relationship between hope and love, advocating for deeper, transformative relationships. He highlights the importance of Sabbath as a practice fostering community resilience in challenging times, urging genuine engagement over disconnection.

Hans Madueme, a young-earth creationist and professor of theological studies, dives deep into respectful dialogue about science and theology. He shares insights from his transformative journey from medicine to theology, emphasizing the importance of understanding diverse perspectives. The discussion explores the complexities of biblical interpretation, the relationship between sin and creation, and the challenges posed by evolutionary theory. Madueme advocates for curiosity and humility as essential tools in bridging gaps between differing beliefs within Christianity.

Francis Collins, a renowned scientist and physician, shares his insights on the troubling erosion of trust in science and institutions. He emphasizes the need for humility and wisdom in bridging societal divides through open dialogue. The conversation dives into the interplay between truth, science, and faith, particularly in the COVID-19 context. Collins reflects on personal beliefs and the role of faith in unifying communities. He advocates for restoring trust by recognizing shared values, aiming to heal societal rifts with integrity and competence.

Brian McLaren, an author and activist focused on meaningful living amid climate challenges, dives deep into the pitfalls of despair and the power of hope. He discusses the emotional weight of the climate crisis and the need for resilience. McLaren explores indigenous wisdom alongside biblical teachings, advocating for a spirituality grounded in love and community. He emphasizes the importance of engaging in sincere dialogues about climate change within Christian circles, reminding us to prioritize love over financial gain while celebrating life's fleeting joys.