Language of God

Joe Vukov is an Associate Professor of Philosophy at Loyola University Chicago and the author of "The Perils of Perfection." In a fascinating discussion, he navigates the complex terrain between transhumanism and neo-Luddism, urging a balanced view on technology's role in enhancing humanity. Vukov delves into the ethical implications of human enhancement, critiques the 'playing God' mindset, and emphasizes the importance of faith in reconciling science and spirituality. His insights explore how we can embrace technology while maintaining human dignity and values.

Explore the scientific reality and symbolic importance of trees. Learn about their evolution, economic and environmental value, and communication and resource sharing. Reflect on the relationship between trees and God, and the impact of human actions on their ability to praise. Ends with a beautiful poem celebrating trees.

Kate Boyd, an author, speaker, and Bible teacher, dives into the complexities of faith in today’s world. She shares her journey through the messy middle of belief, balancing science and faith without compromising core values. Boyd discusses how family dynamics shaped her spiritual landscape and the transformative experiences that followed her seminary years. Their conversation also explores the relationship between the biblical narrative and scientific understanding, encouraging listeners to embrace uncertainty in their faith journeys.

Alister McGrath is one of the iconic voices in the dialogue between science and faith. In this episode, Jim Stump talks to him about two of his more recent books: A Theory of Everything (that Matters) and Narrative Apologetics. The conversation ranges from talking about Einstein’s religious beliefs and how they open a door for exploring the relationship between science and theology, to the importance of storytelling for Christian Apologetics.  Find out more about his book A Theory of Everything (that Matters) Find out more about his book Narrative Apologetics Jim recommends this book Enriching our Vision of Reality: Theology and the Natural Sciences in Dialogue.  This episode original aired on January 16, 2020 Join a conversation about this episode on the BioLogos Forum.  

In a recent article in the journal Science, researchers described a process where new genes come about from parts of DNA that were thought to be useless and led to bigger brains in humans. Jim and Colin, along with Dennis Venema, discuss what’s going on and describe some of the basic science that reveals why this discovery is an exciting new development in understanding what it means to be human and how we got to be the way we are.  Here's the article in Science Dennis Venema is also the author of a series of BioLogos posts called Evolution Basics, meant as an introduction to the science of evolution.  Join a conversation about this episode on the BioLogos Forum.

Anxiety disorders are extremely common. Curtis Chang knows firsthand how anxiety can be extremely disruptive to the healthy and happy lives we all strive for. In this episode Curtis, who is a theologian, host of the Good Faith podcast and executive director of Redeeming Babel, tells the story of his own struggles and the peace he found when he reframed his anxiety as an opportunity to participate in resurrection.   Additional Resources Redeeming Babel Good Faith Podcast (apple podcasts) Check out Curtis' book: The Anxiety Opportunity Mental Health Resources Page If you like this episode you might like our episode on Neuroscience, Mental Health & the Church Join a conversation about this episode on the BioLogos Forum.

Sally Bingham, the founder of Interfaith Power & Light (IPL), and the Canon of the Environment for the Diocese of California, shares the story of the inception of IPL and discusses the influential role that churches and faith communities can play in the effort to reduce climate change impacts.  Learn more about Interfaith Power & Light Join a conversation about this episode on the BioLogos Forum.

In the summer of 2022 Dawn Wright became only the 27th person ever, the fifth woman, and the first Black person to descend into the deepest part of the ocean, a place called Challenger Deep. As a scientist, Dawn has been studying and helping to map the depths of the ocean, but being there in person uncovered a new dimension and deepened her connection with the mysterious underwater world. In the episode, Colin and Dawn talk about the science of mapping, the world of deep sea submersibles, and how finding trash in the most remote places of our planet might spark a renewed sense of stewardship for all of God’s creation.  Additional Resources Story Map of Dawn's Challenger Deep Dive Explore Challenger Deep Map in GIS Animated video of Alvin Dive Join a conversation about this episode on the BioLogos Forum.  

Deb Liu, the CEO of Ancestry, and Francis Collins, the previous director of the NIH and leader of the Human Genome project, delve into the fascinating world of genetic science, exploring its implications on our understanding of human identity, ancestry and health. Throughout the conversation they also share stories and reflections on how their Christian faith motivates their work and sheds light on the ethical and moral considerations that arise when navigating the complex world of genetic research and its applications.  The episode was recorded in front of a live audience in San Francisco in late April 2023.  Additional Resources All of Us Research Program Take Back Your Power by Deb Liu Ancestry.com Join a conversation about this episode on the BioLogos Forum.  

Jason Fileta didn’t start out as an environmental activist. His first passion was to alleviate the suffering of the poor and hungry. As he met and heard the stories from those struggling with poverty and hunger he often asked them the question: if we could get a million Christians in North America to raise their voices on an issue that impacts your community, what would it be? He was surprised when a farmer in Uganda said climate change. But then he started to hear story after story of how climate change has made the lives of people harder, and this has led Jason to understand the deep connection between our caring for the planet and the lives of the poor and hungry around the world.  This episode original aired on September 30th, 2021. Join a conversation about this episode on the BioLogos Forum.