In today’s episode, a Christian and an atheist engage in a wide-ranging discussion about what makes humans special. Are we just advanced animals or part of a larger story with a beginning, middle, and end?   You’ll hear from Joshua Swamidass, a professor of biomedical engineering at Washington University in St. Louis, and Peter Langland-Hassan, a philosopher at the University of Cincinnati. In this conversation, they discuss how their different worldviews influence their understanding of evolution, humanity, and moral choices.   This virtual forum event was held at the University of Cincinnati in October 2021. Thank you to the forums team for making this event possible.   Find additional resources and quotes on the podcast episode page here.

Reflecting on a year of insightful discussions, the highlights include a historian's fresh perspective on faith and history. Explore how modern technology influences spirituality with tips for finding balance in a digital world. Delve into the intricate relationship between happiness, negative emotions, and deeper fulfillment. Additionally, the quest for meaning and homeostasis ties emotional well-being to life's ultimate purpose. These captivating dialogues foster a richer understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

In this engaging discussion, John Lennox, an Oxford mathematician and author, delves into the intriguing possibility of miracles, especially during the Christmas season. He explores the relationship between science and faith, arguing that they can coexist and enrich each other. Lennox challenges the notion that scientific reasoning can disprove miracles and emphasizes the significance of historical events like the Incarnation and Resurrection. He also advocates for the importance of personal experience alongside scientific evidence in understanding the supernatural.

In today’s episode, an English professor explores the question of meaning. What compels us to look for meaning? And, is meaning found within ourselves or outside of ourselves?   You’ll hear from Lori Branch, an English professor at the University of Iowa. In this talk, she explores why we seek meaning, how we find meaning in our relationship with others, and how her Christian faith fulfills her search for meaning.   This forum was held at Furman University in March 2024. Thank you to the forums team for making this event possible.    Find additional resources and quotes on the podcast episode page here.

Cullen Buie, a professor of biological engineering at MIT, and Marcelo Gleiser, a professor of physics and astronomy at Dartmouth, explore the often challenging concept of intellectual humility. They discuss why admitting ignorance is crucial in academia and how their religious views promote openness. The conversation highlights the need for collaboration across disciplines to tackle societal issues. Personal anecdotes and literary references underscore how embracing failure can drive both personal growth and innovation.

Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist from NYU and author of 'The Anxious Generation,' joins Andy Crouch, a partner for theology and culture at Praxis Labs and author of 'The Life We’re Looking For,' for a captivating discussion on technology's impact on spirituality and self-identity. They delve into how smartphones alter our sense of self and challenge genuine connections, especially in youth. The conversation also highlights the importance of sacrifice, community, and regaining control over attention to enhance personal flourishing in a tech-driven world.

It’s election season in America, and that brings a lot of questions about how we interact in the public square. How do we disagree respectfully across our differences? What do we do with competing truth claims in a pluralistic society?   In today’s episode, you’ll hear pastor and author Tim Keller (1950 — 2023) discuss these questions. Tim lays out a brief history of pluralism in America, four perspectives on building a pluralistic society, and what his Christian faith can offer to the conversation.   This forum was held at New York University in 2017 and originally titled “The Closing of the Modern Mind.” It’s one of our most popular forums, with over 300,000 views on YouTube. Thank you to the forums team for making this event possible.   Find additional resources and quotes on the podcast episode page here.

Ard Louis, a theoretical physics professor at Oxford, delves into the captivating intersection of science, beauty, and faith. He articulates how his appreciation for the elegance in biological complexity and the laws of nature fuels his curiosity. Louis reflects on the remarkable role of mathematics in physics and the philosophical implications of scientific inquiry. He also discusses how his Christian worldview enriches his understanding of purpose and ethics in the pursuit of knowledge, inviting listeners to see a deeper connection between faith and scientific exploration.

In today’s episode, you’ll hear the story of Molly Worthen. As a journalist and historian at UNC, Molly has written about Christians for years as an outsider. But in this conversation, she shares how something unexpected happened to her recently: she became one. Molly talks with Lorien Foote, a history professor at Texas A&M. They explore Molly’s worldview before becoming a Christian, the evidence that led her to faith, and how changing her mind wasn’t as scary as she expected. This forum was held at Texas A&M in Spring 2024. Thank you to the forum planning team for making this event possible. Find additional resources and quotes on the podcast episode page here.

Dallas Willard, a revered philosophy professor, intricately examines how our worldviews shape our behaviors and perceptions. He invites listeners to question their own beliefs, emphasizing the significance of Jesus's teachings in cultivating a fulfilling perspective. Willard discusses the clash between faith and secular academia, revealing how societal norms can distort our understanding of truth. He advocates for a critical evaluation of our worldview assumptions, encouraging openness to diverse perspectives in the pursuit of truth.