195. Rob Dunn & Aminah Bradford | The Spirituality of Paying Attention
What happens when a theologian and an evolutionary biologist walk into a lab together—one asking questions about God through the strange world of microbes, the other studying the tiny ecosystems in our armpits and sourdough starters? In this episode, we hear the answer through the story of Aminah Al-Attas Bradford, a theologian who found herself researching yeast in the ecology lab of Rob Dunn, a biologist known for uncovering the microbial life all around us. Their collaboration leads to surprising questions about dust, microbes, matter, and meaning, and shows what can happen when science and theology meet in the middle in curious, unshielded conversation.
Theme song and credits music by Breakmaster Cylinder. Other music in this episode by Babel, courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc.
Check out Rob's book The Call of the Honeyguide: What Science Tells us About How To Live Well with the Rest of Life
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194. Sy Garte | Life’s Deeper Logic
Far from the old picture of life as a mindless, mechanical process, new research is showing that even the simplest organisms—like bacteria—exhibit signs of purpose, agency, and decision-making. Biologist and author Sy Garte returns to Language of God to talk about how this might be a pointer to God. Following from his new book, Beyond Evolution: How New Discoveries in the Science of Life Point to God, Sy invites us into a fascinating and accessible look at how recent developments in biology are shifting our understanding of evolution. Without overstating or oversimplifying, he explores how the science of life opens space for wonder, meaning, and even theological reflection.
Theme song and credits music by Breakmaster Cylinder. Other music in this episode by Diverse Music courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc.
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193. Science is Good | Wisdom, Stewardship, & Mercy in Three Stories
Born out of a cultural moment of growing distrust in science, BioLogos’ Science is Good initiative explores how Christians can be a voice for the goodness of science. The episode connects the three parables of Matthew 25—about wisdom, stewardship, and mercy—with the work of three scientists whose careers exemplify these virtues.
Epidemiologist Emily Smith shares how data-driven health work among the global poor reveals a form of wisdom that prepares for the needs of the most vulnerable. Se Kim, a science policy expert, reflects on the gift of scientific aptitude and the importance of investing in people and communities often left out of the scientific enterprise. And Francis Collins tells the story of hepatitis C, a curable disease still claiming lives, and how mercy means doing whatever it takes to bring healing to the “least of these.” Throughout, pastor Jason Miller offers insight into how Jesus’ parables can still form our character—even in our attitudes toward science.
Together, their stories serve as a faithful answer to the call: Science is good—and we are invited to live in the light of that truth.
Theme song and credits m usic by Breakmaster Cylinder. Other music in this episode by Robert Meunier courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc.
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192. Dorothy Boorse | The Eyes of Flies are like Jewels
Dorothy Boorse describes herself as a child who used to be caught up looking at ants and other small and overlooked things. Later microscopes enhanced the possibilities of her attention. She followed science as it revealed its beauty to her but science also became a tool to help solve problems, to promote health and to improve the lives of people. She hasn’t worked out the answers to all the questions but she offers the wisdom gained over a career studying ecology within a community of Christian faith.
Theme song and credits music by Breakmaster Cylinder. Other music in this episode by Northern Points courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc.
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191. A Tale of Two Conflicts | Scopes, Teilhard, and 100 Years of Hindsight
In July of 1925, two significant dramas unfolded on different continents—the Scopes “Monkey” Trial in Tennessee and the censure of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin in France— shaping the enduring conversation between science and faith. On the surface, these 1925 events couldn't be more different – one a public courtroom showdown, the other a hushed ecclesiastical reprimand. Yet, they both tackled the same fundamental question: What happens when new scientific ideas confront traditional beliefs, particularly concerning evolution? Jim Stump—with the help of guests Janet Kellogg Ray and John Haught—reflects on these pivotal moments from a century ago, exploring their lasting impact on the science and faith dialogue, the dangers of false dichotomies, the importance of epistemic humility, and the tension between institutional caution and prophetic imagination.
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