In a world that has sometimes been called “disenchanted,” we have to ask, does science really strip the world of mystery—or might science actually awaken us to something deeper? Sociologist Brandon Vaidyanathan has been exploring this question through his research on spiritual yearning among scientists, revealing that even in secular contexts, the search for meaning and connection runs deep. We also hear a reflection from physicist and writer Alan Lightman, who tells two stories of transcendent moments from his own life and anthropologist Agustín Fuentes helps trace the roots of transcendence back into our human ancestors. When we listen closely to scientists’ stories, we hear not just the search for knowledge, but an echo of something deeper—a yearning to connect to something science can’t explain.
Theme song and credits music by Breakmaster Cylinder. Other music in this episode by Vesper Tapes, Elizabells, Youth Faire, Magnetize Music, and Glory House, courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc.
Interviews Quotes were taken from Brandon's research were taken from published work and generated to voice AI.
Learn more about Brandon's Research Project Here
Find the conversation between Richard Dawkins and Francis Collins here
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198. Cool Creatures | Ferns
You might think of ferns—if you think of them much at all—as the unassuming and understated members of the plant world. What could they teach us about philosophy or theology or wonder? It turns out quite a lot. When we explore that strange world of fern reproduction and learn about the two life phases of ferns it brings up questions about identity and what it means to be an individual. And the exploration itself becomes a practice of wonder and celebration of the diversity of life God creates.
Theme song and credits music by Breakmaster Cylinder. Other music in this episode by Northern Points, Evan MacDonald, Superlegal, Pink Marble, Sarah Chapman, Lost Harmonies, Geoffrey Jerrall, and Klimenko Music, courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc.
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197. Rebecca Copeland | Wicked Problems and Unoriginal Sin
Theologian Rebecca Copeland joins Jim Stump to talk about how we think about sin in a world full of wicked problems—complex, interconnected issues like climate change, inequality, and mistrust in science. Our usual theological categories often fall short: sin as personal moral failure doesn’t capture the systemic nature of these problems, and sin as an inherited condition can leave us feeling powerless. Copeland offers another way of understanding sin—what she calls unoriginal sin—that helps us recognize both our complicity in broken systems and our capacity for repentance and healing. The conversation moves from deep theology to practical questions about how we live responsibly and hopefully in a tangled, imperfect world.
Theme song and credits music by Breakmaster Cylinder. Other music in this episode by Nick Petrov, courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc.
Check out Rebecca's Book, Entangled Being, here.
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108. Debra Rienstra | The Discipline of Hope
Our best scientific models make it clear that society needs a big change at a global scale in order to limit irreversible damage—what good can individual actions and attitudes do in the face of this immense problem? Today’s guest, Debra Rienstra, argues that the right relationship with the Earth can actually make all the difference and that new worlds of hope are built in hidden refuges amidst the surrounding devastation. Genuine lament and grief help reorient us toward the beauty and majesty of creation. Only once this groundwork has been laid can we truly repent for what we have done—and begin the work of hope for a better future.
Additional Resources:
Learn more about Debra's book, Refugia Faith
Sign up for the Refugia newsletter
Find new episodes of Refugia Podcast
Theme song and credits music by Breakmaster Cylinder. Other music in this episode by Pink Marble courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc.
This episode originally aired on Mar 10, 2022.
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196. Cool Creatures | Ticks
Ticks are among the most detested creatures in all of nature—but what happens when we look closer? In this Cool Creatures episode, Colin follows Calvin University professor Will Miller and some of his students into the field as they study ticks and the diseases they carry. As we explore ticks we find ourselves asking questions about public health, parasitism, and theology. Are ticks only dangerous pests or can they also open our eyes to the complexity and beauty of creation?
Helpful Resources:
CDC Tick Bite Guidance
Mayo Clinic Guide to Ticks and Diseases
Theme song and credits music by Breakmaster Cylinder. Other music in this episode by Evan MacDonald, Pavel Yudin, Nathan King, Cosmo Lawson, Vesper Tapes, Ricky Bombino & Elizabells, courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc.
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