In a world of increasing division, Monica Guzman offers advice for approaching conversation with curiosity. When we attempt to understand those who we disagree with, instead of merely attempting to change their beliefs, we are able to see people more fully and to even learn more about our own beliefs and ideas.
Learn more about Monica and her book, I Never Thought About it That Way at her website.
Theme song and credits music by Breakmaster Cylinder. Other music in this episode by Titan Sound, courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc.
This episode originally aired on January 26, 2023.
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186. Alan Lightman | Falling into Infinity
Alan Lightman is a theoretical physicist and has always seen the world as a place governed by unbreakable laws. But those laws never did a very good job explaining some of the most important moments of his life, moments when he felt a profound connection to the world. A journey to understand some of those transcendent moments has opened his appreciation to multiple ways of knowing and being in the world.
In this conversation he tells some of the stories of the moments that led him on this journey, and discusses the nature of consciousness, the moral responsibility of computers, and models a posture of curiosity and graciousness in conversation.
Theme song and credits music by Breakmaster Cylinder. Other music in this episode by Youth Faire and Magnetize Music, courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc.
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185. Science and the Resurrection Accounts
How do science-minded Christians make sense of the resurrection? This Easter season, Jim Stump tackles that question. After hearing the Gospel accounts read by listeners and staff, he examines some of the differences in the Biblical accounts and considers how we might understand the story as a whole. Then he brings his expertise in the philosophy of science to explore how we can think of resurrection in light of scientific theories that seem to show that when people die, they stay that way.
Thanks to our readers, Micah, Luke, Kimanzi and Scott!
The Theme song and credits music by Breakmaster Cylinder.
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184. Kipuka to Kipuka | Islands of Life, Faith and Restoration
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.
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183. Cool Creatures | Giant Pacific Octopus
The giant Pacific octopus and humans have been evolving separately for more than 500 million years, but still, we have a few things in common. We explore what this means about octopuses, what it means about humans, and what it tells us about the Creator of All Things. As we dive into the science of octopus cognition and behavior we find the questions get more and more interesting. To help us sort through it, we are joined by Sy Montgomery (author of Soul of an Octopus and Secrets of the Octopus) who introduced us to two giant Pacific octopuses at the New England Aquarium.
Thanks to the New England Aquarium for hosting our visit.
Theme song and credits music by Breakmaster Cylinder. Other music in this episode by Evan MacDonald, Mattijs Muller, Titan Sound, Klimenko Music, Ricky Bombino, Sirius Music, Northern Points, and Paradiso Music courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc.
New Zealand