Language of God

From the earliest bipedal ancestors to the dawn of spiritual awareness, we delve into the archaeological, anthropological, and theological questions surrounding our shared past. Join us over two episodes as we uncover the blurred lines between ancient hominins and modern humans, and ponder the moments that shaped our anatomy, behavior, and spirit. Building on our journey through the Paleolithic, this second episode explores the profound spiritual developments that occurred as Homo sapiens became the sole surviving species in our genus. We seek to understand the emergence of uniquely human spiritual tendencies and our ongoing relationship with the Divine with some stops at ancient sites in Orkney, Scotland and the American Southwest, to examine the rise of symbolic thought, the earliest cave paintings, and the beginnings of agriculture in the Neolithic period. These sacred landscapes offer tangible glimpses into the spiritual lives of our ancient ancestors. Theme song and credits music by Breakmaster Cylinder. Other music in this episode by Berry Deep, Babel, Vesper Tapes, Immersive Music, Oakvale of Albion & Harpo Marks, courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc.

From the earliest bipedal ancestors to the dawn of spiritual awareness, we delve into the archaeological, anthropological, and theological questions surrounding our shared past. Join us over two episodes as we uncover the blurred lines between ancient hominins and modern humans, and ponder the moments that shaped our anatomy, behavior, and spirit. n this first episode, we trace the incredible evolution of our ancient ancestors through the Paleolithic era. We explore how archaeologists piece together the puzzles of the deep past, discovering the fascinating story of hominins learning to walk upright, growing bigger brains, mastering tools and fire, and developing complex social behaviors. A significant part of this journey involves understanding the complex story of Neanderthals—who they were, what they did, and their eventual intermingling with Homo sapiens. We examine the archaeological evidence that reveals how our physical and behavioral traits developed, setting the stage for the emergence of modern humans. Theme song and credits music by Breakmaster Cylinder. Other music in this episode by Northern Points, Babel, Nick Petrov, Jonathan Boyle, Big Score Audio and High Street Music, courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc.

Francis Collins, founder of BioLogos, and Kristine Torjesen, the new President and CEO, are deeply invested in the power of science to do good in the world. Yet, they observe with concern a growing distrust in science within our technologically advanced society. In this conversation, they share profound personal stories of how scientific breakthroughs have brought healing and hope, illustrating how science, when guided by wisdom and compassion, can be a powerful force for human flourishing. They discuss BioLogos's new "Science is Good" initiative, exploring how biblical virtues from Matthew 25 can inform and inspire a gracious and compassionate pursuit of scientific knowledge, ultimately showing the beautiful compatibility of faith and science. Read our Open Letter to People of Faith about Science

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

From stargazing as a child to helping lead the team which took the first ever image of a black hole, Heino Falcke has only seen his faith and his work as an astronomer as deeply connected. In this episode we talk about his book, Light in the Darkness: Black Holes, the Universe and Us, where Falcke shares more about what creating the image actually consisted of, and some wisdom he picked up along the way. New discoveries will always challenge and redefine our old frameworks of thought, but Falcke shows us that this change is not fundamental, that it is a humbling reminder that our finite knowledge of the infinite God is always partial. Heino Falcke and his team's image of the black hole at the center of galaxy M87 reminds us of a message from Paul—that we now see through a glass, darkly; then, face to face. Additional Resources: See the picture of the black hole here Check out Heino Falcke's book Find out more about Heino on his website Theme song and credits music by Breakmaster Cylinder. Other music in this episode by Babel, courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc.  This episode originally aired on Dec 9, 2021

In the fall of 2024 198 countries from around the world came together in Azerbaijan, at COP29, to try and find solutions to the climate crisis. While the policy outcomes were disappointing, the stories of people from around the world were inspiring, even if they include a lot of pain and suffering. These stories help to connect us to our neighbors from around the world and these stories can help to reframe how Christians, especially those in America, can think about their role in the climate crisis and how to respond.  Additional Resources:  More in depth reporting on COP29 at Carbon Brief Katharine Hayhoe's Global Weirding Series Christian Climate Observers Program Reformed Journal Article by Colin BioLogos Common Question: Why Should Christians Care for Creation BioLogos Animated Video: Why Should Christians Care for Creation (video) Language of God Podcast Series: Creation Groans

A reflection on what it means to cultivate joy even if you don't feel very merry.  Theme song and credits music by Breakmaster Cylinder. Other music in this episode by Titan Sound, Vesper Tapes and Glory House, courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc. Renditions of In the Bleak Midwinter and Happy Xmas by Jim Stump. The short clip from COP29 is the voice of Juan Carlos Gomez, Panama's special representative for climate change.

Jim and Colin report on location from Baku, Azerbaijan where they are attending COP29, the United Nations Climate Change conference. In this bonus episode, they briefly describe what COP29 is, why they are there, share a few stories of their own experiences so far and a few clips from interviews gathered from people from around the world.  Resources: Christian Climate Observers Programs Bringing Hope and Prayer to COP29 (Article)  

Hope has sometimes been made out to be something we possess, something we hold like a shield to protect us from pain. But Norman wants to recast hope as something we do, and most importantly, as something that is animated by love. He talks through some of the different textures of hope to bring out more of its richness so that it might better form us through times of crisis. Theme song and credits music by Breakmaster Cylinder. Other music in this episode by Simon Stevens  courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc. BioLogos is searching for our next President. Is it you? 

Hans Madueme is a Young-Earth Creationist. In this conversation, the goal was not to come to an agreement about the age of the earth but instead to understand one another better, find common ground, and explore the points of disagreement with curiosity and friendliness. Hans explains his views of where the Bible has a clear message and where he sees the limits of science in explaining things that contradict those messages. Theme song and credits music by Breakmaster Cylinder. Other music in this episode by Titan Sound  courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc.

After many years working at the very top levels of science and medicine, pursuing knowledge that would lead to better and healthier lives for so many people, Francis Collins started to see an erosion of trust in science, as well as across social and political landscapes. That led him to start wondering about what leads people to trust—in facts, in ideas, in institutions—and to wonder about the nature of truth itself. His new book, A Road to Wisdom: Truth, Science, Faith, and Trust is the result. It is a book that speaks to the deep divisions in society and calls us all to humility and wisdom as we do the work to find common ground. Theme song and credits music by Breakmaster Cylinder. Other music in this episode by Nick Petrov, courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc.  

The title of Brian McLaren's new book, Life After Doom, might at first be imposing…that word, “doom" looms large, but there is also life. McLaren has been looking into the face of the climate crisis and has, himself, felt the sense of doom that many people describe when they look into the future. McLaren does not dismiss the seriousness of the problems, nor is he paralyzed by it, but instead imagines the kind of life that is worth living no matter what kind of future will meet us.  Theme song and credits music by Breakmaster Cylinder. Other music in this episode by Ricky Bombino, courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc. Are you a pastor, ministry leader, or layperson interested in helping the Church engage in creation care and climate change? BioLogos wants to hear from you! We're looking for participants in some upcoming focus groups. Those selected to participate will receive a $25-Amazon gift card as a thank you. See details HERE. 

It is hard to care for, protect, or even to mourn those we have no relationship with. We try to develop a relationship with a few creatures that are still among us, even if they are imperiled, to better know and love our world. And we end with a last few thorns…should we attempt to bring back extinct species and how should we think about the future of our own species? This is episode three of a three-part series.  About the series: Extinction might seem to be a pretty simple idea: a species goes out of existence. But a deeper exploration reveals all kinds of thorny questions. What is a species anyway? Is extinction a natural part of the development of life that leads to new life or is it something that should be mourned and stopped? What will happen to our own species? These are only a few of the questions we follow on a journey of creatures here and gone. Learn more about the series and about our guests here.  Theme song and credits music by Breakmaster Cylinder. Other music in this episode by Vesper Tapes, Trending Music, Babel, Immersive Music, Full Frontal Audio, and Cosmo Lawson, courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc.    

We look to present times to see how extinctions are actually happening and what we know about them and we explore the work of biological conservation to protect species. Then we return to the question of how to feel about extinction, comparing modern day and historical extinctions and adding a few more layers to the question. This is episode two of a three-part series.  About the series: Extinction might seem to be a pretty simple idea: a species goes out of existence. But a deeper exploration reveals all kinds of thorny questions. What is a species anyway? Is extinction a natural part of the development of life that leads to new life or is it something that should be mourned and stopped? What will happen to our own species? These are only a few of the questions we follow on a journey of creatures here and gone. Learn more about the series and about our guests here.  Theme song and credits music by Breakmaster Cylinder. Other music in this episode by Remember the Future, Ricky Bombino, Northern Points, Simon Stevens, Oakvale of Albion, and Vesper Tapes, courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc.    

Extinction is a familiar idea for almost everyone, but it wasn't long ago that no one would have thought a species could go out of existence. We explore this history of the human understanding of extinction, and then we go much further back in history, to explore how extinction has played a role in the development of life over hundreds of millions of years leading to our world today. This is the first episode in a three-part series.  About the series: Extinction might seem to be a pretty simple idea: a species goes out of existence. But a deeper exploration reveals all kinds of thorny questions. What is a species anyway? Is extinction a natural part of the development of life that leads to new life or is it something that should be mourned and stopped? What will happen to our own species? These are only a few of the questions we follow on a journey of creatures here and gone. Learn more about the series and about our guests here.  Theme song and credits music by Breakmaster Cylinder. Other music in this episode by Evan MacDonald, High Street Music, Northern Points, Nathan King, Babel, Ballian De Moulle, Paradiso Music, courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc.    

The story of evolution is often centered around genes and randomness. More and more, scientists are finding that culture is also a driver of evolution. When we explore how humans have both emerged from an evolutionary process and contribute to it, we begin to understand ourselves differently. This new understanding will ultimately lead us to a deeper relationship with God. In this episode, we follow researchers who set out to explore four different ways in which culture and evolution interact and how they might inform our theological ideas about what it means to be human and how we relate to God: Play, Imagination, Morality, and Purpose. Thanks to our guests: Michael Burdett, Andrew Jackson, Vicki Lorrimar, Nathan Lyons, and Megan Loumagne Ulishney. (See their bios) Theme song and credits music by Breakmaster Cylinder. Other music in this episode by Vesper Tapes, Babel, Northern Points, and Nick Petrov, courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc. Join a conversation about this episode on the BioLogos Forum.

When the wind is just right, on a small beach in Titusville, Florida, horseshoe crabs crawl out of the water and onto the beach to lay their eggs. Jim and Colin joined up with two marine biologists—Bob Sluka who works with A Rocha, a Christian conservation organization and Margaret Miller, a coral biologist who works with SECORE International—and three A Rocha interns to survey the horseshoe crabs. That experience began an exploration into paying attention to many of the creatures that surround us, extending hospitality, and learning from the creatures, even from the ocean itself, about how we might better worship the creator of it all.  This episode was originally aired on April 27, 2023 Additional Resources: Learn about A Rocha Do your own nurdle hunt Atlantic Article about Synthetic alternatives to LAL Radiolab Episode about Horseshoe Crabs Join a conversation about this episode on the BioLogos Forum.

The climate crisis often leads people to feelings of grief, despair, and fear. With the of help faith leaders, climate activists, artists and teachers from around the world we explore some of the emotions that result from an awareness of the climate crisis. And consider how naming and accepting the grief and sorrow that many people are feeling can also be a path toward hope. Featured guests: Heather McTeer Toney, Marinel Ubaldo, Madeleine Jubilee Saito, Dr. Malinda Berry, Hannah Malcolm, Robynn Bliss, and Lowell Bliss. And thanks to Nangula Kathindi and Christopher Douglas Huriwai for their recorded testimonials, used in the episode. Check out the link here to find more resources from these guests.  Check out more BioLogos resources on creation care and the environment here. Theme song and credits music by Breakmaster Cylinder. Other music in this episode by Ballian De Moulle, Robert Meunier, Kyle Booth, Sirus Music, Justin Breame, & MS Elyas, courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc.  Join a conversation about this episode on the BioLogos Forum.

The church has had a complicated relationship with mental health. Research shows that 1 in 5 adults experience mental illness in a given year and yet 66% of pastors talk about mental health in sermons only once a year or less. In the episode we break down what exactly mental illness and mental health are, what is happening in the brain, and how the church can respond in ways that help us all to be healthier individuals and begin to build a more understanding, empathetic and healthy community.  This episode was originally aired on December 8, 2022. Theme song and credits music by Breakmaster Cylinder. Other music in this episode by Tiny Music, Lift Music, Magnetize Music, Sirus Music, Pink Marble and Vesper Tapes, courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc. Find Resources on Mental Health Join a conversation about this episode on the BioLogos Forum.    

Camille Dungy is a poet, and it is with a poet's close attention that she reflects on the interactions between humans and the greater-than-human world. In the conversation, Camille talks about how she came to her connection to the greater-than-human world, about the need to include family and home in nature writing and about the definition of a weed and how good cultivation often requires hands-on management. She ends by reading a poem from her collection, Trophic Cascade.  Theme song and credits music by Breakmaster Cylinder. Other music in this episode by Titan Sound, courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc. Join a conversation about this episode on the BioLogos Forum.

Francis Collins and Kizzmekia Corbett-Helaire are both renowned scientists and both of them played special and important roles during the pandemic. In this conversation, the two of them remember some of the key moments in the scientific development of the COVID vaccine and talk about the many years of scientific work that prepared the way. They also discuss how their faith plays a role in their motivation for doing science and Kizzmekia talks about the challenges of running a science lab at Harvard as a woman, a person of color, and a mother.  This conversation was recorded live in Raleigh, North Carolina at our National Faith and Science Conference.  Theme song and credits music by Breakmaster Cylinder. Other music in this episode by Klimenko Music, courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc. Join a conversation about this episode on the BioLogos Forum.

The science of evolution has caused friction for many Christians. And science does pose some challenges to the way people have been taught to think about their faith, but those challenges don't have to lead to a decision to reject faith—or to reject the findings of science. In fact, understanding science can lead to a deeper faith.  Jim Stump, host of Language of God has a new book coming out—The Sacred Chain: How Understanding Evolution Leads to a Deeper Faith. In this series Jim walks through three of the challenges posed by science.  The challenge of pain and suffering is a crucial tension and one that has vexed people for millennia. Without solving the problem, we can at least break it down and see how a world which includes pain and suffering is also a world in which creatures might have the capacity to become morally mature. Featuring clips from previous conversations with Bethany Sollereder and Simon Conway Morris. This is the third of a three part mini-series. Theme song and credits music by Breakmaster Cylinder. Other music in this episode by Vesper Tapes and Ricky Bombino, courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc. Join a conversation about this episode on the BioLogos Forum. Register for the 2024 Science and Faith Conference, April 17 - 19 | Raleigh, NC

The science of evolution has caused friction for many Christians. And science does pose some challenges to the way people have been taught to think about their faith, but those challenges don't have to lead to a decision to reject faith—or to reject the findings of science. In fact, understanding science can lead to a deeper faith.  Jim Stump, host of Language of God has a new book coming out—The Sacred Chain: How Understanding Evolution Leads to a Deeper Faith. In this series Jim walks through three of the challenges posed by science.  The challenge of the time explores the long time spans of the earth and the universe and what it means about being a human loved by God in the here and now. Featuring clips from previous conversations with John Walton & Makoto Fujimura. This is the second of a three part mini-series. Theme song and credits music by Breakmaster Cylinder. Other music in this episode by Babel, Nick Petrov, & Vesper Tapes, courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc. Join a conversation about this episode on the BioLogos Forum. Register for the 2024 Science and Faith Conference, April 17 - 19 | Raleigh, NC

The science of evolution has caused friction for many Christians. And science does pose some challenges to the way people have been taught to think about their faith, but those challenges don't have to lead to a decision to reject faith—or to reject the findings of science. In fact, understanding science can lead to a deeper faith.  Jim Stump, host of Language of God has a new book coming out—The Sacred Chain: How Understanding Evolution Leads to a Deeper Faith. In this series Jim walks through three of the challenges posed by science.  The challenge of the Bible asks how we can continue to affirm the Bible as inspired and authoritative if the human authors believed incorrect things about the world. Did God correct their cultural-bound beliefs, or work through them, as God has always worked with imperfect people?  Richard Middleton joins Jim for the second part of this episode to talk about biblical inspiration from the perspective of a bible scholar, and the episode features clips from a previous episode with Philip Yancey.  Theme song and credits music by Breakmaster Cylinder. Other music in this episode by Vesper Tapes, courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc. Join a conversation about this episode on the BioLogos Forum. Register for the 2024 Science and Faith Conference, April 17 - 19 | Raleigh, NC  

Special guest-host Francis Collins discusses the children's mental health epidemic with Jonathan Haidt. Haidt has been studying the causes of the high rates of depression and suicide in children for many years and has found that social media is at the root of the worsening trends. But he doesn't just have causes in mind. He also has solutions. In this discussion--and in his new book, The Anxious Generation--he proposes solutions to be put into place in the home, in schools, and by governments. He also calls out faith communities, understanding that they can lead the way in reversing the trend of declining mental health of children. Theme song and credits music by Breakmaster Cylinder. Other music in this episode by Magnetize Music, courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc.  Join a conversation about this episode on the BioLogos Forum. Register for the 2024 Science and Faith Conference, April 17 - 19 | Raleigh, NC

Molly Worthen is a historian by training and wrote the book, Apostles of Reason, which explores the history of evangelicalism in America. When she wrote the book about 10 years ago, she approached the topic as an outsider, identifying as an agnostic. Then in 2022, she rather surprisingly found herself getting baptized at the front of a large evangelical Southern Baptist megachurch. In the conversation she tells the story of her conversion and questions she asked, including questions about miracles, science, and what it means to be intellectually engaged and also believe in the resurrection of Christ.  This conversation was recorded in front of a live audience at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary on February 21, 2024.  Theme song and credits music by Breakmaster Cylinder. Other music in this episode by Titan Sound, courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc.  Join a conversation about this episode on the BioLogos Forum. Register for the 2024 Science and Faith Conference, April 17 - 19 | Raleigh, NC      

A bonus clip from an interview with Steven McMullen for our series The Gift of Food.

A bonus clip from an interview with Aminah Al-Attas Bradford for our series The Gift of Food.

A bonus clip from an interview with Derrick Weston for our series The Gift of Food.

A bonus clip from an interview with Shauna Niequist for our series The Gift of Food.

In the last episode of the series we ask several related questions: How does the idea of food as a gift fit with the fact that food is also an economic commodity? How does food play into issues of justice? And how can food, instead of dividing us, bring us together? Finally, we end by discussing what all this means about how we should eat. When we eat with love as our guiding principle, it may not always be simple, but it may be more delicious.  This is the last episode of a five part mini-series. Learn more about the series and find related resources at biologos.org/the-gift-of-food. Theme song and credits music by Breakmaster Cylinder. Other music in this episode by Northern Points, Babel, Magnetize Music, Diverse Music, Titan Sound, Nathan King, Mike Meehan, & Ballian De Moulle courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc. Join a conversation about this episode on the BioLogos Forum. Register for the 2024 Science and Faith Conference, April 17 - 19 | Raleigh, NC

As creatures that must eat to live, human life is dependent on taking the lives of other creatures. In this episode, we explore ethics, science, and theology behind taking the lives of animals who become our food. In the process, we meet some of the animals and some of the people who raise them. We end up with at least as many questions as when we started and yet we also find a richer appreciation for the ways in which we are connected to other creatures through eating.  This is part four of a five part mini-series. Learn more about the series and find related resources at biologos.org/the-gift-of-food. Theme song and credits music by Breakmaster Cylinder. Other music in this episode by Northern Points, Tiny Music, High Street Music, Klaus Hergersheimer, Titan Sound, Mike Meehan, & Vesper Tapes, courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc. Join a conversation about this episode on the BioLogos Forum. Register for the 2024 Science and Faith Conference, April 17 - 19 | Raleigh, NC

Taste is a sense that sometimes gets overshadowed by sight and sound, but it has played a crucial role in the development of our species. Some expert guides help us understand what is happening in our brains when we eat. We also talk about food and cooking and the roles they have played in making humans what we are today.  This is part three of a five part mini-series. Learn more about the series and find related resources at biologos.org/the-gift-of-food. Theme song and credits music by Breakmaster Cylinder. Other music in this episode by High Street Music, Klimenko Music, Northern Points, Tiny music, Glory House, Vesper Tapes, Liam Mansfield, Klaus Hergersheimer, Babel, and Nick Petrov, courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc. Join a conversation about this episode on the BioLogos Forum. Register for the 2024 Science and Faith Conference, April 17 - 19 | Raleigh, NC

The idea of food as a gift is one that comes to us frequently in scripture. In this episode we look to the Bible and see if we can better understand God's intended relationship to food. Beginning with the Old Testament, we explore how ancient Israelites might have thought about food. In the New Testament we see Jesus continually gathering around a table and feeding people, and even many of his miracles were food related. And at the last supper, food takes on even more significance as the elements of communion. This is part two of a five part mini-series. Learn more about the series and find related resources at biologos.org/the-gift-of-food. Theme song and credits music by Breakmaster Cylinder. Other music in this episode by Tiny Music, High Street Music, Klimenko Music, Lost Harmonies, Klaus Hergersheimer, Babel, & Chill Cord courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc. Join a conversation about this episode on the BioLogos Forum. Register for the 2024 Science and Faith Conference, April 17 - 19 | Raleigh, NC

Food is a great connector. It can connect us to the ground and the soil that produces food, to the plants and animals that turn into food, and to one another. It also has the possibility of connecting us better to God. In part one of the series we talk about some of these connections, eventually leading us to the idea that food is a gift. In the rest of the series we'll consider what that might mean about how we eat, what we eat, and how gathering around a table, whether it's a communion table or a dining room table, can strengthen our connections to the world, to each other, and to God.  This is part one of a five part mini-series. Learn more about the series and find related resources at biologos.org/the-gift-of-food. Theme song and credits music by Breakmaster Cylinder. Other music in this episode by Tiny Music, Vesper Tapes, and Babel courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc.  Join a conversation about this episode on the BioLogos Forum.    

Talking about any hard topic—science and faith included—requires first recognizing the person on the other end of the conversation. That's what David Brooks set out to do and is the result of his most recent book, How to Know a Person, The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen. He draws on neuroscience in order to understand how to see and be seen by others, but ultimately this is a habit that must be formed by practice and it is one that will help us all to have better conversations and relationships.  Donate to BioLogos Theme song and credits music by Breakmaster Cylinder. Other music in this episode by Babel, courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc. Join a conversation about this episode on the BioLogos Forum. Take our survey!

In the last couple of decades, we have solved the question of whether there are other earth-like planets in the universe by finding evidence of billions of them. But while we don't know whether there could be life on those planets—or what it would be like if there was—we can still explore the theological questions that might arise if we did find life. These questions might seem like they don't have much relevance for us, but besides being fun to think about, they help us to refine the theology of things like the incarnation and what it means for us here on earth. Take our survey! Join a conversation about this episode on the BioLogos Forum.

Being a good neighbor in a wide and complicated world can be challenging. Emily Smith has attempted to share her scientific knowledge with the hopes that it can contribute to neighborliness and even help to identify those who are most in need of the caring that can come from medical help.  Emily is known to many as the Friendly Neighbor Epidemiologist. Her work as an epidemiologist is to study how disease and illness affects populations, specifically those who don't have access to many resources. In the episode, she talks about epidemiology and about the pushback that came from her attempts to share information during the COVID pandemic. And she talks about her new book, The Science of the Good Samaritan: Thinking Bigger About Loving Our Neighbors. Take our survey! Theme song and credits music by Breakmaster Cylinder. Other music in this episode by Babel, courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc. Join a conversation about this episode on the BioLogos Forum.

Jessica Moerman's scientific research has included the study of stalagmites in Bornean caves and digging up ancient lakes in Africa. Through this work, she and other paleoclimatologists—those who study the climate of the past—have started to piece together the puzzle of how earth's climate has changed in the past, which helps us to understand how it could change in the future. For Jessica, science has always been a tool for ministry and for understanding God's creation. That idea has led her to her current role as the CEO of the Evangelical Environmental Network where she is able to share her knowledge of science, her passion for ministry and the call to act to bring about a healthy future. Take our survey! Theme song and credits music by Breakmaster Cylinder. Other music in this episode by Northern Points, courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc. Join a conversation about this episode on the BioLogos Forum.  

Joanna Ng has worked on many projects which have been turned into tools we use everyday. In the episode she talks about the journey to become a Master Inventor and some of the highlights of her career and then discusses some of the risks that come from putting too much trust in computers and artificial intelligence. Glossary of Terms: Groundtruth: The information or data that acts as a reference point against which we can measure the performance of computer programs or algorithms. Compiler: A special computer program that turns the code that programmers write into something a computer can understand and run. It's like a translator between humans and computers. Parsing: Parsing in computer science is like grammar-checking a sentence. It looks at the code to make sure all the parts are in the right order and make sense together, so the computer can understand what to do. Black box: A system or device where you can see what goes in and what comes out, but you don't know exactly how it works on the inside.  Bootstrap: The initial push that gets a computer or program running so it can do more complicated tasks on its own. Just like you need that first push to start pedaling a bike, a computer needs a bootstrap to get going. Take our survey! Theme song and credits music by Breakmaster Cylinder. Other music in this episode by Titan Sound, courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc. Join a conversation about this episode on the BioLogos Forum.

Sy Montgomery has been writing about animals for over 30 years and has befriended many fascinating creatures in those years. Both turtles and octopuses, subjects of two of her books, are ancient relatives of ours, separated from humans by millions of years of evolution. That hasn't stopped Sy from connecting with individuals of each of these species, learning something about their amazing and special capabilities but also finding a surprising commonality that allows for a deep connection. In the conversation Sy shares her love for all creatures and calls for us to reach into our limitless compassion to care for the creatures that make our world bright and beautiful.  This conversation was recorded live in Grand Rapids, Michigan at the BioLogos Creation Care Summit on October 7th.  Join a conversation about this episode on the BioLogos Forum.

Janet Kellogg Ray is a Christian science educator and author. In the episode, she shares her personal journey of reconciling her faith with the science of evolution and discusses the challenges faced by Christians in accepting scientific evidence. She explores the connection between the denial of evolution, climate change, and COVID vaccines, highlighting the cultural and political factors that contribute to science denial within religious communities. Janet emphasizes the importance of science literacy and understanding the nature of science in order to build trust and engage in meaningful conversations about faith and science. Learn more about Janet Kellogg Ray and see her books here. Theme song and credits music by Breakmaster Cylinder. Other music in this episode by Pink Marble, courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc.  Join a conversation about this episode on the BioLogos Forum.

In our second ever BioLogos book club, we bring you a discussion on the book Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. Our expert guests include Carol Bremer-Bennett, the Executive Director of World Renew; Rick Lindroth, a retired professor of ecology; and Debra Rienstra, a Professor of English. They discuss various themes from the book, including the importance of reciprocity and harmony in our relationship with the natural world, the dangers of consumerism and greed, and the need for a more inclusive and respectful language to describe non-human beings. They also explore the intersection of indigenous wisdom, science, and Christianity, and the potential for these perspectives to complement and enrich one another. Download our discussion guide for Braiding Sweetgrass here. For a limited time you can receive free shipping on a copy of Braiding Sweetgrass. Use the code LOGPROMO at milkweed.org! Join a conversation about this episode on the BioLogos Forum.

The question, what does it mean to be human, demands answers from many fields of study. Agustín Fuentes has looked to anthropology for answers to this question but the answers he has found speak to something that is bigger than science. He proposes that one of the things that make us human is our ability to believe.  Fuentes teaches anthropology and primatology at Princeton University. His studies have brought him around the world, to cities and to remote jungles. He's written several books, including his most recent, Why We Believe: Evolution and the Human Way of Being, a book that came out of his Gifford Lectures.  This episode was originally aired on December 17th, 2020.  Theme song and credits music by Breakmaster Cylinder. Other music in this episode by Northern Lights, courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc.  Join a conversation about this episode on the BioLogos Forum.

As the host of his own podcast, No Small Endeavor, Lee C. Camp is well-practiced at conversations that explore what human flourishing could look like. In this conversation, he looks back to his own experiences in which doors were opened to him in his thinking about faith. He tells about his journey from preaching sermons against the theory of evolution to coming to understand that scientific knowledge about the world was not a threat to his faith, even when that knowledge presented new and challenging questions. Check out Lee Camp's podcast, No Small Endeavor Including this episode about science and faith with Francis Collins Theme song and credits music by Breakmaster Cylinder. Other music in this episode by Titan Sound, courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc.  Join a conversation about this episode on the BioLogos Forum.

For some technology offers humanity a path into perfection. For others it is the means of our downfall. Somewhere in between there is Joe Vukov. In the episode, Joe helps to explain the pitfalls of both extremes—on one side, the transhumanists (who embrace technology as a way to become more human) and on the other, the neoLuddites (who shun certain kinds of technology)—and begins to clear a path somewhere in the middle.  Original music in this episode is by Carp. Join a conversation about this episode on the BioLogos Forum.

Trees are often seen merely as backdrops or immovable scenery. When we start to learn about the physical realities of trees, their names and histories and the ways they interact with the world around them, we start to wonder if we've gotten the wrong idea about what trees are. In this episode, Jim and Colin go on a journey to see trees more completely, to see them as living, dynamic creatures. Learning about the scientific reality of trees leads to an enriched understanding of the role trees play as symbols in the Bible and helps eventually for trees to be seen as creatures who praise God. Additional Resources: Check out MyTree Calculator, mentioned in the episode. There were a lot of trees in the bible we didn't have time to talk about in the episode. The BibleProject podcast has a great series on trees in the bible called Tree of Life. Join a conversation about this episode on the BioLogos Forum. ***Learn about or register for the BioLogos Creation Care Summit on October 7th here.*** Podcast listeners can use the promo code LOG at checkout for a 15% discount on registration.  ***We're going to be discussing the book Braiding Sweetgrass on the podcast on October 7th.***  If you'd like a copy to read along, podcast listeners can get free shipping at milkweed.org. Enter the code LOGPROMO. We also made a free discussion guide which you can download here.