Science and Spirituality for the Curious

Richard Randolph
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Spirituality

This the official podcast of the Science and Spirituality Institute.  The focus is on relationships between the sciences and different spiritualities and faith traditions.  We rely primarily upon the dialogue methodology for exploring these relationships.

  1. 3d ago

    Ep 2.8 Can Artificial Intelligence Be Virtuous? A Conversation with Braden Molhoek

    Send us Fan Mail Richard Randolph speaks with Braden Molhoek, Director of the Center for Theology and the Natural Sciences (CTNS), about artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies, virtues, and the changing landscape of the science and religion dialogue.    Braden begins by describing the path that led him to CTNS, including his studies in science and religion and his doctoral work in ethics and social theory at the Graduate Theological Union. He then introduces his research into “virtuous AI” and the important distinction between acquired and infused virtue.    Braden believes that humans may be able to design technologies to support virtuous behavior, although that does not necessarily mean the technologies themselves possess virtue.  The conversation also considers a less desirable possibility: AI systems can be designed—or trained—to reinforce vice. Braden points particularly to the sycophantic tendencies of large language models, which may flatter users, affirm their assumptions, and encourage them to place unwarranted confidence in AI-generated responses. Such systems may even tempt users to substitute interactions with AI for the complexities of human relationships.    Richard and Braden broaden the discussion by considering how other technologies can assist moral behavior. GLP-1 medications, for example, may help some people exercise temperance by reducing cravings and impulsive behavior. But, if the effect disappears when the medication is discontinued, has the person acquired the virtue of temperance, or has technology temporarily supported temperate behavior?     Their conversation then moves toward the future of humanity. If humans are genetically modified to survive in low-gravity environments or live on another planet, would they remain the same species as Earth-bound humans? What ethical problems might arise if modified and unmodified humans coexist? Could unequal access to human enhancement create new forms of power and injustice?    Braden also describes a recent CTNS project funded by the Dialogue on Science, Ethics, and Religion (DoSER), a program of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).  In that project, CTNS offered several graduate level courses, as well as a public forum, exploring the impact of artificial intelligence on global climate change.    Braden and Richard also reflect on growth in the creative mutual interaction of science and religion.  For instance, earlier work primarily concentrated on cosmology and evolution.  While cosmology and evolution continue to be important, contemporary scholarship has expanded to address consciousness, genetics, artificial intelligence, environmental responsibility, and emerging technologies. As Director of CTNS, Braden hopes to engage these emerging questions while preserving the Center’s longstanding commitment to a wide range of natural science and theological concerns.    In this episode  Information on the Graduate Theological Union and the Center for Theology and the Natural Sciences Braden’s journey into the study of science, theology, and ethics The history and continuing mission of CTNS How the science and religion conversation is changing The difference between acquired and infused virtue Whether an AI system can genuinely possess moral virtue Sycophancy and flattery in large language models GLP-1 medications and technologically assisted temperance as examples of using emerging technologies to promote virtue Genetic modification, space settlement, and the future of the human species The ethical risks of unequal access to human enhancement Environmental responsibility in the Anthropocene   About Braden Molhoek  Braden Molhoek is Director of the Center for Theology and the Natural Sciences at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California. His academic work brings Christian ethics and virtue theory into conversation with artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies, as well as engaging environmental concerns, and theological anthropology. He has also contributed significantly to the CTNS Virtuous AI research project.     About the Center for Theology and the Natural Sciences (CTNS)  The Center for Theology and the Natural Sciences is an international center dedicated to promoting the creative mutual interaction if science and religion through research, teaching, and public service.  Located at the Graduate Theological Union, CTNS explores topics ranging from cosmology and evolution to artificial intelligence, genetics, consciousness, environmental ethics, and human flourishing.    About the Graduate Theological Union (GTU)  Formed in 1962, the Graduate Theological Union is a consortium of interconnected theological schools, research centers, and affiliates working in collaboration to offer the Masters of Art and Ph.D. graduate degrees.  As a collaborative consortium, GTU’s Mission is to advance “ecumenical, interreligious, and interdisciplinary scholarship to educate scholars and equip leaders who foster flourishing pluralistic communities.”    Resources   Center for Theology and the Natural Sciences: https://www.ctns.org Graduate Theological Union: https://www.gtu.edu Ted Peters, ed., The Promise and Peril of AI and IA:  New Technology Meets Religion, Theology, and Ethics, Adelaide, Australia:  ATF Press Publishing, 2025.  (This volume contains many of the essays contributed to the “Virtuous AI” project of CTNS, funded by the John Templeton Foundation.)     (Chat GPT assisted in the development of these Show Notes.)  To financially support this podcast series, go to www.scienceandspirituality.org/support   To access Richard’s new Substack reflections, https://scienceandspiritualityblog.substack.com

  2. Jul 6

    Ep 2.7: Can You Be a Christian Without Believing in Miracles?

    Send us Fan Mail Do Christians have to believe that the miracle stories in the Bible literally happened in order to be faithful followers of Jesus?  In this thought-provoking episode, Richard Randolph explores one of the most challenging questions at the intersection of science and faith. Drawing on biblical scholarship, theology, and his own spiritual journey, Richard argues that Christians can remain deeply committed Christians, while understanding the miracle stories as profound expressions of spiritual truth rather than literal suspensions of the laws of nature.  Along the way, he examines miracle traditions from several of the world's religions, considers the historical work of Elaine Pagels, reflects on the theology of physicist-priest John Polkinghorne, and explains why he believes the Resurrection belongs in a fundamentally different category than the other miracle stories found in Scripture.  Whether you agree or disagree with Richard's conclusions, this episode invites listeners to think more deeply about what miracle stories were intended to communicate—and why they continue to matter today.    In this episode you'll discover:  That miracle stories appear in virtually every major religious tradition. Why Richard no longer interprets biblical miracles literally. Why he believes science and authentic Christian faith need not be in conflict. How trust in God shapes his understanding of Divine Action. Elaine Pagels' historical insights into miracle stories in the ancient world. Why the Resurrection is fundamentally different from other biblical miracle stories. Insights into miracle stories from John Polkinghorne and John Dominic Crossan  How miracle stories may become even more spiritually powerful when we read metaphorically, rather than literally. A moving reflection from physicist and theologian Robert (Bob) Russell on praying for a healing miracle during his battle with prostate cancer. The Buddhist insight that the greatest miracle is the transformation of human consciousness—and how Christianity expresses a similar vision of transformed life.   Books and Authors Mentioned  Elaine Pagels, Miracles and Wonder: The Historical Mystery of Jesus (2025) John Polkinghorne, "The Credibility of the Miraculous" (Zygon) John Dominic Crossan (quoted in Miracles and Wonder)   Additional Reflections from Richard Randolph on the Resurrection  Podcast Episode 2.3: “Science and Resurrection” Substack Reflection on “Science and Resurrection,” available at https://scienceandspiritualityblog.substack.com    Connect with Science and Spirituality   Website: https://www.scienceandspirituality.org    Support the Podcast: https://www.scienceandspirituality.org/support    Email Richard: richard@scienceandspirituality.org  To financially support this podcast series, go to www.scienceandspirituality.org/support   To access Richard’s new Substack reflections, https://scienceandspiritualityblog.substack.com

  3. Jun 15

    Ep 2.6: What Is Embodied Spirituality? A Conversation with Shelly Petz

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Science and Spirituality for the Curious, I explore an important question: What happens when we integrate our spiritual lives with our physical lives, rather than treating them as separate dimensions of human existence? My guest is Rev. Dr. Shelly Petz, author of Meet You at Nine, which is available for purchase at Amazon.com. Shelly’s new book chronicles her journey into embodied spirituality. Through years of prayer, ministry, and personal reflection, Shelly has discovered a specific prayer practice that engages not only the mind and spirit, but also the body. Our conversation begins with Shelly's own spiritual journey. Although she originally expected to pursue a career in medicine like her father and grandfather, a profound experience while hiking led her in a different direction. Ultimately this new direction led into ordained ministry. Along the way, Shelly developed a deeper understanding of prayer—not as a way of informing God about our needs, but as an invitation to align ourselves with God's presence and purposes. A turning point in Shelly's spiritual life came when she sensed an invitation from God to meet each day at 9:00 a.m. What began as a daily commitment to prayer, gradually evolved into a practice she calls circle prayer. Inspired in part by Mark Batterson's book The Circle Maker and the ancient story of Honi the Circle Maker, Shelly began walking and driving in intentional circles while praying for her family, congregation, community, and others. As Shelly explains in our conversation, this practice transformed the way she sees the world. Circle prayer helped her slow down, become more attentive to the people and places around her, and recognize opportunities for human connection that might otherwise have gone unnoticed. One of the most intriguing aspects of our discussion is Shelly's conviction that God is always ready to meet us. The barriers that prevent us from experiencing God's presence are not God's barriers, but our own. Through her practice of circle prayer, Shelly has learned to become more attentive to that ever-present invitation from God. During our conversation, Shelly also shared practical examples of how circle prayer can deepen one's spiritual life, and she demonstrated the practice of circle prayer for listeners of this episode. Whether you are curious about prayer, interested in spiritual practices, or simply looking for new ways to integrate the physical and spiritual dimensions of life, I think you'll find this conversation both thought-provoking and inspiring. To financially support this podcast series, go to www.scienceandspirituality.org/support   To access Richard’s new Substack reflections, https://scienceandspiritualityblog.substack.com

  4. May 11

    Ep 2.5: Review of ‘The Story of Everything’ Film

    Send us Fan Mail This episode features a panel discussion and review of the controversial new film, The Story of Everything.  Philosopher of science Stephen Meyer is the screenwriter, and he draws heavily from his book, Return of the God Hypothesis.  The film was directed by Eric Esau.  It has had a limited release in U.S. theaters through Fathom Entertainment.     Panelists explored these questions:  Were there moments in the film that created a sense of wonder and awe for you? Does the film raise new questions for you? What were the film’s strengths and weaknesses? Would you recommend this film to your friends and acquaintances?   Important Links:  Science and Spirituality website:  www.scienceandspirituality.org Richard Randolph’s Substack reflections, https://scienceandspiritualityblog.substack.com The Story of Everything trailer:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwL3ZKlwEoc  Stephen Meyer, Return of the God Hypothesis, HarperOne, 2021 To financially support this podcast series, go to www.scienceandspirituality.org/support   To access Richard’s new Substack reflections, https://scienceandspiritualityblog.substack.com

  5. Apr 21

    Ep 2.4: What Indigenous Traditions Can Teach Other Spiritualities

    Send us Fan Mail Richard Randolph has a fascinating discussion with John Grim, a historian of religions focusing on Indigenous Traditions. During their conversation, John shares his experiences learning from indigenous peoples, including being adopted by Crow people from Montana and invited to participate in their Sun Dance ceremonials. He reflects on what people from other faiths and spiritualities can learn from Indigenous knowledge and wisdom. Links: To financially support this podcast series, go to www.scienceandspirituality.org/supportRichard’s new Substack reflections, https://scienceandspiritualityblog.substack.comJohn Grim is Co-Director of the Yale Forum on Religion and Ecology, for more information go to https://fore.yale.edu/; the Yale Forum current “Living Earth Community” can be found here, https://livingearthcommunity.com/Suggestions for Further Reading John Grim, The Shaman: Patterns of Religious Healing Among the Ojibway Indians, University of Oklahoma Press, 1988. John Grim, editor, Indigenous Traditions and Ecology: The Interbeing of Cosmology and Community, Cambridge, Massachusetts: Harvard Divinity School Center for the Study of World Religions, 2001. Robin Kimmerer, Braiding Sweetgrass, Minneapolis, MN: Milkweed, 2013. N Scott Momaday, House Made of Dawn Louise Erdrich, Love Medicine Leslie Harmon Silko, Ceremony James Welch, Winter in the Blood Janet Campbell Hale, The Jailing of Cecilia Capture Susan Power, The Grass Dancer Eddie Chocolate, Cheyenne Madonna Gerald Vizenor, Bearheart Rebecca Roanhorse, Black Sun Joy Harjo (poet), An American Sunrise Linda Hogan (poet and novelist), A History of Kindness Simon Ortiz (poet), From Sand Creek John G. Neihardt, Black Elk Speaks To financially support this podcast series, go to www.scienceandspirituality.org/support   To access Richard’s new Substack reflections, https://scienceandspiritualityblog.substack.com

  6. Apr 3

    Ep 2.3: Can Science Explain the Resurrection? A Conversation with Robert Russell

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Richard examines one of the most profound questions in the Christian faith:  Can science explain—or prove—the Resurrection?  Drawing on conversation with physicist-theologian Robert Russell, this episode explores whether scientific cosmology can inform—and deepen—our understanding of resurrection.   Contents This episode begins by noting that there has always been doubt about the Resurrection, going all the way back to Jesus’ disciples.  The disciple Thomas earned the nickname, “doubting Thomas,” because he initially doubted the Resurrection of Christ, while the Gospel of Matthew records that some disciples worshipped the risen Messiah, while “others doubted,”  Later, in 1 Corinthians 15, the Apostle Paul asserts that the Resurrection is central to the Christian faith.Robert Russell believes that the Resurrection must be viewed within the context of God’s work as Creator.  He suggests that God’s work as Creator takes on three different forms.  The third form of God’s creative active occurs at the End-Times, when God renews and heals existing creation, rather than replacing it.  This is the “New Creation” described in the Book of Revelation 21, “Behold, I am making all things new.”  Jesus’ Resurrection on Easter morning is a promissory note, confirming the resurrection as part of God’s plan for the New Creation at the End-Times.The New Creation is both continuous and dis-continuous with reality as we currently experience it.  On the one hand, the New Creation will be dis-continuous with present reality.  For example, the Resurrection currently appears to be in direct conflict with the laws of nature.  However, scientific cosmology allows for the possibility that the laws of nature as we know them are not set in stone.  One possibility in scientific cosmology is that there is not one, single universe.  Rather, there are multiple universes, creating a “multiverse.”  These different universes could have radically different laws of nature.  This suggests that the laws of nature could be transformed in the New Creation, so that Resurrection would no longer violate them.  Instead, resurrection would be a consistent with those different laws of nature.On the other hand, in some ways, the New Creation would be continuous with reality as we know it.  An example of continuity would be that our personal identity continues in the New Creation.  Since Robert Russell situates the New Creation within the overarching creative framework of God, it has been part of God’s creative plan all along.  That is to say, the New Creation is not an afterthought—nor a corrective for some mistake.  It has been part of God’s intention from the beginning.To conclude, while science cannot “explain” the Resurrection, science does not rule out the possibility of resurrection, either.  What science can do is suggest potential frameworks that may make resurrection more intelligible to persons of faith. To financially support this podcast series, go to www.scienceandspirituality.org/support   To access Richard’s new Substack reflections, https://scienceandspiritualityblog.substack.com

  7. Mar 18

    Ep 2.2: Exploring Ecology and Religion, with John Grimm

    Send us Fan Mail John Grimm, and his spouse Mary Evelyn Tucker, are co-founders of the Yale Forum on Ecology and Religion.  Previously they also organized a series of conferences at Harvard University, resulting in a multi-volume series on Religions and Ecology.   Contents:  The conversation begins with John describing the process he and Mary Evelyn used to create the multi-volume collection of essays examining the relationship between Ecology and various religions and spiritualities.  John explains the process of retrieval🡪 re-evaluation 🡪 re-construction that various authors adopted in their examination of how sacred texts could contribute meaningfully to healing the environment.  John provides background on the founding of the Yale Forum on Religion and Ecology.  Then, he discusses the many resources available on the Yale Forum’s websites.  John and Richard also discuss the emergence of “eco-anxiety” and “eco-grief.”  John shares how Yale Divinity School has begun offering its students instruction on providing pastoral care for those suffering from eco-anxiety and eco-grief. For further exploration: The Yale Forum on Religion and Ecology has multiple websites: For the Forum homepage, click here:  https://fore.yale.edu/ For a brief listing of various resources on the Forum, click here: https://fore.yale.edu/sites/default/files/files/Forum_flyer_2024.pdf For the video Journey of the Universe website:  https://www.journeyoftheuniverse.org/ To watch the video, go here:  Journey of the Universe | Videos & Movies on Vimeo. The password is whowouldyoube619. For the new Living Earth Community project, click here:  https://livingearthcommunity.com/ For resources on eco-anxiety and eco-grief, go here:  https://fore.yale.edu/Resources/Eco-anxiety-Resources To check out Science and Spirituality’s new Substack page, click here: https://scienceandspiritualityblog.substack.com.To financially support this podcast series, go to www.scienceandspirituality.org/support   To access Richard’s new Substack reflections, https://scienceandspiritualityblog.substack.com

  8. Mar 4

    Ep 2.1: Understanding the Powers of the Universe, with Brian Swimme

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Richard interviews Dr. Brian Swimme, a mathematical cosmologist and evolutionary philosopher, best known for articulating a “universe story” in collaboration with the late cultural historian and theologian Thomas Berry.  Their work integrates contemporary cosmology with spiritual reflection through a story that explores cosmic evolution—from the Big Bang to the emergence of galaxies, to life and human consciousness—while inviting deeper reflection on its meaning for human identity and planetary responsibility.    Contents:   Brian and Richard begin their conversation by discussing the relationship between science and spirituality.  Brian goes on to describe what he means when he says that the universe sacrifices for the evolutionary development of the universe, especially for the flourishing of life. Brian and Richard discuss the notion of a “cosmic Christianity” and Brian provides examples of how God is revealed through the development and processes of the universe.  One of Brian Swimme’s major contributions to how we think about the origin and unfolding of the universe is his description of the “Powers of the Universe”: Centration Allurement or Attraction Emergence Homeostasis Cataclysm Synergy Transmutation Transformation Interrelatedness Radiance Brian and Richard discussed Brian’s understanding of “resonance” and “reverberation.”  They each shared examples of reverberating events in their own lives.   For further exploration  Check out Brian’s website at https://storyoftheuniverse.org Check out Richard’s new Substack blog at www.scienceandspiritualityblog.substack.com. Also, look for his reflections on Brian Swimme’s contributions to science and spirituality, in a blog to be posted at the end of this week.  To see the Emmy award-winning documentary, Journey of the Universe, written by Mary Evelyn Tucker and Brian Swimme—and narrated by Brian—go to  https://storyoftheuniverse.org/videos   Books:   The Universe Story : From the Primordial Flaring Forth to the Ecozoic Era--A Celebration of the Unfolding of the Cosmos, Brian Swimme with Thomas Berry,  HarperOne, 1994. Cosmogenesis, An Unveiling of the Expanding Universe, Brian Thomas Swimme, Counterpoint, 2022. (Brian’s intellectual and spiritual autobiography.) Hidden Heart of the Cosmos (Ecology and Justice Series), Brian Swimme, Orbis Books, 2019. To financially support this podcast series, go to www.scienceandspirituality.org/support   To access Richard’s new Substack reflections, https://scienceandspiritualityblog.substack.com

See All (28)

Trailer

About

This the official podcast of the Science and Spirituality Institute.  The focus is on relationships between the sciences and different spiritualities and faith traditions.  We rely primarily upon the dialogue methodology for exploring these relationships.

Information