Science and Spirituality for the Curious

Richard Randolph
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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. 5D AGO

    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 set up a monthly contribution to Science and Spirituality—and this podcast, click here:    https://scienceandspirituality.org/support/

    37 min

  2. 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 set up a monthly contribution to Science and Spirituality—and this podcast, click here:    https://scienceandspirituality.org/support/

    43 min

  3. 12/22/2025

    Ep 1.19: What Sufism Can Teach the Rest of Us about Spirituality and the Divine

    Send us Fan Mail To contribute to the SSI year-end challenge match campaign, click here:  https://scienceandspirituality.org/giving-tuesday/   In this episode, Richard interviews Dr. Zeynep Kuleli, a historian of Science and Technology.  They discuss Dr. Kuleli’s research into Sufi spirituality and its implications for the vibrant floriculture in early modern Istanbul.  After their conversation, Richard concluded this episode by sharing that what he has learned from Sufi spiritual insights and commitments can help him deepen his own spirituality and become a better Christian disciple, especially in the face of environmental crisis.    Contents:   The interview began with Dr. Kuleli describing her early life in Istanbul and interests, which eventually led her to enter the Ph.D. program in the History of Science and Technology at the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.  Since she has just completed her dissertation, Richard also asked her to describe her doctoral research.    From there, the conversation moved to Sufism, with Dr. Kuleli providing an introductory description of this special form of spirituality within Islam.     Richard first met Dr. Kuleli at a conference in February, hosted by the Kripke Center for the Study of Religion and Society at Creighton University in Omaha.  He asked her to describe the paper she presented at the conference, entitled “Sufi Orders and Floriculture in Early Modern Istanbul.”  Dr. Kuleli described the social, cultural, and spiritual significance of this floriculture, with its focus on a small selection of flowers, including tulips, carnations, and roses.  She described how the Sufis came to see these flowers as manifesting the highest attributes of God. From the Sufi perspective, there is not a sharp demarcation between nature, human culture, and the Divine.   In her Creighton paper, Dr. Kuleli concluded, “"...when compared to their European contemporaries...the Ottoman perception did not rigidly demarcate the realms of nature, culture, and the divine, presenting a more fluid conceptualization of these entities."  She discussed this conclusion with Richard and its implications for how we understand God.  Finally, Dr. Kuleli describe what she has learned from this research project:  it has taught her that we need to overcome our division and polarization within societies by recognizing that we are One in our existence with the Divine, nature, and one another.  When we attack others, we are actually attacking ourselves.    Following the interview, Richard picked up on this notion that we are One with nature, God, and one another.  He believes that the Western impulse to demarcate God from Creation lies at the base of our inability to develop an environmental ethic, which celebrates and preserves the environment.  He believes that we would be far more successful at addressing our environmental challenges, if we followed Sufism and other spiritual traditions in emphasizing the Oneness of existence that nature, humans, and God share together.  He cautioned that this does not necessitate taking a pantheistic perspective.  For more information about Sufism, see this YouTube tutorial:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yc9k9nvIHOU  To set up a monthly contribution to Science and Spirituality—and this podcast, click here:    https://scienceandspirituality.org/support/

    31 min

  4. 11/18/2025

    Ep 1.18: What Scientists, Christians, and Other Spiritualities can learn from Buddhism

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Richard Randolph has a far-ranging conversation on Buddhism, ecology, and Western science with Dr. Stephanie Kaza.  Dr. Kaza is Professor Emerita at the University of Vermont, where she taught Environmental Studies for many years.  She also has lay ordination as a Zen Buddhist.  She has written extensively on religion and ecology, eco-feminism, consumer culture, and environmental justice—all from a Zen Buddhist perspective.  These show notes conclude with publication information on books by Dr. Kaza for those interested in further reading.    Stephanie Kaza earned a Ph.D. in Biology from the University of California-Santa Cruz.  She also has two Masters degrees: a MA in Education from Stanford and a Masters of Divinity from the Unitarian Starr King School for the Ministry in Berkely.    Contents:  Richard Randolph began the episode by sharing his commitment to inter-religious dialogue.  Although Randolph makes his spiritual home within Christianity, he believes that he can deepen his Christian faith and grow spiritually by learning from other religious traditions and spiritual perspectives.  He believes a compelling illustration of the possibilities for this spiritual cross-fertilization was well exemplified by the Hindu Mahatma Gandhi and the Christian Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.The interview began with Dr. Kaza sharing her scientific and spiritual journey, which led to her life’s work in environmental studies and advocacy, principally from a Zen Buddhist perspective.   Following her autobiographical introduction, Dr. Kaza elaborated on her claim in Green Buddhism that environmental work needs to be placed in the context of a “steady spiritual practice, knowing the work will go on beyond our own lifetimes.”  Dr. Kaza explained how Buddhism sustained her work as a scientist and an environmentalist.Dr. Kaza next described her proposal for creating an “intimacy with nature.”Their discussion of “intimacy with nature” then segued into a description of the Buddhist metaphor of “Indra’s Net” as a powerful explanation for the interdependence of all life, which is also a critical concept in environmental studies.  Noting that over consumption is a significant driving force to many environmental problems, Dr. Kaza explained Buddhism’s critique of contemporary consumerism, especially in advanced societies.  Next, they discussed Buddhism’s critique of contemporary, Western science.  Dr. Kaza noted that Buddhism sees many advantages in contemporary science, but also recognizes significant limitations in the way scientific research and teaching are currently practiced.   Acknowledging it is easy to become depressed and hopeless by the scope of current environmental challenges, Stephanie Kaza concluded the interview by describing how Buddhism offers grounding for hope in the face of these overwhelming challenges.  After the interview concluded, Richard shared some important ways in which Buddhism has strengthened and deepened his faith as a Christian, especially in the face of the environmental crises.  For Further Reading, Three Books by Dr. Stephanine Kaza:  Kaza, Stephanie (ed.). Hooked! Buddhist Writings on Greed, Desire, and the Urge to Consume. Boston, MA: Shambhala Publications, 2005.  Kaza, Stephanie. Mindfully Green: A Personal and Spiritual Guide to Whole Earth Thinking. Boston, MA: Shambhala Publications, 2008.  Kaza, Stephanie. Green Buddhism: Practice and Compassionate Action in Uncertain Times. Boston, MA: Shambhala To set up a monthly contribution to Science and Spirituality—and this podcast, click here:    https://scienceandspirituality.org/support/

    44 min

  5. 11/03/2025

    Ep 1.17: Is There Scientific Evidence for the Existence of a Creator God?

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Richard Randolph interviews Olivier Bonnassies, who along with Michel-Yves Bolloré, is co-author of the book, God, The Science, The Evidence, The Dawn of a Revolution.  This book was originally published in France in 2021.  Since its publication, the book has sold more than 400,000 copies.  An English translation has just been published by Palomar Press.   Contents  Richard Randolph begins by providing an overview of the book and its central thesis. He welcomes Olivier Bonnassies to the podcast.  Then, Bonnassies shares his intellectual and spiritual journey, culminating in co-writing the book. Bonnassies describes the central thesis of the book, which is that recent developments in various sciences make the supposition of a creator God a more logical and rational intellectual position than a materialism that denies the existence of anything beyond the physical world. Bonnassies responds to Randolph’s query about how writing the book has changed and shaped his own faith outlook. After the interview, Randolph provides a nuanced assessment of the book and makes a suggestion about who might find it a helpful read.     Sources Used:  Michel-Yves Bolloré and Olivier Bonnassies, God, The Science, The Evidence, The Dawn of a Revolution, Translated by Rebecca M. West and Christine Elizabeth Jones:  Luxembourg, Palomar Editions, 2025.  To set up a monthly contribution to Science and Spirituality—and this podcast, click here:    https://scienceandspirituality.org/support/

    27 min

  6. 10/30/2025

    Ep 1.16: Using AI in Faith Communities and in Spiritual Practices

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Richard explores how Artificial Intelligence technology might be appropriately used within faith communities, as well as how individual persons might use the technology to enhance their spiritual practices.    Contents  Defining Artificial Intelligence and understanding different levels of AI, from the current state of the technology to projections about what it may accomplish in the future.   Potential uses of AI in the life and ministry of a church or other faith community.  Also, Artificial Intelligence’s potential uses in individual spiritual practices.   What AI is not.   Examining the limitations and risks of AI in the life and ministry of faith communities.  Risks of using AI in individual spiritual practices.   Broadening the focus, five societal risks posed by AI.   A Christian “theology” of technology, based upon the Six-Day Creation Story (Genesis 1) and the Tower of Babel Story (Genesis 11:3-9)   Five Principles to guide the ethical use of AI, from Michael Paulus, Jr.   A six-step strategy for introducing Artificial Intelligence into the life and ministry of a church or other faith community.   Sources Used:  Anderson, Bernhard W. “Human Dominion over Nature.” In Biblical Studies in Contemporary Thought: The Tenth Anniversary Commemorative Volume of the Trinity College Biblical Institute, 1966–1975, edited by Miriam Ward, 27–45. Burlington, VT: The Institute, 1975.    Nash, James A. Loving Nature: Ecological Integrity and Christian Responsibility. Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 1991. ISBN 978-0-687-22824-9.    Paulus, Michael J., Jr. Artificial Intelligence and the Apocalyptic Imagination: Artificial Agency and Human Hope. Eugene, OR: Cascade Books (Wipf and Stock), 2023. ISBN 978-1-6667-3639-7.    Snell, R. J. “Ethics Won’t Save Us from AI.” The New Atlantis 78 (Fall 2024): 67–74.    Jambrek, Stanko. “Christians Facing the Challenges of Artificial Intelligence.” Kairos: Evangelical Journal of Theology 18, no. 1 (2024): 75–94.     To set up a monthly contribution to Science and Spirituality—and this podcast, click here:    https://scienceandspirituality.org/support/

    41 min

  7. 09/08/2025

    Ep 1.15: Understanding the War on Science

    Send us Fan Mail This episode examines the cultural warfare against science and scientists, with special attention to the severe reductions in federal funding for research proposed by the Trump Administration.  The podcast includes a financial overview of this extraordinary reduction in research funding, as well as an analysis of the risks and consequences the downsizing entails for American society.  This podcast also touches on the impacts this policy shift has had for scientists and their families. The episode concludes with suggestions of ways in which persons of faith and deep spirituality could become allies of scientists.  Finally, the podcast announces an exciting new initiative by the Science and Spirituality Institute to create develop worship and prayer resources that celebrate scientists and their work in scientific research and teaching.  The vision is that prayers, blessings, teachings, and sermons or proclamations will be contributed to this initiative.  Further, it is hoped that these resources will come from a diversity of faith traditions and spiritualities.  The resources will be free for download by spiritual leaders and others who are interested. To set up a monthly contribution to Science and Spirituality—and this podcast, click here:    https://scienceandspirituality.org/support/

    27 min

  8. 08/18/2025

    Ep 1.14: How God Loves, A Conversation with Thomas Oord

    Send us Fan Mail This episode features a conversation with Thomas Oord, a leading Christian theologian in “Open and Relational Theology.”  He is the Director of the Center for Open and Relational Theology and also on the doctoral faculty at Northwind Seminary.      In his theology, Oord proposes that God is not aloof or impassible, but deeply relational—able to influence and be influenced by Creation. Further, he argues for an open future that is not predetermined.  God knows possibilities but not certainties, allowing for real human freedom and creativity.      In this theological perspective, love is central, and genuine relationships matter.  Oord conceives of God’s love as “Uncontrolling,” meaning that God’s power is expressed through persuasive, non-coercive love. Divine action never overrides free will.  At the intersection of science and religion, Open and Relational Theology strongly aligns with and incorporates insights from science.     Also joining us for this episode is Rev. Marshall Johnson, Senior Pastor at St. Luke United Methodist Church in Omaha.  Johnson discusses how he uses Open and Relational Theology to inform his pastoral ministry.  He will also describe a conference that he has organized, along with collaboration from several other Omaha congregations.  The conference, “A Weekend with Thomas Oord,” will be October 3-5.     For more information:  For more information about the conference, and to register, go to https://stlukeumc.com/events/thomas-oord-weekend/2025-10-03.   For more information about the Open and Relational Theology Center, go to https://c4ort.com/.    For Further Reading about Open and Relational Theology,  see the following books by Thomas Oord:  God After Deconstruction. With Tripp Fuller (Grasmere, Id.: SacraSage, 2024).   The Death of Omnipotence and Birth of Amipotence (Grasmere, Id.: SacraSage, 2023).   Pluriform Love: An Open and Relational Theology of Well-Being. (Grasmere, Id.: SacraSage, 2022).   Open and Relational Theology: An Introduction to Life-Changing Ideas. (Grasmere, Id.: SacraSage, 2021).   God Can’t! How to Believe in God and Love after Tragedy, Abuse, and Other Evils. (Grasmere, Id.: SacraSage, 2019).    To set up a monthly contribution to Science and Spirituality—and this podcast, click here:    https://scienceandspirituality.org/support/

    39 min
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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.

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