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. 3D AGO

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

    Send us a text 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

    31 min

  2. NOV 18

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

    Send us a text 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 Publications, 2019.

    44 min

  3. NOV 3

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

    Send us a text 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.

    27 min

  4. OCT 30

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

    Send us a text 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.

    41 min

  5. SEP 8

    Ep 1.15: Understanding the War on Science

    Send us a text 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.

    27 min

  6. AUG 18

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

    Send us a text 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).

    39 min

  7. AUG 4

    Ep 1.13: Will AI and Spirituality Co-Evolve?

    Send us a text Some have argued that the emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) represents a “fourth industrial revolution.”  We still have much to learn about AI and the ultimate scope of its influence.  Yet, this much is already certain, AI will have a profound impact on humanity; perhaps even re-shaping our understanding of what it means to be human.  Since faith and spirituality form an important dimension of human existence, it is imperative that we begin exploring the relationship between AI, faith, and spirituality.     This episode focuses on this critical relationship, with the guidance of theologian Michael J. Paulus, Jr., who believes that we are currently living “through a unique and transformative moment in human history.”  In this interview, we will discuss the history of AI, along with important ethics and justice questions.     In this interview, Richard Randolph also suggests that there seems to be a tendency for both fiction and nonfiction writers to cluster into two diametrically opposed camps, concerning AI and the future.  On the one hand, many writers envision a coming dystopia driven by an AI out-of-control.  On the other hand, others envision a coming utopia, in which AI solves all problems and humans live joyful and fulfilling lives.   Although he is fundamentally optimistic about the future of AI, Dr. Paulus discusses his proposal for an “Apocalyptic Imagination,” which charts a hopeful middle course between dystopia and utopia.      For Further Reading  Michael J. Paulus, Jr., Artificial Intelligence and the Apocalyptic Imagination, Cascade Books, An Imprint of Wipf and Stock Publishers, 2023.   Michael J. Paulus, Jr. and Michael D. Langford, co-editors, AI, Faith, and the Future: An Interdisciplinary Approach, Pickwick Publications in 2022.

    37 min

  8. JUL 22

    Ep 1.12: How Thinking about the Possibility of Extraterrestrials Deepened My Spirituality

    Send us a text Although we have not yet detected Extraterrestrial Intelligence (ETI), there’s a very strong probability that ETI does exist in the universe and that it may some day contact us. What would that mean for Earth-based faiths and spiritualities? Would the existence of ETI destroy their viability, leading to their demise? Or, would the discovery of ETI serve to deepen and enhance these Earth-based faiths and spiritualities? In this episode, we examine this question as a mental exercise, or thought experiment. Although I am convinced that confirmation of ETI existence would deepen and enhance all the world’s religions and spiritualities, I focus primarily on Christianity, which is my faith community. My hope is that how I approach this thought experiment within Christianity would serve as an analogue that others could use to think about their own religion or spirituality.  For a variety of reasons, most astrobiologists and astronomers believe the ETI that contacts us would possess superior intellectual capabilities and come from a significantly more advanced society than humans on Earth. This raises an important question, if humans bear the image of the Divine, as Christians hold, would their greater intelligence mean that ETI possessed a greater Divine image? Would that mean God loves ETI more than humans because they have superior intelligence? I conclude that God would love humans just as much as ETI, when we factor in what possessing the Divine image meant to the original Hebrews. However, I also believe that the existence of superior ETI would have a profound impact in how Christians perceived humans ’relationship to non-human life on planet Earth. In other words, it calls for a radical re-thinking of Christian environmental ethics.  A second question explored in this thought experiment is whether ETI would need salvation or enlightenment. From a Christian perspective, would Jesus need to be crucified multiple times on all the different planets that are home to ETI? I do not believe that would be necessary because the Divine would tailer a plan of salvation appropriate to the lived experience of ETI on its planets. I conclude that, for Christians, this should have profound implications for how we think about other Earth-based religions and spiritualities. Admittedly, this thought experiment rests on a hypothetical that ETI actually does exist in the universe. Yet, I believe this thought experiment has great value because it helps us examine our religious faith and spirituality from a completely different perspective. Reflecting from this different perspective is beneficial, if it helps us deepen and enhance our religious understandings and spiritualities. While I have worked within my spiritual home as a Christian, I believe that people following other religious traditions and spiritualities would have similar, meaningful results.  For Further Reading: Steven J. Dick, editor, Many Worlds: The New Universe, Extraterrestrial Life and the Theological Implications, Templeton Foundation Press, 2000

    32 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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