Thinking Religion

Sam Harrelson

5.0 (1)
RELIGION & SPIRITUALITY
UPDATED WEEKLY

Thinking Religion is a podcast hosted by Sam Harrelson, where we explore the intersections of theology, history, culture, and politics. Each episode features in-depth discussions with experts, scholars, and thinkers who explore the profound questions and diverse perspectives that shape our understanding of religion and its role in the modern world.

AUG 25

Introducing MinistriesLab

Sam introduces MinistriesLab, a space where faith, ecology, and ministry meet. Drawing on his background as a minister, teacher, consultant, and current PhD student in Ecology, Spirituality, and Religion at CIIS, Sam explores why churches need to embrace ecological spirituality as central to their mission. From Thomas Berry’s vision of The Great Work to Hildegard’s viriditas and Edith Stein’s insights on empathy, Sam weaves together theology, philosophy, and practical ministry. Along the way, he offers concrete examples of what MinistriesLab can do for congregations: from rethinking digital outreach with ecological imagination, to planting pollinator gardens as acts of hospitality, to creating liturgies rooted in local watersheds. This episode is both an invitation and a provocation: What would it mean for churches to “stay with the trouble” of our ecological moment (as Donna Haraway puts it) and to rediscover the Tree of Life in their own backyards? Learn more at samharrelson.com/ministrieslab

16 min
AUG 9

Frankenstein's AI Monster

The episode began with a discussion about AI tools and their impact on research and employment, including experiences with different web browsers and their ecosystems. The conversation then evolved to explore the evolving landscape of technology, particularly focusing on AI's impact on web design and content consumption, while also touching on the resurgence of physical media and its cultural significance. The discussion concluded with an examination of Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" and its relevance to current AI discussions, along with broader themes about creation, consciousness, and the human tendency to view new entities as either threats or allies.

1h 2m
MAY 28

Thinking Religion 172: Matthew Klippenstein

Matthew is back to talk about artificial intelligence, ancient constructs of aid, panpsychism, science and the humanities, and formation of religious texts. Mentioned: Panpsychism Matthew Segall The Blind Spot

34 min
MAY 1

Whale Talk and Walnut Trees

In this contemplative field recording beneath a black walnut tree, Sam reflects on the language of the more-than-human world. What if whales aren’t singing—but speaking? What if cedars holding hands and squirrels chittering aren’t just charming scenes, but conversations we’ve forgotten how to hear? Drawing from interspecies communication, wilderness training, Christian kenosis, and Nishitani’s middle way, this episode gently unravels the limits of human speech and invites us into an older, quieter kind of communion. Speech, I suggest, may not begin in words, but in presence, and perhaps in reverence.

7 min
APR 15

Thinking Religion 170: Why Science Class Never Felt Right

A physics teacher’s confession and the call of a wilder truth. For nearly two decades, I taught high school science — physics, environmental science, life science — and believed I was helping students understand how the world works. But something never quite fit. In this episode, I open up about the quiet tension I carried in those classrooms: the gap between what I taught and what I knew in my bones — that the world is more than parts and particles. This is a story about the limits of reductionism, the pull of mystery, and the day I stopped mistaking control for understanding. We’ll explore Alfred North Whitehead’s “Nature Alive,” embodied learning, and the freedom that comes from letting the cosmos be alive again. If you’ve ever felt disillusioned with modern science’s flat explanations, or if you’ve longed for something wilder and more sacred — this episode is for you.

6 min
APR 14

Thinking Religion 169: The Theology of Trees

Episode One of the next season of Thinking Religion Rooted In Mystery Ecological Intentionality Backyard Walnut TreesConnections and Awareness

5 min
11/20/2024

Review of The Past Before Us

Reviewing The Past Before Us with a meditative reading prompt and the connections between Moʻokūʻauhau and Gullah inferences about genealogy, the land, and western academia.

16 min
07/29/2024

Thinking Religion 168: Tribalism and Identity with Matthew Klippenstein

Episode Summary In this episode of "Thinking Religion," Sam is joined by Matthew Klippenstein to discuss a wide range of topics, including cultural differences, the development of early Christianities, political dynamics in the USA and Canada, and the philosophical and historical context of monotheism. Cultural Differences and Regional Dialects (and Barbeque) Early Christianities and Monotheism Political Dynamics in the USA and Canada Philosophical and Sociological Reflections Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance The Desert Fathers: Sayings of the Early Christian Monks History of Monotheism in Ancient Israel Platonic Philosophy and Early Christianity Political News on Biden’s Campaign (POLITICO) Dunbar’s Number Explained Sam Harrelson: Website | Twitter Matthew Klippenstein: LinkedIn | Twitter Have questions or comments about this episode? Leave them in the comments section or reach out to Sam and Matthew directly through their social media profiles. Topics DiscussedRelevant LinksContact InformationListener Q&A

54 min

8 Episodes

Thinking Religion is a podcast hosted by Sam Harrelson, where we explore the intersections of theology, history, culture, and politics. Each episode features in-depth discussions with experts, scholars, and thinkers who explore the profound questions and diverse perspectives that shape our understanding of religion and its role in the modern world.

Creator

Sam Harrelson
Years Active

2024 - 2025
Episodes

8
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Sam Harrelson
Show Website

Thinking Religion