Hunger for Wholeness

Finding Consciousness at the Heart of it All with Neil Theise (Part 2)Episode DescriptionIn part two, Ilia Delio and Neil Theise unpack the implications of complexity theory for human life, especially consciousness, our technology and the relationship between them. Can AI become “conscious?” Neil tells us more about his journey as a practicing Zen Buddhist, its impact on his research and thought, and the value our wisdom traditions can still offer to science.ABOUT NEIL THEISE “The teemin...

How Deep Down the Complexity Goes with Neil Theise (Part 1)In the first part of their conversation Ilia Delio asks stem cell researcher and author, Neil Theise, about this journey from science to complexity theory. Ilia and Neil ask big questions about how deep the complexity goes—is there something at the bottom of it all? And what can complexity theories teach us about our modern systems of life and society? “The teeming hordes of living things on Earth, not only in space but in time, ...

“How Fear Arrested Our Theological Imagination with Fr. Dan Horan” (Part 2)In part two of their discussion Ilia Delio asks Fr. Dan Horan about the way forward, and how fear arrests our theological imaginations. They discuss whether it will be possible to reimagine some of the most central tenets of Christian doctrine, especially in the case of the more centralized churches. In light of today’s cultural and scientific contexts, can age-old doctrines still give us guidance?ABOUT DAN HORAN“God’s...

What Thomas Merton Would Say Today with Fr. Dan Horan (Part 1)Ilia Delio interviews Fr. Dan Horan, professor of Philosophy, Religious Studies and Theology at Saint Mary’s College and author of Engaging Thomas Merton: Spirituality, Justice, and Racism. Ilia asks Dan how he became interested in Thomas Merton, and what relevant insights he believes the teachers of yesterday have for us today in the shadow of ecological crisis and in need of social justice.ABOUT DAN HORAN“God’s love is not condit...

Will There Ever Be Conscious AI with Philip Goff (Part 2)In part 2 of their interview, Ilia Delio and Philip Goff continue their conversation about consciousness and how science and theology can better work together to understand it. Together, Ilia and Philip tackle the burning question, “will AI ever become conscious?”ABOUT PHILIP GOFF“Here’s a prediction: In twenty years’ time, the idea that panpsychism can be quickly dismissed as ‘crazy’ will seem, well, crazy.”Dr Philip Goff, Ph.D., is Pr...

Ilia Delio interviews philosopher and author Philip Goff on the big questions of consciousness. What is it? And how does modern panpsychism explain the relationship between consciousness and matter? Ilia and Philip also discuss how consciousness exposes where science and religion need to work in a more interdisciplinary manner to continue furthering our quest for human knowledge.ABOUT PHILIP GOFF“Here’s a prediction: In twenty years’ time, the idea that panpsychism can be quickly dismissed as...

Building on their conversation in Part 1, Ilia Delio and Bruce Epperly unpack what it means to see the divine in the other. They discuss the need for sacrificial living and a return to some of the basic practices of global spiritual traditions. Bruce tells us how these ideas affect his understanding of his own privilege, and how process theology can help us build better relationships in our communities.ABOUT BRUCE EPPERLY“Healing can occur in any circumstance, because God is the source of abu...

Ilia Delio is joined by process theologian Bruce Epperly for an honest conversation looking at the divisiveness at work in our communities and politics. Bruce gives an introduction to process theology (or process relational theology) and together they unpack how the basic conceptual shifts promoted by process theology can help to heal our communities and guide our interactions with people who challenge us to a better future. ABOUT BRUCE EPPERLY“Healing can occur in any circumstance, beca...

In the second part of Ilia Delio’s conversation with Fr. Ronald Rolheiser, Ilia asks what Ron’s hope is for the future—is it the church? They share their concerns for theology and doctrines which are increasingly out of touch with the current state of the world, and consider whether a secular religion is possible. Ilia also asks Fr. Ron his opinion on the viability of common appeals for a “spirituality without religion.”ABOUT RONALD ROLHEISER“Faith is not a question of basking in the certaint...

Ilia Delio is joined by theologian Fr. Ronald Rolheiser. They discuss his book The Holy Longing, and what he observes in the world today especially considering the direction and impact of technology like AI. Ilia and Ron explore the challenges of information and misinformation and what it means for personhood and the future of the human.ABOUT RONALD ROLHEISER“Faith is not a question of basking in the certainty that there is a God and that God is taking care of us. Many of us are never granted...