You might think of ferns—if you think of them much at all—as the unassuming and understated members of the plant world. What could they teach us about philosophy or theology or wonder? It turns out quite a lot. When we explore that strange world of fern reproduction and learn about the two life phases of ferns it brings up questions about identity and what it means to be an individual. And the exploration itself becomes a practice of wonder and celebration of the diversity of life God creates. 

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Theologian Rebecca Copeland joins Jim Stump to talk about how we think about sin in a world full of wicked problems—complex, interconnected issues like climate change, inequality, and mistrust in science. Our usual theological categories often fall short: sin as personal moral failure doesn’t capture the systemic nature of these problems, and sin as an inherited condition can leave us feeling powerless. Copeland offers another way of understanding sin—what she calls unoriginal sin—that helps us recognize both our complicity in broken systems and our capacity for repentance and healing. The conversation moves from deep theology to practical questions about how we live responsibly and hopefully in a tangled, imperfect world.

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Check out Rebecca's Book, Entangled Being, here.

Our best scientific models make it clear that society needs a big change at a global scale in order to limit irreversible damage—what good can individual actions and attitudes do in the face of this immense problem? Today’s guest, Debra Rienstra, argues that the right relationship with the Earth can actually make all the difference and that new worlds of hope are built in hidden refuges amidst the surrounding devastation. Genuine lament and grief help reorient us toward the beauty and majesty of creation. Only once this groundwork has been laid can we truly repent for what we have done—and begin the work of hope for a better future. 

Additional Resources:

Learn more about Debra's book, Refugia Faith

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This episode originally aired on Mar 10, 2022.

Ticks are among the most detested creatures in all of nature—but what happens when we look closer? In this Cool Creatures episode, Colin follows Calvin University professor Will Miller and some of his students into the field as they study ticks and the diseases they carry. As we explore ticks we find ourselves asking questions about public health, parasitism, and theology. Are ticks only dangerous pests or can they also open our eyes to the complexity and beauty of creation? 

Helpful Resources:

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What happens when a theologian and an evolutionary biologist walk into a lab together—one asking questions about God through the strange world of microbes, the other studying the tiny ecosystems in our armpits and sourdough starters? In this episode, we hear the answer through the story of Aminah Al-Attas Bradford, a theologian who found herself researching yeast in the ecology lab of Rob Dunn, a biologist known for uncovering the microbial life all around us. Their collaboration leads to surprising questions about dust, microbes, matter, and meaning, and shows what can happen when science and theology meet in the middle in curious, unshielded conversation.

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Check out Rob's book The Call of the Honeyguide: What Science Tells us About How To Live Well with the Rest of Life

Far from the old picture of life as a mindless, mechanical process, new research is showing that even the simplest organisms—like bacteria—exhibit signs of purpose, agency, and decision-making. Biologist and author Sy Garte returns to Language of God to talk about how this might be a pointer to God. Following from his new book, Beyond Evolution: How New Discoveries in the Science of Life Point to God, Sy invites us into a fascinating and accessible look at how recent developments in biology are shifting our understanding of evolution. Without overstating or oversimplifying, he explores how the science of life opens space for wonder, meaning, and even theological reflection.

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Born out of a cultural moment of growing distrust in science, BioLogos’ Science is Good initiative explores how Christians can be a voice for the goodness of science. The episode connects the three parables of Matthew 25—about wisdom, stewardship, and mercy—with the work of three scientists whose careers exemplify these virtues.

Epidemiologist Emily Smith shares how data-driven health work among the global poor reveals a form of wisdom that prepares for the needs of the most vulnerable. Se Kim, a science policy expert, reflects on the gift of scientific aptitude and the importance of investing in people and communities often left out of the scientific enterprise. And Francis Collins tells the story of hepatitis C, a curable disease still claiming lives, and how mercy means doing whatever it takes to bring healing to the “least of these.” Throughout, pastor Jason Miller offers insight into how Jesus’ parables can still form our character—even in our attitudes toward science. 

Together, their stories serve as a faithful answer to the call: Science is good—and we are invited to live in the light of that truth.

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Dorothy Boorse describes herself as a child who used to be caught up looking at ants and other small and overlooked things. Later microscopes enhanced the possibilities of her attention. She followed science as it revealed its beauty to her but science also became a tool to help solve problems, to promote health and to improve the lives of people. She hasn’t worked out the answers to all the questions but she offers the wisdom gained over a career studying ecology within a community of Christian faith. 

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In July of 1925, two significant dramas unfolded on different continents—the Scopes “Monkey” Trial in Tennessee and the censure of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin in France— shaping the enduring conversation between science and faith. On the surface, these 1925 events couldn't be more different – one a public courtroom showdown, the other a hushed ecclesiastical reprimand. Yet, they both tackled the same fundamental question: What happens when new scientific ideas confront traditional beliefs, particularly concerning evolution? Jim Stump—with the help of guests Janet Kellogg Ray and John Haught—reflects on these pivotal moments from a century ago, exploring their lasting impact on the science and faith dialogue, the dangers of false dichotomies, the importance of epistemic humility, and the tension between institutional caution and prophetic imagination.

Dr. Jay Butler is an infectious disease physician, epidemiologist, and former Deputy Director for Infectious Diseases at the CDC. We had the joy of hosting Dr Butler in the BioLogos offices recently where we shared his perspective on public health as a ministry, discussing his career journey from the CDC to working with Alaska Native communities. He also delves into the history of measles, its impact, and the groundbreaking development of the MMR vaccine, which has saved millions of lives globally. The conversation explores the challenges of public trust in medical research and institutions, especially concerning vaccines, and how science and faith can come together to pursue truth and improve public health outcomes.

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BioLogos Open Letter to People of Faith about Science