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When Congressional hearings on UFOs feature military personnel claiming encounters with non-human technology, a profound question emerges: how would confirmation of intelligent alien life change religious beliefs? In this thought-provoking episode, a progressive Christian and a conservative atheist find surprising common ground as they explore the resilience of faith in the face of paradigm-shifting discoveries.

The journey begins with a candid confession about social media addiction, revealing how certain behaviors control us despite our conscious rejection of them—setting up the deeper question of whether we choose our beliefs or if they're somehow hardwired. Could this same dynamic apply to our fundamental worldviews?

Delving into science fiction and theological speculation, the hosts consider how different religious traditions might respond to extraterrestrial contact. While biblical literalists might struggle to reconcile Genesis with alien life, both hosts agree that religiosity itself would likely transform rather than disappear. "I think religiosity is at the core of what it means to be human," the atheist host surprisingly asserts.

Most fascinating is their exploration of beliefs so fundamental we don't even recognize them as beliefs—like our concept of "human rights." What happens when beings deserving moral consideration aren't human? This question forces us to examine assumptions about personhood and dignity that underpin modern ethical frameworks but remain largely unexamined until challenged by the truly alien.

Whether you identify as religious, spiritual-but-not-religious, or firmly secular, this conversation challenges you to examine your own unquestioned assumptions about reality. What beliefs might you hold that are so deeply embedded you don't even recognize them as beliefs? And how might those beliefs adapt when confronted with the truly unexpected?

Follow Living on Common Ground wherever you get your podcasts and join two friends from opposite ends of the belief spectrum as they demonstrate how thoughtful dialogue can bridge seemingly unbridgeable divides.

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What if the good news isn't finding fulfillment, but discovering we can never be whole? What if community forms not just around shared beliefs, but shared enemies? What if anxiety isn't something to overcome, but the very evidence of our humanity?

These provocative questions form the heart of our conversation with philosopher, author and public speaker Peter Rollins about his concept of "pyrotheology" – a radical approach to faith that embraces uncertainty rather than fleeing from it. Peter explains that pyrotheology helps people confront the death of God (the loss of certainty) not to wallow in meaninglessness, but because this confrontation transforms how we relate to ourselves and others.

At a time when society seems increasingly fragmented along ideological lines, Peter's insights offer a surprising path forward. He distinguishes between three types of human gathering: communities (bonded by shared beliefs and enemies), commons (spaces where we encounter different others), and communion (connections formed around our shared experience of lack). This final category presents a revolutionary possibility – what if we could form bonds not around what we have in common, but around what we all lack?

The conversation takes fascinating turns through psychoanalysis, existentialism, and the nature of anxiety. Peter argues that anxiety, unlike other emotions, doesn't lie – it reveals the truth of our human condition. Rather than trying to escape this fundamental uncertainty through religion, consumption, or self-improvement, pyrotheology invites us to find freedom in embracing it.

Whether you're wrestling with faith questions, interested in philosophy, or simply seeking deeper connection in a divided world, this episode offers thought-provoking insights about finding joy not in certainty, but in the loving embrace of life's inherent incompleteness.

Check out Peter's work at www.peterrollins.com, support him on Patreon, or watch his videos on YouTube. Peter has agreed to return to the podcast in the future for more conversation.

https://livingoncommonground.buzzsprout.com

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Lucas and Jeff continue the discussion surrounding the topic of metaphysics. Is there a difference between metaphysics and supernatural? Supernatural and paranormal? And what do we make of similar beliefs in the paranormal that appear in numerous cultures? Is this evidence that the paranormal, does in fact, exist?

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This week’s episode is a rerelease of the first episode of Living On Common Ground which was originally published on November 3rd, 2023. We decided to clean up the audio and share it again because in this episode you will get a chance to learn a bit more about Lucas and Jeff as they discuss the problems which arise when we only know other persons by labels and avatars. These labels are sometimes placed on us and other times we actively try to present them as our true selves to the world. But these labels, which often are intended to identify affinity more often than not lead to division.

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This week Lucas and Jeff are joined by their friend, Michael, who works in cyber security. Their recent discussions about metaphysics and consciousness brought up the question, "Will AI become sentient?" If so, what are the implications?