The episode titled "Epiphanies, Lingering Questions, and a Hymn" serves as a culminating reflection for Season 1 of "Your Matter Matters." In this concluding installment, hosts Pastor Will Rose and Pastor Thomas Johnston engage in a contemplative dialogue, revisiting the profound insights gleaned throughout the season while also addressing the lingering inquiries that remain. A significant highlight of the episode is the introduction of a new hymn, "From Wonders to Wonders," (by Mary Louise Bringle and Benjamin Brody) which was both funded by and requested by our sponsors to bridge the realms of faith and science within worship. Joining the discussion is Megan Mash, Director of Worship and Music at Will's church, who elucidates the hymn's creation process and its thematic resonance. This episode encapsulates the essence of the series, emphasizing the harmonious intersection of faith and scientific inquiry while inviting listeners to continue exploring these vital conversations.
The final episode of the inaugural season of "Your Matter Matters" serves as a contemplative and retrospective examination of the thematic journey undertaken by the hosts, Pastor Will Rose and Pastor Thomas Johnston. In this episode, the duo engages in a profound reflection on the enlightening conversations they have had throughout the season, addressing the interplay between faith and science. They highlight pivotal discussions on topics such as evolution, cosmology, artificial intelligence, and the existential questions surrounding pain and suffering, all while demonstrating the significance of maintaining a dialogue that embraces both realms rather than establishing a dichotomy.
The conversation is enriched further by the introduction of a new hymn, "From Wonders to Wonders," which embodies the season's essence of intertwining faith and science through worship. This hymn, commissioned by the podcast's sponsors, reflects the thoughtful integration of scientific understanding within the realm of spiritual expression. Megan Mash, the Worship Director at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, joins the hosts to reveal the creative process behind the hymn and its intended message, emphasizing the capacity of music to shape faith and inspire awe. The episode concludes with the hymn itself, encapsulating the season's journey as both a celebration and a call to continued exploration of the mysteries that bind faith and science together.
Takeaways:
- In this final episode of season one, we reflect on our journey through faith and science, emphasizing the importance of embracing both rather than choosing one over the other.
- The newly commissioned hymn, "From Wonders to Wonders," (by Mary Louise Bringle and Benjamin Brody) embodies the integration of faith and science, showcasing how worship can evolve with contemporary understandings.
- Our conversation with guest Megan Mash highlights the significance of hymnody in deepening faith and fostering communal exploration of complex questions.
- Throughout the season, we have encountered enlightening discussions that challenge our perspectives and invite us to remain curious about the interplay between science and theology.
- As we conclude, we remind our listeners that their matter matters, encouraging them to carry forward the dialogue between faith and science in their communities.
- The hymn serves as a culmination of our explorations, encapsulating the essence of wonder and wisdom that characterizes our quest for understanding in both faith and science.
.
Your Matter Matters is sponsored by the Virginia Casey and Michael Peeler Fund of the North Carolina Synod and the Lutheran Alliance for Faith, Science and Technology https://www.luthscitech.org/ in association with the Anazao Podcast Network.
.
Check out merch for this podcast and discover other podcasts on the Anazao Podcast Network on our website:
https://anazao-podcasts-shop.fourthwall.com/
.
Check out Joshua K Smith's book, "Robot Theology: Old Questions through New Media":
https://a.co/d/hIgKQpM
.
Be sure to look into Andrew Root's book, "Exploding Stars, Dead Dinosaurs, and Zombies":
https://a.co/d/4iqYhbw
.
Read "Love and Quasars" by Paul Wallace:
https://a.co/d/gKVzARB
.
Check out Paul Wallace's other book, "Stars Beneath Us: Finding God in the Evolving Cosmos":
https://a.co/d/3opMHck
.
Read "Would You Baptize an Extraterrestrial?" by Guy Consolmagno SJ and Paul Mueller:
https://a.co/d/bVOEOkr
.
Check out the Wonderology podcast:
https://wonderologyshow.com/episodes/
.
Check out BioLogos:
https://biologos.org/about-us#our-history
.
Lutheran Alliance for Faith, Science and Technology
https://www.luthscitech.org/
.
North Carolina ELCA Synod
https://nclutheran.org/
.
Science for the Church
https://scienceforthechurch.org/
.
The artwork for this podcast was created by Taylor Thomas.
The music from this podcast is courtesy of Dan Koch.
This show is edited and produced by Joshua Noel.