 Technology is forming us. Our longing for relationship makes our devices seem especially alluring, but do they give us what we long for? Moreover, who is technology inspiring us to become? Felicia Wu Song, professor at Westmont University, joins us to talk about these very questions.  This episode is the last episode in our 5 part series on character and virtue. 

Episode 266 | The Devices That Form Us: Felicia Wu Song

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In this episode, Gabe discuss people’s perceptions of God with Dr. Kathryn Johnson, an associate research professor in the Department of Psychology at Arizona State University.  Dr. Johnson has developed a scale for measuring how people think about God, based on the theory that people generally view God as either authoritarian or benevolent.  Listen in as they discuss how these perceptions direct people’s values, beliefs, and behaviors. Plus, hear how non-human agents, like diseases, artificial intelligence, and demons, also play into people’s perceptions and how they interface with God.  Resources:  Exorcisms & Demonology - Adam Blai  Spiritual Warfare Q&A; – Adam Blai and Gabe Lyons Confronting Demons – Fr. Carlos Martins Demons and Exorcisms Q&A; – Fr. Carlos Martins and Ryan Bethea Create a free THINQ Account to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at thinqmedia.com. 

Social Perceptions of God Across Different Religious and Cultural Worldviews: Dr. Kathryn Johnson | Episode 275

In this episode, Gabe speaks with Dr. Ian Hutchinson, Professor of Nuclear Science and Engineering at MIT, about his research in the field of fusion energy and how it relates to his faith in God. As a plasma physicist, Dr. Hutchinson describes the marvels in the universe created by God he’s witnessed through his work.  Dr. Hutchinson dispels several cultural myths that science is somehow at odds with the Christian faith. From his own research and that of several famous scientists throughout history, such as Galileo and Isaac Newton, Dr. Hutchinson shows us there is in fact a deep consonance between science and Christianity.  Tune in to find out how he encourages parents to cultivate environments for children where science and faith are compatible.  Resources:  Dr. Hutchinson’s Book: Can a Scientist Believe in Miracles?: An MIT Professor Answers Questions on God and Science Create a free THINQ Account to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at thinqmedia.com. 

Can a Scientist Believe in Miracles? | Dr. Ian Hutchinson | Episode 274

Do you remember your very first image or concept of God? Your first thoughts about death and the afterlife?  In this episode, Gabe talks to Dr. Melanie Nyhof, a developmental psychologist at Carthage College who conducts cross-cultural developmental research examining the development of religious and cultural concepts.  Gabe and Melanie specifically discuss her research of children’s cognitive development related to how they view God and the afterlife. She explains that in addition to different religious and cultural practices, various other sources can influence a child’s first interpretations and understanding of God, such as TV shows, movies, and even cartoon-like drawings of God in children’s bibles.  Tune in to learn what advice Melanie offers to parents as they help their children cultivate an understanding of and belief in God.  Resources:  Create a free THINQ Account to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at thinqmedia.com. 

How Children View God and the Afterlife: Dr. Melanie Nyhof | Episode 273

“...in no way could [the theory of evolution] replace, much less undermine, morality,” says Dr. David Lahti, Assistant Professor of Biology at Queens College, City University of New York.  In this episode, Gabe has a fascinating conversation with David, covering everything from the learned behaviors of birds and what makes birds happy to why young people are leaving the church. They dive into the age-old nature-nurture debate and discuss why scientism cannot explain away morality.  Tune in to hear more about Dr. Lahti’s research and the complexities he’s found at the intersection of idealism, scientism, and cultural relativism.  Resources:  Create a free THINQ Account to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at thinqmedia.com. Lahti Lab Veery Bird Song 

Contributions Science Can and Cannot Make in Understanding Morality | Dr. David Lahti, Episode 272

In this episode, Gabe interviews Dr. Rosalind Picard, a renowned scientist, inventor, engineer, and member of the faculty of MIT's Media Lab.  Rosalind helps us define and understand affective computing and what role empathy, emotion, and human connection have in relation to A.I. and other technologies. They talk about the relational and ethical tensions in building technologies that people come to rely on. Rosalind also shares a powerful example of how wearable technologies can save lives.   Listen in as Gabe and Rosalind ask the tough questions around affective computing and discern whether or not we’re becoming more or less human with the help of these technologies.  Resources:  Create a free THINQ Account to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at thinqmedia.com.  Rosalind’s Ted Talk: An AI Smartwatch that Detects Seizures MIT's Media Lab Affective Computing Research Group MIT's MindHandHeart Initiative Center for Neurobiological Engineering 

Episode 266 | The Devices That Form Us: Felicia Wu Song

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