Why is “fun” something we should be paying attention to, especially as Christian leaders? Annie F. Downs shares her perspective—and why this conversation matters—in this podcast interview with Q Ideas president Gabe Lyons. This conversation is part of our new Q Ideas Book Tour, where each month we go deeper with your favorite authors—and maybe some you haven’t even heard of yet—for bonus content + extended conversations centered around their latest work. Learn more at qideas.org/booktour.

Episode 181 | Why Fun Matters: Annie F. Downs

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Do you believe science has its roots in Christian thought?  In this episode, Gabe talks with Dr. Denis Alexander, Emeritus Director of The Faraday Institute for Science and Religion and Emeritus Fellow of St Edmund's College, Cambridge.  They discuss what science can and can’t tell us. They also discuss Dr. Alexander’s books, including his latest, Coming to Faith Through Dawkins, which is a compilation of the faith journeys of 12 men and women from different backgrounds who all reached the same conclusion: that Christianity is more intellectually undeniable than New Atheism.  Listen in as they highlight a few of these stories and how Christian theology dispels even the strongest arguments New Atheism makes. Resources:   Coming to Faith Through Dawkins  Is There Purpose in Biology?: The Cost of Existence and the God of Love Create a free THINQ Account to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at thinqmedia.com. 

Finding Faith Through Atheism: Dr. Denis Alexander | Episode 278

Since Biblical times, God has used dreams to talk to people.  In this episode, Gabe interviews Connie Svob, Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychology (in Psychiatry) at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and the Whitaker Scholar in Developmental Neuropsychiatry. They discuss the significance of dreams and memories and how they intersect our faith and mental health. Connie shares from her research and makes the distinction between nightmares, existential and transcendent dreams. She also describes her work to bridge autobiographical memory, religious beliefs and mental health. Listen in as Connie reveals how dreams can help us make sense of the world around us. Resources:   Learn about LifePlan Create a free THINQ Account to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at  thinqmedia.com. 

The Intersection of Dreams, Memories and Faith: Dr. Connie Svob | Episode 277

Is there intelligent life outside of earth?  In this episode, Gabe poses this question and many others to Dr. Luke Barnes, a theoretical astrophysicist, cosmologist and postdoctoral researcher at Western Sydney University. Dr. Barnes is a Christian whose faith inspires him in his work to explore God’s unique creation and look for patterns and reasons behind what’s happening in the universe as a whole.  Tune in as they talk about stars, planets, galaxies, and supercomputer simulations that reveal what would happen if even one particle or force is changed in the universe.  Resources:   A Fortunate Universe: Life in a Finely Tuned Cosmos  Closer to Truth episodes Create a free THINQ Account to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at thinqmedia.com. 

A Finely Tuned Universe: Dr. Luke Barnes | Episode 276

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. 

Episode 181 | Why Fun Matters: Annie F. Downs

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