Polarization is at the center of many of the national and local conversations we're having. What we lack in commonality feels like a hinderence. But what if our differences could come together in a confident pluralism? John Inazu, co-editor of Uncommon Ground, tackles some of these questions in today's first part of our 5 episode series on science and virtue. Subscribe for free to John's Substack to see his recent thoughts on pluralism in America: https://johninazu.substack.com/

Episode 261 | Why Pluralism Matters: John Inazu

THINQ Media (formerly Q Ideas) educates, equips and empowers Christian thought leaders to create conversations that lead to wisdom. 

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“...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 

How Artificial Intelligence Impacts Human Connection: Dr. Rosalind W. Picard | Episode 271

“…the Bible gives us a grounding for what it means for us to be human, but science can give us a bigger window into the mechanics of how we then apply that meaning on a day-to-day basis,” says psychiatrist and author Dr. Curt Thompson.  In this episode, Gabe continues our Science and Faith series with Curt, discussing how God has designed our brains to function and how much this design reveals the unique nature of every human being. Curt draws neurobiological correlations to the biblical narrative, specifically about our human need for relationship in order to flourish. He shares how our lack of relationship and community caused by our cell phone and social media usage is driving the mental health crisis.  Tune in to hear what Curt suggests we can do to simplify our lives and foster community, comfort and confidence in ourselves and our children.  Resources:   https://curtthompsonmd.com THINQ Talk: Mental Health Practices, Curt Thompson THINQ Talk: Q&A;: Mental Health + Suicide, Curt Thompson, Scott Sauls, Rebekah Lyons  NeuroFaith with Dr. Curt Thompson, a THINQ Media Podcast Create an account to access more trusted content on topics from all channels of culture at thinqmedia.com.  

What It Means To Be Human: Dr. Curt Thompson | Episode 270

“In the United States, we wait for people to bottom out,” says New York Times bestselling author and psychologist Lisa Miller. But she reminds us “we were built for this,” describing how God designed and equipped us with an awakened brain made of three circuits that we can access: We are guided. We are loved and held. And we are never alone.   THINQ Co-Founder, Gabe Lyons, kicks off our special Science and Faith Series with Lisa, discussing the compelling science and data behind our human capacity for spirituality and how our brains literally become more resilient and robust as we engage in our faith and relationships.  Tune in as Gabe and Lisa dig into how important this truth is for combatting suicide and mental health issues, specifically in our military and our children. You’ll learn ways to encourage and prioritize spiritual development and promote mental and physical health.  Resources:   The Awakened Brain: The New Science of Spirituality and Our Quest for an Inspired Life  The Spiritual Child: The New Science on Parenting for Health and Lifelong Thriving US Army TRADOC Leadership Professional Development Webinar:  Spirituality and Health with Dr. Lisa Miller  NeuroFaith with Dr. Curt Thompson, a THINQ Media Podcast Create an account to access more trusted content on topics from all channels of culture at thinqmedia.com.  

The Science of Spirituality: Lisa Miller | Episode 269

People seem to be waking up. Awake to God’s heart, to hope and to the possibilities that what we’ve read about in days of old could happen again. Asbury University represents a place where the veil became thin and we want to have a conversation about it and what it may mean for all of us. What God is doing in Asbury wasn’t meant to stay in Kentucky, it’s meant to permeate our families, our churches and our homes. Engage with a special edition podcast where Rebekah Lyons and Grant Skeldon discuss their inspiring and challenging experience visiting Asbury.

Episode 261 | Why Pluralism Matters: John Inazu

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