Science and Spirituality Institute

05/26/2026

Many Americans today feel that something has gone profoundly wrong in our common life. We live in a season marked by polarization, anxiety, loneliness, and distrust.

But what if this moment is more than a political or cultural crisis?

Drawing on the Christian mystics Teresa of Ávila and John of the Cross, I explore whether America may also be experiencing a deeper spiritual dark night: a painful but potentially transformative season that could teach us how to love one another again.

I still believe there is hope.

Read the full reflection here:
https://open.substack.com/pub/scienceandspiritualityblog/p/hope-for-americas-dark-night-of-the?r=5gkv9f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web

05/12/2026

What happens when a film tries to explain everything?

In Episode 2.5 of the Science and Spirituality for the Curious podcast, we take a thoughtful look at the new film The Story of Everything—and the conversation is anything but simple.

Our panel explores:
✨ moments of wonder and awe
❓ questions the film raises
⚖️ strengths and weaknesses
🤔 whether we would recommend it at all

What emerges is not a single conclusion—but a meaningful conversation.

Because at the intersection of science and spirituality, the goal isn’t just answers…it’s learning how to think well about big questions.

🎧 Listen now:
https://scienceandspirituality.org/podcast/ or wherever you get your podcasts

05/09/2026

05/03/2026

What does it mean to have an authentic spirituality? It’s a question I’ve been thinking about for some time. Read my recent reflection here: https://scienceandspiritualityblog.substack.com

For me, spirituality isn’t just about occasional experiences.
It’s a dimension of our humanity—one that helps us engage more deeply with the whole of life.

I’d love to hear from you:

👉 What does “authentic spirituality” mean to you?

04/26/2026

What can Indigenous traditions teach us about how to live?

In this episode of "Science and Spirituality for the Curious," I invite you into a thoughtful conversation with John Grim, a historian of religions whose life has been deeply shaped by Indigenous traditions.

John shares personal experiences—from being adopted by the Crow people in Montana to participating in their Sun Dance ceremonies—and reflects on the wisdom he has received along the way.

Together, we explore what it might mean to live with deeper awareness, humility, and connection in our own lives.

If you’ve ever sensed there is more to learn about being human, this conversation is for you.

🎧 Episode 2.4: What Indigenous Traditions Can Teach Other Spiritualities
Listen here: https://scienceandspirituality.org/podcast/

04/13/2026

What does it really mean to have “dominion” over the Earth?

For many, this word has come to imply control—even domination. But what if the original meaning points us in a very different direction—toward responsibility, care, and a deeper relationship with the living world?

In this new reflection, I revisit Genesis 1:26 and ask “What does it mean to be created in the image of God?”

Along the way, I explore a simple but powerful shift: seeing the natural world not as object, but as icon—a window into the Divine.

🌿 If you’re drawn to the intersection of science, spirituality, and our relationship with the Earth, I invite you to read my reflection:

https://open.substack.com/pub/scienceandspiritualityblog/p/the-most-misunderstood-bible-verse?r=5gkv9f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

04/06/2026

Can science explain the resurrection?

Not exactly.

But it might help us see that reality is broader than we assume…
—and that faith in the resurrection is not irrational, but reasonable.

In my latest podcast + Substack reflection, I explore this question with physicist-theologian Robert Russell.

🎧 Listen here: [Insert Podcast Link]
📖 Read here: [Insert Substack Link]

I’m curious—how do you think about the resurrection?

03/23/2026

I’ve just published a new Substack reflection:
“Prospects for a Cosmic Christianity.”

It grows out of my recent podcast interview with Brian Swimme.

I found myself sitting with a question:

What might Christianity look like
if we take seriously what science is revealing about the universe?

Not abandoning scripture or tradition—
but widening the lens.

If you’re drawn to the intersection of science, faith, and the deeper story of the cosmos, I’d be grateful for you to take a look:

https://scienceandspiritualityblog.substack.com

As always, I welcome your reflections—especially if something resonates… or even if it doesn't.

03/09/2026

What if the story of Christ is written into the story of the universe?

In this conversation with evolutionary philosopher Brian Swimme, we explore the idea of Cosmic Christianity — a way of seeing the sacred unfolding through stars, galaxies, Earth, and human consciousness itself.

The universe may not just be the setting for spirituality.
It may be the very place where the divine is becoming visible.

🌌 What if the cosmos itself is a sacred story?

Listen to the full episode with Brian Swimme. Listen here: https://linktr.ee/science.spirituality.institute

02/12/2025

I will be speaking at the American Assoc. for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) meeting. Our session, "Science Engagement with Faith Perspectives in Informal Science Learning," is Friday, 2:30-3:30, in Hynes, Room 201. If you are attending, I hope you will attend. Also, if you're attending, I'd love to meet you.