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189. Ancient Humans | Becoming spiritual (Neolithic)
From the earliest bipedal ancestors to the dawn of spiritual awareness, we delve into the archaeological, anthropological, and theological questions surrounding our shared past. Join us over two episodes as we uncover the blurred lines between ancient hominins and modern humans, and ponder the moments that shaped our anatomy, behavior, and spirit. Building on our journey through the Paleolithic, this second episode explores the profound spiritual developments that occurred as Homo sapiens became the sole surviving species in our genus. We seek to understand the emergence of uniquely human spiritual tendencies and our ongoing relationship with the Divine with some stops at ancient sites in Orkney, Scotland and the American Southwest, to examine the rise of symbolic thought, the earliest cave paintings, and the beginnings of agriculture in the Neolithic period. These sacred landscapes offer tangible glimpses into the spiritual lives of our ancient ancestors. Theme song and credits music by Breakmaster Cylinder. Other music in this episode by Berry Deep, Babel, Vesper Tapes, Immersive Music, Oakvale of Albion & Harpo Marks, courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc.
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188. Ancient Humans | Becoming Ourselves (Paleolithic)
From the earliest bipedal ancestors to the dawn of spiritual awareness, we delve into the archaeological, anthropological, and theological questions surrounding our shared past. Join us over two episodes as we uncover the blurred lines between ancient hominins and modern humans, and ponder the moments that shaped our anatomy, behavior, and spirit. n this first episode, we trace the incredible evolution of our ancient ancestors through the Paleolithic era. We explore how archaeologists piece together the puzzles of the deep past, discovering the fascinating story of hominins learning to walk upright, growing bigger brains, mastering tools and fire, and developing complex social behaviors. A significant part of this journey involves understanding the complex story of Neanderthals—who they were, what they did, and their eventual intermingling with Homo sapiens. We examine the archaeological evidence that reveals how our physical and behavioral traits developed, setting the stage for the emergence of modern humans. Theme song and credits music by Breakmaster Cylinder. Other music in this episode by Northern Points, Babel, Nick Petrov, Jonathan Boyle, Big Score Audio and High Street Music, courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc.
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187. Francis Collins & Kristine Torjesen | Science is Good
Francis Collins, founder of BioLogos, and Kristine Torjesen, the new President and CEO, are deeply invested in the power of science to do good in the world. Yet, they observe with concern a growing distrust in science within our technologically advanced society. In this conversation, they share profound personal stories of how scientific breakthroughs have brought healing and hope, illustrating how science, when guided by wisdom and compassion, can be a powerful force for human flourishing. They discuss BioLogos's new "Science is Good" initiative, exploring how biblical virtues from Matthew 25 can inform and inspire a gracious and compassionate pursuit of scientific knowledge, ultimately showing the beautiful compatibility of faith and science. Read our Open Letter to People of Faith about Science
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134. Mónica Guzmán | The Gift of Curiosity
In a world of increasing division, Monica Guzman offers advice for approaching conversation with curiosity. When we attempt to understand those who we disagree with, instead of merely attempting to change their beliefs, we are able to see people more fully and to even learn more about our own beliefs and ideas. Learn more about Monica and her book, I Never Thought About it That Way at her website. Theme song and credits music by Breakmaster Cylinder. Other music in this episode by Titan Sound, courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc. This episode originally aired on January 26, 2023.
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186. Alan Lightman | Falling into Infinity
Alan Lightman is a theoretical physicist and has always seen the world as a place governed by unbreakable laws. But those laws never did a very good job explaining some of the most important moments of his life, moments when he felt a profound connection to the world. A journey to understand some of those transcendent moments has opened his appreciation to multiple ways of knowing and being in the world. In this conversation he tells some of the stories of the moments that led him on this journey, and discusses the nature of consciousness, the moral responsibility of computers, and models a posture of curiosity and graciousness in conversation. Theme song and credits music by Breakmaster Cylinder. Other music in this episode by Youth Faire and Magnetize Music, courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc.
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