Matthew joins me again to discuss artificial intelligence, ancient constructs of aid, panpsychism, science and the humanities, and formation of religious texts.
Mentioned:
Category: Podcast
Thinking Religion 170: Why Science Class Never Felt Right 🪐
Here’s episode 2 (of 8) of Rooted in Mystery: A Season of Thinking Religion Rewilded…
A physics teacher’s confession and the call of a wilder truth.
For nearly two decades, I taught high school science — physics, environmental science, and life science — and believed I was helping students understand how the world works. But something never quite fit. In this episode, I open up about the quiet tension I carried in those classrooms: the gap between what I taught and what I knew in my bones — that the world is more than parts and particles. This story is about the limits of reductionism, the pull of mystery, and the day I stopped mistaking control for understanding. We’ll explore Alfred North Whitehead’s “Nature Alive,” embodied learning, and the freedom from letting the cosmos be alive again. If you’ve ever felt disillusioned with modern science’s flat explanations or if you’ve longed for something wilder and more sacred, this episode is for you.
I’ve been asked if I would share this on Facebook or Instagram, but I don’t use either. However, if you’d like to share there, feel free.
Thinking Religion 169: The Theology of Trees
Here’s the new episode of the next season of my Thinking Religion podcast. This season is titled Rooted in Mystery: The Rewilding of Thinking Religion.
It’s a short episode, and this season will have a few longer episodes as I unpack some of the ideas I’ve been working on in the braids that combine theology, ecology, intentionality, faith, family, and life.
But let’s start with this one and this question… What would change if you believed the world was watching you with love?
Thinking Religion 168: Tribalism and Identity with Matthew Klippenstein
Listen Here!
Episode Summary
In this episode of “Thinking Religion,” Sam is joined by Matthew Klippenstein to discuss a wide range of topics, including cultural differences, the development of early Christianities, political dynamics in the USA and Canada, and the philosophical and historical context of monotheism.
Topics Discussed
- Cultural Differences and Regional Dialects:
- Sam and Matthew explore regional cultural differences within the United States, particularly focusing on dialects and food traditions.
- The significance of regional barbecue styles in South Carolina.
- Comparison to regional differences in Japan, such as variations in soy sauce.
- Early Christianities and Monotheism:
- Discussion on the origins and development of monotheism in ancient Israel and the influence of early Desert Fathers and Mothers.
- The role of Josiah’s reforms and the discovery of Deuteronomy in shaping Jewish religious practices.
- Influence of Platonic philosophy on early Christian thought and the transition from henotheism to monotheism.
- Political Dynamics in the USA and Canada:
- Current political climate in the USA, including the pressures within the Democratic Party for President Biden to step down (Politico).
- The complexities of the two-party system in the US and the potential for future changes.
- Comparison with Canadian politics and the challenges of maintaining political coalitions over long periods.
- Philosophical and Sociological Reflections:
- The concept of tribalism in modern politics and social media’s impact on political identities.
- Dunbar’s number and its implications for social networks and community sizes.
- Reflections on the interconnectedness of humanity and the natural world.
Relevant Links
- Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance
- The Desert Fathers: Sayings of the Early Christian Monks
- History of Monotheism in Ancient Israel
- Platonic Philosophy and Early Christianity
- Political News on Biden’s Campaign (POLITICO)
- Dunbar’s Number Explained
Contact Information
Listener Q&A
- Have questions or comments about this episode? Leave them in the comments section or reach out to Sam and Matthew directly through their social media profiles.
Podcast: Zane’s Ice Dragon
It’s Monday, and we’re not together in class (weird), but we’ll fix that tomorrow on Optimistic Day. Get some rest, take your vitamins, and drink water… big week ahead! Here’s what is happening in Life Science, Environmental Science, and AP Physics!
Podcast: Friday the 13 is Coming!
Here’s what is in store for our Life Science, Environmental Science, and AP Physics classes this week at Wilson Hall! See https://harrelsonscience.com for more.
Podcast: Thinking About the New School Year
More shortly! I just wanted to dust off the podcast. Subscribe here or via your podcast player of choice if you’d like (just search for my name).
My new favorite podcast
How did I not know about this earlier?? Very excited to binge on Thin Edge of the Wedge this summer!
Apple’s Podcasters Program Agreement
Have to say it again… host it on your own. Don’t rely on Spotify or Apple or Google to grow your podcasting audience or business. That path only leads to destruction.
I read through the “Apple Podcasters Program Agreement” and related documentation so you don’t have to. Here’s a thread of 11 things that caught my eye that I hadn’t seen mentioned anywhere else.
Source: The Future of Apple Podcasts
“A lot of things get caught at the end and we’re not paying enough attention.”
This was a fantastic conversation with Dave Maxfield last week on the Thinking podcast. I’m not a huge fan of “business” podcasts, so I intentionally try not to make them. But the last few conversation episodes, especially this one with Dave, have been applicable to all of life regardless of age, stage, or chosen profession.
Go have a listen: