For most of human history, religion guided people’s choices about health and food. Then with the rise of modern nutritional science in the 19th century, people began to favor scientific advice over religious ideas about how to eat. But lately, a new generation of Christian diet influencers are putting the God back in nutritional guidance, sometimes at the expense of science altogether. And this messaging might not be creating healthier or holier people. We'll talk to New York Times writer Jessica Grose and historian Catherine Newell about the long, complex history of food, faith, and morality. And we’ll ask - can we reconnect faith and health in America in positive ways that are informed by tradition and history, but also true to science?Jessica Grose has written books on motherhood, marriage and countless articles. More information about her work can be found on her website jessicagrose.com.Catherine Newell is a professor and the Associate Dean for Pre-Health Professions at the University of Miami. She is the author of the books entitled Food Faiths: Diet, Religion, and the Science of Spiritual Eating & Destined for the Stars: Faith, the Future, and America’s Final Frontier.
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Becoming Wise
We often think of wisdom as something that comes with age, or as a gift reserved for a chosen few. But what if wisdom is more like a muscle… one that becomes stronger with practice?On this episode, we’re exploring the true meaning of wisdom. We’ll talk to psychologist Igor Grossmann and Jesuit priest Barton Geger about how science and spirituality have come to many of the same conclusions about what wisdom looks like in practice and what we can all do to train our hearts and minds to see more clearly and make choices that align with our values.Professor Igor Grossmann directs the Wisdom and Culture Lab at the University of Waterloo. Learn more about his work at his website. Father Barton Geger is an Associate Professor of the Practice at Boston College’s School of Theology and Ministry. Learn more about his work here and here.
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Seeking the Spiritual Life
If you want to grow spiritually, should you go to a monastery and withdraw from the world, or look for greater meaning, connection, and purpose in the loud messiness of life? In other words, do you heal the world by working in it or praying for it? Philosophers and spiritual thinkers have debated it for centuries, but perhaps finding the right balance is the answer. On this episode of How God Works, we’ll talk with journalist Sigal Samuel, about the centuries old debate over the spiritual life and how best to pursue it - through contemplation or activity. We’ll also talk with Father Greg Boyle, a Jesuit priest and founder of the world's largest gang intervention, rehabilitation and prison reentry programs about how he finds a balance between an inner- and outer-focused life. Sigal Samuel is a Senior Reporter at Vox and Co-Host of Vox’s Future Perfect podcast, she also writes the advice column Your Mileage May Vary, which offers a framework for thinking through your ethical dilemmas and philosophical questions. Feel free to send Sigal your questions! And to learn more about her other work, check out her website.Father Greg Boyle is a Jesuit priest and the founder of Homeboy Industries. Learn about their work here.
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The Friendship Cure
We say friends are what make life worth living. But if that’s true, why are so many of us struggling to find and keep them these days? And what can we do to cultivate better friendships?Join us as we talk to psychiatrist Robert Waldinger about the importance of friendship to our health and happiness, and to philosopher Samuel Kimbriel about the keys to forming meaningful friendships and the helpful advice spiritual traditions offer. Along the way, we’ll also ask what it means to be a good friend… and what that means for society as a whole. Robert Waldinger is Director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development and co-author, with Marc Schulz, of The Good Life: Lessons from the World’s Longest Scientific Study of Happiness. Learn more about his work at his website, and about his practice as a Zen priest with the Henry David Thoreau Sangha here. Samuel Kimbriel is Founding Director of the Aspen Institute’s Philosophy & Society Initiative and author of the book Friendship as Sacred Knowing: Overcoming Isolation. He is also Editor-at-Large at Wisdom of Crowds.
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Season 9 Trailer
Join us for Season 9 of How God Works, starting next week!
About How God Works: The Science Behind Spirituality
While religion and science often seem at odds, there’s one thing they can agree on: people who take part in spiritual practices tend to live longer, healthier, and happier lives. The big question is: Why? In How God Works, professor Dave DeSteno takes us on a journey to find out how spirituality impacts our minds and bodies, as well as the world in which we live.He speaks to leading scientists and philosophers, religious thinkers, and thought leaders to explore what we can learn from the world’s faith traditions to help us meet some of life’s biggest challenges. Along the way, he’ll look at how we can adapt and use spiritual practices in our own lives, whatever our beliefs, including none at all.It’s by working across the boundaries that usually divide us – science versus religion, one faith versus another – that we’ll find new ways to make life better for everyone.
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