Stay ConnectedTHINQ Media educates, equips and empowers Christian thought leaders to create conversations that lead to wisdom.
We do this through our new digital platform, a podcast network, and a series of regional and national events designed to convene leaders around topics that matter to Christians today. Listen to the THINQ Media Podcast to learn, explore and consider how you can be faithful in our cultural context.
Is there intelligent life outside of earth? In this episode, Gabe poses this question and many others to Dr. Luke Barnes, a theoretical astrophysicist, cosmologist and postdoctoral researcher at Western Sydney University. Dr. Barnes is a Christian whose faith inspires him in his work to explore God's unique creation and look for patterns and reasons behind what's happening in the universe as a whole. Tune in as they talk about stars, planets, galaxies, and supercomputer simulations that reveal what would happen if even one particle or force is changed in the universe. Resources:
In this episode, Gabe discuss people's perceptions of God with Dr. Kathryn Johnson, an associate research professor in the Department of Psychology at Arizona State University. Dr. Johnson has developed a scale for measuring how people think about God, based on the theory that people generally view God as either authoritarian or benevolent. Listen in as they discuss how these perceptions direct people's values, beliefs, and behaviors. Plus, hear how non-human agents, like diseases, artificial intelligence, and demons, also play into people's perceptions and how they interface with God. Resources:
In this episode, Gabe speaks with Dr. Ian Hutchinson, Professor of Nuclear Science and Engineering at MIT, about his research in the field of fusion energy and how it relates to his faith in God. As a plasma physicist, Dr. Hutchinson describes the marvels in the universe created by God he's witnessed through his work. Dr. Hutchinson dispels several cultural myths that science is somehow at odds with the Christian faith. From his own research and that of several famous scientists throughout history, such as Galileo and Isaac Newton, Dr. Hutchinson shows us there is in fact a deep consonance between science and Christianity. Tune in to find out how he encourages parents to cultivate environments for children where science and faith are compatible. Resources:
Do you remember your very first image or concept of God? Your first thoughts about death and the afterlife? In this episode, Gabe talks to Dr. Melanie Nyhof, a developmental psychologist at Carthage College who conducts cross-cultural developmental research examining the development of religious and cultural concepts. Gabe and Melanie specifically discuss her research of children's cognitive development related to how they view God and the afterlife. She explains that in addition to different religious and cultural practices, various other sources can influence a child's first interpretations and understanding of God, such as TV shows, movies, and even cartoon-like drawings of God in children's bibles. Tune in to learn what advice Melanie offers to parents as they help their children cultivate an understanding of and belief in God. Resources:
"...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:
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:
"…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:
"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:
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.
In this episode, Q Ideas president Gabe Lyons reflects on some of the most important moments at our events this year. As the year comes to a close, we've appreciated being able to go back, slow down, and think about some of this year's big ideas. While there are prevailing cultural narratives, as Christians we have a unique place to stand due to our access to eternal truth. May that truth sustain us as we head into the new year.
As our gift to you, watch any of these full talks in its entirety. Visit qideas.org/top10 to find them all.
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