5-10-26 - The Advocate Within

7-5-26 - Made for Emotion

These are the readings for the Sixth Sunday after Pentecost; Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67 and Psalm 45:10-17 or Song of Solomon 2:8-13, or Zechariah 9:9-12 and Psalm 145:8-14, with Romans 7:15-25a, and Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30.  This week the texts take us through the full range of human emotion — from Isaac's joy and grief, to Paul's inner battle, to Jesus' invitation to lay down our burdens and rest. What does science have to say about all of this? We explore the fascinating and controversial story of Koko the gorilla and the groundbreaking research of Frans de Waal, whose work with primates suggests that empathy and emotional life are woven into creation far more deeply than we ever imagined. If emotions are by design, what does that mean for how we show up — for God, for each other, and for the church? . Let me know what you think of it. Remember to answer this week's question: How are we going to unite people instead of divide people, and how are we going to handle that emotionally well? #FaithandSciPod [https://twitter.com/hashtag/faithandscipodcast?src=hashtag_click] If you're wanting to hear other podcasts on these texts check out:   7-9-23 - Falling Short Can ”Tilt” Things [https://thefaithandsciencepodcast.podbean.com/e/7-9-23-falling-short-can-tilt-things/] 7-5-20 - The Balance of Action and Patience in Faith [https://thefaithandsciencepodcast.podbean.com/e/7-5-20-the-balance-of-action-and-patience-in-faith/] I look forward to all of your feedback, Tyler Bublitz Music used in the podcast: March On by Silent Partner Porches and Universes by Puddle of Infinity Social Media: X: @FaithandSciPod [https://x.com/faithandscipod] Facebook Group: Faith and Science Podcast Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/1112862982859854] Facebook Company Page: The Faith and Science Podcast [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084933650990] LinkedIn: Faith and Science Podcast [https://www.linkedin.com/company/89939213] Email: thefaithandsciencepodcast@gmail.com [http://gmail.com/]  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FaithandSciPod [https://www.youtube.com/@FaithandSciPod] References: The Green Blades Preaching Roundtable (Weekly) or Green Blades Rising Publications (Monthly) reach out to ecofaith@nemnsynod.org [ecofaith@nemnsynod.org] and say which you would like to sign up for! - https://nemnsynod.org/ecofaith-network/  [https://nemnsynod.org/ecofaith-network/]   https://www.ecofaithnetwork.org/ [https://www.ecofaithnetwork.org/] Beyond the Argument: Where Science and Scripture Meet -  By Esong Ngidie Teddy [https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/4ffiebrcqwh6ijn3/ACFrOgDMW_Iq4awNdsHlgSQP_sra0QracKW03QS-FG8tuoBFWkn28QyffBw2TXiCaOT1TTl8q7BaAAjeAOnRovIZLkHyBvwa22FRl_umnRvdcelgsPODGqtdyb6nJ_dExItM4MMbwrhH6nYHoL2k5RFP_qXy-fpUa_KObxLrog_9atwd.pdf] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0378216688900185 [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0378216688900185] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frans_de_Waal [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frans_de_Waal] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KaCnbPROnjE [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KaCnbPROnjE] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPsSKKL8N0s [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPsSKKL8N0s] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4XNyP9RYdw [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4XNyP9RYdw] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/248451339_Pragmatic_analysis_of_gorilla_utterancesEarly_communicative_development_in_the_gorilla_Koko [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/248451339_Pragmatic_analysis_of_gorilla_utterancesEarly_communicative_development_in_the_gorilla_Koko] https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00437956.1990.11435816 [https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00437956.1990.11435816] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ajp.1350240304 [https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ajp.1350240304] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ajp.22930 [https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ajp.22930] https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF00302695 [https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF00302695] https://science.umd.edu/faculty/wilkinson/BIOL608W/deWaalAnnRevPsych2008.pdf [https://science.umd.edu/faculty/wilkinson/BIOL608W/deWaalAnnRevPsych2008.pdf] https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0055206 [https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0055206]

6-28-26 - What the Orchid Knows

These are the readings for the Fifth Sunday after Pentecost; Genesis 22:1-14 and Psalm 13, or Jeremiah 28:5-9 and Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18, with Romans 6:12-23, and Matthew 10:40-42.  This week we head underground and into the forest to explore mutualism — the stunning science of how plants, fungi, and bacteria are completely dependent on one another to survive. From nitrogen-fixing bacteria to the 15-year journey of Minnesota's Showy Lady Slipper, creation turns out to be full of living examples of radical trust. What does that have to do with Abraham on Mount Moriah, or a cup of cold water? More than you might think. Join us as we explore what nature can teach us about leaning into God's provision over our own understanding. Let me know what you think of it. Remember to answer this week's question: Are you leaning into God and trusting that God will provide? #FaithandSciPod [https://twitter.com/hashtag/faithandscipodcast?src=hashtag_click] If you're wanting to hear other podcasts on these texts check out:   7-2-23 - Connecting Together to Provide [https://thefaithandsciencepodcast.podbean.com/e/7-2-23-connecting-together-to-provide/] 6-28-20 - The Power of Welcoming Others In! [https://thefaithandsciencepodcast.podbean.com/e/6-28-20-the-power-of-welcoming-others-in/] I look forward to all of your feedback, Tyler Bublitz Music used in the podcast: March On by Silent Partner Porches and Universes by Puddle of Infinity Social Media: X: @FaithandSciPod [https://x.com/faithandscipod] Facebook Group: Faith and Science Podcast Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/1112862982859854] Facebook Company Page: The Faith and Science Podcast [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084933650990] LinkedIn: Faith and Science Podcast [https://www.linkedin.com/company/89939213] Email: thefaithandsciencepodcast@gmail.com [http://gmail.com/]  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FaithandSciPod [https://www.youtube.com/@FaithandSciPod] References: The Green Blades Preaching Roundtable (Weekly) or Green Blades Rising Publications (Monthly) reach out to ecofaith@nemnsynod.org [ecofaith@nemnsynod.org] and say which you would like to sign up for! - https://nemnsynod.org/ecofaith-network/  [https://nemnsynod.org/ecofaith-network/]   https://www.ecofaithnetwork.org/ [https://www.ecofaithnetwork.org/] Beyond the Argument: Where Science and Scripture Meet -  By Esong Ngidie Teddy [https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/4ffiebrcqwh6ijn3/ACFrOgDMW_Iq4awNdsHlgSQP_sra0QracKW03QS-FG8tuoBFWkn28QyffBw2TXiCaOT1TTl8q7BaAAjeAOnRovIZLkHyBvwa22FRl_umnRvdcelgsPODGqtdyb6nJ_dExItM4MMbwrhH6nYHoL2k5RFP_qXy-fpUa_KObxLrog_9atwd.pdf] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leHy-Y_8nRs [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leHy-Y_8nRs] https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/cypripedium_acaule.shtml [https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/cypripedium_acaule.shtml]

6-21-26 - Embracing the Uncomfortable: From Smallpox to AI

These are the readings for the Fourth Sunday after Pentecost; Genesis 21:8-21 and Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17, Jeremiah 20:7-13 and Psalm 69:7-10, (11-15), 16-18, with Romans 6:1b-11, and Matthew 10:24-39.  This week in the podcast, we explore themes of fear, rejection, and trust in God's presence even in uncomfortable or uncertain moments. Our science tie-in dives into the controversial 1721 Boston smallpox inoculation campaign led by Cotton Mather and Dr. Zabdiel Boylston, sparked by the knowledge of an enslaved African man named Onesimus, and the violent backlash they faced for embracing this early breakthrough. We draw a modern parallel to the fears surrounding AI, especially its growing role in medicine. Tune in for a reflection on how faith calls us to embrace change, stay open to new ideas, and trust that God remains with us through it all.  Let me know what you think of it. Remember to answer this week's question: Where do you need more reflection? #FaithandSciPod [https://twitter.com/hashtag/faithandscipodcast?src=hashtag_click] If you're wanting to hear other podcasts on these texts check out:   6-25-23 - Migrating Beyond our Borders! [https://thefaithandsciencepodcast.podbean.com/e/6-25-23-migrating-beyond-our-borders/] 6-21-20 - Persecution is Part of Our Christian Character [https://thefaithandsciencepodcast.podbean.com/e/6-21-20-persecution-is-part-of-our-christian-character/] I look forward to all of your feedback, Tyler Bublitz Music used in the podcast: March On by Silent Partner Porches and Universes by Puddle of Infinity Social Media: X: @FaithandSciPod [https://x.com/faithandscipod] Facebook Group: Faith and Science Podcast Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/1112862982859854] Facebook Company Page: The Faith and Science Podcast [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084933650990] LinkedIn: Faith and Science Podcast [https://www.linkedin.com/company/89939213] Email: thefaithandsciencepodcast@gmail.com [http://gmail.com/]  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FaithandSciPod [https://www.youtube.com/@FaithandSciPod] References: The Green Blades Preaching Roundtable (Weekly) or Green Blades Rising Publications (Monthly) reach out to ecofaith@nemnsynod.org [ecofaith@nemnsynod.org] and say which you would like to sign up for! - https://nemnsynod.org/ecofaith-network/  [https://nemnsynod.org/ecofaith-network/]   https://www.ecofaithnetwork.org/ [https://www.ecofaithnetwork.org/] Beyond the Argument: Where Science and Scripture Meet -  By Esong Ngidie Teddy [https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/4ffiebrcqwh6ijn3/ACFrOgDMW_Iq4awNdsHlgSQP_sra0QracKW03QS-FG8tuoBFWkn28QyffBw2TXiCaOT1TTl8q7BaAAjeAOnRovIZLkHyBvwa22FRl_umnRvdcelgsPODGqtdyb6nJ_dExItM4MMbwrhH6nYHoL2k5RFP_qXy-fpUa_KObxLrog_9atwd.pdf] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1721_Boston_smallpox_outbreak [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1721_Boston_smallpox_outbreak] https://www.massmoments.org/moment-details/dr-boylston-experiments-with-smallpox-inoculation.html [https://www.massmoments.org/moment-details/dr-boylston-experiments-with-smallpox-inoculation.html] https://historyofvaccines.org/blog/black-history-month-onesimus-spreads-wisdom-that-saves-lives-of-bostonians-during-a-smallpox-epidemic-2/ [https://historyofvaccines.org/blog/black-history-month-onesimus-spreads-wisdom-that-saves-lives-of-bostonians-during-a-smallpox-epidemic-2/] https://oldnorth.com/blog/bostons-smallpox-epidemic-18th-c-quarantine-and-inoculation/ [https://oldnorth.com/blog/bostons-smallpox-epidemic-18th-c-quarantine-and-inoculation/] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zabdiel_Boylston [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zabdiel_Boylston] https://www.masshist.org/object-of-the-month/objects/feb-2021 [https://www.masshist.org/object-of-the-month/objects/feb-2021] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8IPrAKtDe0 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8IPrAKtDe0]

6-14-26 - You Are More Equipped Than You Think

These are the readings for the Third Sunday after Pentecost; Genesis 18:1-15, (21:1-7) and Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19, or Exodus 19:2-8a and Psalm 100, with Romans 5:1-8, and Matthew 9:35-10:8, (9-23).  "What if the key to understanding how God equips us was living inside your gut right now? This week we explore the fascinating world of the gut microbiome — the trillions of microorganisms that provision your body with vitamins, regulate your mood, and train your immune system, often without you even knowing it. Just as Abraham and Sarah, the people of Israel, and the disciples all discovered they were more equipped than they ever imagined, science is revealing that we are provisioned at a microscopic level far beyond what we could have designed ourselves. Join us as we dig into this week's lectionary texts and ask: how are you going to diversify your microbiome — and your faith?"  Let me know what you think of it. Remember to answer this week's question: How are you going to diversify your microbiome? #FaithandSciPod [https://twitter.com/hashtag/faithandscipodcast?src=hashtag_click] If you're wanting to hear other podcasts on these texts check out:   6-18-23 - Physically and Mentally Able to Do the Call [https://thefaithandsciencepodcast.podbean.com/e/6-18-23-physically-and-mentally-able-to-do-the-call/] 6-14-20 - Slowing down; the True way of ”Progress”! [https://thefaithandsciencepodcast.podbean.com/e/6-14-20-slowing-down-the-true-way-of-progress/] I look forward to all of your feedback, Tyler Bublitz Music used in the podcast: March On by Silent Partner Porches and Universes by Puddle of Infinity Social Media: X: @FaithandSciPod [https://x.com/faithandscipod] Facebook Group: Faith and Science Podcast Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/1112862982859854] Facebook Company Page: The Faith and Science Podcast [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084933650990] LinkedIn: Faith and Science Podcast [https://www.linkedin.com/company/89939213] Email: thefaithandsciencepodcast@gmail.com [http://gmail.com/]  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FaithandSciPod [https://www.youtube.com/@FaithandSciPod] References: The Green Blades Preaching Roundtable (Weekly) or Green Blades Rising Publications (Monthly) reach out to ecofaith@nemnsynod.org [ecofaith@nemnsynod.org] and say which you would like to sign up for! - https://nemnsynod.org/ecofaith-network/  [https://nemnsynod.org/ecofaith-network/]   https://www.ecofaithnetwork.org/ [https://www.ecofaithnetwork.org/] Beyond the Argument: Where Science and Scripture Meet -  By Esong Ngidie Teddy [https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/4ffiebrcqwh6ijn3/ACFrOgDMW_Iq4awNdsHlgSQP_sra0QracKW03QS-FG8tuoBFWkn28QyffBw2TXiCaOT1TTl8q7BaAAjeAOnRovIZLkHyBvwa22FRl_umnRvdcelgsPODGqtdyb6nJ_dExItM4MMbwrhH6nYHoL2k5RFP_qXy-fpUa_KObxLrog_9atwd.pdf] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzPD009qTN4 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzPD009qTN4] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JaXMGFShqDE [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JaXMGFShqDE] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9RruLkAUm8 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9RruLkAUm8] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sISguPDlhY [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sISguPDlhY] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ybk7E7SLbWw [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ybk7E7SLbWw] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-Ln9NNj2KY [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-Ln9NNj2KY] https://www.ccjm.org/content/92/7/421 [https://www.ccjm.org/content/92/7/421] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/fsn3.3826 [https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/fsn3.3826] https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/13/3/886 [https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/13/3/886] https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(15)00248-2?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS0092867415002482%3Fshowall%3Dtrue [https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(15)00248-2?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS0092867415002482%3Fshowall%3Dtrue] https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/msystems.00929-24 [https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/msystems.00929-24] https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/genetics/articles/10.3389/fgene.2015.00148/full [https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/genetics/articles/10.3389/fgene.2015.00148/full] https://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article?id=10.1371/journal.pbio.1002533 [https://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article?id=10.1371/journal.pbio.1002533]

6-7-26 - Wired for Trust

These are the readings for the Second Sunday after Pentecost; Genesis 12:1-9 and Psalm 33:1-12, Hosea 5:15-6:6 and Psalm 50:7-15, Romans 4:13-25, and Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26.  What if trust isn't just a spiritual virtue — but something written into your biology? This week we dig into the common thread of faith and trust that runs through Abraham's radical journey, Hosea's call to return, Paul's letter to the Romans, and Jesus's healings in Matthew. We explore the neuroscience of oxytocin — the "moral molecule" — and what it reveals about why vulnerability, empathy, and trust are central to both human flourishing and the life of faith. Your faith has made you well — and science might just help explain why. Let me know what you think of it. Remember to answer this week's question: When was the last time you really let oxytocin take hold? #FaithandSciPod [https://twitter.com/hashtag/faithandscipodcast?src=hashtag_click] If you're wanting to hear other podcasts on these texts check out:   6-11-23 -The Hard Truth of Faith and Trust [https://thefaithandsciencepodcast.podbean.com/e/6-11-23-the-hard-truth-of-faith-and-trust/] I look forward to all of your feedback, Tyler Bublitz Music used in the podcast: March On by Silent Partner Porches and Universes by Puddle of Infinity Social Media: X: @FaithandSciPod [https://x.com/faithandscipod] Facebook Group: Faith and Science Podcast Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/1112862982859854] Facebook Company Page: The Faith and Science Podcast [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084933650990] LinkedIn: Faith and Science Podcast [https://www.linkedin.com/company/89939213] Email: thefaithandsciencepodcast@gmail.com [http://gmail.com/]  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FaithandSciPod [https://www.youtube.com/@FaithandSciPod] References: The Green Blades Preaching Roundtable (Weekly) or Green Blades Rising Publications (Monthly) reach out to ecofaith@nemnsynod.org [ecofaith@nemnsynod.org] and say which you would like to sign up for! - https://nemnsynod.org/ecofaith-network/  [https://nemnsynod.org/ecofaith-network/]   https://www.ecofaithnetwork.org/ [https://www.ecofaithnetwork.org/] Beyond the Argument: Where Science and Scripture Meet -  By Esong Ngidie Teddy [https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/4ffiebrcqwh6ijn3/ACFrOgDMW_Iq4awNdsHlgSQP_sra0QracKW03QS-FG8tuoBFWkn28QyffBw2TXiCaOT1TTl8q7BaAAjeAOnRovIZLkHyBvwa22FRl_umnRvdcelgsPODGqtdyb6nJ_dExItM4MMbwrhH6nYHoL2k5RFP_qXy-fpUa_KObxLrog_9atwd.pdf] https://www.ted.com/talks/paul_zak_trust_morality_and_oxytocin [https://www.ted.com/talks/paul_zak_trust_morality_and_oxytocin] https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/fact-or-fiction-oxytocin-is-the-love-hormone/ [https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/fact-or-fiction-oxytocin-is-the-love-hormone/] https://www.generationnext.com.au/2016/04/neuroscience-hard-science-oxytocin/?srsltid=AfmBOorRLjcXZnI2LmoaYPbM5WTV2PTVDzb3DjvpYrlWhhVSaw-k8l-k [https://www.generationnext.com.au/2016/04/neuroscience-hard-science-oxytocin/?srsltid=AfmBOorRLjcXZnI2LmoaYPbM5WTV2PTVDzb3DjvpYrlWhhVSaw-k8l-k] https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1189047 [https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1189047] https://www.apa.org/monitor/2011/03/oxytocin [https://www.apa.org/monitor/2011/03/oxytocin] https://www.nature.com/articles/522410a [https://www.nature.com/articles/522410a] https://www.ted.com/pages/criticism-updates-paul-zak [https://www.ted.com/pages/criticism-updates-paul-zak] https://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/las-vegas-shooting/las-vegas-police-investigating-shooting-mandalay-bay-n806461 [https://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/las-vegas-shooting/las-vegas-police-investigating-shooting-mandalay-bay-n806461]