Language of God

Marilynne Robinson, Pulitzer Prize–winning novelist and essayist, offers a literary and theological reading of Genesis. She discusses genre, the creation and flood narratives, divine restraint, human freedom, and the limits of reductionist science. Short, thoughtful reflections on consciousness, fiction, and how Scripture and science shape meaning.

Elite ultra-runner Sabrina Little has logged national titles and set the American record for the greatest distance run in 24 hours. But for her, the real significance of running isn’t found in podium finishes or record books. It’s found in character. In this conversation, Sabrina reflects on how Christian faith deepens and reshapes the classical tradition of virtue and describes how faith, hope, and love transform the moral life from the inside out. Theme song and credits music by Breakmaster Cylinder. Other music in this episode by Titan Sound, courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc.

The second episode turns toward resilience—without pretending that the climate crisis is solved. At COP30, amid formal speeches and stalled negotiations, the episode highlights moments of disruption, protest, and lived wisdom, especially from Indigenous and local communities. Through stories of resilience, faith, lament, and embodied practices like confession and repentance, the episode asks what it means to say “we are the answer.” Rather than placing hope in global negotiations alone, it points listeners back to their own communities, churches, and daily practices as places where faithful climate action can begin. About the Series: This two-part series follows a group of Christians from around the world as they gather in Brazil for COP30, the United Nations climate summit. Rather than focusing on policy outcomes or political winners and losers, the series explores what kind of problem climate change really is—and what kind of response it demands. Through science, lived experience, and faith practices, the series asks how Christians might move beyond information and outrage toward resilience, responsibility, and faithful action in a warming world. Theme song and credits music by Breakmaster Cylinder. Other music in this episode by Big Score Audio, Babel, Northern Points, Pink Marble, & Sarah Chapman, courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc.

The story begins in Brazil at COP30, the United Nations climate summit, where global leaders gather to address climate change. From there, it steps back to ask a deeper question: what kind of problem is climate change, really? Moving from climate science to lived experience, the episode explores why facts and data—while essential—are not enough to motivate belief or action. As stories from vulnerable communities come into focus, climate change emerges not just as a scientific challenge, but as a human one, leaving us unsettled and without easy resolution. About the Series: This two-part series follows a group of Christians from around the world as they gather in Brazil for COP30, the United Nations climate summit. Rather than focusing on policy outcomes or political winners and losers, the series explores what kind of problem climate change really is—and what kind of response it demands. Through science, lived experience, and faith practices, the series asks how Christians might move beyond information and outrage toward resilience, responsibility, and faithful action in a warming world. Theme song and credits music by Breakmaster Cylinder. Other music in this episode by Klimenko Music, Superlegal, Ricky Bombino, Diverse Music, Pink Marble, Cosmo Lawson, courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc. 

In this engaging dialogue, Krista Tippett, a public radio host renowned for her work on On Being, discusses the spiritual journeys of contemporary seekers and the meaningful connections formed through mentorship. Mike McHargue, a science communicator and author, shares his health struggles and the restorative power of practices like gardening and birdwatching. Together, they explore themes of spiritual hunger, the pursuit of depth, and the necessity of rest in navigating a fractured world.

Hannah Eves, a climate policy advisor, dives into the heart of COP30 in Belém, Brazil. She outlines critical negotiation topics like climate finance and the urgent necessity of phasing out fossil fuels, while addressing resistance from petrostate interests. Listeners gain insight into the impact of civil society at the event and the vibrant atmosphere of the climate march, which showcases strong participation from diverse faith groups. Eves' perspectives highlight the intersection of climate action and moral responsibility.

Brandon Vaidyanathan, a social scientist focused on spiritual yearning in scientists, explores how even in secular environments, the quest for meaning thrives. Agustín Fuentes, an anthropologist specializing in human evolution, discusses archaeological evidence suggesting our ancestors experienced early forms of transcendence. They reveal that scientists, regardless of belief systems, express profound longings for connection and understanding, challenging the view that science diminishes mystery and awakening a deeper spiritual consciousness.

You might think of ferns—if you think of them much at all—as the unassuming and understated members of the plant world. What could they teach us about philosophy or theology or wonder? It turns out quite a lot. When we explore that strange world of fern reproduction and learn about the two life phases of ferns it brings up questions about identity and what it means to be an individual. And the exploration itself becomes a practice of wonder and celebration of the diversity of life God creates.  Theme song and credits music by Breakmaster Cylinder. Other music in this episode by Northern Points, Evan MacDonald, Superlegal, Pink Marble, Sarah Chapman, Lost Harmonies, Geoffrey Jerrall, and Klimenko Music, courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc.  

Rebecca Copeland, an Associate Professor of Theology at Boston University, explores the complex notion of sin in relation to wicked problems like climate change and systemic injustice. She introduces the concept of 'unoriginal sin' to help us recognize our complicity in broken systems and the need for repentance. Copeland emphasizes the importance of collective moral responsibility and practical steps for social action. Her insights bridge deep theological concepts with real-world implications, encouraging a proactive and communal approach to addressing these challenges.

Our best scientific models make it clear that society needs a big change at a global scale in order to limit irreversible damage—what good can individual actions and attitudes do in the face of this immense problem? Today’s guest, Debra Rienstra, argues that the right relationship with the Earth can actually make all the difference and that new worlds of hope are built in hidden refuges amidst the surrounding devastation. Genuine lament and grief help reorient us toward the beauty and majesty of creation. Only once this groundwork has been laid can we truly repent for what we have done—and begin the work of hope for a better future.  Additional Resources: Learn more about Debra's book, Refugia Faith Sign up for the Refugia newsletter Find new episodes of Refugia Podcast Theme song and credits music by Breakmaster Cylinder. Other music in this episode by Pink Marble courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc.  This episode originally aired on Mar 10, 2022.