The Veritas Forum

In today’s episode, a law professor explores the topic of law and justice. What are the opportunities and limits of the law? And where does our desire for justice come from?   You’ll hear from David Skeel, a law professor at the University of Pennsylvania. He explores the historical challenge of creating a just society and how his Christian worldview offers a foundation for justice that doesn’t depend on our human efforts.   This forum was held at UPenn in 2014. Thank you to the forums team for making this event possible.    Find additional resources and quotes on the podcast episode page here.

In today’s episode, a concert pianist and Beethoven scholar takes us on a musical journey through the life of one of history’s greatest composers.   You’ll hear from Mia Chung-Yee, an accomplished musician and faculty member at the Curtis Institute of Music. In this lecture and performance, she tells the story of Beethoven’s struggle with deafness and explores the connection in his music between suffering and faith.   This forum was held at the University of Michigan in 2016. Thank you to the forums team for making this event possible.   Find additional resources and quotes on the podcast episode page here.

In today’s episode, two scientists with different spiritual worldviews explore this question: How can science and spirituality co-exist?   You’ll hear from Praveen Sethupathy, a genomics professor at Cornell, and Michael Hecht, a chemistry professor at Princeton. In this conversation, they explore what science and spirituality can learn from one another and how they experience wonder in their research.   This virtual forum was held at Princeton in May 2021. Thank you to the forums team for making this event possible.   Find additional resources and quotes on the podcast episode page here.

In today’s episode, two professors with different approaches to faith discuss the question: Can I be spiritual but not religious?   You’ll hear from Tim Muehlhoff, a professor of communications at Biola University, and Elizabeth Barrett, a lecturer in psychology at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly). They discuss their spiritual and religious worldviews, how they define spirituality, and whether picking and choosing what we believe is liberating or harmful. Their conversation is moderated by Stephen Lloyd-Moffet, a professor of religious studies at Cal Poly.   This forum was held at Cal Poly in May 2024. Thank you to the forums team for making this event possible.    Find additional resources and quotes on the podcast episode page here.

In today’s episode, two professors discuss how we should live when facing limited time. What does it mean to live each day like it’s your last? Is that a bad idea?   You’ll hear from Lydia Dugdale, a medical ethicist at Columbia, and Timothy Bono, a psychologist at Washington University in St. Louis (WashU). They explore why considering our mortality is important for living well and what practical steps one can take to live intentionally. Their conversation is moderated by Nic Koziolek, a lecturer in philosophy at WashU.   This forum was held at WashU in April 2023. Thank you to the forums team for making this event possible.    Find additional resources and quotes on the podcast episode page here.

In today’s episode, two professors explore questions like: Is there more to life than meets the eye? Or, what do we turn to when we face challenging circumstances?   You'll hear from Jamie Smith, a philosophy professor at Calvin University, and Ted Fischer, an anthropology professor at Vanderbilt. In this conversation moderated by a Vanderbilt student, Isabella Gomez, they discuss the desire to look beyond ourselves, the role of mystery in faith, and where they find hope in times of crisis.   This forum was held at Vanderbilt in October 2024. Thank you to the forums team for making this event possible.    Find additional resources and quotes on the podcast episode page here.

In today’s episode, a Christian and an atheist engage in a wide-ranging discussion about what makes humans special. Are we just advanced animals or part of a larger story with a beginning, middle, and end?   You’ll hear from Joshua Swamidass, a professor of biomedical engineering at Washington University in St. Louis, and Peter Langland-Hassan, a philosopher at the University of Cincinnati. In this conversation, they discuss how their different worldviews influence their understanding of evolution, humanity, and moral choices.   This virtual forum event was held at the University of Cincinnati in October 2021. Thank you to the forums team for making this event possible.   Find additional resources and quotes on the podcast episode page here.

Reflecting on a year of insightful discussions, the highlights include a historian's fresh perspective on faith and history. Explore how modern technology influences spirituality with tips for finding balance in a digital world. Delve into the intricate relationship between happiness, negative emotions, and deeper fulfillment. Additionally, the quest for meaning and homeostasis ties emotional well-being to life's ultimate purpose. These captivating dialogues foster a richer understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

In this engaging discussion, John Lennox, an Oxford mathematician and author, delves into the intriguing possibility of miracles, especially during the Christmas season. He explores the relationship between science and faith, arguing that they can coexist and enrich each other. Lennox challenges the notion that scientific reasoning can disprove miracles and emphasizes the significance of historical events like the Incarnation and Resurrection. He also advocates for the importance of personal experience alongside scientific evidence in understanding the supernatural.

In today’s episode, an English professor explores the question of meaning. What compels us to look for meaning? And, is meaning found within ourselves or outside of ourselves?   You’ll hear from Lori Branch, an English professor at the University of Iowa. In this talk, she explores why we seek meaning, how we find meaning in our relationship with others, and how her Christian faith fulfills her search for meaning.   This forum was held at Furman University in March 2024. Thank you to the forums team for making this event possible.    Find additional resources and quotes on the podcast episode page here.