Language of God

• 184. Kipuka to Kipuka | Islands of Life, Faith and Restoration

  Life has a way of persisting through ecological disturbance in small protected places and then radiating outward. In Hawaii, those places are called “kipukas.” But biological life is not the only thing that can grow and thrive in the refuge of a kipuka. In this episode we hear the story of three places where people are caring for the land. At the base of the Ko’olau mountains in Oahu, a church is setting out to bring 246 acres back to the community and back to health. Down by the sea, the restoration of an ancient fish pond has become an educational opportunity for thousands of children. And over the ridge, into the next valley, the growing of kalo provides a place for people to reconnect with old traditions and knowledge. These stories reveal an important truth: that as we care for and find connection with the land, the land cares for and supports us. And it leads us to ask, can our relationship with God be complete without a healthy relationship with the rest of creation?  Learn more about the organizations in the episode:  A Rocha USA Hakuhia Ho’okua’aina Taro Farm Waikalua Loko Fish Pond Thanks to Herb Lee and Dean Wilhelm for sharing their songs with us. Theme song and credits music by Breakmaster Cylinder. Other music in this episode by Northern Points, Harpo Marks, Cosmo Lawson, and Sarah Chapman, courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc.

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• 183. Cool Creatures | Giant Pacific Octopus

  The giant Pacific octopus and humans have been evolving separately for more than 500 million years, but still, we have a few things in common. We explore what this means about octopuses, what it means about humans, and what it tells us about the Creator of All Things. As we dive into the science of octopus cognition and behavior we find the questions get more and more interesting. To help us sort through it, we are joined by Sy Montgomery (author of Soul of an Octopus and Secrets of the Octopus) who introduced us to two giant Pacific octopuses at the New England Aquarium.  Thanks to the New England Aquarium for hosting our visit.  Theme song and credits music by Breakmaster Cylinder. Other music in this episode by Evan MacDonald, Mattijs Muller, Titan Sound, Klimenko Music, Ricky Bombino, Sirius Music, Northern Points, and Paradiso Music courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc. 

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• 99. Heino Falcke | The Hidden World Above

  From stargazing as a child to helping lead the team which took the first ever image of a black hole, Heino Falcke has only seen his faith and his work as an astronomer as deeply connected. In this episode we talk about his book, Light in the Darkness: Black Holes, the Universe and Us, where Falcke shares more about what creating the image actually consisted of, and some wisdom he picked up along the way. New discoveries will always challenge and redefine our old frameworks of thought, but Falcke shows us that this change is not fundamental, that it is a humbling reminder that our finite knowledge of the infinite God is always partial. Heino Falcke and his team’s image of the black hole at the center of galaxy M87 reminds us of a message from Paul—that we now see through a glass, darkly; then, face to face. Additional Resources: See the picture of the black hole here Check out Heino Falcke’s book Find out more about Heino on his website Theme song and credits music by Breakmaster Cylinder. Other music in this episode by Babel, courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc.  This episode originally aired on Dec 9, 2021

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• 182. Christian Climate Observers | Stories from COP29 & Around the World

  In the fall of 2024 198 countries from around the world came together in Azerbaijan, at COP29, to try and find solutions to the climate crisis. While the policy outcomes were disappointing, the stories of people from around the world were inspiring, even if they include a lot of pain and suffering. These stories help to connect us to our neighbors from around the world and these stories can help to reframe how Christians, especially those in America, can think about their role in the climate crisis and how to respond.  Additional Resources:  More in depth reporting on COP29 at Carbon Brief Katharine Hayhoe's Global Weirding Series Christian Climate Observers Program Reformed Journal Article by Colin BioLogos Common Question: Why Should Christians Care for Creation BioLogos Animated Video: Why Should Christians Care for Creation (video) Language of God Podcast Series: Creation Groans

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• BONUS | So This is Christmas

  A reflection on what it means to cultivate joy even if you don't feel very merry.  Theme song and credits music by Breakmaster Cylinder. Other music in this episode by Titan Sound, Vesper Tapes and Glory House, courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc. Renditions of In the Bleak Midwinter and Happy Xmas by Jim Stump. The short clip from COP29 is the voice of Juan Carlos Gomez, Panama’s special representative for climate change.

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