For almost as far back in time as we can peer, religion has not only been prescribing rules to live by (e.g., be honest, be compassionate, engage in meaningful sacrifice, forgive others and yourself), but also offering “tools” to help people follow those rules. Indeed, recent epidemiological work on human flourishing confirms that engagement in religious practices (as opposed to simply self-identifying as religious), leads people to live longer, happier, and healthier lives.
On How God Works, we explore the links between religion, science, and society in an attempt to illuminate the ways spiritual wisdom & practices can help promote human wellbeing. Of import, we're nonsectarian, but aim to use science as a way to unpack the impact of faith and chart the ways spiritual yearnings are changing in modern society. In that sense, we offer a unique venue of sorts -- one that brings scientists, spiritual thinkers, and public intellectuals together for conversations wherein listeners of any faith or none at all can explore some of life's biggest questions and learn more about the ways different traditions the world over have found to address them.
This project will deliver 32 additional episodes of the podcast that has been a finalist for many awards (e.g., Webbys, Ambies) and received an award of excellence from the Religion Communicators Council. It will also fund additional media outreach endeavors meant to continue audience growth.
