The Faith and Science Podcast

3-15-26 - Let the Light In

The readings for 4th Sunday in Lent are 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Psalm 23, Ephesians 5:8-14, and John 9:1-41. This week we explore how the healing of the man born blind in John 9 challenges us to stay open to miracles rather than getting caught up in rules and technicalities — just like the Pharisees did. Drawing a striking parallel to the Prisma visual prosthesis, a cutting-edge microchip implant showing early promise in restoring sight to those with macular degeneration, we get to celebrate what is accomplished rather than dismissing it for falling short of perfection. Woven throughout is a timely reflection on cynicism — in our faith, in our relationship with science, and in our everyday lives — and a call to let the light in, even when it arrives in unexpected ways.  Let me know what you think of it.
Remember to answer this week's question:Where do you need to be less cynical? #FaithandSciPod
If you're wanting to hear other podcasts on these texts check out:  3-19-23 - Changing our Relationship3-22-20 - How Quick We are to Judge!
I look forward to all of your feedback,Tyler Bublitz
Music used in the podcast:March On by Silent PartnerPorches and Universes by Puddle of Infinity
Social Media:X: @FaithandSciPodFacebook Group: Faith and Science Podcast GroupFacebook Company Page: The Faith and Science PodcastLinkedIn: Faith and Science PodcastEmail: thefaithandsciencepodcast@gmail.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FaithandSciPod
References:The Green Blades Preaching Roundtable (Weekly) or Green Blades Rising Publications (Monthly) reach out to ecofaith@nemnsynod.org and say which you would like to sign up for! - https://nemnsynod.org/ecofaith-network/    https://www.ecofaithnetwork.org/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtQX7uMp03s&list=LL&index=2https://www.ophthalmologytimes.com/view/prima-retinal-implant-restores-vision-in-patients-with-advanced-gahttps://www.brightfocus.org/resource/the-latest-developments-in-retinal-implants/https://asquaresolution.com/blog/prisma-prima-retinal-implant-reading-vision-breakthrough/https://science.xyz/technologies/prima/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-04CIvXhVpohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQDYdqn59VEhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newton%27s_laws_of_motionhttps://www.britannica.com/topic/criterion-of-falsifiability
 

3-8-26 - Living Water, Living Ecosystems

The readings for 3rd Sunday in Lent are Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-11, and John 4:5-42. This week we explore the texts through the lens of ecology and the encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well. Drawing on the concept of indicator species and cryptic species, we unpack how Jesus sees the true value in someone her community had written off as insignificant. Just as ecologists use certain species to reveal the hidden health of an ecosystem, Jesus reveals the deeper worth of this overlooked woman — and through that, transforms an entire community.  Let me know what you think of it.
Remember to answer this week's question:Who is or what is an indicator species to you in your community? #FaithandSciPod
If you're wanting to hear other podcasts on these texts check out:  3-12-23 - Don’t overlook ”Waste”3-15-20 - God is in COVID-19
I look forward to all of your feedback,Tyler Bublitz
Music used in the podcast:March On by Silent PartnerPorches and Universes by Puddle of Infinity
Social Media:X: @FaithandSciPodFacebook Group: Faith and Science Podcast GroupFacebook Company Page: The Faith and Science PodcastLinkedIn: Faith and Science PodcastEmail: thefaithandsciencepodcast@gmail.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FaithandSciPod
References:The Green Blades Preaching Roundtable (Weekly) or Green Blades Rising Publications (Monthly) reach out to ecofaith@nemnsynod.org and say which you would like to sign up for! - https://nemnsynod.org/ecofaith-network/    https://www.ecofaithnetwork.org/https://www.researchgate.net/publication/265509015_Differentiation_of_white-footed_mice_Peromyscus_leucopus_and_deer_mice_Peromyscus_maniculatus_of_the_Upper_Midwest_using_PCR_melt_curve_analysishttps://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0003269716301579https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_spotted_owlhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bioindicatorhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Species_complex#Cryptic_specieshttps://ecology.wa.gov/blog/july-2024/high-quality-insectshttps://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf

3-1-26 - Faith in the Dark

The readings for 2nd Sunday in Lent are Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, and John 3:1-17 or Matthew 17:1-9. This week we wrestle with what it means to trust beyond what we can see, both in our faith and in the cosmos, as we explore the fascinating and mind-bending science of dark matter and dark energy. Just as Nicodemus struggled to grasp what Jesus was showing him, scientists today can detect forces shaping our entire universe without being able to directly observe them. It's a Lenten week meant for grappling, and we're leaning all the way in.  Let me know what you think of it.
Remember to answer this week's question:What are you grappling with? #FaithandSciPod
If you're wanting to hear other podcasts on these texts check out:  3-5-23 - Changing our Perspective3-8-20 - Having Faith like Birds and Trees
I look forward to all of your feedback,Tyler Bublitz
Music used in the podcast:March On by Silent PartnerPorches and Universes by Puddle of Infinity
Social Media:X: @FaithandSciPodFacebook Group: Faith and Science Podcast GroupFacebook Company Page: The Faith and Science PodcastLinkedIn: Faith and Science PodcastEmail: thefaithandsciencepodcast@gmail.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FaithandSciPod
References:The Green Blades Preaching Roundtable (Weekly) or Green Blades Rising Publications (Monthly) reach out to ecofaith@nemnsynod.org and say which you would like to sign up for! - https://nemnsynod.org/ecofaith-network/    https://www.ecofaithnetwork.org/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_relativityhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cosmic_microwave_backgroundhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9B7Ix2VQEGohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzLM6ltw3l0https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9W3RsaWuCuEhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x344JiX8BCE&t=76shttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAa2O_8wBUQhttps://bigthink.com/starts-with-a-bang/dark-energy-prominence/https://www.cfa.harvard.edu/research/topic/dark-energy-and-dark-matter

2-22-26 - The Ecology of Temptation

The readings for 1st Sunday in Lent are Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Psalm 32, Romans 5:12-19, and Matthew 4:1-11. This week we explore how removing a single predator from a coastal ecosystem caused biodiversity to collapse by 50%—and what this ecological lesson reveals about Jesus's temptation, human hubris, and our interconnectedness with creation. This First Sunday of Lent episode challenges us to slow down, practice humility, and consider the far-reaching consequences of our actions on both people and the natural world.
Remember to answer this week's question:Where have you been humbled recently? #FaithandSciPod
If you're wanting to hear other podcasts on these texts check out:  2-26-23 -Reacting with God!3-1-20 - Ethics and Sustainability are Complicated
I look forward to all of your feedback,Tyler Bublitz
Music used in the podcast:March On by Silent PartnerPorches and Universes by Puddle of Infinity
Social Media:X: @FaithandSciPodFacebook Group: Faith and Science Podcast GroupFacebook Company Page: The Faith and Science PodcastLinkedIn: Faith and Science PodcastEmail: thefaithandsciencepodcast@gmail.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FaithandSciPod
References:The Green Blades Preaching Roundtable (Weekly) or Green Blades Rising Publications (Monthly) reach out to ecofaith@nemnsynod.org and say which you would like to sign up for! - https://nemnsynod.org/ecofaith-network/    https://www.ecofaithnetwork.org/https://savetheelephants.org/about-elephants/the-importance-of-elephants/https://www.nps.gov/articles/north-american-beaver-acadia.htmhttps://www.worldwildlife.org/resources/explainers/wildlife-climate-heroes/why-wildebeest-are-a-climate-hero-of-the-savanna/https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2351989418300969https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FsEOBZbxBr0https://faculty.fiu.edu/~trexlerj/Advanced_Ecology/Paine_1966.pdfhttps://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2307/1936888https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-man-whose-dynasty-changed-ecology/

2-15-26 - The Invisible Spectrum of Faith

The readings for Transfiguration Sunday are Exodus 24:12-18, Psalm 2 or Psalm 99, 2 Peter 1:16-21, and Matthew 17:1-9. This week examines how human sight—limited to just 380-780 nanometers of the electromagnetic spectrum—mirrors our spiritual limitations, drawing parallels between our narrow visible range and Peter's reaction at the transfiguration. As Lent approaches, the episode challenges listeners to slow down and recognize that God works beyond what we can perceive.
Remember to answer this week's question:How are you preparing to sit and listen in Lent, instead of relying solely on what your eyes can see? #FaithandSciPod
If you're wanting to hear other podcasts on these texts check out:  2-19-23 - Change is Required!2-23-20 - What are We Moving Towards?
I look forward to all of your feedback,Tyler Bublitz
Music used in the podcast:March On by Silent PartnerPorches and Universes by Puddle of Infinity
Social Media:X: @FaithandSciPodFacebook Group: Faith and Science Podcast GroupFacebook Company Page: The Faith and Science PodcastLinkedIn: Faith and Science PodcastEmail: thefaithandsciencepodcast@gmail.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FaithandSciPod
References:The Green Blades Preaching Roundtable (Weekly) or Green Blades Rising Publications (Monthly) reach out to ecofaith@nemnsynod.org and say which you would like to sign up for! - https://nemnsynod.org/ecofaith-network/    https://www.ecofaithnetwork.org/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electromagnetic_spectrumhttps://science.nasa.gov/ems/09_visiblelight/https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/photoreceptors-rods-and-coneshttps://www.scientificamerican.com/article/animals-can-see-colors-we-cant-and-new-tech-offers-us-a-glimpse/#:~:text=The%20rainbow%20looks%20different%20to,wavelengths%20or%20properties%20of%20light.https://science.nasa.gov/ems/01_intro/https://science.nasa.gov/ems/https://scied.ucar.edu/learning-zone/earth-system/electromagnetic-spectrum

2-8-26 - Exceeding Expectations: Salt and Light in Action

The readings for this week for the Fifth Sunday after Epiphany are Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), Psalm 112:1-9 (10), 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), and Matthew 5:13-20.  This week in the podcast, we explore what it means to truly be "salt of the earth" and "light of the world" from Matthew 5:13-20, using science to illustrate why these metaphors matter. It challenges us listeners to move beyond going through the motions of faith and instead actively live it out in abundance, just as God exceeds expectations rather than merely meeting them. The discussion wrestles with how busyness can distract us from genuine reflection and connection with God, ultimately asking: where do you need to put in the work to continue being the salt and the light? Thanks again for taking the time to listen, and I hope this is a tool that you find useful.
Remember to answer this week's question:Where do you need to put in work to continue being the salt and the light? #FaithandSciPod
If you're wanting to hear other podcasts on these texts check out:  2-5-23 - Challenging our Faith and Science to Move Forward!2-9-20 - The Salt and the Light that We Need!
I look forward to all of your feedback,Tyler Bublitz
Music used in the podcast:March On by Silent PartnerPorches and Universes by Puddle of Infinity
Social Media:X: @FaithandSciPodFacebook Group: Faith and Science Podcast GroupFacebook Company Page: The Faith and Science PodcastLinkedIn: Faith and Science PodcastEmail: thefaithandsciencepodcast@gmail.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FaithandSciPod
References:The Green Blades Preaching Roundtable (Weekly) or Green Blades Rising Publications (Monthly) reach out to ecofaith@nemnsynod.org and say which you would like to sign up for! - https://nemnsynod.org/ecofaith-network/    https://www.ecofaithnetwork.org/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salt_(chemistry)https://www.britannica.com/science/photosynthesishttps://bio.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Microbiology/Microbiology_(OpenStax)/08:_Microbial_Metabolism/8.06:_Photosynthesis_and_the_Importance_of_Lighthttps://www.nigms.nih.gov/education/fact-sheets/Pages/circadian-rhythmshttps://www.britannica.com/science/speed-of-light

2-1-26 - The Psychology of the Beatitudes

The readings for this week for the Fourth Sunday after Epiphany are Micah 6:1-8, Psalm 15, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, and Matthew 5:1-12.  The readings for the Presentation of the Lord are Malachi 3:1-4, Psalm 84 or Psalm 24:7-10, Hebrews 2:14-18, and Luke 2:22-40.  This week we explore the Beatitudes and the Presentation of Our Lord through the lens of psychological well-being research. Discover how modern studies on post-traumatic growth, purpose, and the "hedonic treadmill" illuminate Jesus' teachings about the blessed are the poor in spirit, those who mourn, and the meek. Through the patient waiting of Simeon and Anna, we see how seeking after God through life's difficulties—rather than avoiding them—leads to genuine spiritual, mental, and physical growth. Join us as we examine where faith and science converge on the transformative power of facing challenges with purpose.  Thanks again for taking the time to listen, and I hope this is a tool that you find useful.
Remember to answer this week's question:Where in your life do you need to stop and reflect and think about things? #FaithandSciPod
If you're wanting to hear other podcasts on these texts check out:  1-29-23 - The Difficulty of the Beatitudes!2-2-20 - We Should be Expecting Change!
I look forward to all of your feedback,Tyler Bublitz
Music used in the podcast:March On by Silent PartnerPorches and Universes by Puddle of Infinity
Social Media:X: @FaithandSciPodFacebook Group: Faith and Science Podcast GroupFacebook Company Page: The Faith and Science PodcastLinkedIn: Faith and Science PodcastEmail: thefaithandsciencepodcast@gmail.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FaithandSciPod
References:The Green Blades Preaching Roundtable (Weekly) or Green Blades Rising Publications (Monthly) reach out to ecofaith@nemnsynod.org and say which you would like to sign up for! - https://nemnsynod.org/ecofaith-network/    https://www.ecofaithnetwork.org/https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1011492107https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hedonic_treadmillhttps://gwern.net/doc/psychology/1978-brickman.pdfhttps://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1011492107https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8827649/https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4241300/https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2208661120https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1011492107https://www.amazon.com/Mans-Search-Meaning-Viktor-Frankl/dp/0807014273

1-25-26 - The Unexpected Behavior of Light

The readings for this week for the Third Sunday after Epiphany are Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, and Matthew 4:12-23.  In this episode, we explore how Jesus transforms from cautious to bold after John the Baptist's arrest, fully stepping into his divine ministry as the "light of the world." Using the physics of wave-particle duality and research on how light affects our brains and circadian rhythms, we discover parallels between our physical need for light and our spiritual need for Christ's presence. Just as light therapy can lift the burden of seasonal affective disorder and help us feel truly alive, Jesus reconnects us with the divine in ways that transform our spiritual wellbeing. The question becomes: are we genuinely connecting with Christ's light, or are we creating barriers that block it from reaching ourselves and others?  Thanks again for taking the time to listen, and I hope this is a tool that you find useful.
Remember to answer this week's question:How does light affect you? #FaithandSciPod
If you're wanting to hear other podcasts on these texts check out:  1-26-20 - Using ALL of your Abilities1-22-23 - Growing Together into our Calling
I look forward to all of your feedback,Tyler Bublitz
Music used in the podcast:March On by Silent PartnerPorches and Universes by Puddle of Infinity
Social Media:X: @FaithandSciPodFacebook Group: Faith and Science Podcast GroupFacebook Company Page: The Faith and Science PodcastLinkedIn: Faith and Science PodcastEmail: thefaithandsciencepodcast@gmail.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FaithandSciPod
References:The Green Blades Preaching Roundtable (Weekly) or Green Blades Rising Publications (Monthly) reach out to ecofaith@nemnsynod.org and say which you would like to sign up for! - https://nemnsynod.org/ecofaith-network/    https://www.ecofaithnetwork.org/https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6751071/https://www.nature.com/articles/s44323-025-00029-1https://www.nature.com/articles/tp2016262https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6746555/https://www.britannica.com/science/wave-particle-dualityhttps://chem.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Physical_and_Theoretical_Chemistry_Textbook_Maps/Supplemental_Modules_(Physical_and_Theoretical_Chemistry)/Quantum_Mechanics/02._Fundamental_Concepts_of_Quantum_Mechanics/Wave-Particle_Dualityhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wave%E2%80%93particle_dualityhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kfGRO6msQwhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfQH3o6dKsshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Edwsf-8F3sI

1-18-26 - The Power of Being Acknowledged and Seen

The readings for this week for the Second Sunday after Epiphany are Isaiah 49:1-7, Psalm 40:1-11, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, and John 1:29-42.  What if the key to launching something extraordinary isn't just courage, but being truly seen? This week we explore the neuroscience of acknowledgment—how being recognized by others triggers dopamine and oxytocin in our brains, lowering stress and building the trust we need to take bold steps forward. The brain chemistry reveals why New Year's resolutions fail when kept private but succeed when others know and support our goals. Discover how a simple act of recognition can literally rewire someone's brain and give them the momentum to change the world. Thanks again for taking the time to listen, and I hope this is a tool that you find useful.
Remember to answer this week's question:Who are you going to acknowledge? Who are you going to recognize? Who are you going to support this week? #FaithandSciPod
If you're wanting to hear other podcasts on these texts check out:  1-19-20 - Finding the Messengers1-15-23 - Come and See what You will Discover
I look forward to all of your feedback,Tyler Bublitz
Music used in the podcast:March On by Silent PartnerPorches and Universes by Puddle of Infinity
Social Media:X: @FaithandSciPodFacebook Group: Faith and Science Podcast GroupFacebook Company Page: The Faith and Science PodcastLinkedIn: Faith and Science PodcastEmail: thefaithandsciencepodcast@gmail.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FaithandSciPod
References:The Green Blades Preaching Roundtable (Weekly) or Green Blades Rising Publications (Monthly) reach out to ecofaith@nemnsynod.org and say which you would like to sign up for! - https://nemnsynod.org/ecofaith-network/    https://www.ecofaithnetwork.org/https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4518468/#:~:text=Decreased%20EEG%20power%20in%20the,pathways%20may%20mediate%20social%20preference.https://www.cmu.edu/dietrich/psychology/cognitiveaxon/documents/Erickson_etal_2014.pdfhttps://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/will-a-purpose-driven-life-help-you-live-longer-2019112818378https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/neuro/conditioninfo

1-11-26 - Baptism's First Law: The Physics of Faith in Motion

The readings for this week for the First Sunday after Epiphany or the Baptism of the Lord are Isaiah 42:1-9, Psalm 29, Acts 10:34-43, and Matthew 3:13-17. What do Newton's Laws of Motion have to do with Jesus' baptism and your fading New Year's resolutions? This week's episode explores why a body in motion stays in motion—and why your faith should too. In the podcast we will unpack how Peter's testimony in Acts calls us to maintain spiritual momentum rather than becoming complacent, using physics and distance running to reveal why the first step matters and why keeping moving is everything. Thanks again for taking the time to listen, and I hope this is a tool that you find useful.
Remember to answer this week's question:What are some different goals and aspirations that you have for this year and how are you going to achieve them? #FaithandSciPod
If you're wanting to hear other podcasts on these texts check out:  1-12-20 - You are Qualified!1-8-23 - The Power within Water
I look forward to all of your feedback,Tyler Bublitz
Music used in the podcast:March On by Silent PartnerPorches and Universes by Puddle of Infinity
Social Media:X: @FaithandSciPodFacebook Group: Faith and Science Podcast GroupFacebook Company Page: The Faith and Science PodcastLinkedIn: Faith and Science PodcastEmail: thefaithandsciencepodcast@gmail.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FaithandSciPod
References:The Green Blades Preaching Roundtable (Weekly) or Green Blades Rising Publications (Monthly) reach out to ecofaith@nemnsynod.org and say which you would like to sign up for! - https://nemnsynod.org/ecofaith-network/    https://www.ecofaithnetwork.org/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newton%27s_laws_of_motion