… [Read more...] about Announcement: Christian Scholars Foundation Legacy Grant 2026
Science Corner: Climbing the Fruit Tree of Science
In other universe, the biggest science story of the past month would be the discovery of yet another hint at the possibility of life on Mars. Yes, we've been down that road (and parallel paths for other celestial bodies) before, without definitive results. And this latest find is still far from first contact; we have observed chemical patterns that are associated with life on Earth, but which technically could result from abiotic processes as well. It's another bread crumb, an encouraging sign that we should keep … [Read more...] about Science Corner: Climbing the Fruit Tree of Science
Narrative of Hope
On campus, in my newsfeeds, and even at a recent poetry reading, I hear the longing for hope in what seems like a world filled with fear and despair. In contrast, I encounter words of hope throughout scripture, even in times of distress, such as Paul’s encouragement to the church in Rome: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13). What does it look like to live into God’s narrative of hope these days? A … [Read more...] about Narrative of Hope
Science Corner: Anointing with Oil Again, and Again…
When I come across a science story with a video of the experiment or phenomenon in question, it is hard to pass up. Even if the topic is less familiar, or less obviously connected to my usual themes, the opportunity to show as well as tell is appealing. And so today I find myself writing about bouncing droplets of oil. First, go ahead and watch for yourself. (Video from this story on this paper) Mesmerizing, no? Just me? Actually, I suppose there is a risk it looks too banal; who hasn't seen a ball bounce? You … [Read more...] about Science Corner: Anointing with Oil Again, and Again…
Science Corner: Matters of Representation
Large language models captivate for a variety of reasons; I am particularly intrigued by the fact that we know how to build them even without really knowing how they work. So I tend to gravitate less towards discussions of what they can (or cannot) do and more towards discussions of how & why. (Which may have something to do with the fact that the "what" changes rapidly, while progress on "how" and "why" feels a bit more tractable for an outsider to follow.) Hence my interest in this podcast with Ken Stanley on how … [Read more...] about Science Corner: Matters of Representation