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Science and Faith with Radio Maria England

Science and Faith with Radio Maria England

By ScienceAndFaith

Tune in to our new Science and Faith programme on Radio Maria England (www.RadioMariaEngland.uk).

We will be covering topics such as mental health, Care for our Common Home, reductionism, Artificial Intelligence, nutrition, mathematics, and many more. Several guests are world-renowned leading scientists or theologians from universities around the world.

radiomariaengland.uk/about/programmes/science-and-faith/
scienceandfaith@radiomariaengland.uk
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Currently playing episode

Science and Faith on Tour - Season 3 - Faith Journeys in Science - Ep4

Science and Faith with Radio Maria EnglandJun 10, 2022

00:00
59:56
Chaplaincy Chats-Bonus Content-Season 4-Ep7

Chaplaincy Chats-Bonus Content-Season 4-Ep7

This bonus episode is the cherry on the cake of our very successful universities phase. Marta sits down to chat with Francesca (student from the Durham chaplaincy panel) and Anthony (student form the Leeds chaplaincy panel) about their experience of the event; how they became involved, what they got out of it, and how they hope to continue getting involved in initiatives like ours.

The students from all the university panels will be invited to take part in a 3-day training delivered in partnership with God and the Big Bang (https://gatbb.co.uk). Students will develop skills in the field of science and faith communication to deliver thought-provoking workshops to primary and secondary school students.

On other news, the Science and Faith team will be taking a break from broadcasts for a bit. We hope to be back soon. Thank you to all the listeners and volunteers who have supported this project.

Deus Dat Incrementum.

https://radiomariaengland.uk/chaplaincy-chats-bonus-content-science-and-faith-season-4-ep7/

If you would like to get in touch, email: scienceandfaith@radiomariaengland.uk

Facebook/Instagram: @radiomariaengland #RMESCIENCEANDFAITH

We thank ECLAS for their generosity to make our tour to universities possible.


Apr 03, 202324:33
Chaplaincy Chats-Edinburgh-Season 4-Ep6

Chaplaincy Chats-Edinburgh-Season 4-Ep6

On this episode, we travel up to Scotland and after some delectable haggis and IronBru, we discussed the most appealing aspects of science and faith, the "God of the gaps" argument, and faith-talk in schools and academia.

Our panel included Prof Maria Ubiali and Michael O'Duffin , and two students from the chaplaincy: Paige and Andre.

Biographies

Prof Maria Ubiali read Physics at the Università degli Studi of Milan, in Italy, gaining a First Class Honours degree. In 2006 she moved to Edinburgh to study for a PhD in Theoretical Particle Physics. She obtained a joint doctoral degree from the University of Edinburgh and the Université Catholique de Louvain, Belgium. She then moved to Aachen, Germany, for her first postdoc in 2010. She was awarded a Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin Research Fellowship in October 2016 and in 2017 became Lecturer in the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics at the University of Cambridge and Fellow at Newnham College. In 2020 she became Principal Investigator of an ERC grant studying the “Physics beyond the Standard Proton.” Maria is the Sheila Edmonds Lecturer in Mathematics at Newnham. Maria set up and runs Newnham’s Maths Summer School.

Michael O’Duffin studied physics at the university of Edinburgh where he first encountered the Dominicans. He taught physics in the Scottish Borders for two years before moving to St Aloysius’ College, the Jesuit school in Glasgow, where he has spent the rest of his long career. During that time he has been House Master, Assistant Head Master and Head of Physics, a role in which he continues today. He also assists by teaching some Religious Education classes and over the years has been extensively involved in giving Kairos Retreats to senior pupils. He is a member of the Edinburgh Fraternity of Lay Dominicans and is actively involved in the Jesuit parish of St Aloysius in Glasgow. He is married with three sons and has three grandchildren.

Paige de Polo is finishing her PhD on Pantodonts and Andre Theng is doing his PhD in sociolinguistics on how Catholics interact online.

https://radiomariaengland.uk/chaplaincy-chats…ith-season-4-ep6/

If you would like to get in touch, email: scienceandfaith@radiomariaengland.uk

Facebook/Instagram: @radiomariaengland #RMESCIENCEANDFAITH

We thank ECLAS for their generosity to make our tour to universities possible.

Mar 25, 202357:41
Chaplaincy Chats-Bristol-Season 4-Ep5

Chaplaincy Chats-Bristol-Season 4-Ep5

On this episode we discussed how science and faith have interacted in the lives of our speakers, whether complementing each other or, at times, encountering situations where there might have been some apparent friction between the two.

Our panel of speakers included Julian Hughes and Monika Kondratowicz, as well as two students from the chaplaincy: Sam Wilson and Thomas Doyle.

Biographies

Julian Hughes was a NHS consultant for over 20 years in North Tyneside and Newcastle. He was honorary professor of philosophy of ageing at Newcastle University and subsequently professor in old age psychiatry at the University of Bristol. He qualified in Medicine from Bristol, but studied Philosophy as an undergraduate at Oxford and for his PhD at Warwick. Elected Fellow of both the Royal College of Psychiatrists and the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, he advised various national and international bodies and was the deputy chair of the Nuffield Council on Bioethics. He remains an honorary professor at Bristol and visiting professor at Newcastle and continues to write philosophically.

Monika obtained her medical degree from the University of Cambridge in 2019 before working as an NHS hospital doctor in Exeter and Birmingham. While an undergraduate she was introduced to the emerging, expanding, and exciting area of molecular genomics and genetic medicine, and was able to contribute to research papers in the field of epigenetics. She would later complete a Master’s degree in Genetics at The University of Exeter and at Cité Université, Paris, France. She has recently returned to England to complete her medical speciality training in histopathology whilst maintaining a research interest in molecular pathology and genomics. Monika is an unpolished amateur autodidact of philosophy, with her readings largely selected from the Classical Canon, Continental Philosophy, and Catholic apologetics.

Sam Wilson is in the 4th year of an MSci in Zoology and Thomas Doyle is a 3rd Year Civil Engineering student.

https://radiomariaengland.uk/chaplaincy-chats…ith-season-4-ep5/

If you would like to get in touch, email: scienceandfaith@radiomariaengland.uk

Facebook/Instagram: @radiomariaengland #RMESCIENCEANDFAITH

We thank ECLAS for their generosity to make our tour to universities possible.

Mar 18, 202359:60
Chaplaincy Chats-Bangor-Season 4-Ep4

Chaplaincy Chats-Bangor-Season 4-Ep4

On this episode we talked about what happens when we don't find answers to our questions or, indeed, answers that we don't like both in science and our journeys of faith. What can our witness as Catholics be in these situations?

Our panel of speakers included Dr Elizabeth Lam and Dr Wollis Vas and a student from the chaplaincy, Isaac.

Biographies

Dr Elizabeth Lam

Elizabeth is currently a research and development scientist working in a diagnostic medical device company in Cambridge. She obtained her PhD in the field of computational and inorganic chemistry from The University of Hong Kong. Since then, she has been working in industries spanning from analytical laboratory services to new product development. Her passion for connecting science with daily life has prompted her to complete a master's degree in Science Communication, where she has revitalized a blog, Chembites, to digest abstract chemistry journals into simpler language. Attracted by Ignatian Spirituality, she is a permanent committed member (PCM) of the Christian Life Community (CLC). She is also a columnist for a Canton-Catholic magazine in London.

Dr Wollis Vas

Wollis is a Product Manager in the life science and Biotechnology sectors. He has always marvelled at the complexities of human biology and its impact on human health, which he explored during his doctoral studies at UCL. He is keen to understand the underlying philosophical principles of the scientific method, and so explores prominent Catholic teachings on the topic. He enjoys interacting with others who are also on the journey of understanding the synchronicity between science and faith.

Isaac is a Post-Doctoral Research Officer in the School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering

Resources

Mentioned by Dr Wollis Vas:

https://youtu.be/noj4phMT9OE

https://youtu.be/rXexaVsvhCM

https://radiomariaengland.uk/chaplaincy-chats-bangor-science-and-faith-season-4-ep3/

If you would like to get in touch, email: scienceandfaith@radiomariaengland.uk

Facebook/Instagram: @radiomariaengland #RMESCIENCEANDFAITH

We thank ECLAS for their generosity to make our tour to universities possible.

Mar 11, 202359:48
Chaplaincy Chats-Leeds-Season 4-Ep3

Chaplaincy Chats-Leeds-Season 4-Ep3

On this episode we talked about science and RE as subjects in schools, what questions students are asking in primary and secondary schools about the compatibility between science and faith, our speakers share some of their experiences growing up in or working in schools, among other topics. Are different disciplines talking to each to each other to make well-rounded students who are able to answer questions from different points of view? Could you be called to becoming a teacher?

Our panel of speakers included Fr Chris Gorton and Matthew Dell and two students from the chaplaincy: Sona and Anthony.

Biographies

Fr Chris Gorton is a priest of Salford Diocese currently in a parish in Bolton. After studying music at Goldsmiths College, London University he trained for the priesthood at Ushaw College, Durham. Whilst there he had the opportunity to study for the theology degree at Durham with students from all different backgrounds. After ordination he was a university chaplain for four years in Manchester for MMU and the RNCM. He also studied for his PGCE at Newman college in Birmingham before working for four years as a team leader at Lancaster Diocese Youth centre and a year in the classroom at St Gabriel’s, Bury. After chaplaincy he was twelve years in a parish in Pendle,  East Lancashire and throughout his time in ministry has been involved in the primary and secondary schools in the parish and helped with training for teachers within the diocese, youth ministry and parish development within the department for formation in the diocese.

Matthew Dell is a senior lecturer at St Mary’s University (Twickenham, London), course lead for the MA Education.  Prior to taking up this post five years ago, he worked for twenty-five years as an RE teacher in three different schools.  Alongside vast experience of being Head of RE he has been heavily involved as an RE inspector within the Catholic sector.  In recent years he has been collaborating with colleagues to create a new professional association for those who teach RE in Catholic schools (Association of Teachers of Catholic RE – ACTRE).

Sona is a 2nd Year Dentistry student.

Anthony is doing a PhD in Biology (honey bees specifically!)

https://radiomariaengland.uk/chaplaincy-chats-leeds-science-and-faith-season-4-ep3/

If you would like to get in touch, email: scienceandfaith@radiomariaengland.uk

Facebook/Instagram: @radiomariaengland #RMESCIENCEANDFAITH

We thank ECLAS for their generosity to make our tour to universities possible.

Mar 04, 202358:32
Chaplaincy Chats-London-Season 4-Ep2

Chaplaincy Chats-London-Season 4-Ep2

Our panel of speakers included Prof Stephen Bullivant and two students from the chaplaincy: Caterina and Sean. Caterina is completing a PhD in Epidemiology and Sean is training to become a doctor.

On this episode we tackled questions around suffering and faith. What should our response as Catholics be in the face of suffering? Why does a good God permit evil? Prof Stephen Bullivant, Caterina and Sean speak to these questions from their experience and enrich the conversation with perspectives from their own fields.

Prof Stephen Bullivant is Professor of Theology and the Sociology of Religion at St Mary's University, Twickenham, and Professorial Research Fellow in Theology and Sociology at the University of Notre Dame, Sydney. He holds doctorates in theology (Oxford, 2009) and sociology (Warwick, 2019).

His most recent books include Catholicism in the Time of Coronavirus (Word on Fire, 2020) The Cambridge History of Atheism (CUP, 2021; with M. Ruse), and Catholicisim in Contemporary Britain: Faith, Society, Politics (OUP, 2022; with B. Clements). Due out early next year are:Nonverts: The Making of Ex-Christian America, and Vatican II: A Very Short Introduction (with S. Blanchard), both with Oxford University Press.

https://radiomariaengland.uk/chaplaincy-chats-london-science-and-faith-season-4-ep2/


If you would like to get in touch, email: scienceandfaith@radiomariaengland.uk

Facebook/Instagram: @radiomariaengland #RMESCIENCEANDFAITH

We thank ECLAS for their generosity to make our tour to universities possible

Feb 25, 202359:57
Chaplaincy Chats-Durham-Season 4- Ep1

Chaplaincy Chats-Durham-Season 4- Ep1

The second leg of the RME Faith Journeys in Science's tour got off to a great start at Durham University's Catholic Chaplaincy on October 23rd. After our round of events at parishes in England, we will be visiting Catholic University Chaplaincies across the UK. Our goal was to unveil how science and faith have interacted in the lives of Catholics working in some capacity in the fields of science and religion. At Durham, we had a very interesting conversation about making use of scientific data without losing your soul, how faith influences your professional conduct, among other topics.

Our panel of speakers included Dr Gavin Jarvis, Dr Aleksandra Svalova and two students from the chaplaincy: Ola and Francesca (left to right). Ola is an Engineering student and Francesca is a Physics student.

Dr Gavin Jarvis was born in Liverpool. He attended St Mary’s College, Crosby before heading to Queens’ College, Cambridge where he studied Veterinary Medicine and completed a PhD in platelet pharmacology. Subsequently, he has worked in both industry and academia including four years in drug discovery at AstraZeneca: the project eventually resulted in the approval of the antiplatelet drug ticagrelor (Brilique®). He has taught pharmacology and statistics to medics, vets, pharmacists and scientists at the Universities of Cambridge, Oxford and Belfast and is currently Associate Professor of Analytical Pharmacology at the new Medical School at Sunderland University. In addition to his research on platelets, he has a long-standing interest in bioethics and has published several papers on human embryonic mortality. He is a Governor of the Anscombe Bioethics Centre, a Catholic bioethics research institute serving the Church in the UK and Ireland. In his spare time he sings, especially in comic operettas!

Dr Aleksandra Svalova has remained in Newcastle University since the start of her undergraduate studies in Statistics in 2010. She has a PhD in Petroleum Geochemistry and Natural and Environmental Sciences (2014-2019). Subsequently, re-joined the Statistics department in 2019 as a research associate and became a lecturer in 2022. Dr Svalova is interested in statistical surrogate models with applications to engineering/scientific problems.

https://radiomariaengland.uk/chaplaincy-chats…ith-season-4-ep1

If you would like to get in touch, email: scienceandfaith@radiomariaengland.uk

Facebook/Instagram: @radiomariaengland #RMESCIENCEANDFAITH

We thank ECLAS for their generosity to make our tour to universities possible.

Feb 18, 202359:20
Science and Faith on Tour - Season 3 - Faith Journeys in Science - Ep7

Science and Faith on Tour - Season 3 - Faith Journeys in Science - Ep7

Science and Faith on Tour - Season 3 - Faith Journeys in Science - Ep7

Speakers include Professor Jim McManus and Professor Daniela de Angelis. Jim is a Generation Q Fellow, Director of Public Health at Hertfordshire County Council and Interim President of the Association of Directors of Public Health. Jim is Lead for Population Health for the Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care System and is an Honorary Vice-President of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health. Jim is a Chartered Psychologist, Chartered Scientist and Fellow of the British Psychological Society.  He led ADPH policy work on local outbreak plans and covid-19 suppression including ADPH ‘Living Safely with Covid’ policy papers. Jim co-created the national public mental health collaborative for Covid-19 and co-chaired the national review of suicide prevention plans in England. He has just completed three years as Chair of the Behavioural Science and Public Health Network and was a co-author of the National Strategy for Behavioural Science in Public Health. He was a member of the national Faith Taskforce on Covid and is a member of the Oversight Group for the National HIV Strategy.  Daniela is Professor of Statistical Science for Health at the University of Cambridge in the Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Deputy Director and Programme Leader at the Medical Research Council Biostatistics Unit (MRC-BSU). At the BSU, Daniela has overall responsibility for the research theme “Statistical methods Using data Resources to improve Population Health” and leads the research programme on ‘Evidence synthesis to inform population health-related decision making’. Daniela has over 25 years of experience of working at the interface between statistics and infectious disease epidemiology, focusing on the development of statistical methods for the characterisation of epidemics, including natural history, burden and prediction of future evolution, informing the implementation and evaluation of public health policies. Daniela is member of a number of local/national/international scientific advisory groups such as NICE, WHO, and UNAIDS and collaborates widely with health agencies nationally and internationally. She is also currently a member of SPI-M (Scientific Pandemic Influenza Advisory Committee, subgroup on Modelling), which reports into SAGE; member of the Modelling and Analytics Board for the NHSx Covid 19 App; and member of the Royal Statistical Society Task Force for Covid-19. Daniela also recently won the University of Cambridge Vice-Chancellor Award for Impact and Engagement, in the Established Academic category.

Jul 01, 202251:25
Science and Faith on Tour - Season 3 - Faith Journeys in Science - Ep6

Science and Faith on Tour - Season 3 - Faith Journeys in Science - Ep6

Parish: St Dominic's Priory, London

Episode 6 – Begins broadcasting on June 24 (Friday) at 8:30pm, June 26  (Sunday) at 4pm and June 27 (Monday) at 10pm

Science and Faith on Tour - Season 3 - Faith Journeys in Science - Ep6

Speakers include Fr. Robert Verrill and Dr. Maria Ubiali. Fr. Robert is an English Dominican Friar who was ordained to the priesthood in 2012. He came to Baylor in 2016 after completing an MA in Philosophy at the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology in Berkeley, California. Before joining the Dominican Order, he studied mathematics at Cambridge in England and completed a doctorate. He is particularly interested in trying to understand modern physics from a Thomistic perspective. Maria read Physics at the Università degli Studi of Milan, in Italy, gaining a First-Class Honours degree. In 2006 she moved to Edinburgh to study for a PhD in Theoretical Particle Physics. She obtained a joint doctoral degree from the University of Edinburgh and the Université Catholique de Louvain, Belgium. She then moved to Aachen, Germany, for her first postdoc in 2010. She was awarded a Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin Research Fellowship in October 2016 and in 2017 became Lecturer in the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics.

We thank ECLAS for their generosity to make our tour to parishes possible.

If you would like to get in touch, email: scienceandfaith@radiomariaengland.uk

Facebook/Instagram: @radiomariaengland #RMESCIENCEANDFAITH

https://radiomariaengland.uk/science-and-faith-on-tour-season-3-faith-journeys-in-science-ep6/


Jun 27, 202247:22
Science and Faith on Tour - Season 3 - Faith Journeys in Science - Ep5

Science and Faith on Tour - Season 3 - Faith Journeys in Science - Ep5

Parish: St Bede’s Catholic Church, Clapham, London

Episode 5 – Begins broadcasting on June 17 (Friday) at 8:30pm, June 19 (Sunday) at 4pm and June 20 (Monday) at 10pm

Science and Faith on Tour - Season 3 - Faith Journeys in Science - Ep5

Speakers included Fr. Robert Gay and Dr. Szymon Stelter.  Robert teaches moral theology and bioethics at Blackfriars Hall and Studium. He is a Governor of the Anscombe Bioethics Centre, and is a member of the Advisory Board for a Catholic Investment Fund. Fr Robert was elected Prior to the Holy Spirit Priory, Oxford, in May 2018. He is also JCR Chaplain and Welfare Officer, providing pastoral and spiritual support to Hall and Studium students.  Fr Robert studied biological sciences at Wye College, University of London, before going on to do his doctorate in Plant Physiology at the University of Glasgow. He studied Philosophy and Theology at Blackfriars Studium, and bioethics and medical law at St. Mary’s University, Twickenham. His academic interests include the ethics of persistent vegetative state, ethical issues at the end of life, and the use of Thomistic virtue ethics in bioethics.  Szmon is a research scientist working in the biotechnology industry in Cambridge. He obtained his PhD in Molecular Immunology from St George’s, University of London. Szymon is involved in many evangelising initiatives, like The Word on Fire Institute and Catholic Voices. He also leads a group for young Catholic adults in the local parish.

We thank ECLAS for their generosity to make our tour to parishes possible.

If you would like to get in touch, email: scienceandfaith@radiomariaengland.uk

Facebook/Instagram: @radiomariaengland #RMESCIENCEANDFAITH

https://radiomariaengland.uk/science-and-faith-on-tour-season-3-faith-journeys-in-science-ep5/

Jun 17, 202259:20
Science and Faith on Tour - Season 3 - Faith Journeys in Science - Ep4
Jun 10, 202259:56
Science and Faith on Tour - Season 3 - Faith Journeys in Science - Ep3
Jun 03, 202201:00:00
Science and Faith on Tour - Season 3 - Faith Journeys in Science - Ep2
May 27, 202201:00:00
Science and Faith on Tour - Season 3 - Faith Journeys in Science - Ep1
May 20, 202201:00:00
Radio Maria England Science and Faith S2 Ep8
Oct 31, 202155:02
Radio Maria England Science and Faith S2 Ep7
Oct 24, 202155:15
Radio Maria England Science and Faith S2 Ep6
Oct 17, 202159:01
Radio Maria England Science and Faith S2 Ep5
Oct 10, 202154:58
Radio Maria England Science and Faith S2 Ep4
Oct 03, 202155:42
Radio Maria England Science and Faith S2 Ep3
Sep 26, 202155:10
Radio Maria England Science and Faith S2 Ep2

Radio Maria England Science and Faith S2 Ep2

Eating Catholic: Nutrition and Fasting

In episode 2 of this series we explored whether a “Catholic approach to food” is possible and what that could look like, especially with regards to fasting and abstinence. We looked at fasting as a spiritual practice, how and why Christians do so until this day, and, of course, we delved into some of the science behind nutrition and food. In order to tackle these questions we have invited two guest speakers: Dr Elisabeth Corcoran, a functional medicine practitioner, and Prof Jay W. Richards, theologian and writer.

My favourite quote in Prof Richard’s book Eat, Fast, Feast reads “We’re a pampered lot. Most of us have never gone a day without eating. We get shaky if we go more than four hours without a vanilla latte or yoghurt smoothie or granola bar or protein shake”. How should we decide what and how much to eat? When we hear scientific advice on what we should eat, what criteria are used to come up with this advice?

As of Friday 16th September 2011 Catholics in England and Wales are required to abstain from meat on Fridays. What should one do about the next mouthful of a half-eaten ham sandwich upon realising it is indeed Friday?

Get in touch: info@radiomariaengland.uk
Facebook/Instagram: @radiomariaengland
#RMESCIENCEANDFAITH

Sep 21, 202155:20
Radio Maria England Science and Faith S2 Ep1
Sep 12, 202152:57
Radio Maria England Science and Faith S1 Ep8

Radio Maria England Science and Faith S1 Ep8

Embryonic cells in research and medicine - Is the Church against progress?

In episode eight of our Science and Faith series, we invited two guests, Prof. Paul Fairchild – a stem cell scientist and Professor of Immunology in Oxford, and Michael Wee – a Catholic bioethicist, to talk about the various types of stem cell research, how these differ from foetal tissue cell lines and their links to vaccine development.

Prof. Fairchild explained the different ways of sourcing stem cells and what diseases the scientific community hopes to treat using them. We also talked with Michael about which of these sourcing methods would be morally preferable. In addition, we engaged in an interesting conversation about why it is important to read beyond sensationalist headlines, especially when a controversial scientific topic is involved. In fact, Richard Dawkins and Benedict XVI were the protagonists of this last segment.

Then, we cross-examined Michael over the concerns Catholics have with regards to the use of drugs and vaccines developed using foetal cell lines, in particular we discussed ‘remote cooperation with evil’. Finally, Michael also commented on the Church’s stance on COVID-19 vaccines.

Prof. Fairchild and Michael Wee found common ground but agreed to disagree about some of the moral aspects of the use of embryonic stem cells and foetal cell lines in research and medicine.

Does the Church restrict or encourage stem cell research?

Get in touch: info@radiomariaengland.uk

Facebook/Instagram: @radiomariaengland

#RMESCIENCEANDFAITH

Resources

The Anscombe Bioethics Centre: http://www.bioethics.org.uk

Oxford Stem Cell Research Centre https://www.stemcells.ox.ac.uk

Vatican Observatory Foundation https://www.vofoundation.org/faith-and-science/about/

Christians in Science https://www.cis.org.uk/resources/

Faraday Institute for Science and Religion https://www.faraday.cam.ac.uk

Interactive Science and Faith workshops https://gatbb.co.uk

Apr 03, 202159:29
Radio Maria England Science and Faith S1 Ep7

Radio Maria England Science and Faith S1 Ep7

Resurrection

The Nicene Creed reads “...For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures…”. Inspired by the Risen Christ, we planned episode seven of the Science and Faith series around the greatness of this Biblical event.

We invited Prof. Sir Colin Humphreys who told us about the astronomical, historical and theological research he does in his spare time which allowed him to revisit the dating of the events surrounding Jesus’ death and resurrection; in particular, The Last Supper. We felt very privileged as Prof. Humphreys shared with us a series of events from his professional career that he has never spoken about before. Despite the outstanding peer-reviews, he faced some opposition from within the infamous journal Nature, where his paper was finally published in 1983, but not allowed on the front cover of the Journal.

Prof. Peter Wadhams and David Rolfe delighted us with an account of the historicity of The Shroud of Turin and how the scientific, as well as the Catholic, community received the initial evidence obtained from its study. We were able to discuss  various controversies associated with The Shroud and critically analyse whether any insight can be gained from this relic about the events of the Resurrection or even the glorious body of the Risen Christ. Finally, they updated us on current investigations and plans for the future.

If you were called to be involved in a research team with access to the shroud, and were able to take samples again, what questions would you want to answer? What experiments would you carry out?

Shroud Event:

On Saturday April 3rd 2021, there will be an extraordinary veneration of the Shroud in the Turin Cathedral, which will be broadcast live around the world on television and on social media platforms: https://www.shroud.com/latebrak.htm

Shop:

Prof. Colin Humphreys’ The Mystery of the Last Supper: Reconstructing the Final Days of Jesus

https://www.cambridge.org/gb/academic/subjects/religion/biblical-studies-new-testament/mystery-last-supper-reconstructing-final-days-jesus?format=PB

Prof. Peter Wadhams’  A Farewell to Ice https://www.penguin.co.uk/authors/118212/peter-wadhams.html

Resources:

Vatican Observatory Foundation https://www.vofoundation.org/faith-and-science/about/

Christians in Science https://www.cis.org.uk/resources/

Faraday Institute for Science and Religion https://www.faraday.cam.ac.uk

Interactive Science and Faith workshops https://gatbb.co.uk

Mar 27, 202150:16
Radio Maria England Science and Faith S1 Ep6

Radio Maria England Science and Faith S1 Ep6

The Biology of Human Life

In episode 6 of our Science and Faith series, we tackled questions around the biology of human life. We endeavoured to ask these questions from as many points of view as possible so we invited Prof. John Bryant (Professor Emeritus of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Exeter), Prof. Allison Krile Thornton (Assistant Professor of Philosophy,The University of South Alabama) and RME Science and Faith’s Catholic Advisor, Fr Robert Verrill.

In the first half of the programme, we asked Prof. Bryant whether there is any agreed definition among biologists on what is meant by life and if there are situations where the definition of life is ambiguous. We were also interested to hear about the complexities of the meaning of the word ‘organism’, if a single-celled embryo is a human organism and whether it is a separate organism from a pregnant mother’s body.

In the second half, dedicated to philosophy, Prof. Thornon briefly delved into schools of thought which would define ‘life’ very differently. This prompted a discussion about the soul and the distinction between a human being and a person.

Finally, Fr Robert walked us through how the Catholic Church’s understanding of when life begins has changed over the centuries. He explained the concept of delayed harmonisation by St Thomas Aquinas. We also discussed scriptural passages on the beginning of life and personhood and what the dogma of the Immaculate Conception can tell us about the biology of life.

When does human life begin?

Broadcasts: Sunday 5pm, Wednesday 2am, Thursday 11am and Friday 9pm

Get in touch: info@radiomariaengland.uk

Facebook/Instagram: @radiomariaengland

#RMESCIENCEANDFAITH

Listen on demand on your podcast platform of choice: https://anchor.fm/scienceandfaith1

Shop

Prof. John Bryant https://www.amazon.co.uk/Big-Bang-Biology-where-God/dp/B08N3DLSL9/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&qid=1615926492&refinements=p_27%3AJohn+Bryant&s=books&sr=1-1&text=John+Bryant

Resources

Vatican Observatory Foundation: https://www.vofoundation.org/faith-and-science/about/

Christians in Science: https://www.cis.org.uk/resources/

Faraday Institute for Science and Religion: https://www.faraday.cam.ac.uk

Interactive Science and Faith workshops: https://gatbb.co.uk

Mar 20, 202150:07
Radio Maria England Science and Faith S1 Ep5

Radio Maria England Science and Faith S1 Ep5

Neuroscience, free will and faith

In episode 5 of our Science and Faith series, we were joined by Dr Sarah Lane Ritchie (Lecturer in Theology & Science at the University of Edinburgh), Revd Prof. Alasdair Coles (neurologist and ordained priest in the Church of England), and RME Science and Faith’s Catholic Advisor, Fr Robert Verrill. We started this programme with questions aimed at helping us understand the scope of neuroscience, its current big questions, main challenges and future developments.

We were fascinated to hear from Prof. Coles about some of the anatomy and mechanisms of the organ central to our conversation, the human brain. It is a vastly complicated structure with different parts, all of them with distinct functions which, at the same time, work together as a whole. Dr Lane Ritchie and Prof. Coles walked us through the role that the brain plays in the conscious control of our actions, as well as different conceptualisations of free will, and, indeed, whether such a thing exists. These concepts were foundational for our section on consciousness and artificial intelligence.

Later on, Prof. Coles shared his thoughts and research on near-death experiences. We concluded with Dr Lane Ritchie’s fascinating remarks about the emergence of religion, the nature of religious experiences and why they are interesting from the neural point of view.

I am really just my brain? Is religion a mere by-product of our mind?

Broadcasts: Sunday 5pm, Wednesday 2am, Thursday 11am and Friday 9pm

Get in touch: info@radiomariaengland.uk

Facebook/Instagram: @radiomariaengland

#RMESCIENCEANDFAITH

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Revd Prof. Alasdair Coles: https://www.cambridge.org/gb/academic/subjects/medicine/neurology-and-clinical-neuroscience/neurology-and-religion?format=HB&isbn=9781107082601

Dr Sarah Lane Ritchie:

https://www.cambridge.org/gb/academic/subjects/religion/theology/divine-action-and-human-mind?format=HB

Resources

Vatican Observatory Foundation https://www.vofoundation.org/faith-and-science/about/

Christians in Science https://www.cis.org.uk/resources/

Faraday Institute for Science and Religion https://www.faraday.cam.ac.uk

Interactive Science and Faith workshops https://gatbb.co.uk

Mar 13, 202151:38
Radio Maria England Science and Faith S1 Ep4

Radio Maria England Science and Faith S1 Ep4

Miracles and Divine Action

In episode four of our Science and Faith series, we discussed miracles: what they are, how they work, and whether it is reasonable to believe in Divine Action. To tackle these questions we invited three guests: Dr Alessandro de Franciscis – President of The Bureau of Medical Observations at Lourdes, Fr Michael Dodds – a Dominican friar and former Academic Dean at the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology, and Prof Daniel Bonevac – Professor of Philosophy at the University of Texas at Austin.

Generally, when people think about miracles they may recall some stories from the Bible. For example, the Resurrection, or the miracle when Jesus healed the paralytic in Capernaum. Hence, the first part of our conversation focused around our experts’ best-loved miracles and their significance.

We learnt that the Catholic Church has a strict procedure to investigate and verify miracles. Dr de Franciscis explained how that unravels for healing cases at Lourdes. It was fascinating to hear that there were no medical relapses with regards to all the cases declared as ‘miracles’ in Lourdes.

We also asked our panel of experts about the nature of miracles. In particular, if the belief that the physical world is governed by laws of nature makes it impossible to believe in miracles. One of the highlights of this segment was the discussion around what it means to think of miracles in terms of supernatural agency and how this is different from the way God acts in keeping natural things in existence.

Has science made miracles unbelievable?

Broadcasts: Sunday 5pm, Wednesday 2am, Thursday 11am and Friday 9pm.

Get in touch: info@radiomariaengland.uk

Facebook/Instagram: @radiomariaengland

#RMESCIENCEANDFAITH

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Prof Daniel Bonevac’s: https://www.bookdepository.com/author/Daniel-Bonevac; https://www.waterstones.com/author/daniel-bonevac/33869

Fr Michael Dodds': https://www.waterstones.com/author/michael-j-dodds/1289198

Resources

Virtual Visit Sanctuary of Lourdes https://www.lourdes-france.org/visite-virtuelle/

Vatican Observatory Foundation https://www.vofoundation.org/faith-and-science/about/

Christians in Science https://www.cis.org.uk/resources/

Faraday Institute for Science and Religion https://www.faraday.cam.ac.uk

Interactive Science and Faith workshops https://gatbb.co.uk


Mar 06, 202101:00:27
Radio Maria England Science and Faith S1 Ep3

Radio Maria England Science and Faith S1 Ep3

Modifying our genes. Is it playing God?

In episode three of our Science and Faith series, we explore different aspects of the often controversial field of genetic modification.

We began with Fr Robert Verrill’s introduction to the Augustinian prelate Gregor Mendel, known as the Father of Genetics, and the empirical data he obtained of trait inheritance in pea plants. We were then in a position to ask Prof. Keith Fox for a definition of the term ‘genetic modification’, which Dr Hilary Yancey followed up by examining some of the reasons why the scientific community is interested in genome manipulation. Lastly, we posed questions about the risks and regulations of genetic engineering.

In our theology segment, we addressed whether there is a clear stance on which genetic modifications are morally permissible before moving on to the potential social ramifications of these procedures. This discussion resulted in the acknowledgement of individual gifts, talents, uniqueness and the importance of protecting human life in all its forms.

Ultimately, what principles should guide us in determining the appropriate use of genetic modification?

Get in touch: info@radiomariaengland.uk

Facebook/Instagram: @radiomariaengland

#RMESCIENCEANDFAITH

Science and Faith will be broadcast Sundays at 5pm, Wednesdays at 2am, Thursdays at 11am and Fridays at 9pm.

Biographies:

Prof Keith Fox: https://www.faraday.cam.ac.uk/about/people/prof-keith-fox/

Dr Hilary Yancey:https://www.hilaryyancey.com/meet-hilary

Fr Robert Verrill: https://www.baylor.edu/philosophy/index.php?id=937448

Shop:

Dr Hilary Yancey’s book Forgiving God: A Story of Faith https://www.hilaryyancey.com/the-book

Pre-order Prof Keith Fox’s upcoming book Modifying Our Genes: Theology, Science and “Playing God”

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Modifying-Our-Genes-Theology-Science/dp/0334059534

https://scmpress.hymnsam.co.uk/books/9780334059530/modifying-our-genes

Resources:

Vatican Observatory Foundation https://www.vofoundation.org/faith-and-science/about/

Christians in Science https://www.cis.org.uk/resources/

Faraday Institute for Science and Religion https://www.faraday.cam.ac.uk

Interactive Science and Faith workshops https://gatbb.co.uk

Feb 27, 202149:03
Radio Maria England Science and Faith S1 Ep2

Radio Maria England Science and Faith S1 Ep2

Creation or Evolution - Do we have to choose?

A major breakthrough in 1859, the publication of On The Origin of Species by Charles Darwin lays the ground for evolutionary biology. In episode 2 of our Science and Faith series, Dr Denis Alexander told us about Darwin’s life, his famous voyage aboard HMS Beagle and his faith.

Following the brief introduction to the birth of evolutionary biology, Dr Alexander and Fr Nicanor Austriaco (who insisted we call him Fr Nic as his students affectionately do), delighted us with their comprehensive explanations of the theory of evolution and the principles of the various mechanisms underpinning it.

Our theology section was split into two overarching themes. Firstly, our experts discussed the way we ought to interpret the book of Genesis particularly events surrounding Adam and Eve. The latter prompted questions about Original Sin and the Doctrine of The Fall in light of evolutionary biology. Then, we explored whether it is fitting for God to “simply create through evolution”, what the purpose of it might be and whether Darwin’s theory of evolution leaves room for human uniqueness and God-bestowed gifts.

Can someone be a Christian and believe in creation and evolution?

Get in touch: info@radiomariaengland.uk

Facebook/Instagram: @radiomariaengland

#RMESCIENCEANDFAITH

Science and Faith will be broadcast Sundays at 5pm, Wednesdays at 2am, Thursdays at 11am and Fridays at 9pm.

Biographies:

Dr Denis Alexander https://www.faraday.cam.ac.uk/about/people/dr-denis-alexander/

Fr Nicanor Austriaco https://s3.amazonaws.com/file-storage.INDIVIDUAL-ACTIVITIES-University.digitalmeasures.providence.edu/naustria/pci/AUSTRIACO-CV2018-1.pdf

Shop:

Dr Denis Alexander’s book Creation or Evolution- do we have to choose? Special Price at £9

https://www.faraday.cam.ac.uk/shop/creation-or-evolution-do-we-have-to-choose-second-edition/

Fr Nicano’s Amazon shop:

https://www.amazon.com/Nicanor-Pier-Giorgio-Austriaco/e/B005LWL4FW%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share

Resources:

Vatican Observatory Foundation https://www.vofoundation.org/faith-and-science/about/

Christians in Science https://www.cis.org.uk/resources/

Faraday Institute for Science and Religion https://www.faraday.cam.ac.uk

Interactive Science and Faith workshops https://gatbb.co.uk

Thomistic essays on Evolution https://www.thomisticevolution.org/disputed-questions/

Feb 18, 202159:56
Radio Maria England Science and Faith S1 Ep1

Radio Maria England Science and Faith S1 Ep1

Cosmology: From Alpha to Omega

The end, the beginning and quite a bit in between… That’s what we explored in our riveting cosmology episode. Our guest  Prof Paul Shellard and in-house science and faith advisors, Fr Robert Verrill and Br Paolo Beltrame, took part in this conversation.

We began the discussion by exploring the well-known Big Bang Theory and its Catholic originator Belgian astronomer Fr Georges Lemaître. In an inspiring and reverential way in equal measure, our speakers delved into the physics of the beginning and the end of the universe. They also conversed about other interesting theories, the limits of cosmology and what the future might hold for this scientific endeavour.

Theology and apologetics governed the second half of this episode. We addressed if we should draw parallels between Genesis 1 and scientific cosmological theories, how to reconcile the holy scriptures with modern cosmological models and whether they present any problems for Christianity. All in all, does modern cosmology offer humanity ultimate hope?

If you would like to listen to the full episode you can do so by tuning into Radio Maria England (check our online schedule) or our podcast format on Spotify!

We are incredibly grateful to Prof Shellard for his expertise and contribution to this episode both scientific and spiritual.

If you would like to get in touch, email:

Facebook/Instagram: @radiomariaengland

#RMESCIENCEANDFAITH

Science and Faith will be Broadcast Sundays at 5pm, Wednesdays at 2am, Thursdays at 11am and Fridays at 9pm.

Biographies:

Prof Paul Shellard http://www.damtp.cam.ac.uk/person/eps1

Fr Robert Verrill https://www.baylor.edu/philosophy/index.php?id=937448

Br Paolo Beltrame https://www.research.ed.ac.uk/portal/en/persons/paolo-beltrame(4e74a766-67cf-47d9-a441-bf28d14501d9).html

https://www.jesuit.org.uk/blog/re-igniting-intelligent-faith

Resources:

https://www.vofoundation.org/faith-and-science/about/

https://www.cis.org.uk/resources/

https://www.faraday.cam.ac.uk

https://gatbb.co.uk

Feb 11, 202155:19