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Richard’s guest for this episode is Dr. Hermina Nedelescu, a neuroscientist at the Scripps Institute. Hermina is a third-generation scientist from Romania. Her current research focuses on neural circuits and their role in emotional responses to drug use and sexual abuse. Hermina is also an Orthodox Christian, currently pursuing her Masters degree at the Center for Theology and Natural Sciences in Berkeley.

In our conversation, Hermina noted that the word, “soul,” was initially a pre-Christian terms that was later adopted into Christian language. Instead of “soul,” neuroscientists more often use the terms, “mind” or “consciousness,” which are ongoing areas of neuroscience research. Hermina stressed the importance of bridging the gap between science and theology, especially in the area of consciousness research. She elaborated, emphasizing the need for dialogue between people of faith and those with a science background in order to better understand the non-physical expressions of human beings.

Hermina views the “soul” as a metaphor for human experiences and ideas that are fundamental aspects of a particular individual. When asked about the idea of the soul existing beyond physical life, Hermina suggested that experiences—and accomplishments—frequently outlive individuals.

Richard and Hermina believe it is important to integrate the spiritual and physical aspects of human experience. Hermina cited Fraser Watts’ research on “embodied spirituality,” which she has found helpful in her own theological thinking.

The conversation concludes with a discussion of special contributions that Orthodox Christianity can make to our understanding of the human soul. In a recent book chapter, Hermina focused on the Orthodox concept of theosis, the idea that human beings have the capacity to become God. Although not universally accepted by all Christians, Richard pointed out that theosis deeply resonates with the Wesleyan notion of sanctification and growing in holiness.

For more information, check out the following resources suggested by Hermina:

Hermina Nedelescu, “Intelligence Amplification and the Inner Life of the Soul” in The Promise and Peril of AI and IA: New Technology Meets Religion, Theology, and Ethics, edited by Ted Peters, published in Agathon: A Journal of Ethics and Value in the Mordern World, Vol 10/2025, pp. 353-364. (Published ATF Theology, Adelaide, 2025.)

Fraser Watter, A Plea for Embodied Spirituality: The Role of the Body in Religion, London: SCM Press, 2021.

Dumitru Staniloae, Orthodox Dogmatic Theology: The Experience of God, Vol. 1: Revelation and Knowledge of the Triune God, Brookline, MA: Holy Cross Orthodox Press, 1998.

Christof Koch, https://alleninstitute.org/news/exploring-the-minds-mysteries-with-christof-koch/

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In this episode, Richard talks with Ted Peters about UFOs as a cultural phenomenon. A Lutheran theologian, Ted Peters has been a central figure in the long-standing dialogue among scientists, philosophers, and theologians. He has a long-standing interest in UFOs—now called UAPs (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena)—dating back to his childhood.

Although many of us tend to dismiss UAP believers as kooks, Ted stresses that they tend to take science and technology very seriously. We also noted the publication of an article in 2017 in The New York Times, which has contributed to more serious academic investigation into UAPs.

At the same time, Ted thinks that UAP believers may elevate science and technology too much, seeing them as the only means of saving society from self-destruction. The logic goes like this, if earthly science and technology cannot provide salvation, then perhaps an advanced science and technology from another planet will save us.

Since the 12th century, thinkers have debated whether the discovery of intelligent extraterrestrial life would undermine—perhaps even destroy—traditional religions. Ted did extensive surveying on this question. He discovered that most religious people, regardless of tradition—Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, etc.—do not see the prospect of extraterrestrial intelligence as a challenge to their faith.

Our discussion included the decline in public trust for science and technology. He emphasized the need for religious people to support scientists and defend evidence-based science. He also highlighted the battle between good, evidence-based science versus bad, “alternative” science that is not evidence-based. At the same time, Ted asserted that most people continue to trust good, evidence-based science. He noted that even the anti-vaccine movement grew out of an article published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal 25 years ago. Unfortunately, the article’s conclusions were deeply flawed and the journal subsequently retracted it. But, at the point, the anti-vaccine movement had already gathered its own momentum.

At the end of our interview, Ted stressed the difference between UAPs and the legitimate discussions in Astrobiology concerning the ethical and theological implications that would arise, if extraterrestrial life is discovered.

For further information, check out these sources.

Follow Ted’s blog, “The Voice of Public Theology,” on Substack, www.tedp.substack.com/

Ted’s book, UFOs: God's Chariots?: Spirituality, Ancient Aliens, and Religious Yearnings in the Age of Extraterrestrials, published by Weiser, 2014.

Helene Cooper, Ralph Blumenthal, Leslie Kean, “Glowing Auras and ‘Black Money’: The Pentagon’s Mysterious UFO Program,” The New York Times, 16 December 2017.