Driving A Ferrari On The Merritt Parkway Is Awesome (and Other Reflections on the Salutary Effects of Wonder and Awe)

Wonder and awe. It’s the season.

 

Today on the show we take an appreciative look at wonder: what does it look like, what does it feel like, and how does the psycho-spiritual stance or attitude of wonder help equip us to be better participants in social life?

 

What In God’s Name continues to celebrate being one year old! We give thanks to you, our loyal, thoughtful, caring, and supportive listeners.

 

Our fall focus on increasing our listenership was a success: thanks to you, our listenership is up 40% since last spring, and 60% from where we started in Season One. Our show is growing. We believe we are offering something valuable to the public conversation, and our growth suggests that we’re not alone in thinking that way. So thank you! We will continue to think about ways to expand our engagement with you, and to introduce our show to new people and groups.

 

If you have any ideas for us, be in touch:

 

Our email: whatingods@ribeye-media.com.

 

Learn more. Our website: www.whatingods.com.

 

What In God’s Name approaches current events and culture not from a partisan political angle, not from a money and economics angle, not from a technological and scientific angle, but from a theological and philosophical angle.

 

Here are timecodes to help you navigate through today’s show:

 

01:04     When we use theological reflection to shed light on current events and culture, how does the usual story of who we are and where we are going change?

 

04:03     What are the characteristics of wonder? Beyond the individual, what are the social consequences of an attitude of wonder?

 

07:55     What is the relationship between wonder and curiosity? How does wonder add life and vitality to a conversation? What is the relationship between wonder and humility?

 

11:15     Does the information age detract from, or enhance, the possibility of wonder? Does religious practice detract from, or enhance, the possibility of wonder?

 

13:28     How would an experience of awe make us more generous people?

 

17:38     What are the spiritual and moral habits of mind and heart that are necessary for us to remain a free and self-governing people?

 

21:44     The experience of wonder and awe can be destabilizing. Discuss.