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Do Christians have to believe that the miracle stories in the Bible literally happened in order to be faithful followers of Jesus?

In this thought-provoking episode, Richard Randolph explores one of the most challenging questions at the intersection of science and faith. Drawing on biblical scholarship, theology, and his own spiritual journey, Richard argues that Christians can remain deeply committed Christians, while understanding the miracle stories as profound expressions of spiritual truth rather than literal suspensions of the laws of nature.

Along the way, he examines miracle traditions from several of the world's religions, considers the historical work of Elaine Pagels, reflects on the theology of physicist-priest John Polkinghorne, and explains why he believes the Resurrection belongs in a fundamentally different category than the other miracle stories found in Scripture.

Whether you agree or disagree with Richard's conclusions, this episode invites listeners to think more deeply about what miracle stories were intended to communicate—and why they continue to matter today.

In this episode you'll discover:

• That miracle stories appear in virtually every major religious tradition.
• Why Richard no longer interprets biblical miracles literally.
• Why he believes science and authentic Christian faith need not be in conflict.
• How trust in God shapes his understanding of Divine Action.
• Elaine Pagels' historical insights into miracle stories in the ancient world.
• Why the Resurrection is fundamentally different from other biblical miracle stories.
• Insights into miracle stories from John Polkinghorne and John Dominic Crossan
• How miracle stories may become even more spiritually powerful when we read metaphorically, rather than literally.
• A moving reflection from physicist and theologian Robert (Bob) Russell on praying for a healing miracle during his battle with prostate cancer.
• The Buddhist insight that the greatest miracle is the transformation of human consciousness—and how Christianity expresses a similar vision of transformed life.

Books and Authors Mentioned

• Elaine Pagels, Miracles and Wonder: The Historical Mystery of Jesus (2025)
• John Polkinghorne, "The Credibility of the Miraculous" (Zygon)
• John Dominic Crossan (quoted in Miracles and Wonder)

Additional Reflections from Richard Randolph on the Resurrection

• Podcast Episode 2.3: “Science and Resurrection”
• Substack Reflection on “Science and Resurrection,” available at https://scienceandspiritualityblog.substack.com

Connect with Science and Spirituality

Website:
https://www.scienceandspirituality.org

Support the Podcast:
https://www.scienceandspirituality.org/support

Email Richard:
richard@scienceandspirituality.org

To financially support this podcast series, go to www.scienceandspirituality.org/support

To access Richard’s new Substack reflections, https://scienceandspiritualityblog.substack.com

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In this episode of Science and Spirituality for the Curious, I explore an important question: What happens when we integrate our spiritual lives with our physical lives, rather than treating them as separate dimensions of human existence?

My guest is Rev. Dr. Shelly Petz, author of Meet You at Nine, which is available for purchase at Amazon.com. Shelly’s new book chronicles her journey into embodied spirituality. Through years of prayer, ministry, and personal reflection, Shelly has discovered a specific prayer practice that engages not only the mind and spirit, but also the body.

Our conversation begins with Shelly's own spiritual journey. Although she originally expected to pursue a career in medicine like her father and grandfather, a profound experience while hiking led her in a different direction. Ultimately this new direction led into ordained ministry. Along the way, Shelly developed a deeper understanding of prayer—not as a way of informing God about our needs, but as an invitation to align ourselves with God's presence and purposes.

A turning point in Shelly's spiritual life came when she sensed an invitation from God to meet each day at 9:00 a.m. What began as a daily commitment to prayer, gradually evolved into a practice she calls circle prayer. Inspired in part by Mark Batterson's book The Circle Maker and the ancient story of Honi the Circle Maker, Shelly began walking and driving in intentional circles while praying for her family, congregation, community, and others.

As Shelly explains in our conversation, this practice transformed the way she sees the world. Circle prayer helped her slow down, become more attentive to the people and places around her, and recognize opportunities for human connection that might otherwise have gone unnoticed.

One of the most intriguing aspects of our discussion is Shelly's conviction that God is always ready to meet us. The barriers that prevent us from experiencing God's presence are not God's barriers, but our own. Through her practice of circle prayer, Shelly has learned to become more attentive to that ever-present invitation from God.

During our conversation, Shelly also shared practical examples of how circle prayer can deepen one's spiritual life, and she demonstrated the practice of circle prayer for listeners of this episode.

Whether you are curious about prayer, interested in spiritual practices, or simply looking for new ways to integrate the physical and spiritual dimensions of life, I think you'll find this conversation both thought-provoking and inspiring.

To financially support this podcast series, go to www.scienceandspirituality.org/support

To access Richard’s new Substack reflections, https://scienceandspiritualityblog.substack.com

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This episode features a panel discussion and review of the controversial new film, The Story of Everything. Philosopher of science Stephen Meyer is the screenwriter, and he draws heavily from his book, Return of the God Hypothesis. The film was directed by Eric Esau. It has had a limited release in U.S. theaters through Fathom Entertainment.

Panelists explored these questions:

1. Were there moments in the film that created a sense of wonder and awe for you?
2. Does the film raise new questions for you?
3. What were the film’s strengths and weaknesses?
4. Would you recommend this film to your friends and acquaintances?

Important Links:

• Science and Spirituality website: www.scienceandspirituality.org
• Richard Randolph’s Substack reflections, https://scienceandspiritualityblog.substack.com
• The Story of Everything trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwL3ZKlwEoc
• Stephen Meyer, Return of the God Hypothesis, HarperOne, 2021

To financially support this podcast series, go to www.scienceandspirituality.org/support

To access Richard’s new Substack reflections, https://scienceandspiritualityblog.substack.com