Neuroscience, Theology, and Human Flourishing in Ministry with Stan Wallace

Can understanding human nature transform how we approach missions, ministry, and personal spiritual growth?

In this episode of the Lausanne Movement Podcast, Dr. Stan Wallace, Lausanne Catalyst for Academic Ministry & Educators Network (AMEN), author, and president of Global Scholars, explores the intersection of neuroscience, theology, and human flourishing. From the duality of body and soul to the challenges of engaging with AI and societal ethics, Dr. Wallace unpacks the fundamental question: “What does it mean to be human?” This conversation offers deep insights for those passionate about ministry, missions, and spiritual formation.

Takeaways:

1. Human Nature and Flourishing: Explore the differences between physicalism, Cartesian dualism, and holistic dualism—and their implications for spiritual formation.
2. Ministry and Missions: Understand why defining the soul-body connection is vital for engaging diverse cultural contexts in evangelism and discipleship.
3. AI and Human Identity: Discover how a clear view of human uniqueness shapes our interactions with artificial intelligence.
4. Ethics and Justice: See how human identity grounds our advocacy for justice, equality, and bioethical decisions.
5. Practical Application: Learn how holistic dualism reshapes approaches to counseling, pastoral care, and professional life.

If you enjoyed this episode please subscribe to the podcast, leave us a review, and share this with others. Dive deeper into these ideas by checking out Stan Wallace’s new book and visiting his website!

Links & Resources:

• Stan Wallace's Book: Have We Lost Our Minds? Neuroscience, Neurotheology, the Soul, and Human Flourishing - https://www.amazon.com/Have-Lost-Our-Minds-Neurotheology/dp/1666789135
• Stan’s Website: https://stanwallace.org/
• Academic Ministry & Educators Network (AMEN): https://lausanne.org/network/academic-ministry-educators
• Global Scholars: https://global-scholars.org/

Guest Bio:

Dr Stan Wallace has been in university ministry since 1985, serving as Global Scholars’ president since 2014. Global Scholars equips Christian scholars in pluralistic universities to have a redemptive influence for Christ, primarily as a principal partner of the Society of Christian Scholars. He has served as an adjunct professor of philosophy at several institutions and has published on issues of faith and scholarship integration, including his most recent, Have We Lost Our Minds? Neuroscience, Neurotheology, the Soul, and Human Flourishing (Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock, 2024). Dr Wallace also produces two monthly podcasts: College Faith and, with Dr. J.P. Moreland, Thinking Christianly.