BYU Biologist Talks Faith & Science | Church History Matters I Science & Religion EP04
Church History Matters Podcast | Episode 4 | 62 min
0:00 Intro - Professor Jamie Jensen’s bio
4:45 Dr. Jensen’s story
8:08 Incorrect perception of science or religion - Epistemology
13:15 Sticking points & “God of the Gaps”
18:15 Replacing “God of the Gaps”
23:00 Understanding spiritual evidence
28:38 Becoming comfortable with uncertainty
34:48 Dr. Jensen walks through uncertain scenario
40:45 Death, the fall & evolution
44:05 Handling contradictory statements by church leaders & members
47:37 Evolution strengthens Dr. Jensen’s testimony
50:45 How do Adam & Eve fit?
57:07 Dr. Jensen’s testimony
In this episode, hosts Casey Griffiths and Scott Woodward sit down with BYU biology professor Jamie Jensen to explore how science and religion can work together rather than compete. Drawing on her experience in the classroom, Professor Jensen shares how today’s students wrestle with big questions about faith, evolution, scripture, and evidence—and how honest inquiry can actually strengthen belief rather than undermine it. She explains how a scientific worldview, when properly understood, invites humility, curiosity, and awe, qualities that resonate deeply with religious Faith.
The conversation also turns personal as Professor Jensen bears testimony of the gospel and reflects on how her faith informs her approach to teaching science. She discusses the toughest questions students bring to her—from perceived conflicts between science and scripture to doubts sparked by academic study—and how she responds with empathy, clarity, and trust in both truth and revelation. This thoughtful interview offers reassurance to students, parents, and believers seeking a faithful way forward, showing that pursuing scientific understanding and nurturing spiritual conviction can be a complementary and faith-building journey.
Transcript/Show Notes:
https://scripturecentral.org/shows/church-history-matters/episodes/byu-biologist-talks-faith-and-science-church-history-matters-i-science-and-religion-ep04
4:45 Dr. Jensen’s story
8:08 Incorrect perception of science or religion - Epistemology
13:15 Sticking points & “God of the Gaps”
18:15 Replacing “God of the Gaps”
23:00 Understanding spiritual evidence
28:38 Becoming comfortable with uncertainty
34:48 Dr. Jensen walks through uncertain scenario
40:45 Death, the fall & evolution
44:05 Handling contradictory statements by church leaders & members
47:37 Evolution strengthens Dr. Jensen’s testimony
50:45 How do Adam & Eve fit?
57:07 Dr. Jensen’s testimony
In this episode, hosts Casey Griffiths and Scott Woodward sit down with BYU biology professor Jamie Jensen to explore how science and religion can work together rather than compete. Drawing on her experience in the classroom, Professor Jensen shares how today’s students wrestle with big questions about faith, evolution, scripture, and evidence—and how honest inquiry can actually strengthen belief rather than undermine it. She explains how a scientific worldview, when properly understood, invites humility, curiosity, and awe, qualities that resonate deeply with religious Faith.
The conversation also turns personal as Professor Jensen bears testimony of the gospel and reflects on how her faith informs her approach to teaching science. She discusses the toughest questions students bring to her—from perceived conflicts between science and scripture to doubts sparked by academic study—and how she responds with empathy, clarity, and trust in both truth and revelation. This thoughtful interview offers reassurance to students, parents, and believers seeking a faithful way forward, showing that pursuing scientific understanding and nurturing spiritual conviction can be a complementary and faith-building journey.
Transcript/Show Notes:
https://scripturecentral.org/shows/church-history-matters/episodes/byu-biologist-talks-faith-and-science-church-history-matters-i-science-and-religion-ep04