Episode 67: Dr. Andrew Jackson on Zoology, Bioengineering, Science & Religion
Can science, engineering, and theology work together to deepen our understanding of the universe?
In Episode 67 of Polymath World, Sam speaks with Dr. Andrew Jackson, a fascinating polymath with two PhDs whose career spans zoology, bioengineering, science and religion, philosophy, and theology.
Dr. Jackson is currently chair of the academic journal Science & Christian Belief and a research fellow in science and religion. In this wide-ranging conversation, he shares his journey from Oxford to Nottingham and explores how scientific research and Christian theology can inform—and sometimes challenge—one another.
The discussion moves from evolution and bioengineering to contemplation, metaphysics, divine action, and the importance of interdisciplinary dialogue.
📙 In This Episode:
✔ Dr. Andrew Jackson's journey through science, engineering, and theology
✔ The connection between zoology and bioengineering
✔ Science and Christian belief
✔ Evolution and theological perspectives
✔ Maximus the Confessor and metaphysics
✔ The relationship between metaphysics and evolution
✔ Natural contemplation and scientific inspiration
✔ Science, faith, and divine action
✔ The experience of being a religious scientist
✔ Challenges facing scientists who engage with faith
✔ Why interdisciplinary research matters
✔ Philosophy of science and understanding the universe
✔ Science, religion, AI, and future technologies
✔ The role of science and religion in space exploration
✔ The future of interdisciplinary dialogue
📙 Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Andrew Jackson's background
02:10 From Manchester to Oxford: Jackson's early interests in science
04:04 Transition from zoology to engineering and bioengineering
05:59 Academic career and interest in theology
09:01 The leap from zoology to bioengineering and the PhD research
11:00 Mother of Pearl: Material science and fracture mechanics
15:02 Research publications and ongoing interests in insects
17:05 Return to academia and studying theology at Cambridge and Nottingham
18:59 Jackson's religious background and views on science and faith
24:05 Research on Maximus the Confessor and evolution
27:52 The Logos, purpose, and the problem of evil in evolution
31:52 Contemplation in science and the natural history approach
34:55 Science, faith, and the integration of disciplines
39:54 The journal Science and Christian Belief and its role
40:48 Encouragement for young scientists to explore faith and science