David DeSteno
@daviddesteno.bsky.social
Psychological Scientist, Author, and host of PRX podcast "How God Works: The Science Behind Spirituality." Studying the Science of Emotion, Morality, & Religion. Words frequently in NYT, WSJ, etc. https://davedesteno.com https://www.howgodworks.org
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David DeSteno
@daviddesteno.bsky.social
· Nov 12
Opinion | What Science Can Learn From Religion (Published 2019)
Hostility toward spiritual traditions may be hampering empirical inquiry.
www.nytimes.com
A quick 🧵for new followers. If you want to know why an agnostic scientist hosts a podcast called How God Works, I laid it out 👇🏻. When it comes to understanding religion, the right question isn’t whether God exists. It’s how the practice of religion shapes our mind www.nytimes.com/2019/02/01/o...
Men are facing a crisis of meaning. Many are turning to more conservative forms of Christianity to find it. But the success of that journey, and what it means for the gender divide, depends on what answers they find (and from whom). I talked with @drmoore.bsky.social
& @richardreeves.bsky.social 🧵
& @richardreeves.bsky.social 🧵
Orthodox Church Pews Are Overflowing With Converts
www.nytimes.com
November 19, 2025 at 1:46 PM
Men are facing a crisis of meaning. Many are turning to more conservative forms of Christianity to find it. But the success of that journey, and what it means for the gender divide, depends on what answers they find (and from whom). I talked with @drmoore.bsky.social
& @richardreeves.bsky.social 🧵
& @richardreeves.bsky.social 🧵
Religions always influenced diet. But Christian influencers like Alex Clark are taking modern diet & wellness ideas and dressing them up in theological claims, with a big one being: God doesn't want you to be fat. I talk with @jessgrose.bsky.social about it on HGW podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/h...
November 17, 2025 at 3:46 PM
Religions always influenced diet. But Christian influencers like Alex Clark are taking modern diet & wellness ideas and dressing them up in theological claims, with a big one being: God doesn't want you to be fat. I talk with @jessgrose.bsky.social about it on HGW podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/h...
Diet has always mixed with morality in religion. But today's Christian influencers are taking it to new & potentially problematic levels. I talk with @nytimes.com writer
@jessgrose.bsky.social & religious historian Catherine Newell about the history of food & faith podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/h...
@jessgrose.bsky.social & religious historian Catherine Newell about the history of food & faith podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/h...
November 16, 2025 at 2:36 PM
Diet has always mixed with morality in religion. But today's Christian influencers are taking it to new & potentially problematic levels. I talk with @nytimes.com writer
@jessgrose.bsky.social & religious historian Catherine Newell about the history of food & faith podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/h...
@jessgrose.bsky.social & religious historian Catherine Newell about the history of food & faith podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/h...
Wisdom isn’t about what you think; it’s about how you think. It’s using a set of mental tools. On this week’s episode of How God Works, we explore the science behind wisdom with @igi.bsky.social and take a look at modern & centuries old ways of cultivating it. www.howgodworks.org/podcast/seas...
November 4, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Wisdom isn’t about what you think; it’s about how you think. It’s using a set of mental tools. On this week’s episode of How God Works, we explore the science behind wisdom with @igi.bsky.social and take a look at modern & centuries old ways of cultivating it. www.howgodworks.org/podcast/seas...
When it comes to making better decisions, science backs up what St. Ignatius figured out centuries ago: distancing yourself by taking a 3rd person or other perspective helps. This week, I talk with @bostoncollege.bsky.social Father Bart Geger about seeking wisdom www.howgodworks.org/podcast/seas...
November 3, 2025 at 1:40 PM
When it comes to making better decisions, science backs up what St. Ignatius figured out centuries ago: distancing yourself by taking a 3rd person or other perspective helps. This week, I talk with @bostoncollege.bsky.social Father Bart Geger about seeking wisdom www.howgodworks.org/podcast/seas...
What does it mean to be wise? How do you become so? On today's episode, we explore the science of wisdom with Igor Grossmann (@igi.bsky.social) & see how some Christian traditions developed exercises for it long ago with
@bostoncollege.bsky.social Fr. Bart Geger podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/h...
@bostoncollege.bsky.social Fr. Bart Geger podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/h...
November 2, 2025 at 1:51 PM
What does it mean to be wise? How do you become so? On today's episode, we explore the science of wisdom with Igor Grossmann (@igi.bsky.social) & see how some Christian traditions developed exercises for it long ago with
@bostoncollege.bsky.social Fr. Bart Geger podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/h...
@bostoncollege.bsky.social Fr. Bart Geger podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/h...
On this week’s episode of How God Works, we explore views of what it means to be spiritual. Here’s Father Greg Boyle with his: Be in the world as God would be. Do in the world what God would want you to do. Cherish each other. Don’t focus on piety. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/h...
October 21, 2025 at 4:15 PM
On this week’s episode of How God Works, we explore views of what it means to be spiritual. Here’s Father Greg Boyle with his: Be in the world as God would be. Do in the world what God would want you to do. Cherish each other. Don’t focus on piety. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/h...
Is withdrawing from the world into a life of contemplation or being in the world trying to heal it the best route to growing spiritually? Turns out, as @sigalsamuel.bsky.social notes, they're not mutually exclusive. The two paths can reinforce each other. More here podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/h...
October 20, 2025 at 8:01 PM
Is withdrawing from the world into a life of contemplation or being in the world trying to heal it the best route to growing spiritually? Turns out, as @sigalsamuel.bsky.social notes, they're not mutually exclusive. The two paths can reinforce each other. More here podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/h...
Does being spiritual mean withdrawing from the world to a life of contemplation, or being in the world actively trying to heal it? I talk with @sigalsamuel.bsky.social and Father Greg Boyle about this age old question and how to find balance.
Seeking the Spiritual Life
Podcast Episode · How God Works: The Science Behind Spirituality · 10/19/2025 · 28m
podcasts.apple.com
October 19, 2025 at 2:24 PM
Does being spiritual mean withdrawing from the world to a life of contemplation, or being in the world actively trying to heal it? I talk with @sigalsamuel.bsky.social and Father Greg Boyle about this age old question and how to find balance.
Happy to say How God Works continues to be recognized as one of the best religion/spirituality shows by podcast pros. A two time @podcastacademy.bsky.social Ambies finalist and now a silver for best religion/spirituality pod from the @signalawards.bsky.social. Thanks to the team & @prx.org!
October 17, 2025 at 3:23 PM
Happy to say How God Works continues to be recognized as one of the best religion/spirituality shows by podcast pros. A two time @podcastacademy.bsky.social Ambies finalist and now a silver for best religion/spirituality pod from the @signalawards.bsky.social. Thanks to the team & @prx.org!
This week on How God Works, we explore friendship. Right now, that includes implications of AI chatbot friends. While people report feeling more heard & valued by chatbots, that’s not what makes for a good friend philosopher Samuel Kimbriel (and Aristotle) note. www.howgodworks.org/podcast/seas...
October 7, 2025 at 3:55 PM
This week on How God Works, we explore friendship. Right now, that includes implications of AI chatbot friends. While people report feeling more heard & valued by chatbots, that’s not what makes for a good friend philosopher Samuel Kimbriel (and Aristotle) note. www.howgodworks.org/podcast/seas...
Loneliness is on the rise. That's not news. But maybe part of the reason is: we're no longer sure what it means to be a good friend or lack tools to make it happen. I talk with Samuel Kimbriel & Robert Waldinger about what science, philosophy, and religion offer. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/h...
October 6, 2025 at 1:06 PM
Loneliness is on the rise. That's not news. But maybe part of the reason is: we're no longer sure what it means to be a good friend or lack tools to make it happen. I talk with Samuel Kimbriel & Robert Waldinger about what science, philosophy, and religion offer. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/h...
A beautiful essay from @davidfrenchjag.bsky.social on what a thick practice of faith is as opposed to a thin one. The latter is treating it as a label that can be co-opted by politics. The former is a practice requiring grappling with a faith’s true meaning.
Opinion | The Grace That Gives Us Hope
www.nytimes.com
October 5, 2025 at 12:20 PM
A beautiful essay from @davidfrenchjag.bsky.social on what a thick practice of faith is as opposed to a thin one. The latter is treating it as a label that can be co-opted by politics. The former is a practice requiring grappling with a faith’s true meaning.
Reposted by David DeSteno
While many understandably criticize calls for prayer after mass shootings in the absence of changes to gun laws to prevent harm, they miss the point that prayer has value for all affected by such tragedies - one that science backs up. My latest for
@wsj.com www.wsj.com/health/the-p...
@wsj.com www.wsj.com/health/the-p...
Essay | The Power of Prayer After a Mass Shooting
When innocents are murdered, calls for prayer may seem useless, but it’s one of our best tools for overcoming grief and fear.
www.wsj.com
October 2, 2025 at 3:45 PM
While many understandably criticize calls for prayer after mass shootings in the absence of changes to gun laws to prevent harm, they miss the point that prayer has value for all affected by such tragedies - one that science backs up. My latest for
@wsj.com www.wsj.com/health/the-p...
@wsj.com www.wsj.com/health/the-p...
While many understandably criticize calls for prayer after mass shootings in the absence of changes to gun laws to prevent harm, they miss the point that prayer has value for all affected by such tragedies - one that science backs up. My latest for
@wsj.com www.wsj.com/health/the-p...
@wsj.com www.wsj.com/health/the-p...
Essay | The Power of Prayer After a Mass Shooting
When innocents are murdered, calls for prayer may seem useless, but it’s one of our best tools for overcoming grief and fear.
www.wsj.com
October 2, 2025 at 3:45 PM
While many understandably criticize calls for prayer after mass shootings in the absence of changes to gun laws to prevent harm, they miss the point that prayer has value for all affected by such tragedies - one that science backs up. My latest for
@wsj.com www.wsj.com/health/the-p...
@wsj.com www.wsj.com/health/the-p...
Excellent piece from @michaelluo.bsky.social👇🏻. Like most sacred texts, the Bible contains many voices, some vengeful & some merciful. But the heart of the tradition & its daily practices nudge the mind toward mercy. It’s a thin practice of Christianity, as Volf notes, that allows it to be co-opted🧵
I reflected on what it means that Jesus was “full of grace and truth,” Dallas Willard’s “allure of gentleness” in the Christian apologetic, and whether it stands a chance in an attention economy that rewards outrage. www.newyorker.com/news/the-led...
The Politics of Faith After Charlie Kirk
The future of American democracy could depend on whether Christians see themselves as warriors or servants.
www.newyorker.com
September 28, 2025 at 1:32 PM
Excellent piece from @michaelluo.bsky.social👇🏻. Like most sacred texts, the Bible contains many voices, some vengeful & some merciful. But the heart of the tradition & its daily practices nudge the mind toward mercy. It’s a thin practice of Christianity, as Volf notes, that allows it to be co-opted🧵
It's fall, and that means How God Works is back with a new season! We'll explore the wisdom the world's faith traditions offer to improve our friendships, our decision-making, and lots more about our lives. Plus, why shamans are everywhere & how Tibetan monks control their dreams.
September 28, 2025 at 1:23 PM
It's fall, and that means How God Works is back with a new season! We'll explore the wisdom the world's faith traditions offer to improve our friendships, our decision-making, and lots more about our lives. Plus, why shamans are everywhere & how Tibetan monks control their dreams.
Happy to say that How God Works is a @signalawards finalist for best podcast in the Religion & Spirituality category. That means we're also competing for a Listener's Choice award. So if you're a fan, please head on over and give us a vote! vote.signalaward.com/PublicVoting...
September 23, 2025 at 2:50 PM
Happy to say that How God Works is a @signalawards finalist for best podcast in the Religion & Spirituality category. That means we're also competing for a Listener's Choice award. So if you're a fan, please head on over and give us a vote! vote.signalaward.com/PublicVoting...
A good explanation for the jarring juxtaposition of vengeance and mercy from @davidfrenchjag.bsky.social. Also, research shows that when people feel their way of life is threatened, they come to see God as more punitive, making it easier for hate to rise.
Opinion | How Can You Cheer Love and Hate at the Same Time?
www.nytimes.com
September 23, 2025 at 12:50 PM
A good explanation for the jarring juxtaposition of vengeance and mercy from @davidfrenchjag.bsky.social. Also, research shows that when people feel their way of life is threatened, they come to see God as more punitive, making it easier for hate to rise.
On #RoshHashanah, Jews celebrate the new year. But in preparing to make it a better one, they pause to remind themselves it might be their last. That’s good advice for anyone to follow. www.nytimes.com/2023/09/13/o... @nytopinion.nytimes.com
Opinion | Rosh Hashana Can Change Your Life (Even if You’re Not Jewish) (Published 2023)
www.nytimes.com
September 22, 2025 at 12:40 PM
On #RoshHashanah, Jews celebrate the new year. But in preparing to make it a better one, they pause to remind themselves it might be their last. That’s good advice for anyone to follow. www.nytimes.com/2023/09/13/o... @nytopinion.nytimes.com
Awe’s links to spiritual renewal from @peter-wehner.bsky.social. Just in time for Judaism’s Days of Awe. www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archiv...
Awe Is Essential
When we see ourselves in the context of wonder, it makes us humbler.
www.theatlantic.com
September 16, 2025 at 6:35 PM
Awe’s links to spiritual renewal from @peter-wehner.bsky.social. Just in time for Judaism’s Days of Awe. www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archiv...
Many evangelicals work to hear God through a long practice of having conversations with Him. The growing popularity of spiritual AI chatbots is making this desire easier for everyone.
www.nytimes.com/2025/09/14/u... @nytimes.com 1/2
www.nytimes.com/2025/09/14/u... @nytimes.com 1/2
Finding God in the App Store
www.nytimes.com
September 14, 2025 at 1:05 PM
Many evangelicals work to hear God through a long practice of having conversations with Him. The growing popularity of spiritual AI chatbots is making this desire easier for everyone.
www.nytimes.com/2025/09/14/u... @nytimes.com 1/2
www.nytimes.com/2025/09/14/u... @nytimes.com 1/2
This is how you do it. @jamestalarico.bsky.social is bringing the language of faith back to the left. It should never have been ceded to the right.
September 10, 2025 at 3:51 AM
This is how you do it. @jamestalarico.bsky.social is bringing the language of faith back to the left. It should never have been ceded to the right.
I'm often asked what to do if you want to start a spiritual path but feel like you just can't believe in a higher power. Here's Rabbi Shira Stutman with my favorite answer. Sometimes it's the doing - and doing good - that comes first. From @aspenideas.bsky.social www.aspenideas.org/sessions/los...
September 9, 2025 at 4:25 PM
I'm often asked what to do if you want to start a spiritual path but feel like you just can't believe in a higher power. Here's Rabbi Shira Stutman with my favorite answer. Sometimes it's the doing - and doing good - that comes first. From @aspenideas.bsky.social www.aspenideas.org/sessions/los...
From my conversation with @hubermanlab.com, here's why you shouldn't believe any scientist who says they know for certain that God doesn't exist. Science can & does adjudicate ideas about how the world works. But it can't answer whether God is out there. www.hubermanlab.com/episode/scie...
September 5, 2025 at 5:44 PM
From my conversation with @hubermanlab.com, here's why you shouldn't believe any scientist who says they know for certain that God doesn't exist. Science can & does adjudicate ideas about how the world works. But it can't answer whether God is out there. www.hubermanlab.com/episode/scie...