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David DeSteno

@daviddesteno.bsky.social

1.8K followers 360 following 410 posts

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

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...

Opinion | What Science Can Learn From Religion (Published 2019)

Hostility toward spiritual traditions may be hampering empirical inquiry.

www.nytimes.com

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David DeSteno @daviddesteno.bsky.social · 1d

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...

David DeSteno @daviddesteno.bsky.social · 2d

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...

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David DeSteno @daviddesteno.bsky.social · 3d

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

Reposted by David DeSteno

David DeSteno @daviddesteno.bsky.social · 6d

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...

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

David DeSteno @daviddesteno.bsky.social · 6d

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

David DeSteno @daviddesteno.bsky.social · 10d

We explored this tension with Miroslav Volf with respect to both Christian nationalism and the war in Gaza, and looked at the science behind how religion works in our minds. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/h...

David DeSteno @daviddesteno.bsky.social · 10d

By co-opted, Volf means merged with political ideologies. A thin practice is hollow, acting as a label, whereas a thick practice requires grappling with the deeper challenges a faith offers and using its tools. As research shows, practices of prayer & meditation increase compassion, not vengeance.

David DeSteno @daviddesteno.bsky.social · 10d

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🧵

Michael Luo @michaelluo.bsky.social · 10d

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

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David DeSteno @daviddesteno.bsky.social · 10d

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.

David DeSteno @daviddesteno.bsky.social · 15d

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...

David DeSteno @daviddesteno.bsky.social · 15d

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

David DeSteno @daviddesteno.bsky.social · 16d

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

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David DeSteno @daviddesteno.bsky.social · 20d

There is some truth to this @shadihamid.bsky.social. But I think you might be ignoring the fact that X has an ideological bias in “algorithm.” It’s not just that it has racist trolls; it’s that those voices are elevated. So the left shouts into the wind. If it were a level playing field, I’d agree.

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David DeSteno @daviddesteno.bsky.social · 21d

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

David DeSteno @daviddesteno.bsky.social · 24d

For more on how many Christians cultivate conversations with God, take a listen as we explore the phenomenon and the science behind it. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/h... 2/2

Making God Real

Podcast Episode · How God Works: The Science Behind Spirituality · 10/30/2022 · 37m

podcasts.apple.com

David DeSteno @daviddesteno.bsky.social · 24d

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

Finding God in the App Store

www.nytimes.com

David DeSteno @daviddesteno.bsky.social · 28d

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.

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David DeSteno @daviddesteno.bsky.social · 28d

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...

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David DeSteno @daviddesteno.bsky.social · Sep 5

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...

David DeSteno @daviddesteno.bsky.social · Sep 2

Data show that happiness drops at midlife. But, according to
Arthur Brooks and Swami Tyagananda, it doesn't have to if you make the right changes. We explore the science & spiritual wisdom of thriving at midlife. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/h...

David DeSteno @daviddesteno.bsky.social · Aug 31

full session here www.aspenideas.org/sessions/los...

Losing Our Religion — Keeping What Matters | Aspen Ideas

As more Americans move away from organized religion, the moral and emotional needs once met by faith communities remain. What can secular society borrow from spiritual traditions — ritual, meaning, be...

www.aspenideas.org

David DeSteno @daviddesteno.bsky.social · Aug 31

Prayer & action should go together. But the left makes a mistake when it cedes spiritual language & motives to the right or says things that seem to condemn faith practices -- practices that help people in times of distress. From my session at @aspenideas.bsky.social, here's Rabbi Shira Stutman 1/2

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David DeSteno @daviddesteno.bsky.social · Aug 29

Interesting piece with great insights form @gregmepstein.bsky.social

Why the tech gods of Silicon Valley have turned to Christianity

Peter Thiel is among the tycoons touting their faith and messianic attitude — while building ‘superintelligence’ has prompted deep philosophical questions

www.thetimes.com

David DeSteno @daviddesteno.bsky.social · Aug 29

A poignant essay from ⁦‪Anne Lamott. It reminds me of something ⁦‪@joanhalifax.bsky.social once told me. “Wise Hope” is an act of resistance. It’s living your morals even in the face of events you might not be able to control. ⁦‬⁩

Opinion | What I Told My Sunday School Students About Death

www.nytimes.com

Reposted by David DeSteno

David DeSteno @daviddesteno.bsky.social · Aug 25

Is there a rational case for religion? What accounts for its benefits for health and wellbeing? @hubermanlab.com and I discuss why science & religion aren’t mutually exclusive, and what wisdom & practices religion offers that can help you flourish.

Science & Health Benefits of Belief in God & Religion | Dr. David DeSteno

Explore how science and religion intersect with Dr. David DeSteno. Learn how rituals, prayer, and community shape health, stress, and human connection.

www.hubermanlab.com

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