In the most recent Mind Matters podcast, neurosurgeon Dr. Michael Egnor continued his discussion with bioethicist Dr. Stephen Post about his upcoming book, Pure Unlimited Love: Science and the Seven Paths to Inner Peace (November 2025). Their conversation explored the connection between faith, compassion, and the challenges of modern life. What began as a discussion of love and science became a rich reflection on religion, freedom, history, and the importance of seeing the divine in every human being. (Here’s the first part of the discussion.)
God, love, and the foundation of human dignity
Dr. Egnor began by noting that many modern approaches to happiness and love — whether they are philosophical or psychological — tend to leave out one key factor: God. As a Christian, he emphasized that Jesus Christ offers “the only way out of this mess,” meaning the confusion and moral chaos of modern culture. He asked Dr. Post how he viewed religion in today’s world.
Dr. Post, who has been an Episcopalian all his life, described his own faith as deeply Eucharistic and shaped by both Christian and Eastern religious traditions. Having studied at the University of Chicago Divinity School, Post noted that Hinduism views the divine as a blend of love, freedom, and creativity. He believes that humans are meant to honor these qualities in one another. They are also present, he said, in Christianity.
Seeing the divine in every person
Post shared a moving story from his time working in a geriatric psychiatric hospital in Mount Vernon, Ohio. The hospital housed elderly individuals with Down syndrome who were struggling with severe behavioral decline. Despite the chaos, a small group of Hindu nurse’s aides managed to calm the entire unit simply by their presence.
When asked how they did it, the aides replied with one word: “Namaste.” In India, this means, “I honor the divine in you.” Their deep respect for the spiritual value of each person transformed the atmosphere of the ward. Dr. Post saw this as a living example of what he calls “spiritual resilience” — recognizing the divine spark within everyone, no matter their condition.
He compared this to literary moments of redemption, such as in Leo Tolstoy’s novella, The Death of Ivan Ilyich (1886). In that story, a selfish man experiences divine love at the moment of death. For Post, such stories reveal how divine presence can break through even at the end of life. His conclusion: We must approach every person with gentleness, dignity, and faith that love can awaken the divine within them.
The loss of God in modern culture
Dr. Egnor then reflected on the ideas of another Russian writer, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn (1918‒2008). He believed that the tragedies of the 20th century, including communism, came from one central truth: “We have forgotten God.” Egnor lamented the decline of public expressions of faith in America — school prayer, Christmas carols, and open Christian culture — that once gave moral grounding to society.
He also shared Solzhenitsyn’s famous observation that “the line between good and evil runs through every human heart.” Evil is not merely “out there” in the world, he said, but something that each person must confront within themselves. To illustrate this point, he cited G.K. Chesterton (1874‒1936), who is said to have won an essay contest on the question “What’s wrong with the world?” by writing only two words: “I am.”
Spiritual roots and moral courage
Dr. Post responded by recalling his encounter with Ignat Solzhenitsyn, the son of the Russian author, at a Templeton Prize ceremony honoring the Green Patriarch of the Orthodox Church. He noted how many great figures — like Ignat Solzhenitsyn (Solzhenitsyn ‘s son) and Jane Goodall — are quietly rooted in Christian faith. This foundation, he said, gives people the strength to act with compassion and moral clarity.
In his upcoming book, one chapter titled “May You Raise Kind Children” draws on studies his institute funded decades ago on how to nurture kindness through spiritual community. Post explained that religious or spiritual structure provides parents with the support they need to raise children who are more mentally and physically healthy.
He also emphasized the importance of nature as a divine gift, citing another chapter, “May You Cherish the Gift of Nature.” For Post, awe and wonder at creation bring people closer to the Creator.
Freedom as a divine gift
Another theme in Post’s book is freedom — not just political or material freedom, but spiritual freedom. Quoting both Solzhenitsyn and Fyodor Dostoevsky (1821‒1881), he warned against reducing freedom to mere self-will or rebellion. Instead, he described freedom as a reflection of the divine image within humanity. “We cherish our freedom,” he said, “not because we are purely material beings, but because we are connected to the divine creativity in the universe.”
Post illustrated this belief with a story from his own family. His ancestor John McLean (1785‒1861), a Supreme Court justice and founder of the Republican Party, dissented in the infamous Dred Scott decision, writing the phrase “Once free, always free.” McLean’s moral conviction was rooted in his evangelical Methodist faith. Post sees his ancestor’s courage as a model of how faith and freedom should unite to defend human dignity.
Faith, politics, and civility
Dr. Post lamented the polarization of modern politics, where disagreement quickly turns to hatred. He said he avoids discussing politics with colleagues because “there’s too much demonization.” In his view, even universities and medical schools are becoming hostile to open debate. He warned that the internet has amplified anger and tribalism, eroding civility and shared moral ground.
Dr. Egnor agreed, observing that the United States seems to be losing its ability to hold respectful disagreement. Post responded by quoting Abraham Lincoln’s call for unity: “With malice toward none, with charity for all.” He keeps a CD of Lincoln’s speeches in his car as a reminder of the humility and forgiveness needed to heal a divided nation.
Love and inner peace
As the conversation closed, both men agreed that the world desperately needs love — “pure, unlimited love” grounded in faith. Dr. Egnor added that humanity also needs Christ, the source of that love. Post agreed wholeheartedly: “I’m for that,” he said warmly.
The interview ended on a hopeful note. Before there can be peace in the world, Post concluded, “you’ve got to have inner peace.” His forthcoming book offers a roadmap for finding that peace — through love, freedom, and the divine presence that resides in every human heart.
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Mind Matters features original news and analysis at the intersection of artificial and natural intelligence. Through articles and podcasts, it explores issues, challenges, and controversies relating to human and artificial intelligence from a perspective that values the unique capabilities of human beings. Mind Matters is published by the Walter Bradley Center for Natural and Artificial Intelligence.
