Dr. Michael P. Manahan Explores Faith, Science, and The Great Contest
Today on Let’s Just Talk, Kathryn Raaker welcomes Dr. Michael P. Manahan, a Christian author, MIT-trained scholar, and founder of an engineering firm, for a thought-provoking conversation about faith, science, biblical truth, and finding purpose in life’s trials.
Despite a career deeply rooted in science and engineering, Dr. Manahan describes a spiritual journey that led him to a deeper understanding of Scripture and ultimately inspired his new book, The Great Contest.
Written over approximately 15 years, the book examines what Dr. Manahan calls life’s “great contest”—the ongoing struggle between good and evil and the spiritual meaning behind the challenges people face. The book begins by exploring the biblical account of Adam and Eve and raises intriguing questions about the Fall, God’s plan for humanity, and mankind’s ultimate destiny.
Kathryn and Dr. Manahan also discuss how his scientific training influenced his exploration of creation and evolution, including his examination of these subjects through principles of thermodynamics. He emphasizes the importance of understanding foundational Christian beliefs, developing sound doctrine, and being prepared to thoughtfully defend one’s faith when confronted with opposing viewpoints.
Throughout The Great Contest, Dr. Manahan seeks to make complex theological concepts accessible to everyday readers. Among its central themes are good versus evil, creation versus evolution, the role of trials in the Christian life, and the importance of a personal relationship with God.
He encourages readers to look at adversity from a biblical perspective and consider how even difficult experiences can contribute to spiritual growth, perseverance, and ultimately joy.
Kathryn and Dr. Manahan also reflect on the modern church, their personal faith experiences, and why they believe a genuine relationship with God goes beyond simply attending church.
Join Kathryn Raaker and Dr. Michael P. Manahan for an engaging conversation that brings together science, Scripture, faith, and the search for meaning in life’s greatest challenges.
The Great Contest is available on Amazon, with audiobook and translated editions planned. For more information, visit: esteemforgod.com.
Brittany Partain Explains Advances in Lupus Testing and the ADVISE Test
Our second guest today is Brittany Partain, Associate Director of Clinical Affairs and Physician Education at Exagen, who joins Kathryn Raaker to help listeners better understand autoimmune disease, why lupus can be so difficult to diagnose, and how newer testing approaches may help patients and clinicians find clearer answers sooner.
Lupus is a complex autoimmune disease that can affect many different parts of the body, and its symptoms often overlap with those of other conditions. Because of this, it is sometimes referred to as “the great imitator.” For some patients, the path to diagnosis can involve years of uncertainty, multiple appointments, and inconclusive test results.
During the conversation, Brittany explains how autoimmune diseases can affect women throughout different stages of life, including the childbearing years and menopause. She also discusses how laboratory testing for lupus has evolved, moving beyond individual markers toward more comprehensive panels that evaluate multiple aspects of immune system activity.
One important advancement involves measuring complement activation products rather than relying only on circulating complement protein levels. Brittany explains that these additional markers may give clinicians a more complete picture of immune system activity and provide another piece of information when evaluating a patient for lupus.
She also introduces the ADVISE testing platform, which uses two tubes of blood to evaluate more than 30 biomarkers associated with autoimmune disease. Among those biomarkers are cell-bound complement activation products, which can provide additional information about complement system activity that may not be captured through conventional laboratory testing alone.
Because no single laboratory result can diagnose lupus in every patient, clinicians typically consider test findings together with symptoms, medical history, physical examination, and other clinical information. Brittany discusses how expanded biomarker testing may help identify some patients whose disease could otherwise be difficult to recognize and may give physicians greater confidence when determining the next steps in care.
The conversation also explores why receiving a timely and accurate diagnosis matters. Earlier recognition of lupus can allow patients and their healthcare providers to discuss appropriate treatment and monitoring strategies before the disease causes more serious complications. Brittany discusses commonly used therapies, including hydroxychloroquine, and how treatment may help manage disease activity and reduce the risk of long-term organ damage for appropriate patients.
It is an informative conversation about the evolving science of autoimmune testing, the challenges surrounding lupus diagnosis, and how newer diagnostic tools may help physicians and patients navigate a complicated disease with greater clarity and confidence.
For more information, visit: exagen.com/cb-caps-technology/
