Category: Christianity


John Mark Reynolds on Dickens and “A Christmas Carol”

Our special Christmas show examines the life, times, and writing of Charles Dickens with John Mark Reynolds (Houston Baptist University) with particular attention to “A Christmas Carol.” Prof. Reynolds discusses recurrent themes in Dickens’ stories and reveals a number of nuances and insights that many people miss in his timeless tale of Ebeneezer Scrooge’s redemption. And yes, we talk Muppets!

Give the gift of knowledge by telling your family and friends about our free educational podcast.

[ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ]
J Warner Wallace on Cold-Case Christianity & Christmas

In one of our most unique interviews, we talk with J Warner Wallace, a cold-case homicide detective, about his journey into Christianity and his use of criminology tools to determine whether or not the Gospels have any veracity to them. We talk murder mysteries, forensic methodology, and whether or not the birth narrative of Jesus could hold up against the weight of cold-case evidence. This is a conversation that you will want to tell your friends about!

Join us on Facebook and Twitter.

[ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ]
Oliver Crisp on Calvin and Reformed Theology

Who was John Calvin, how have people interpreted his theology throughout the ages, and is it really as narrow as many believe it to be? These questions and more are answered as Research on Religion dips into the world of historical theology with Prof. Oliver Crisp of Fuller Theological Seminary. With a delightful English accent, Dr. Crisp explains a lot of words that Tony cannot pronounce and argues that Reformed theology is a great deal more diverse that it is typically portrayed. Prof. Crisp also makes a strong case for why the study of deep theology is important.

Thinking of an inexpensive gift for the holidays? Tell your friends about Research on Religion, free on iTunes!

[ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ]
Thomas Kidd on the Pilgrims (Encore Presentation)

While Tony takes a break for the Thanksgiving holiday, we offer you an encore presentation about the Pilgrims. Thomas Kidd (Baylor University) enlightens us about the history of the Pilgrims, tracing their roots in 16th century England to The Netherlands and eventually to the Plymouth Colony in what is now today Massachusetts. Prof. Kidd discusses the differences the Pilgrims had with the Church of England and their Puritan brethren. We also explore why the king of England would allow a group of his critics to settle land in North America, the hardships that this group of religious refugees faced in their first years in the wilderness, and the imprint the Pilgrims left on U.S. history.

A great podcast for high school educators and homeschoolers, as well as a nice refresher course for those of us who think we remember our American colonial history. Plus, you get to hear your host recite poetry!

[ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ]
David Campbell & Quin Monson on Mormons & Politics in America

What is it like to be Mormon and political in the United States? We invite Prof. David Campbell (Notre Dame) and Prof. Quin Monson (BYU) to discuss why members of the Latter Day Saints are considered a “peculiar people” (a term adopted from the Old Testament) and how this has affected their political affiliation and attitudes on a variety of issues. Both scholars also share their own perspectives growing up Mormon and how being a religious minority can affect one’s identity.

Join us on our Facebook Fan Page or Twitter feed for regular updates. Click the buttons in the right-hand column.

[ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ]
Gary Richardson on Religion & Craft Guilds in the Middle Ages

While economic historians have long been interested in the rise of craft guilds during the medieval era, Prof. Gary Richardson documents their surprising origins in confessional organizations and the role that religious ritual, practice, and prayer played in their maintenance. None of this should have come as a surprise, though, as the primary documents from these guilds is saturated with religious discussion. We review how religion helped to enhance cooperation and coordination among professional groups, maintain a level of quality, and what happened when the Black Death came to visit England.

Know somebody interested in religion? Let them know about us by emailing them our website link. Thanks!

[ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ]
Torrey Olsen on Faith-Based Humanitarianism and World Vision

What is it like to be shot at and abducted while serving as a religiously-based humanitarian aid worker? Torrey Olsen, who spent 15 years in West Africa with World Vision and other organizations details his experiences and what he learned in the field. He also discusses the history and operation of World Vision, a Christian-based relief organization that operations in roughly 100 countries, including some of the most dangerous hot spots around the world. We examine various projects World Vision undertakes including an ecumenical outreach program to Muslims concerning the Ebola pandemic in Africa.

Subscribe to use for free on iTunes or use our RSS feed and never miss an episode.

[ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ]
Russell Kleckley on Religion, Science, and Johannes Kepler

Johannes Kepler is perhaps best known for his modifications to the Copernican theory of heliocentrism, but few people remember how his science was guided by his deep personal faith. Prof. Russell Kleckley of Augsburg College discusses the natural philosophy and theology of this gifted mind. Kepler’s story is an interesting encapsulation of the scientific and religious ferment that was occurring in Europe in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. Plus, we learn all about “Scuba Jesus.”

Subscribe to us at no cost on iTunes or with your RSS feed and never miss an episode!

[ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ]
Darren Slade on Missionizing North Korea

Of all the countries in the world, why would anyone consider North Korea a territory for Christian evangelization? With one of the most repressive and atheistic regimes, that thrives on a cult of personality of its founding leaders, this would not seem to be fertile ground. Darren Slade discusses the political and religious background of this communist nation and what missionizing strategies have been employed in an environment that is extremely hostile to Christianity.

Let your friends know about our free educational resource with over 200 episodes archived!

[ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ]
Philip Jenkins on Religion & World War I

As we solemnly observe the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of World War I, historian Philip Jenkins joins us to discuss the religious dimensions of “The Great & Holy War” (which is also the title of his new book). We survey the spiritual, apocalyptic, and even occult language and imagery that was used to understand the war, mobilize troops, and even guide it on occasion. Prof. Jenkins also lays out the consequences that this pivotal historical event had on the global spiritual landscape … consequences that we are still experiencing to this very day.

Join us on Twitter and/or Facebook for regular updates on guests and some interesting discussion.

[ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ]
Search The Podcast
To search the podcast, type a term and click the Search button.

Connect With Us