|
Category: Historical Topics
Curtis Freeman on Undomesticated Religious Dissent
In the Bunhill Fields cemetery across from Wesley Chapel in London, there are three graves of prominent English dissenters — John Bunyan, Daniel Defoe, and William Blake. Our guest this week, Prof. Curtis Freeman (Duke Divinity School), encountered these memorials a few years back and he was sent on a scholarly journey that investigated the role of “undomesticated dissent” in British and American history. He shares his findings and why a deeper understanding of these three writers are important for the context of democratic governance. [ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ] Brandon O’Brien on Isaac Backus and Religious Liberty
One of the unsung heroes of religious liberty in the United States is Isaac Backus. Dr. Brandon O’Brien (Redeemer City to City) explores the life and struggles of this colonial preacher and fighter for religious liberty, showing how Backus was able to thread the needle between government endorsed religion and a secular society. Stay tuned for a big announcement. [ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ] David Smith on Episodic Religious Persecutions (Encore Presentation)
Prof. David Smith of the University of Sydney returns to discuss the role religion plays in international relations and foreign policy. We chat about why international relations scholars have de-emphasized the role religion plays in cross-national interactions and how this might be changing. David also reviews how scholars now think that religion plays a role in diplomacy and foreign policy. We are still sorting things out with the podcast. Please be patient. [ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ] Barry Hankins on Jesus, Gin, and the Culture Wars (Encore Presentation)
We are still on a sabbatical but hope to return with new audio formatting and access modes in the next month. Please stay tuned. [ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ] Charles North on Religion, Economic Development, and Rule of Law (Encore Presentation)
While we are still on a short sabbatical, please enjoy this popular “blast from the past.” Prof. Charles North discusses his research linking religion to the rule of law and economic development. We survey the literature on religion and economic growth, and then chat about North’s findings wherein Protestantism, Catholicism, and Hinduism were statistically linked to higher support for “rule of law” and lower levels of corruption. We discuss some of the potential causal reasons for this connection, which takes us back to medieval Europe and the rise of canon law. [ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ] David Deavel on De Sales, Newman, Chesterton, and Hitchcock
Location, location, location. That is the eternal cry of every real estate agent, and it proved prophetic for this week’s guest, Prof. David Deavel, an assistant professor of Catholic Studies at the University of St. Thomas — as he grew up an evangelical Christian in the shadow of Notre Dame, which gave him the foundation […] [ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ] Shari Rabin on Jews on the American Frontier
What is it like to be a stranger in a strange land on the move, and how does that affect one’s ability to preserve their religious identity? This is a central question take up by Prof. Shari Rabin, an assistant professor of Jewish Studies at the College of Charleston and director of the Pearlstine/Lipov Center […] [ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ] Michael Douma on Van Raalte and Dutch Religious History
In the 1830s and ’40s, Dutch Reformed theology experienced a schism between an increasingly liberalized theology and the growth of a new Pietism movement. One of the dominant figures of this era was Albertus Van Raalte, a medical student turned theologian in the Netherlands who subsequently migrated to the United States and eventually settled in Michigan. Prof. Michael Douma (Georgetown University) discusses the life and historically-informed theology of Van Raalte with reference to a newly discovered manuscript written by this 19th century religious figure. Subscribe to us on various podcast streaming services including iTunes and PlayerFM. [ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ] Anthony Esolen on Timeless Hymns
What makes for a “timeless hymn”? Prof. Anthony Esolen (Thomas More College) discusses his recent book “Real Music: A Guide to the Timeless Hymns of the Church,” and shares with us the importance of singing and poetry for the faithful. We review a number of important themes found within various hymns and reference a few of the greats over the past several centuries. Join us over at Facebook and Twitter for regular updates on guests. [ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ] Mark Lawson-Jones on Christmas Carols
Why was the partridge in the pear tree? This is all the more mysterious given that these birds can’t fly well. We answer this and several other questions related to the history of Christmas carols with special guest Rev. Mark Lawson-Jones, a chaplain for Mission to the Seafarers and author of the delightful book “Why Was the Partridge in the Pear Tree? The History of Christmas Carols.” We cover a broad swathe of history dating back to the medieval period when carols were used in various pageants, discuss the fun of wassailing, note that the Puritans almost killed Christmas fun, and then discuss the history and meaning of a few well-known songs. Share the gift of knowledge with a friend and invite them to listen to our show. We have over 350 episodes in the archives. [ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ] |
 Search The Podcast
To search the podcast, type a term and click the Search button.
 Browse Podcast Categories
Select a category below to browse the podcast:
Connect With Us
    |
