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Category: Historical Topics
Kevan Harris on Iran’s Islamic Revolution and Green Movement
With Iran in the news recently, we consult with Kevan Harris of Princeton’s Center for Iran and Persian Gulf Studies on the country’s recent history from its 1979 Islamic Revolution to the stalled Green “Revolution” (or movement) in the past half decade. Prof. Harris explains the process of social mobilization in 1979 and how it differed in 2009, as well as how the Islamic regime consolidated its rule over the past quarter century. Check us out on our Facebook Fan Page for nifty promotional photos! [ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ] Donald Kraybill on The Amish and Old Order Mennonites
One of the most distinctive and recognizable Christian groups in the United States are the Amish. But how much do we really know about this group? Prof. Don Kraybill, a noted scholar on Old Order Mennonites and Anabaptists, provides us with a historical background of the Amish and the related “horse and buggy” Mennonites. We also discuss their theology, ethnic/cultural practices, demographics, and economics. Along the way, we explode many of the myths and stereotypes in this wonderfully comprehensive interview. Join us on our Facebook Fan Page for discussion of upcoming topics! [ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ] Evan Haefeli on the Dutch Origins of Religious Tolerance
An often overlooked aspect of the rise of religious freedom in the 17th and 18th centuries was the role of Dutch toleration for religious dissent. Prof. Evan Haefeli of Columbia University documents the critical role that the Netherlands played in fostering religious tolerance in the Low Countries and how this translated across the Atlantic Ocean in the colonial territory they held in the Americas for a half century. He offers a surprising conclusion on what the political-religious landscape would have looked like in post-colonial America had the Dutch been able to retain possession of their territories into the 18th century. Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes at no cost! Be sure to listen weekly to keep your subscription up-to-date. [ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ] David Dixon on Religious Rhetoric and the Civil Right Movement
Prof. David Dixon of St. Joseph’s College discusses his massive project to document various sermons and speeches giving during the height of the Civil Rights Movement (1954-65). These speeches are from lesser known individuals who were nonetheless a critical part of the social environment pushing for civil liberties for African Americans and others. We also discuss how this project relates to his previous and ongoing research on religion in Latin America. Don’t forget to subscribe to us on iTunes or via our RSS feed. Click the buttons on the right column. [ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ] Tim Kelleher on The Nicene Creed and Hollywood
Hollywood actor Tim Kelleher joins us to discuss the recent documentary he wrote, directed, and produced entitled “The Creed: What Christians Profess and Why It Ought to Matter.” The conversation goes over the process of making the documentary, what Tim learned about the Nicene Creed in the film’s production, and the reactions to the film. We also cover what it is like to be a person of faith in the entertainment industry. Visit our Facebook Fan Page for regular updates! [ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ] David Smith on Episodic Religious Persecutions
Despite being a nation prided upon religious freedom, the United States has witnessed several episodes of intense persecution of religious minorities. Prof. David Smith (University of Sydney) discusses why these episodic violations of civil liberties happen with specific reference to the Latter Day Saints in the mid-19th century and the Jehovah’s Witnesses in the early 20th century. He links these (and other) events to the threat that they generate towards the political status quo. We also discuss how this may relate to harassment of Catholics, Jews, and Muslims in US history over the past two centuries. Join us on our Facebook Fan Page for weekly updates and additional insights. Help us reach 500 fans by June! [ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ] Brian O’Neel on the Saints of January
Brian O’Neel, a Catholic journalist and independent scholar, returns to Research on Religion to tell us about some of the lesser known saints that are celebrated within Catholicism during the month of January. We cover a prodigous builder of parochial schools in America, a convert from paganism in Nigeria, a lay eye doctor who set up clinics for the poor, another lay Catholic who resisted the Nazis, and a group of martyrs in Russia. We finish with a discussion of martyrdom and how this plays out in the contemporary Middle East. Help spread the word about our podcast using the social media links below. [ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ] Adam English on the Real Santa Claus
On Christmas Eve, what better time to explore the life and times of the “real Santa Claus,” St. Nicholas of Myra. Prof. Adam Engish (Campbell University) discusses his new book “The Saint Who Would Be Santa Claus.” We learn about the true charitable bishop of Myra and his most famous act of charity, how that became transformed into our modern representation of Santa Claus, and many other details about this extraordinary individual who lived during an important era of Christian history. This podcast also includes a link to a cookie recipe provided by Prof. English. Give the gift of education by telling your family, friends, and colleagues about our free educational service. [ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ] Tracy McKenzie on the First Thanksgiving
Just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday here in the United States, Prof. Tracy McKenzie (Wheaton College) takes us on a tour of the world of the Pilgrims who landed in Plymouth. We discover who they were, how they worshipped and the interesting (not commonly known) history of The “First” Thanksgiving. More than just a “grade school” understanding of this American tradition, Prof. McKenzie challenges Christians to engage in a deeper understanding of their own history. This interview will make for great conversational tidbits around the dinner table! [ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ] Sarah Bond on the Church and Funerals in Late Antiquity
How were the funerals for the dead managed in the period of “late antiquity,” roughly spanning the middle 3rd to late 6th century? Historian Sarah Bond of Marquette University surveys the “disreputable profession” of funeral workers prior to, and after, the Edict of Milan, noting how the change in church-state relations that occurred had a dramatic impact on the this critical industry. In the post-Constantinian era, funeral workers were often used as bodyguards and personal militaries for bishops, and the process of interring bodies opened the door to a great deal of corruption (rent-seeking) within the Church. Check out our Facebook Fan Page for updates. Tell a friend, co-worker, or teacher about our free educational resource. We thank you! [ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ] |
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