Shows
Capital DecantedS2 | Episode 3: Will Artificial Intelligence replace the Investment Professional with Martin Escobari and Dave MoreheadAI dominates headlines and investment conferences these days…often to excess. Sensational stories like “Here’s the robot that will steal your job” and charges of “Disrupt, transform or die” fill our feeds and raise fearmongering narratives that channel Issac Asimov’s I-Robot or James Cameron’s Skynet--of course from the Terminator series. Quant shops, hedge funds, and algorithmic trading firms have embedded AI in their models for over a decade. But have we hit a tipping point where applications of these accelerated computing capabilities are ready to invade the more traditional asset management business? What are those use cases and which are...2024-11-261h 35
CatalyzeMeet John Rose, Morehead-Cain’s faculty director for Dialogue and DiscourseDr. John Rose joined the Morehead-Cain community this fall as faculty director for Dialogue and Discourse. The initiative is designed to enhance scholars’ ability to listen, discuss, and engage in contemporary issues.Rose speaks with Catalyze co-host Stella Smolowitz ’26 about his approach to facilitating “charity-centric” dialogue with college students, the connection for him between theology and civic leadership, and advice for navigating political conversations ahead of the November election. Rose came to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill from Duke University, where he was the associate director of the Civil Discourse Project and an instru...2024-10-2217 min
The STR SisterhoodFrom Nurse to Real Estate Mogul: Amy Morehead’s Inspiring JourneyIn this episode, I’m absolutely delighted to have a chat with the phenomenal Amy Morehead—a powerhouse mom of three, dedicated wife, skilled nurse practitioner, and savvy real estate investor! Amy’s real estate journey kicked off with a deeply personal mission: to support her family while caring for her mother with dementia. What started as a humble rental property in the Smokies has blossomed into a booming business, reshaping her life in the most unexpected ways.Amy opens up about how she conquered imposter syndrome by embracing guidance from mentors and coaches, empowe...2024-09-1754 min
Multifaith MattersGeorge Chryssides and Fieldwork in New Religious MovementsChristians tend to develop their understanding of other religions, especially new religious movements or "cults," by way of comparison of sacred texts with concerns for orthodoxy and heresy. But other approaches to study add new facets of understanding such as fieldwork can also be helpful. In this podcast George Chryssides discusses his new book Fieldwork in New Religious Movements. In this conversation we discuss not only the academic use of fieldwork, but what "lay fieldwork" might look like as well. From the publisher's website:
"New religious movements are often described as bizarre and sinister. Direct acquaintance, however...2024-05-0336 minMultifaith MattersErin Stiles on Mormon encounters with the spirit worldErin Stiles is the author of The Devil Sat on My Bed: Encounters with the Spirit World in Mormon Utah. As the back cover describes:
"In the mountains of beautiful, bucolic northern Utah, many Latter-day Saints (Mormons) are visited by spirits. Local folklore is filled with stories of uncanny encounters of all kinds, and Latter-day Saint scripture and prophetic teachings emphasize the reality and the importance of the spirit world. Spirit encounters are common in this community. People report visits from the benevolent spirits of kin offering aid and also from evil spirits who tempt...2024-04-1150 minMultifaith MattersDavid J. Halperin on UFOs and MythMuch of the discussion of UFOs is focused around the two poles of extraterrestrial spaceships or skeptical debunking. In this podcast David J. Halperin provides another perspective, that of myth, to help shed light on UFOs as meaning-making things. We do this by unpacking his book Intimate Alien: The Hidden Story of the UFO (Stanford University Press, 2020).
David Halperin taught Judaic studies in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, until his retirement in 2000. He has published five nonfiction books on Jewish mysticism and messianism, as well as the coming-of-age novel...2024-01-2948 minMultifaith MattersRabbi Ariel Mellul of the International Raëlian MovementRabbi Leon Ariel Mellul of the International Raëlian Movement is the guest who discusses the group's origins in a meeting with extraterrestrials called the Elohim, their work in the creation of humanity, the place of their founder Raël in a long line of prophets from the world's religions, their millenarian philosophy of the return of the Elohim, and responses to various aspects of their religion that has received critical reporting in the media over the years.
Rabbi Mellul was born in a traditional Jewish family until November 1987 when he discovered the book Intelligent Design by Ra...2023-11-1951 minMultifaith MattersElias D’eis, the Holy Land Trust, and the War in GazaElias D'eis, Executive Director of the Holy Land Trust, shares about his life as a Palestinian Christian in the West Bank, life under the Israeli military occupation, the role of a Christian in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the work of The Holy Land Trust.
Elias D'eis was born into a Christian family with a long history of nonviolent resistance in Beit Sahour. His life was shaped during the First Intifada, watching his father and his community find the path towards justice through peaceful resistance. It was through his Christian upbringing, holding onto Jesus's sacred words of "loving...2023-11-1930 minMultifaith MattersJ. Gordon Melton on the Church of ScientologyJ. Gordon Melton, the noted scholar of new religions, joins us in this episode to discuss the Church of Scientology.
Dr. J. Gordon Melton, became Distinguished Professor of American Religious History of Baylor University’s Institute for Studies in Religion in March of 2011. He also serves as the director of the Institute for the Study of American Religion in Woodway, Texas. Since joining ISR, he has been developing a set of joint projects between ISR and the Woodway-based Institute, the initial project being a comprehensive census of the American Buddhist and Hindu communities completed in 2010 (with and up...2023-10-0540 minMultifaith MattersMatthew Bowman and The Abduction of Betty and Barney HillMatthew Bowman discusses the first American UFO abduction account detailed in his new book The Abduction of Betty and Barney Hill: Alien Encounters, Civil Rights, and the New Age in America (Yale University Press, 2023). From the book's dust cover: "Bowman tells the fascinating story of the Hills as an account of the shifting winds in American politics and culture in the second half of the twentieth century. He exposes the promise and fallout of the idealistic reforms of the 1960s and how the myth of political consensus has given way to the cynicism and conspiratorialism of American life today."2023-09-1735 minMultifaith MattersThe Satanic Temple’s Unveiling Day: Pluralism and Archaic SuperstitionOn July 25 The Satanic Temple (TST) celebrated one of their holidays, Unveiling Day. Their website describes this as a time to commemorate the unveiling of their Baphomet with Children statue in 2015. This holiday includes a "celebration of religious plurality and shedding archaic superstition." In this collaborative podcast episode with Sacred Tension, TST minister Stephen Bradford Long, and progressive Christian Randal Rauser, discuss perspectives on these aspects of the holiday.
Stephen Bradford Long is a nontheistic minister with TST, and host of the Sacred Tension podcast. He also recently started writing for Substack. Randal Rauser is a Christian w...2023-08-211h 17Multifaith MattersThe Covid Pandemic and the World’s ReligionsGeorge Chryssides discusses the book The Covid Pandemic and the World's Religions (Bloomsbury, 2023), which he co-edited with Dan Cohn-Sherbok. In the book, believers from a variety of faith communities were asked to assess how the Covid pandemic has affected their faith. Two exponents of each major religion and a number of minority faiths comment on these issues, combined with a concluding essay by the editors assessing the overall impact of the pandemic on religion worldwide. Faiths explored include Jewish, Christian, Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist, Shinto, Sikh, Baha'i, Jain, African Traditional Religion, Zoroastrian, Unitarian, Jehovah's Witnesses and Christian Science.
...2023-07-3033 minMultifaith MattersCelucien Joseph on Christianity and Vodou in Dialogue in HaitiIn this podcast Celucien Joseph discusses Christianity and Haitian Vodou in dialgoue, including stereotypes of the tradition, Afrophobia and Vodouphobia, Protestant and Catholic responses to Haitian Vodou, suggestions for productive theological exchanges and dialogue, and the need for greater familiarity with the Caribbean theological tradition and its theologians and biblical scholars.
Dr. Joseph (affectionately called "Doctor Lou") is an award-winning author and a well-regarded Haitian-American author, scholar, and researcher. By training, he is an intellectual historian, literary scholar, and a theologian. Currently, he serves as Professor and Chair of the English Department at San Jacinto College.
2023-06-2559 minMultifaith MattersThe Christian Fascination with”Ex-Occultist” NarrativesChristians are fascinated by conversion stories of ex-occultists, particularly Witches and Satanists. From Mike Warnke and Bill Schnoebelen in the past, to contemporary figures like John Ramirez, these stories help confirm the faith identities and worldview of Christians in a battle of good vs. evil. Douglas Cowan and Joseph Laycock unpack various aspects of this phenomenon, and how they fit into contemporary satanic panic. Doug Cowan is a professor of Religious Studies and Social Development Studies at Renison University College at the University of Waterloo. For many years he was a co-general editor of the premier journal of new...2023-06-1352 minMultifaith MattersKaleb Graves on Psychedelic TheologyPsychedelics have long been connected to religion, including the Jewish and Christian traditions. In addition, there are now psychedelic chaplains, psychedelic churches, and people seeking out psychedelics not only for spiritual reasons but also to treat conditions like PTSD and anxiety. Yet like with many other aspects of culture, the church is ill prepared to address psychedelics. Kaleb Graves is our guest as we explore questions related to psychedelic theology. Graves is a Cooperative Baptist Fellowship minister and educator living in North Carolina. He earned a Master of Divinity degree from Duke Divinity School and is currently pursuing a...2023-06-1034 minMultifaith MattersGeorge Chryssides on Contested Concepts in the Study of ReligionGreater attention is needed to various concepts in the study of religion that may be assumed to be settled, but in reality need to be contested. George Chryssides discusses this in this episode, including concepts like “religion,” “world religion,” “cult,” and “new religious movement.” Chryssides is an Honorary Research Fellow in the Department of Theology and Religious Studies at York St. John University, UK. His books include The Bloomsbury Handbook to Studying Christians, Historical Dictionary of Jehovah's Witnesses second edition, Jehovah's Witnesses: Continuity and Change, The Bloomsbury Companion to New Religious Movements, and he is co-editor with Amy R. Whitehead of Con...2023-05-1433 minMultifaith MattersHeron Michelle, Street Preachers, and Pagan Religious FreedomsHow might a member of a minority religion feel about aggressive Christian preaching at their sacred venues? Can such evangelistic efforts function in ways that restrict the religious freedoms of others? Heron Michelle, a Pagan, shares her perspective resulting from interactions with a street preacher outsider her business.
Heron (Greenville, NC) is a witch, priestess, artist, and mom. She is the founding high priestess of the Sojo Circle Coven, and she created a training program in modern witchcraft, which she’s taught year-round since 2010. Heron is the owner of the Sojourner Whole Earth Provisions metaphysical shop, and sh...2023-04-1638 minMultifaith MattersCatherine Wessinger on the Thirtieth Anniversary of the Branch Davidian TragedyApril 19, 2023 marks the thirtieth anniversary of the fire which ended the standoff between federal agents and members of the Branch Davidians in Waco, Texas. Much has been learned about this tragedy over the last few decades, and it continues to be relevant to events in politics and religion. Catherine Wessinger is our guest sharing her expertise in this area.
Catherine Wessinger is the Rev. H. James Yamauchi, S.J. Professor of the History of Religions at Loyola University New Orleans. She is the author of How the Millennium Comes Violently: From Jonestown to Heaven’s Gate (2000); editor of...2023-04-071h 08Multifaith MattersIda Glaser and the Reading the Bible in the Context of Islam projectIda Glaser leads the Reading the Bible in the Context of Islam project at the Center for Muslim-Christian Studies, Oxford, UK, and is the Director of Center for Muslim and Christian Studies, Houston, TX. She also overseas the International Partnership and the Langham Bible Commentaries from Muslim Contexts project on behalf of the Solomon Academic Trust. Previously she taught in the areas of Qur'an and Bible and History of the Muslim-Christian Dialogue at the University of Edinburgh.
Center for Muslim-Christian Studies, UK: https://www.cmcsoxford.org.uk/about-us/our-team/publications-ida-glaser
Center for Muslim-Christian Studies, Houston...2023-03-2333 minMultifaith MattersDr. Benno van den Toren on interfaith apologeticsToday's cosmopolitan, multicultural, and multifaith environments call for new approaches to apologetics. In order to free Christian apologetics from dominant Western habits of mind ill-suited to interreligious dialogue, we must listen and speak with both humility and confidence. In their book Humble Confidence: A Model for Interfaith Apologetics, Benno van den Toren and Kang-San Tan provide a global, intercultural introduction to Christian apologetics. Building on recent developments in apologetics and missiology, as well as their experience teaching internationally in Europe, Asia, and Africa, Van den Toren and Tan offer an approach that is conversational, patient, holistic, and embodied. Benno...2023-03-1235 minMultifaith MattersJack Hunter and an Anthropology of the ParanormalDr. Jack Hunter provides an anthropological perspective on the paranormal. Hunter is an anthropologist exploring the borderlands of ecology, religion and the paranormal. He lives in the hills of Mid-Wales with his family. He is an Honorary Research Fellow with the Alister Hardy Religious Experience Research Centre, University of Wales Trinity Saint David and a Research Fellow with the Parapsychology Foundation, New York. He is the founder and editor of Paranthropology: Journal of Anthropological Approaches to the Paranormal, the author of Spirits, Gods and Magic: An Introduction to the Anthropology of the Supernatural (2019) and Engaging the Anomalous (2018). He is...2023-03-0643 minMultifaith MattersJames Keenan on Moral Theology, the New Testament and Multifaith EncountersMoral theology provides a helpful but often neglected avenue for multifaith engagement beyond Christian emphasis upon evangelism and apologetics. James Keenan discusses the New Testament's teaching on virtue ethics, particularly humility and love, and how these can be practiced in multifaith contexts. Keenan is Vice Provost for Global Engagement and Canisius Professor, Director of The Jesuit Institute at Boston College. He is the author of several books, including one related to this conversation, Jesus and Virtue Ethics: Building Bridges Between New Testament Studies and Moral Theology, which he co-authored with Daniel Harrington.
James Keenan: https://www.bc.e...2023-02-2637 minMultifaith MattersStephen Bullivant on Nonverts and the Making of Ex-Christian AmericaOne of world's leading experts on contemporary atheism and nonreligiosity, sociologist and theologian Stephen Bullivant draws on dozens of interviews, original analysis of high-quality survey data, and a wealth of cutting-edge studies, to present an entertaining and insightful exploration of America's ex-religious landscape. Bullivant holds professorial positions at St. Mary’s University, London, and the University of Notre Dame, Sydney. He has doctorates in theology and sociology. His studies of contemporary nonreligiosity have received wide international coverage, including from the BBC, New York Times, Economist, Financial Times and Der Speigel. In this episode we are discussing his book Nonverts: Th...2023-02-1946 minMultifaith MattersAndrew Perriman and narrative-historical approaches to the gospel, salvation, hell and multifaithWhat fresh possibilities open up with a narrative-historical approach to the Bible? Andrew Perriman discusses this in light of the gospel, salvation, hell, and then connecting dots to multifaith encounters. Perriman lives in London, UK. He is the author of several books, including Re: Mission: A Vision of Hope for a Post-Eschatological Church; The Future of the People of God: Reading Romans Before and After Western Christendom; End of Story: Same-Sex Relationships and the Narratives of Evangelical Mission; and his latest volume In the Form of a God: The Pre-existence of the Exalted Christ in Paul. He also published...2023-02-101h 10Multifaith MattersMohammed Dajani on rhe Israeli Palestinian ConflictMohammed Dajani addresses the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Dajani is a Jerusalem-born scholar and peace activist who holds two doctorate degrees. He is Founder of the Wasatia Islamic moderate movement in Palestine which he created in 2007 to promote moderation and reconciliation, peace, tolerance, and justice. He is Founder and Director of Wasatia Graduate Academic Institute.
Wasatia: http://www.wasatiamovement.com/
Our prior podcasts on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict:
Daniel Bar-Tal on the psychology of the conflict: https://youtu.be/wXf3itk4fSo
Munther Isaac and a Palestinian Christian perspective: https://youtu.be/RGxM2yegaHk2023-02-0653 minMultifaith MattersJune Everett on After School Satan Clubs and a Response to Good News ClubsJune Everett is Campaign Director for the After School Club, and an ordained minister of The Satanic Temple. In this conversation she shares her personal journey, discusses the After School Satan Clubs, and responds to our prior podcast with Lydia Kaiser of Child Evangelism Fellowship and their Good News Clubs.
After School Satan Club: https://thesatanictemple.com/pages/after-school-satan
Lydia Kaiser of Child Evangelism Fellowship on the Good News Club: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-jh7nd-13725eb
Lucien Greaves on the After School Satan Club: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-zj835-11...2023-01-3150 minMultifaith MattersLydia Kaiser on the Good News Clubs and the Response of After School Satan ClubsLydia Kaiser, Corporate Communications Specialist for Child Evangelism Fellowship talks about the Good News Clubs in schools, and also responds to the controversy raised by the response of The Satanic Temple to the Clubs and their efforts at putting After School Satan Clubs in schools where the Clubs are present.
Good News Club at Child Evangelism Fellowship: https://www.cefonline.com/ministries/goodnewsclub/
Podcast with Lucien Greaves on After School Satan Clubs: https://johnwmorehead.podbean.com/e/lucien-greaves-of-the-satanic-temple-on-after-school-satan-clubs/
For a further exploration of these topics:
Stephen Bradford Long on...2023-01-2544 minMultifaith MattersDarren Duerksen and Christ-Followers in Other ReligionsIn recent decades many people have begun following Christ while remaining a part of their non-Christian religious communities. These "insider" Muslims, Hindu, Buddhist, Native American, and other followers of Christ have generated much interest and controversy, particularly in Western mission agencies and churches. Darren Duerksen is our guest who discusses this topic as part of his new book "Christ-Followers in Other Religions: The Global Witness of Insider Movements." Along the way he defines things like "insider movements" and "contextualization," and "alternative missiological imaginaries," addresses questions about the definitions of "religion" and "culture," and comments on the realities of hybrid...2022-12-0140 minMultifaith MattersAndrew Chesnut and Santa Muerte, the Skeleton SaintSanta Muerte, the Skeleton Saint, is the heart of the fastest growing new religious movement in the Americas and the West. Andrew Chesnut is our guest who shares his research on the topic. Chesnut is Professor of Religious Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University. He is the author of Devoted to Death: Santa Muerte, the Skeleton Saint (Oxford University Press, 2012), the first academic study of this topic in in English.
R. Andrew Chesnut: https://vcu.academia.edu/AndrewChesnut
Additional resources on Santa Muerte: https://skeletonsaint.com/
Learn more about our work at https://www.multifaithmatters...2022-11-1546 minMultifaith MattersFamily Federation for World Peace and UnificationMassimo Introvigne discusses the Korean cultural context of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, formerly known as the Unification Church, as well as various developments within the church, its mention in the news in connection with the assassination of the former Prime Minister of Japan, as well as questions related to deprogramming and brainwashing.
Introvigne is an Italian sociologist, the managing director of the Center for Studies on New Religions (CESNUR), in Torino, Italy, and the author of some 70 books in the fields of new religious movements and pluralism.
“The Unification Church: St...2022-10-2254 minMultifaith MattersMonotheism and Multifaith EngagementChristians recognize and emphasize monotheism in the Bible, but on closer look at appears to have developed over time. This is important not only for a more careful understanding of the Bible and the Christian faith, but also as we develop arguments and critiques of other religions on their view of God such as the Latter-day Saints. In this episode we discuss the development of monotheism with Kenneth Seeskin, a Jewish scholar.
Seeskin is the Philip M. and Ethel Klutznick Professor Emeritus of Jewish Civilization. After receiving his PhD from Yale in 1972, he joined the faculty of...2022-10-0948 minMultifaith MattersPublic Theology with Ted PetersPublic theology seeks to articulate a theology beyond church and academy for the broader public and the common good. Ted Peters helps us understand how this can be done in light of the credibility challenges the church faces in America and the West. Dr. Peters teaches systematic theology and ethics at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California. He co-edits the journal, Theology and Science at the Center for Theology and the Natural Sciences. He is the author of God-The World's Future: Systematic Theology for New Era, and God in Cosmic History: Where Science and History Meet Religion. He...2022-09-2532 minMultifaith MattersZoe Alderton and the fiction-based religion SnapewivesPopular culture and the internet help resource various fiction-based religions. In this episode Zoe Alderton discusses one such religion known as Snapewives or Snapeism, a new religion taking inspiration from the literary work of J.K. Rowling and the book and film franchise of Harry Potter and a character within it, Professor Severus Snape.
Zoe Alderton is a trans-disciplinary researcher specializing in academic communications and the promotion of scholarly excellence. She is the creator of Way of the Scholar. She has been employed by a wide range of universities and has helped them in their development of...2022-09-2143 minMultifaith MattersThe Bahá’í FaithThe Bahá’í Faith teaches that throughout history, God has sent to humanity a series of divine Educators—known as Manifestations of God—whose teachings have provided the basis for the advancement of civilization. These Manifestations have included Abraham, Krishna, Zoroaster, Moses, Buddha, Jesus, and Muḥammad. Bahá’u’lláh, the latest of these Messengers, explained that the religions of the world come from the same Source and are in essence successive chapters of one religion from God. Bahá’í’s believe the crucial need facing humanity is to find a unifying vision of the future of society and of the nature and purpose...2022-09-1757 minMultifaith MattersAnuttama Dasa and the International Society of Krishna ConsciousnessIn the 1960s and 1970s the Hare Krishnas were known for wearing saffron robes, chanting in the streets, and raising money at airports. Many people feared them and considered them a cult. A lot has changed in the over fifty years since the founding of the International Society of Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). Anuttama Dasa discusses ISKCON's origins, history, beliefs and practices, lived culture and more. Anuttama Dasa is the Minister of Communications for ISKCON. He has been a member of ISKCON since 1975. He has served as a member of the Governing Body since 1999. Originally from Michigan, he studied political...2022-09-1456 minMultifaith MattersEpisode 4: Peter C. Hill and the context of theistic humilityEvangelicals and Humility in Multifaith Engagement
American Evangelicals are not known for embracing intellectual humility, but there are notable and promising examples. This podcast series explores the topic through the story of how Evangelical Christians and Zen Buddhists in Portland have been able to engage in an intellectually humble exchange of perspectives without compromising their core convictions. The series also includes analysis and commentary from scholars who specialize in the psychology of intellectual humility. As this is time of extreme national polarization on many fronts, this series is especially relevant as it demonstrates that strong religious convictions...2022-09-1156 minMultifaith MattersEpisode 3: Daryl Van Tongeren and the psychology of humilityEvangelicals and Humility in Multifaith Engagement
American Evangelicals are not known for embracing intellectual humility, but there are notable and promising examples. This podcast series explores the topic through the story of how Evangelical Christians and Zen Buddhists in Portland have been able to engage in an intellectually humble exchange of perspectives without compromising their core convictions. The series also includes analysis and commentary from scholars who specialize in the psychology of intellectual humility. As this is time of extreme national polarization on many fronts, this series is especially relevant as it demonstrates that strong religious convictions...2022-09-1152 minMultifaith MattersEpisode 2: Evangelicals and Zen Buddhists reflect on 20 years of dialogueEvangelicals and Humility in Multifaith Engagement
American Evangelicals are not known for embracing intellectual humility, but there are notable and promising examples. This podcast series explores the topic through the story of how Evangelical Christians and Zen Buddhists in Portland have been able to engage in an intellectually humble exchange of perspectives without compromising their core convictions. The series also includes analysis and commentary from scholars who specialize in the psychology of intellectual humility. As this is time of extreme national polarization on many fronts, this series is especially relevant as it demonstrates that strong religious convictions...2022-09-1147 minMultifaith MattersEpisode 1: Wes Markofski and the “other evangelicals”Evangelicals and Humility in Multifaith Engagement
American Evangelicals are not known for embracing intellectual humility, but there are notable and promising examples. This podcast series explores the topic through the story of how Evangelical Christians and Zen Buddhists in Portland have been able to engage in an intellectually humble exchange of perspectives without compromising their core convictions. The series also includes analysis and commentary from scholars who specialize in the psychology of intellectual humility. As this is time of extreme national polarization on many fronts, this series is especially relevant as it demonstrates that strong religious convictions...2022-09-1142 minMultifaith MattersReligion and Hiroshima: Beyond the Mushroom CloudHow should the horror of the atom bomb be remembered? In what ways might we remember so that the terrible experience of its use might be transformed into hope for a universal community of peace? In a fascinating case study, Yuki Miyamoto compares how Buddhist and Catholic survivors of the 1945 bombings make sense of their experiences through an ethic of "not retaliation, but reconciliation." This study is not only of great historical interest, but also provides help for us as we reflect on the continued threat of nuclear catastrophe.
Yuki Miyamoto is Professor of Religious Studies at...2022-09-0441 minMultifaith MattersSummumA conversation with three leaders of Summum (a Latin term meaning “the sum total of creation”), a religious group in Salt Lake City, including Su Menu, president of Summum, Bernie Aua, vice president, and Ron Temu, counselor who oversees their mummification practices. Summum began in the fall of 1975 when founder Claude “Corky” Rex Nowell began to have a series of encounters with highly intelligent beings who work the pathways of spiritual evolution. During these encounters he received instructions concerning the underlying principles (Laws of Nature) which establish and maintain the universe. In this podcast we learn how they came to embra...2022-08-3156 minMultifaith MattersMassimo Introvigne on The Church of Almighty GodIn this conversation, Massimo Introvigne shares the story of The Church of Almighty God, a group in China that has seen rapid growth, dramatic persecution, and the struggle of believers to see asylum in countries around the world. Among the items discussed, Introvigne reconstructs the Church's idiosyncratic theology, centered in the belief that Jesus Christ has returned in our time in the shape of a Chinese woman, worshipped as Almighty God, to eradicate the sinful human nature and that we have entered the third and final time period in the history of humanity: the Age of the Kingdom.
2022-08-2955 minMultifaith MattersGeorge Chryssides Introduces Jehovah’s WitnessesThe Jehovah's Witnesses have been the focus of much evangelical apologetic and secular media critique. In this podcast, new religions scholar George Chryssides presents an overview of the Watch Tower organization's origins, their lived religion, key beliefs and practices, and controversial aspects like disfellowshipping, blood transfusions, and sexual abuse allegations. Chryssides is an Honorary Research Fellow in the Department of Theology and Religious Studies at York St. John University, UK. His books include The Bloomsbury Handbook to Studying Christians, Historical Dictionary of Jehovah's Witnesses second edition, Jehovah's Witnesses: Continuity and Change, and The Bloomsbury Companion to New Religious Movements.2022-08-221h 01Multifaith MattersDivine and Demonic COVID-19 Vaccine ExplanationsA discussion of research around demonic and divine attributions surrounding COVID-19 vaccines. Julie Exline discusses a research paper of she and her colleagues which showed that demonic vaccine attributions were linked with more anti-vaccination attitudes, and were also linked with conspiracy beliefs, QAnon, and apocalypticism. Exline is professor of psychology and spirituality at the College of Arts and Sciences at Western Reserve University. A special emphasis of her research includes religious and spiritual struggles, and the causes and consequences of supernatural explanations for events.
Julie Exline: https://psychsciences.case.edu/faculty/julie-exline/
Journal article: "Demonic...2022-08-1141 minMultifaith MattersLatter-day Saints (Mormonism) as Lived ReligionThe Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints whose members were formerly known as Mormons have been the focus of evangelical critique for many years by way of a doctrinal contrast and a heresy apologetic template. But what might we learn about the LDS by other pathways? In this conversation Charles Randall Paul, founder and president of the Foundation for Religious Diplomacy, shares aspects of the faith of the LDS as lived religion such as the importance of ritual, ethics, and sacred mythic narrative.
Charles Randall Paul: http://religious-diplomacy.org/board-of-directors/
Converting the Saints: A...2022-08-091h 04Multifaith MattersThreat rejection, COVID-19 and dehumanizationThe COVID-19 pandemic brought lots of surprises, including the political and religious conflicts connected to it. In this podcast we explore one facet of this as Emily Kubin and Frank J. Kachanoff discuss their research published in the paper "Threat Rejection Fuels Political Dehumanization" published in the journal Social Psychological and Personality Science. Part of their abstract for the paper reads, "Americans disagree about many things, including what threats are most pressing. We suggest people morally condemn and dehumanize opponents when they are perceived as rejecting the existence or severity of important perceived threats." Although not a part of...2022-07-0537 minMultifaith MattersAndrew DeCort on Christian Nationalism in EthiopiaAndrew DeCort is a lecturer on religious and political ethics and Ethiopian studies. He's the author of Bonhoeffer's New Beginning: Ethics After Devastation, he founded the Institute for Faith and Flourishing, and co-directs the Neighbor-Love Movement. His forthcoming book is titled Why Pray?: Seven Practices of Flourishing on the Edge of Faith. In this podcast we discuss his article "Christian Nationalism Is Tearing Ethiopia Apart," published at Foreign Policy, and his book Why Pray?.
Andrew DeCort: https://andrew-decort.com/
"Christian Nationalism Is Tearing Ethiopia Apart": https://foreignpolicy.com/2022/06/18/ethiopia-pentecostal-evangelical-abiy-ahmed-christian-nationalism/
Neighbor-Love Movement: https://balinjeraye...2022-06-2943 minMultifaith MattersFrom Bubble to Bridge: Educating Christians for a Multifaith WorldThe great book From Bubble to Bridge: Educating Christians for a Multifaith World by Marion H. Larson and Sara L. H. Shady (IVP Academic, 2017) is the focus of a conversation between Charles Randall Paul, founder and president of the Foundation for Religious Diplomacy, and John W. Morehead, Director of FRD's Evangelical chapter.
From Bubble to Bridge: https://www.amazon.com/Bubble-Bridge-Educating-Christians-Multifaith/dp/0830851569/
John Morehead's review of this book from Cultural Encounters journal: https://www.academia.edu/35625175/From_Bubble_to_Bridge_Educating_Christians_for_a_Multifaith_World
Multifaith Matters podcast on harm-based morality with...2022-06-0356 minMultifaith MattersKurt Gray on Harm-Based MoralityWhy are we so polarized about gay marriage, immigration, gun rights, abortion, not to mention religious beliefs? Kurt Gray helps shed light on this through his use of interdisciplinary methods to study our deepest beliefs and how to bridge moral divides. Dr. Gray is an Associate Professor in Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of North Caroline at Chapel Hill, where he directs the Deepest Beliefs Lab and the Center for the Science of Moral Understanding.
Website: https://www.kurtgray.com
Deepest Beliefs Lab: https://www.deepestbeliefslab.com
Center for the Science of...2022-05-0841 minMultifaith MattersPhil Wyman Discusses His New Book ”Love Big or Go Home”Phil Wyman is a longtime friend, colleague, and great example for the Christian walk alongside all kinds of people often ignored or marginalized by the church. In this conversation we discuss the background and elements of his journey encapsulated in his new book Love Big or Go Home. Phil also provides an update on his upcoming move to Wales and how folks can play a part.
Phil's website: https://burningreligion.com/
Love Big or Go Home: https://www.amazon.com/Love-Big-Go-Home-inherent/dp/1692552341/
Wild Theology podcast: https://wildtheology.podbean.com/
Learn more a...2022-04-1751 minMultifaith MattersEthan Stark discusses Heathenism, interfaith work, and combating extremismEthan Stark is a Heathen involved in interfaith work and combating extremism, and is involved with The Troth and Heathens Against Hate. In this podcast we discuss how he came to embrace Heathenism, some of the unique aspects of Heathenism, aspects of his interfaith work, and his thoughts on confronting hate and prejudice.
Learn more about Ethan's work at Hallowed Renewal: https://www.hallowedrenewal.com/
The Troth: https://thetroth.org/
Heathens Against Hate: https://www.heathensagainst.org/
Suggested resources on Heathenry
American Heathens: The Politics of Identity in a...2022-04-111h 06Multifaith MattersDaniel Wise on Ghost Hunting and the ParanormalDaniel S. Wise is an independent scholar whose research focuses on paranormal belief and other aspects of the evolving contemporary American religious landscape. He has a PhD in Religious Studies from the University of Virginia with a dissertation on ghost hunting as a form of late modern enchantment. In this conversation we discuss aspects of Daniel's dissertation, some of his recent writing for Religion Dispatches on the paranormal, and why the study of the paranormal is important in order to understand American religiosity.
Daniel Wise website: https://danielswise.com/
Daniel's author page at Religion Dispatches: https...2022-03-3041 minMultifaith MattersOrthodoxy and the Russian Invasion of UkraineThe Russian invasion of Ukraine is a great tragedy with many facets. One of the more significant elements is the role of Orthodoxy, Eastern Christianity often unknown by those in Western Christianity like Catholicism and Protestantism. In this episode we discuss Orthodoxy and how it is intertwined with the complexities of the invasion of Ukraine. Our guests are Paul L Gavrilyuk and Cyril Hovorun. Dr. Gavrilyuk holds the Aquinas Chair in Theology and Philosophy at the Theology Department of the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA. Born in Kiev, Ukraine, he studied physics at Moscow Institute of...2022-03-2453 minMultifaith MattersRyan Burge on 20 Myths about Religion and Politics in AmericaThe way most people think about religion and politics is only loosely linked to empirical reality argues Ryan Burge in his new book, 20 Myths about Religion and Politics in America. He explores the data and challenges common myths frequently circulated in social media. Burge is an assistant professor of political science and graduate coordinator at Eastern Illinois University. He teaches in a variety of areas, including American institutions, political behavior, and research methods. His research focuses largely on the interaction between religion and political behavior, especially in the American context. Burge is author of The Nones, and is a...2022-03-2040 minMultifaith MattersAmy-Jill Levine and Marc Zvi Brettler on Reading the Bible With and Without Jesus Part 2In this episode, we take another look at topics in the book The Bible With and Without Jesus: How Jews and Christians Read the Same Stories Differently, as well as how the Bible has at times been weaponized by Christians against Jews. Our guests are Amy-Jill Levine and Marc Zvi Brettler. Levine is with Hartford Seminary as the Rabbi Stanley M. Kessler Distinguished Professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies. She is the author of many books, including The Misunderstood Jew, Short Stories by Jesus, as well as The Difficult Words of Jesus, and she is the co-editor of...2022-03-131h 02Multifaith MattersKalpana Jain discusses JainismIn an article at Religion Dispatches, Kalpana Jain argued that Jainism is a religion that even Indians know very little about. In this episode she provides an introduction to this religious tradition. Kalpana Jain is a long-time investigative journalist who worked at The Times of India for many years. She reported on India's ailing public health system and many other social justice issues. Her reports led to the resignation of a minister for health. She studied gender and religion and holds a master's in theological studies from Harvard Divinity School and a master's in public administration from the Harvard...2022-03-0626 minMultifaith MattersMassimo Introvigne and the Western Esoteric TraditionEvangelicals and other Christians often express concern and fear over "the occult," and the analysis can be very superficial. In this podcast noted scholar of new religions, Massimo Introvigne, provides an overview of the Western Esoteric tradition. Introvigne is an Italian sociologist of religions. He is the founder and managing director of the Center for Studies on New Religions (CESNUR), an international network of scholars who study new religious movements. Introvigne is the author of some 70 books and more than 100 articles in the field of sociology of religion. He was the main author of the Enciclopedia delle religioni in It...2022-02-2759 minMultifaith MattersLucien Greaves of The Satanic Temple on After School Satan ClubsThe Satanic Temple has gathered a lot of media attention and Christian protest for various activities which provide an opportunity for Christians to reflect on the meaning of religious freedom, including that for religious minorities and those who make them feel uncomfortable. In this podcast I talk to Lucien Greaves, the co-founder and spokesperson for The Satanic Temple, about their After School Satan Clubs: what they are, how they relate to various Good News Clubs on school campuses, and how this relates to religious freedom and the public square.
For a further exploration of these topics:
2022-02-2127 minMultifaith MattersMark Townsend and the Journey of a ”Heretic” PriestIn this episode we have a conversation with the Reverend Mark Townsend to learn about his spiritual journey, and our differing understandings and approaches to understanding the meaning of Jesus, the Cosmic Christ, and multifaith engagement. A former clergyman in the Church of England, Mark now leads his own inclusive and ecumenical ministry that nourishes a strong appreciation for the diversity of faith beyond Christianity, ,and which strives to honor the divine in all peoples, regardless of their faith, culture, sexuality or background. He is a member of the Association of Independent Celebrants, in addition to being a member...2022-02-1055 min
Viewless Wings Poetry PodcastMoon-inspired poetry featuring John Peter Beck, Carmine Di Biase, Nancy Cook, and Beatriz SeelaenderOn this week's episode of the Viewless Wings Poetry Podcast, which has featured interviews with poet Olivia Gatwood, artist Kari Byron, musician-poet Lisa Marie Simmons, director-animator Gaia Alari and many more, we are excited to feature moon-inspired poetry from four wonderful poets:
Nancy Cook - Moonwater
John Peter Beck - Moon
Carmine Di Biase - Midsummer Nut Brown Ale
Beatriz Seelaender - Be Wolf
The Viewless Wings Poetry Podcast host James Morehead reads The moment before totality (duet for Sun and Moon).
James Morehead's debut book canvas is on sale now: https://tinyurl.com/canvasamazon.2022-01-1117 minMultifaith MattersThe Significance of Liminality, with Phil WymanThe book Crossing Thresholds explores liminality, the crossing of thresholds, and says that "liminal reality can offer people of faith and especially those in leadership positions a hermeneutical key and a pastoral method." But what is this liminal reality, how can it be both dangerous and a place for positive transformation, how does it relate to the bounded set of church structures, and how can liminality transform the American church? Phil Wyman helps us explore these questions. Phil is former pastor of The Gathering in Salem, and he has years of experience in liminality with Witches, Pagans, festival-goers and o...2021-11-231h 17Multifaith MattersRandal Rauser on Jesus Loves CanaanitesChristians have been quick to raise concerns about violence in the Qur'an in the Muslim context, but often ignore or gloss over violence in the biblical text. One of the greatest examples of violence in the Bible is the divine command for the wholesale destruction of the Canaanites. In this episode of the podcast our guest is Randal Rauser, who discusses his book Jesus Loves Canaanites: Biblical Genocide in the Light of Moral Intuition. Rauser is Professor of Historical Theology at Taylor Seminary in Edmonton Alberta.
Also mentioned in this podcast and related to the subject matter:2021-11-1643 minMultifaith MattersAndrew Perriman and Michael Cooper Conversation on Narrative-History and MissiologyHow should the church engage the challenges of our present moment in the West? What is the place of narrative, history, and missiology? This episode explores these question as Andrew Perriman and Michael Cooper discuss the frameworks of narrative-historical and missiological perspectives.
Dr. Andrew Perriman presents his work at the P.OST website. He has lived in various parts of the world over the last 30 years: the Far East, Africa, the Middle East, the Netherlands, and now London. He has combined theological studies and writing with pastoral and missional work in a wide range of contexts. He h...2021-10-201h 04Multifaith MattersJoshua Packard and the Spirituality of Generation ZDr. Joshua Packard, Executive Director of Springtide Research Institute, is our guest. We begin with a little discussion of The Dones, those done with church but not their faith. Then we turn our attention to discussion of Generation Z and their spiritual quest. How is it different from previous generations? What cultural and social forces are at work? What is the "unbundled spirituality" they pursue? How can youth ministers, pastors, and churches be better prepared to understand and relate to Generation Z?
Springtide Research: @WeAreSpringtide
The State of Religion and Young People 2021: Navigating Uncertainty
2021-10-1241 minMultifaith MattersDavid Livingstone Smith on Monster Making and DehumanizationDavid Livingstone Smith returns for a further conversation on dehumanization in light of his new book Making Monsters: The Uncanny Power of Dehumanization. How do some people come to believe that their enemies are monsters, and therefore easy to kill? In this podcast David defines dehumanization, shares historical examples, how theology and ideology can literally demonize "the other," and we discuss the importance of monster theory in understanding dehumanization as a process that leads to genocide, lynchings, and other violence. David is professor of philosophy at the University of New England.
2021-10-051h 03Multifaith MattersA Conversation with a Pagan and Satanist on Christian Responses to HalloweenWe can count on it every October. Not only will trick or treaters be at our door, many Christians will share their concerns about the alleged evils of Halloween, and with it, sometimes literally demonize Pagans and Satanists. David Dashifen Kees, a Pagan, and Stephen Bradford Long, a Satanist, share their thoughts on Christian responses to Halloween. Along the way we reflect on things associated with the holiday, and spirituality, including the importance of liminality, boundary maintenance, and living in the shadow of death.
For those who want to explore this topic in more depth from an...2021-09-291h 00Multifaith MattersSuhag Shukla on Hindutva and HinduphobiaA recent academic conference sparked controversy as it seemingly presented Hinduphobia rather than addressing Hindutva as its stated aim. In this episode Suhag Shukla helps us sort this out. Shukla is Executive Director and co-founder of the Hindu American Foundation. She holds a BA in Religion and JD from the University of Florida. Ms. Shukla has helped steer the Foundation to being recognized as a leading role for civil rights, human rights, and religious freedom. In the podcast we reference this essay by Shukla for more on the topic. You can also follow some of her work here and T...2021-09-2436 minMultifaith MattersLilith Starr on her book ”Compassionate Satanism”In this episode we speak with award-winning author Lilith Starr about modern nontheistic Satanism and personal Satanic practice. Her first book, The Happy Satanist: Finding Self-Empowerment, is part of The Satanic Temple's Recommended Reading list and has been featured by Satanic book clubs around the globe. Her second book, and the focus of this conversation, is Compassionate Satanism: An Introduction to Modern Satanic Practice, the first comprehensive guide to modern Satanism by a Satanic insider. In 2020, she was awarded The Satanic Temple's first Anatole France Literary Excellence Award. Starr holds a B.A. with honors in English from Harvard Un...2021-09-1243 minMultifaith MattersTom Pyszczynski and the Psychology of 9/11This month is the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. The nation continues to wrestle with the traumatic effects these many years later. In this podcast we unpack the psychology with Tom Pyszczynski, co-author with Sheldon Solomon and Jeff Greenberg of In the Wake of 9/11: The Psychology of Terror. In this book the authors analyze reactions to the attacks through the lens of terror management theory, an existential psychological model that explains why humans react the way they do to the threat of death and how this reaction influences their post-threat cognition and emotion. This is also manifest in evangelicals...2021-09-0243 minMultifaith MattersJoseph Laycock on vampires, gaming and social panics, spirit possession and exorcism, and moreIn this episode we explore an overview of the work of Joseph Laycock. Laycock is an assistant professor of religious studies at Texas State University. He has written several books on new religious movements and American religious history. He is also a co-editor for the journal Nova Religio.
Books we discuss in this podcast include Vampires Today: The Truth About Modern Vampires, Dangerous Games: What the Moral Panic over Role-Playing Games Says about Play, Religion, and Imagined Worlds, Spirit Possession Around the World: Possession, Communion, and Demon Expulsion Across Cultures, Speak of the Devil: How The Satanic...2021-08-2254 minMultifaith MattersCatherine Wessinger on "cults" and Euro-American Nativist Millennial MovementsAfter Trump, QAnon, and the January 6 insurrection at the nation's capitol, a lot of analysis and commentary has ensued on how to understand them. Some have suggested they are cults and the followers brainwashed. In an article at Religion Dispatches, noted scholar of new religions and millennialism, Catherine Wessinger, took exception to such approaches. In this podcast we unpack her essay and discuss problems with the "cult" term and concept, and how to understand the Trump movement, QAnon, and January 6 as manifestations of Euro-American Nativist Millennialism.
Catherine Wessinger is the Rev. H. James Yamauchi, S.J. Professor...2021-08-1543 minMultifaith MattersJared Byas on His Book "Love Matters More"Many conservative Christians are deconstructing and reconstructing their faith. One of the areas in which this takes place is how to understand the Bible. Jared Byas is our guest who talks about this in relation to his book Love Matters More: How Fighting To Be Right Keeps Us From Loving Like Jesus. Along the way we discuss our respective faith journeys and how our understanding of the Bible has changed through the process Jared Byas is co-host of the popular podcast The Bible for Normal People and co-author of the book Genesis for Normal People. As a former teaching...2021-08-0825 minMultifaith MattersBenjamin Zeller on UFO ReligionsAs a part of our series in response to the Pentagon report on Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon (UAPs/UFOs), the noted scholar of new religious movements, Benjamin Zeller, discusses UFO religions. Zeller is associate professor of religion at Lake Forest College. He is the author of a number of books including Heaven's Gate: America's UFO Religion, and editor of Brill's Handbook of UFO Religions.
2021-08-0341 minMultifaith MattersDarryl Caterine on the Paranormal and Popular CultureBelief in the paranormal has remained high among Americans. What is the paranormal, what phenomena are involved, what can be said about the recent Pentagon UFO/UAP report, and why should religion scholars take the paranormal seriously? Darryl Caterine discusses this and more. Caterine is a professor of religious studies at LeMoyne College. He is a historian of religions whose research focuses on the intersections of religion, culture, and politics in the US and parts of Latin America. His areas of academic research include metaphysical/occult religions in America, and religion in popular culture. He is the author and...2021-07-2955 minMultifaith MattersChenxing Han and the Voices of Asian Buddhists in AmericaIn her book, Be the Refuge: Raising the Voices of Asian American Buddhists, Chenxing Han writes that, "more than two thirds of U.S. Buddhists are Asian American. But you’d never guess this from mainstream representations, which all too often whitewash the racial and cultural diversity of American Buddhist communities.
"Be the Refuge is both critique and celebration, countering the erasure of Asian American Buddhists while uplifting their stories and experiences. The Oriental monk, the superstitious immigrant, the banana Buddhist: dissatisfied with these tired tropes, Han asks, Will the real Asian American Buddhists please stand up? Her j...2021-07-2136 minMultifaith MattersDavid Feltmate on religious satire in adult animationPrograms like The Simpsons, South Park, and Family Guy include a lot of humor related to religion. But what does it mean? David Feltmate discusses his book Drawn to the Gods where he examines how these animated comedies feature Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Native American religions, Hinduism, new religious movements, and atheism. Feltmate is Associate Professor of Sociology at Auburn University in Montgomery, Alabama.
2021-07-1959 minMultifaith MattersThomas Johnson and C. Holland Taylor Discuss a New FestschriftThis episode brings together Thomas K. Johnson and C. Holland Taylor to discuss the publication of the significant volume they co-edited, God Needs No Defense: Reimagining Muslim-Christian Relations in the 21st Century, a festschrift in honor of Dr. Thomas Schirmacher, Secretary General and CEO of the World Evangelical Alliance. This book brings together Christian and Muslim thinkers who articulate a vision for better relations between these religious traditions. Johnson and Taylor co-chair the Humanitarian Islam/WEA Joint Working Group. Johnson is Senior Theological Advisor to the WEA, which represents and connects over 600 million Christians in 140 countries. Additionally, he serves...2021-07-131h 01
Urban MysticS03E10 - John W. MoreheadThis week we're joined by John W. Morehead, Director of Multifaith Matters. John's religious diplomacy approach takes people past "us vs. them" intergroup conflict, and in this conversation his interest in cognitive and neuroscience shine through. John us as we explore John's experience of God and the conversation that emerges as we explore his work.
You can dive into John's contributions, among others, in A Charitable Orthopathy: Christian Perspectives on Emotions in Multifaith Engagement, and Encountering New Religious Movements: A Holistic Evangelical Approach, and Beyond the Burning Times: A Pagan and Christian in Dialogue.
Support Ur...2021-07-081h 26Multifaith MattersTed Peters on Astrotheology and UFOsGiven the work of the Perseverance Rover on Mars, and the recent release of the Pentagon's report on UFOs or Unidentified Aerial Phenomena, speculation about the possibility of the existence of alien life is on our minds. Ted Peters helps shed light on this in this podcast episode. Dr. Peters teaches systematic theology and ethics at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California. He co-edits the journal, Theology and Science at the Center for Theology and the Natural Sciences. He is the author of God-The World's Future: Systematic Theology for New Era, and God in Cosmic History: Where Science...2021-07-0640 minMultifaith MattersRobert Skvarla on Jeremiah Films, Conspiracies and Satanic PanicsJeremiah Films produced a number of films and pseudo-documentaries that included satanic conspiratorial elements. Think of Gods of the New Age and The Pagan Invasion. In an article in Diabolique, Robert Skvarla argued that this didn't stop with the end of the Satanic Panic of the 1980s, but instead shifted from religion to politics. Skvarla is a freelance writer from Philadelphia. His focuses include conspiracy culture, fringe communities, and new religious movements. He has written for Atlast Obscura, Philadelhia City Paper, and Cinepunx, and served as a programmer for the Cinedelphia Film Festival.
2021-06-2746 minMultifaith MattersRev. Munther Isaac and a Palestinian Christian PerspectiveRenewed conflict between Israelis and Palestinians is the background for this episode. Munther Isaac is our guest, and as his book The Other Side of the Wall: A Palestinian Christian Narrative of Lament and Hope describes, Christians have lived in Palestine since the earliest days of the Jesus movement. Yet, in the heated tensions of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the voices of Palestinian Christians are often unheard and ignored. As a Palestinian pastor and theologian, Isaac gives the perspective of Palestinian Christians on the other side of the separation wall. He laments the injustices suffered by the Palestinian people but...2021-06-2026 minMultifaith MattersRajanpreet Kaur of the Sikh CoalitionAlthough they are the fifth largest major world religions, Sikhs are often an ignored or stigmatized religious community in the US. They have been the victims of prejudice and violence at times due to a confusion with Muslims in post-9/11 America. In this episode our guest helps us understand Sikhism, how the Sikh community is woven into the fabric of American life, and how they have responded to violence and prejudice. Rajanpreet Kaur is the Senior Media and Communications Manager at the Sikh Coalition, the largest Sikh civil rights organization in the United States. Since 2017, she has worked to...2021-06-1237 minMultifaith MattersCory Willson on Mormon Lived ReligionEvangelical-Mormon dialogue has tended to focus on beliefs, sacred texts, and founding historical narratives. But what if we expanded our conversations to include how religion is lived in daily live, such as how the objects of material culture function and are valued? In this podcast Cory Willson discusses his chapter contribution in Talking Doctrine: Mormons and Evangelicals in Conversation with a respectful look at LDS sacred temple garments. Willson is the Jake and Betsy Tuls Associate Professor of Missiology and Missional Ministry and directs the Institute for Global Church Planting and Renewal at Calvin Theological Seminary. He is also...2021-06-061h 00Multifaith MattersDuerksen and Stella on Christian and Hindu Perspectives on the Meaning of LoveDarren Duerksen is a Christian who teaches at Fresno Pacific University, and Fred Stella is a Hindu affiliated with the Hindu American Foundation. Both men have been guests individuall on the podcast previously, but they come together in a conversation from Facebook Live to discuss “Why should I love my neighbor?: Hindu and Christian similarities and differences on the origins and nature of love.” How do these traditions understand the nature of the divine as a source and inspiration for love, as well as the nature of revelation in gaining instruction on love? How do the distinctives connect to thin...2021-06-031h 02Multifaith MattersMichael J. Gorman discusses cruciform spiritualityThe centrality of the cross of Jesus in Christian spirituality cannot be overestimated (Phil. 2:5-8; 1 Cor. 2:2). But what does this cruciform or cross-shaped spirituality spoken of by the Apostle Paul mean and look like? And how might it be more purposefully applied by American evangelicals and other Christians to our present circumstances, including multifaith engagement. Michael J. Gorman is the guest who helps us explore this. Dr. Gorman holds the Raymond E. Brown Chair in Biblical Studies and Theology at St. Mary's Seminary and University, Baltimore, Maryland. A highly regarded New Testament scholar, he is the author of a...2021-05-3145 minMultifaith MattersRachel Mikva and Dangerous Religious IdeasRachel Mikva is our guest discussing her book Dangerous Religious Ideas: The Deep Roots of Self-Critical Faith in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Her book reveals how faith traditions have always passed down tools for self-examination and debate, because all religious ideas - not just extremist ones - can cause harm, even as they also embody important moral teachings. Rachel S. Mikva serves as the Rabbi Herman E. Schaalman Chair in Jewish Studies and the Senior Faculty Fellow of the InterReligious Institute at Chicago Theological Seminary. Rabbi Mikva went to teach and earn her PhD at Jewish Theological Seminary, focusing...2021-05-2448 minMultifaith MattersCommentary: 9/11 Anniversary Patriots Bible - Zondervan, What Are You Thinking?Religion Unplugged is reporting that Zondervan and Harper Collins are releasing a God Bless the USA Bible in September for the 20th anniversary of 9/11. It will include "the full texts of the U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, Declaration of Independence and pledge of allegiance. The holy book also includes licensed lyrics to the popular 1984 song by country music singer-songwriter Lee Greenwood, 'God Bless the USA.'” In this podcast I discuss why this is a huge mistake, as it will inflame the post-9/11 trauma evangelicals feel that shapes their anti-Muslim sentiment, as well as the Christian nationalism found wi...2021-05-1905 minMultifaith MattersFred Stella on South Asian and Hindu Responses to The Simpsons' ApuThe Simpsons has been on the air for over thirty seasons, but not all of the characters have been well received. For example, Apu has generated controversy, with some Hindus and South Asians seeing him negatively as a racist stereotype, and others finding finding him unproblematic. In this episode, Fred Stella, host of the Common Threads podcast, President of The Interfaith Dialogue Association at the Kaufman Interfaith Institute, and member of the National Leadership Council of the Hindu American Foundation, discusses the varied reactions to Apu and how religious communities can respond to satirical depictions in entertainment.
2021-05-1650 minMultifaith MattersDaniel Bar-Tal on the social psychology of the Israeli-Palestinian conflictWhy is the Israeli-Palestinian conflict such an unending cycle of violence? What is the psychology underlying conflict over land and religion? Daniel Bar-Tal explores this with us in this episode. Bar-Tal is an Israeli academic, author and Branco Weiss Professor of Research in Child Development and Education at School of Education, Tel Aviv University. He is the author and editor of a number of books and journal articles, including Intractable Conflicts: Socio-Psychological Foundations and Dynamics, and Stereotypes and Prejudices in Conflict: Representations of Arabs in Israeli Jewish Society. We are joined in this conversation by Charles Randall Paul, founder...2021-05-121h 04Multifaith MattersDavid Frankfurter on Demonic Conspiracies and Satanic AbuseThe QAnon conspiracy said that an underground Satanic pedophile ring of liberal Democrats was preying on our children. But such fears didn't start with them. In the 1980s, America was gripped by widespread panics about Satanic cults. Conspiracy theories abounded about groups who were allegedly abusing children in daycare centers, impregnating girls for infant sacrifice, brainwashing adults, and even controlling the highest levels of government. As historian of religions David Frankfurter at Boston University listened to these sinister theories, it occurred to him how strikingly similar they were to those that swept parts of the early Christian world, early...2021-05-0944 minMultifaith MattersRyan Burge on the rise and meaning of The NonesThe growth of The Nones in American society has been dramatic. In 1972, just 5 percent of Americans claimed "no religion" on the General Social Survey. In 2018, that number rose to 23.7 percent, making The Nones as numerous as both evangelical Protestants and Roman Catholics. Every indication is that The Nones will be the largest religious group in the United States in the next decade. They represent a seismic shift in the understanding of American religion and the Christian Church. Ryan Burge is the guest in this edition of the podcast to help us understand this phenomenon. Burge is an Assistant Professor...2021-05-0249 minMultifaith MattersThomas K. Johnson on Humanitarian Islam and the Ethics of Religious FreedomIn this podcast Thomas K. Johnson discusses his new books Humanitarian Islam, Evangelical Christianity, and the Clash of Civilizations, as well as The Protester, the Dissident and the Christian: Essays on Human Rights and Religion. (Free PDF copies have been made available on the Multifaith Matters recommended books page.) Johnson is Senior Theological Advisor to the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA), which represents and connects over 600 million Christians in 140 countries. Additionally, he currently serves as WEA Special Envoy to the Vatican and as Special Envoy to Engage Humanitarian Islam. He has long been a foremost international Protestant voice on human...2021-04-2546 minMultifaith MattersAsma Uddin on the Christian-Muslim Divide and Political VulnerabilityIn The Politics of Vulnerability, Asma Uddin, American Muslim public intellectual, religious liberty attorney, and activist, provides a unique perspective on the complex political and social factors contributing to the Muslim-Christian divide. Unlike other analysts, Uddin asks what underlying drivers cause good people to do, or believe, bad things? Why do people who value faith support measures that limit others', especially Muslims', religious freedom and other rights?
Uddin humanizes a contentious relationship by fully embracing both sides as individuals driven by very human fears and anxieties. Many conservative Christians fear that the Left is dismantling traditional "Christian...2021-04-1823 minMultifaith MattersMichael McRay on Stories to Transform EnemiesMichael T. McRay is a Nashville-based writer, facilitator, and story-practitioner, and the award-winning author of I Am Not Your Enemy. In the pages of this book, visits divided regions of the world and interviews activists, peacebuilders, former combatants about their personal stories of conflict, justice, and reconciliation. In Israel and Palestine, Northern Ireland, and South Africa, he hears from grieving parents who partner together across enemy lines, a woman who meets her father’s killer, and a man who uses theater to counter the oppression of his people, and many more. In a time of heightened alienation and fear, Mc...2021-04-1146 minMultifaith MattersBron Taylor and Loren Wilkinson on Dark Green ReligionReligion informs our disagreements over social and political issues, and how to care for the environment and climate change is at the top of the list. Bron Taylor, professor of religion and nature, environmental ethics, and environmental studies at the University of Florida and author of Dark Green Religion: Nature Spirituality and the Planetary Future, joins with Loren Wilkinson, retired Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies & Philosophy at Regent College, and editor of Earthkeeping in the Nineties: Stewardship of Creation, as they come together to discuss the issues. Wilkinson's work is also featured in the film Making Peace with Creation.
2021-04-051h 09Multifaith MattersDefending Befriending on The Wild Theology PodcastI was a guest on Phil Wyman's The Wild Theology podcast via Facebook Live where we discussed our practice of befriending those in other religions. We shared our stories, the responses of those in other religions, the harsh criticism we've sometimes received from fellow evangelicals, and related theological questions and concerns.
2021-04-041h 07Multifaith MattersAmy-Jill Levine and Marc Zvi Brettler on Reading the Bible With and Without Jesus
In this episode, we discuss the book The Bible With and Without Jesus: How Jews and Christians Read the Same Stories Differently with co-authors Amy-Jill Levine and Marc Zvi Brettler. Levine is University Professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies and Mary Jane Werthan Professor of Jewish Studies at Vanderbilt Divinity School and Department of Jewish Studies. She has also taught at Swarthmore College, Cambridge University, and the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome. She is the author of many books, including The Misunderstood Jew and Short Stories by Jesus, and she is the co-editor of the Jewish Annotated New Test...2021-03-2954 minMultifaith MattersElizabeth Drescher discusses The NonesTo the dismay of religious leaders, study after study has shown a steady decline in affiliation and identification with traditional religions in America. By 2018, twenty-six percent of adults identified as unaffiliated–up more than seventeen percent since 2009. Even more startling, more than thirty percent of those under the age of thirty now identify as "Nones"–answering "none" when queried about their religious affiliation. Is America losing its religion? Or, as more and more Americans choose different spiritual paths, are they changing what it means to be religious in the United States today? Elizabeth Drescher helps us explore this topic. Her...2021-03-2246 minMultifaith MattersGeorge Draffan discusses Buddhism in AmericaBuddhism has been in America for quite some time, yet few evangelicals know much about it. In this conversation on American Buddhism, we talk to George Draffan. George is a Seattle-based teacher and coach who is passionately interested in bringing together diverse Buddhist and Taoist practices to benefit people. He began studying Buddhism at the University of Wisconsin in the 1970s. Since then he’s received instruction and participated in many retreats with teachers in the Tibetan, Theravadin, and Zen Buddhist traditions. George has been a volunteer with the Northwest Dharma Association for more than 25 years, organizing events and at...2021-03-1656 min
CatalyzeCivic Engagement Pt. 1: Voting this November, with political scientist John Sides ’96To launch our fall season, we spoke with John Sides ’96, a professor and William R. Kenan, Jr. Chair in the Department of Political Science at Vanderbilt University in Nashville. His research focuses on comparative and American politics. The alumnus is co-author of the book, “Identity Crisis: The 2016 Presidential Campaign and the Battle for the Meaning of America.” John is also co-founder, former editor-in-chief, and publisher of The Monkey Cage via The Washington Post.Learn more about John’s work.This episode is the first of our two-part series on civic engagement. The following episode features activist...2020-09-0124 min