Religion In Praxis Conversation Series podcast

31:16

We often think of Byzantium in terms of emperors, mosaics, and theological debates, but this episode with Dr. Thomas Arentzen (Sankt Ignatios College (Stockholm) uncovers a hidden Byzantine world: one where trees weren’t just resources but symbols, spiritual beings, and even moral teachers . You’ll discover how trees played a vital role in Byzantine religious thought, from the Garden of Eden to the wood of the Cross, and how monks, mystics, and emperors interpreted nature as divine revelation . We’ll explore rare Byzantine manuscripts, frescoes, and hagiographies where trees are more than scenery—they speak , heal , and bear witness to history. As we face ecological crises, could Byzantium’s deep-rooted respect for trees inspire new ways of thinking about conservation, climate change, and the ethics of how we engage with the natural world? Listen to all that in our latest episode!…

Religion in Praxis Conversation Series

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Literature Series: "Small Things Like These" by Claire Keegan 29:01

5 weeks ago29:01

29:01

📢 Spoiler Alert: This episode contains major spoilers for Claire Keegan’s Small Things Like These. If you haven’t read the novel yet, we highly recommend doing so before listening—trust us, it’s worth the read. But if you don’t mind knowing the key plot points in advance, stick around as we unpack this powerful story. 🎙️ A coal merchant. A convent. A secret hidden in plain sight. Claire Keegan’s "Small Things Like These" is a quiet but devastating story about conscience, complicity, and the power of speaking up when everyone else stays silent. We do something different in Literature Series of our podcast. In today’s episode of Religion in Praxis, together with my co-host Phil MacGillivray we explore how the novel critiques institutional faith, the role of the Catholic Church in 1980s Ireland, and whether small acts of courage can really make a difference. Stay with us—this one’s worth thinking about!…

Religion in Praxis Conversation Series

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Religion and Gender Equality around the Baltic Sea - Milda Ališauskienė 47:16

14 weeks ago47:16

47:16

How do religious and secular ideologies shape our understanding of gender equality in diverse socio-historical contexts? What role do religious institutions play in negotiating competing gender ideologies, and how does this influence public discourse in regions with post-socialist legacies? These pressing questions are at the heart of this episode in which Tornike meets Professor Milda Ališauskienė , a co-author of the edited volume "Religion and Gender Equality around the Baltic Sea Ideologies, Policies, and Private Lives" Edited By Milda Ališauskienė , Eglė Aleknaitė , Marianne Bjelland Kartzow You will learn about the evolution of gender equality in this part of the world, the diversity of gender ideologies within religious groups, and the role of religion in public education and discourse. Tune in!…

Religion in Praxis Conversation Series

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Conversation with Journalist Bert Sundström on Religion and War in Ukraine 1:06:29

18 weeks ago1:06:29

1:06:29

Our special guest, renowned Swedish journalist Bert Sundström , together with our host Tornike Metreveli⁠ and scholar of religion Magdalena Dziaczkowska discuss whether religion in the war acts as a mobilizer or is largely symbolic, considering the influence of both the Russian Orthodox Church (led by Patriarch Kirill) and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The discussion addresses how religious institutions, especially the split of the Ukrainian Church from the Moscow Patriarchate, reinforce national identity and solidarity in Ukraine. The panel considers how Ukraine’s religious landscape shapes national identity, the Moscow Patriarchate’s role in Russian international relations and potential long-term changes to the religious landscape in Ukraine and Russia, with attention to how the Orthodox Church’s influence might evolve post-war, and whether religion could become a potent political tool in Ukraine’s future. Photo: Jae C. Hong/AP…

Religion in Praxis Conversation Series

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Politics as Performance: Trump, Kayfabe, and the Wrestling of American Beliefs 25:26

23 weeks ago25:26

25:26

In this episode, I am joined by Aaron James Goldman (PhD from Harvard University, currently a senior researcher at Lund University), who guides us through the connections between politics, performance, and religion. We really get into his work on kayfabe, which is the theatrical framework behind professional wrestling, and how it has some interesting parallels to Donald Trump's political style. Goldman looks at how Trump's involvement with the WWE has influenced his rhetoric and approach, contributing to his unique brand of political theater. We discuss how kayfabe techniques shape the perceptions and engagement of Trump's supporters, drawing comparisons to religious rituals and exploring the concept of a "co-performative relationship" between leader and audience.…

Religion in Praxis Conversation Series

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Christian Temporalities Living Between the Already Fulfilled and the Not Yet Completed 57:18

28 weeks ago57:18

57:18

This podcast episode, dedicated to the recent edited volume " Christian Temporalities Living Between the Already Fulfilled and the Not Yet Completed" (Palgrave 2024) examines the significant impact of Christianity on our conceptualization of time. With three authors from Australia and Canada in our virtual studio, we discuss the relationship between the concepts of "already fulfilled" and "not yet completed," elucidating the manner in which this tension shapes Christian practices and beliefs. The episode examines the role of material practices and rituals in facilitating a connection between believers and the divine, as well as in creating experiences of timelessness. The podcast addresses eschatology and prophecy, particularly in relation to Orthodox Christianity, where the future profoundly shapes the present. It also addresses the challenges of reconciling divergent views on the "end times," the impact of technology on Christian communities' understanding of time, and the continued relevance of Christianity in a secular world.…

Religion in Praxis Conversation Series

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Security After Christendom - Conversation with Professor John Heathershaw 36:10

40 weeks ago36:10

36:10

In this thought-provoking episode, we examine the intersection of global politics and political theology, focusing on the concept of "Security after Christendom." My guest, Professor John Heathershaw elucidates the meaning of "Christendom" and the significance of "security" in its aftermath. The discussion then proceeds to examine the contrast between the modern world’s wealth and defense capabilities and the pervasive feelings of insecurity that are experienced. My guest offers insights from Christian theology on the global sense of insecurity in a secular age and discusses why notions of a new Christendom are considered idolatrous and harmful in today’s context. In light of the rise of non-state actors and transnational movements, the discussion turns to the necessity of adapting theopolitical visions to remain relevant in shaping global politics. The ethical implications of a theopolitical approach to international relations are explored, particularly concerning humanitarian interventions and peacekeeping efforts. Lastly, we conclude by analysing the role of religion in the public sphere, especially in secular societies and speculate about the future of international relations theories incorporating religious studies without compromising their secular analytical frameworks.…

Religion in Praxis Conversation Series

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Cognitive Mysteries of Religion: A Conversation with Professor Armin W. Geertz 40:55

44 weeks ago40:55

40:55

How do our brains naturally predispose us towards religious beliefs? In this episode of Religion in Praxis, we dive deep into the cognitive science of religion with Professor Geertz, a leading figure in the field. We start by exploring what the cognitive science of religion entails and its importance for understanding human belief systems. From there, we examine how our brains naturally predispose us towards religious beliefs and how these beliefs align with our evolutionary brain capacities. Is atheism or secularism against our natural inclinations? Why is it easy to be religious? We also talk about the interdisciplinary nature of studying religion, considering insights from anthropology, psychology, and neuroscience. Professor Geertz shares his views on religion as an evolutionary adaptation and how it may have benefited early human societies. We also discuss the diversity of religious beliefs across cultures, discussing how evolutionary brain capacities, along with environmental and societal factors, contribute to this diversity. The episode also looks at the role of rituals, the ethical implications of attributing religious beliefs to evolutionary brain capacities, and how cognitive science can help bridge the often-contentious dialogue between science and religion. Finally, Professor Geertz shares some surprising findings from his research and offers insights into the future of the cognitive science of religion, including predictions about religious belief and practice in increasingly secular societies.…

Religion in Praxis Conversation Series

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In Search of Jesus: The Historical vs. Theological Christ - Interview with Professor Samuel Byrskog 47:13

49 weeks ago47:13

47:13

Scholars struggle to piece together the historical puzzle of Jesus' life and are faced with the task of interpreting his teachings within the cultural and political milieu of his time. In the quest to understand Jesus Christ, two distinct perspectives emerge: the "historical Jesus" and the "theological Jesus. This fascinating dichotomy presents a unique challenge: how do we reconcile the flesh and blood figure who walked the earth with the divine being revered across Christian denominations? Delving into the historical evidence, we confront miracles through the lens of historical research, questioning their place in factual analysis while exploring their theological significance. As denominations diverge in their portrayals of Christ, we witness the evolution of theological understanding, shaped not only by canonical texts but also by the insights of non-canonical works such as the Gnostic Gospels. Recent archaeological discoveries further color our understanding of the historical background of Jesus, prompting us to distinguish between the teachings directly attributed to Jesus and those developed by later followers. In a modern context marked by secularism and a plurality of religious expressions, the challenge extends to reconciling these different accounts of Jesus while exploring the contemporary relevance of his dual perspectives.…

Religion in Praxis Conversation Series

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Nationalisation of the Sacred: Book Discussion with Professors Cyril Hovorun, Katharina Kunter and Dr. Emil Hilton Saggau 45:48

1 year ago45:48

45:48

Do the long-running conflicts over territory, saints, and sacred sites that have engulfed the Eastern Orthodox churches in post-communist Eastern Europe reflect deep-seated political and national rivalries? In this episode we discuss the book by Emil Hilton Saggau, "Nationalisation of the Sacred Orthodox Historiography, Memory, and Politics in Montenegro." We ask what does "Nationalisation of the Sacred" offer regarding the theological backdrop behind ongoing conflicts within Eastern Orthodoxy? A distinguished panel, including Professors Cyril Hovorun and Katharina Kunter, joins the author in reflecting on the book's key arguments and seeks to answer how have various strands of Eastern Orthodoxy adapted to the contemporary political context, transforming history, memory, and politics to suit the needs of rival nations and churches?…

Religion in Praxis Conversation Series

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Swedish Crossroads: Church, Death, and the Quest for Meaning - Interview with Dr. Jakob Wirén 37:23

1 year ago37:23

37:23

In this episode, the Conversation Series presents ‘Swedish Crossroads: Church, Death, and the Quest for Meaning’; a comprehensive examination of the interrelationship between death, societal norms, and spiritual beliefs within the distinct socio-cultural context of Sweden. The discussion critically analyzes the influence of Swedish secular values, particularly those stemming from Lutheran secularization, on societal perceptions of death and the grieving process. The episode also explores the role of death education in Swedish schools, examining its impact on shaping children's perceptions of mortality in a context characterized by high rates of atheism. With Dr. Jakob Wirén we examine the mechanisms through which individuals seek meaning and closure following the loss of loved ones, considering the cultural and environmental implications of practices such as natural burial. ‘Swedish Crossroads: Church, Death, and the Quest for Meaning’ also reflects on the historical significance of Swedish folklore, examining the persistence and transformation of afterlife tales and their influence on contemporary attitudes toward death. The episode critically reflects on the lessons learned from Sweden's approach to palliative care and the ethos of death with dignity. In analyzing the broader societal implications, the podcast discusses the application of "lagom" - the Swedish philosophy of balance - in the context of grief and loss. It assesses how Sweden's liberal church policies on funerals and memorials reflect evolving societal attitudes toward death amid increasing secularization. It also considers the role of Sweden's extensive welfare and social support systems in shaping individual approaches to existential questions about mortality.…

Religion in Praxis Conversation Series

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What Is Putinism And How Does It Work? Interview with Professor Mikhail Suslov 58:45

1 year ago58:45

58:45

In this final episode from Religion in Praxis of this year, Professor Mikhail Suslov takes us deep into an ideological moment and situation named Putinism. In a world where the interplay of ideology, religion, and national identity shapes the contours of global politics, understanding the dynamics of Putinism and the role of the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) in contemporary Russia poses a fundamental challenge to European security. The questions posed in a recent interview with Professor Suslov go to the heart of these dynamics, exploring the motivations, influences, and implications of Putinism as Russia's third official ideology, and the relationship between the ROC and the state. Central to this exploration is an examination of the genesis of Putinism: is it a reactive construct, primarily a shield against perceived external threats, or is it an introspective quest for national identity and unity? This question sets the stage for a broader examination of the ideology's foundations and its resonance among the Russian populace and intellectual elite. The discussion then shifts to the significant influence of the Orthodox Church on Putinism, exploring how the Church shapes the ideology's core values and messianic narratives, as well as its impact on Russian society through various social institutions. Unlike Marxism-Leninism, Putinism lacks a clear utopian vision, raising questions about its effectiveness and appeal both domestically and internationally. This leads to an examination of Putinism's adaptability and potential evolution in response to domestic and international challenges, including its effectiveness as a cognitive prism through which the Russian population interprets its place in the world and current global dynamics. The interview also explores the inherent contradictions within Putinism that may limit its longevity or effectiveness as a guiding ideology. The potential evolution of Putinism, either toward social democracy or Orthodox fundamentalism, and its implications for Russia's domestic and foreign policies are explored as critical endpoints of this journey. ---------------------------------------------- Music for the Conversation Series is generously provided by the Shavnabada Choir . The project author and the host of the Conversation Series is Dr. Tornike Metreveli. ---------------------------------------------- Religion and Theology is produced by Joel Kuhlin for the Center for Theology and Religious Studies. If you have comments or critique of this episode, or any other episodes of R&T, please contact us via the podcast's twitteraccount: @reloteol.…

Religion in Praxis Conversation Series

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What happens when an ancient faith meets COVID-19 pandemic? Discussion with Professors Tymofii Brik, Vasilios N. Makrides and Stefan Radojkovic 59:29

1 year ago59:29

59:29

Can centuries-old religious practices adapt to unprecedented global challenges? I discuss the book with co-authors of chapters: Professor Tymofii Brik and Vasilios N. Makrides as well as PhD candidate Stefan Radojkovic . “Orthodox Christianity and the COVID-19 Pandemic” chronicles the resilience and adaptation of Orthodox communities to the pandemic. It examines how different Orthodox Christian churches responded to the health crisis, revealing insights about faith, culture, and crisis management. From Finland’s quiet churches to Greece’s vibrant communities, the book covers Orthodox practices in several countries and their parches, including Ukraine, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Cyprus, Georgia, Serbia, Russia, Finland, and Sweden. The book asks whether Orthodox Christianity is evolving in response to societal changes. It examines how ancient traditions have been reconciled with modern health challenges, and highlights the ingenuity of religious leaders in reshaping roles and congregational worship. Each chapter offers a unique narrative that reflects broader societal changes during the health emergency. “Orthodox Christianity and the COVID-19 Pandemic” will appeal not only to academic audiences, but to anyone interested in the relationship between global events and religious institutions. It delves into the often overlooked or understudied world of the Orthodox Churches. The book encourages readers to reflect and contribute to the dialogue on the evolving role of religion in the contemporary world.…

Religion in Praxis Conversation Series

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Timeless Traditions, Changing Times: A Sociological Voyage through Orthodox Christianity with Tornike Metreveli 46:29

1 year ago46:29

46:29

In my latest research, I delve into the complex world of Orthodox Christianity and its impact on society in times of crisis. I explore how faith acts as a dual force - providing comfort and influencing political events. I focus on three distinct areas in which Orthodoxy plays a central role. First, I look at how church and state interact in Ukraine, Serbia, and Georgia. I explore the influence of the Orthodox Church during political upheavals and how it's influenced by the secular world. Next, I turn to the COVID-19 pandemic and how Orthodox Christianity has responded to its challenges, adapting ancient practices for a modern crisis. Finally, I take you to Ukraine, where faith intertwines with war and identity, revealing how Orthodoxy can offer hope as well as fuel conflict. This journey through faith and crisis aims to illuminate the powerful role of Orthodox Christianity in shaping our world, both as a protector and as a player on the political stage.…

Religion in Praxis Conversation Series

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Freedom, Faith, and Fracture: Sweden's Quran Burning Dilemma - Professor Oliver Scharbrodt 41:27

1 year ago41:27