Best Harvard Divinity School Podcasts (2025)

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The Fall of Rome and its Impact on the Early Church 15:12

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22h ago15:12

15:12

Join host Rachel Chen and distinguished church historian Bishop Andy C. Lewter for an illuminating exploration of one of history's most pivotal moments - the collapse of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century AD and its transformative impact on Christianity. This engaging 30-minute discussion reveals how political chaos became the catalyst for…

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The Role of Cathedrals During the Middle Ages 29:19

8d ago29:19

29:19

Join our Church Historian, Bishop Andy C. Lewter as he takes us on another fascinating journey into the hidden stories of Church History. Step beyond the soaring Gothic arches and stunning stained glass to discover the hidden story of medieval cathedrals - they weren't just magnificent churches, but the beating hearts of European civilization that …

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Book 5: Episode 8 - The Many Woes of Greasy Ernie 1:46:08

11d ago1:46:08

1:46:08

Things get so intense in these chapters in a way we have yet to see! This is the good stuff. The stuff that made us want to re-read these books. We are talking about real messed up horse bugs and it feels so good. New book-club-style episodes will be released every other week, with periodic deep-dives into fun topics like Dispensationalism, the ris…

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The Rise of the Monastic Movement 22:06

15d ago22:06

22:06

Join host Rachel Chen and special guest Bishop Andy Lewter, church historian and author of "Executive Privilege," for a fascinating exploration of one of Christianity's most influential yet overlooked movements - early monasticism. What You'll Discover: When Constantine legalized Christianity in 313 CE, it created an unexpected crisis: How do you m…

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The Rise of Constantine: Christianity Conquers the Empire 23:01

21d ago23:01

23:01

The interview systematically explores Constantine's story through five main segments: Opening Segment establishes the historical context, describing Christianity as a persecuted minority religion under Diocletian's Great Persecution (303 CE), practiced by only 10-15% of the Roman population in secret, underground conditions. Segment 1 examines Cons…

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Book 5: Episode 7 - A Man Named Stallion 1:25:13

23d ago1:25:13

1:25:13

Sorry this ep was late! I went on two fun trips which made me no longer understand how linear time works. Whoops! Anyways, for some reason there is a character named Stallion that we meet while Buck goes on his John Wick style adventure. New book-club-style episodes will be released every other week, with periodic deep-dives into fun topics like Di…

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Gnostic Myth in Film: A Talk with Fryderyk Kwiatkowski 1:47:25

1M ago1:47:25

1:47:25

For episode 15 of Pop Apocalypse, we welcome Fryderyk Kwiatkowski, Assistant Professor at the University of Krakow, on to discuss the relationship between ancient Gnostic myth and modern cinema. Fryderyk takes us through the impact European intellectuals Carl Jung, Hans Jonas, and Eric Voegelin on popular conceptions of Gnosticism. Then we dive int…

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The Pentecost Phenomenon: A Scholarly Examination of Speaking in Tongues 34:59

1M ago34:59

34:59

Episode Description Join Bishop Andy Lewter and Bishop D. A. Sherron in this illuminating theological discussion as they delve deep into one of Christianity's most debated phenomena: the speaking in tongues as recorded in Acts chapter 2 during the Day of Pentecost. This scholarly conversation moves beyond denominational perspectives to examine the …

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Book 5: Episode 6 - His Final Hijinks 1:18:54

2M ago1:18:54

1:18:54

Remember, dear listener, Being Alive Is More Important Than Saying Goodbye. On this very special episode of Tribulation Farce the authors of Left Behind stab us right in the emotional gut and we will never recover. New book-club-style episodes will be released every other week, with periodic deep-dives into fun topics like Dispensationalism, the ri…

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Bonus Podcast: The Jewish Revolt of 70 AD and its Impact on the Early Church 13:34

2M ago13:34

13:34

In this crucial bonus episode, our host delivers a masterful examination of one of history's most pivotal moments - the Jewish Revolt of 70 AD and the destruction of Jerusalem. This watershed event fundamentally transformed both Judaism and Christianity, creating the religious landscape we know today. Through detailed historical analysis, the episo…

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Bonus Podcast: Early Background of Christianity, Jewish Sectarianism 11:18

2M ago11:18

11:18

Join Harvard-educated Bishop Andy Lewter, Historian of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship, as he explores the rich tapestry of Christian history through scholarly insight and pastoral wisdom. In this compelling series, Bishop Lewter examines Christianity's origins within the complex landscape of first-century Jewish sectarianism, revealing h…

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The Empty Tomb 34:33

2M ago34:33

34:33

In this compelling opening episode, host, Dr. D. A. Sherron, sits down with Bishop Andy C. Lewter to examine one of history's most consequential claims: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Through rigorous historical analysis and thoughtful theological reflection, they explore what the earliest sources tell us about that pivotal Easter morning and it…

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Madness, Mysticism, and Philosophy – A Talk with Wouter Kusters 1:18:55

2M ago1:18:55

1:18:55

For episode 14 of Pop Apocalypse, we welcome the linguist and philosopher Wouter Kusters. Kusters is the author of Pure Madness (2004) and A Philosophy of Madness (2014), both of which won the Dutch Socrates Award for best philosophy book of the year. We discuss how the experience of psychotic thinking challenges and illuminates our notions of lang…

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Book 5: Episode 5 - Wise as Serpents, Gentle as Doves 1:13:27

2M ago1:13:27

1:13:27

The tribulation force prepares for their escape from Israel while dealing with a pesky key situation. New book-club-style episodes will be released every other week, with periodic deep-dives into fun topics like Dispensationalism, the rise of the Religious Right, and unhinged Evangelical TikToks. Join our Patreon or follow the show on Twitter and I…

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Book 5: Episode 4 - A Bar Called Harem 1:24:58

2M ago1:24:58

1:24:58

Buck goes on like 5 different quests in this episode because he cannot sleep. Love that guy. New book-club-style episodes will be released every other week, with periodic deep-dives into fun topics like Dispensationalism, the rise of the Religious Right, and unhinged Evangelical TikToks. Join our Patreon or follow the show on Twitter and Instagram!…

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Hospital Chaplaincy: A Praxis Podcast featuring David Holden, MDiv '24 16:24

3M ago16:24

16:24

David Holden, MDiv '24, came to HDS after a career in politics in search of ways to help others heal as a hospital chaplain. Transcript forthcoming.By Harvard Divinity School

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Book 5: Episode 3 - Gods Hitman 1:25:36

3M ago1:25:36

1:25:36

Our Tribulation Saints are ruthlessly attacked in the battle of PR! Plus, a certain doctor gets a crush on a certain jezebel. New book-club-style episodes will be released every other week, with periodic deep-dives into fun topics like Dispensationalism, the rise of the Religious Right, and unhinged Evangelical TikToks. Join our Patreon or follow t…

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Book 5: Episode 2 - Blacklight Discotech University 1:21:52

3M ago1:21:52

1:21:52

The dreaded cliff-hanger ending of chapter 2 is immediately un-hung, thankfully, in chapter 3! You can see the resolution on the Amanda saga on the next page once your finished chapter 2!!! Why did they do that?!?! New book-club-style episodes will be released every other week, with periodic deep-dives into fun topics like Dispensationalism, the ri…

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Book 5: Episode 1 - Christianity (for women) 1:04:50

4M ago1:04:50

1:04:50

Welcome to episode 1 of the 5th Left Behind Book - Apollyon! Listen as the Tribulation Force plans for a meeting and then leaves us hanging with a huge and annoying cliffhanger. New book-club-style episodes will be released every other week, with periodic deep-dives into fun topics like Dispensationalism, the rise of the Religious Right, and unhing…

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Hope Podcast: Featuring Becca Leviss and Rucha Modi, MTS Candidates 36:30

4M ago36:30

36:30

On this episode of the Hope Podcast, we hear from second year MTS students Becca Leviss and Rucha Modi sharing the story of their early HDS friendship as a source for inspiration.Transcript: https://www.hds.harvard.edu/news/2025/04/30hope-podcast-featuring-becca-leviss-and-rucha-modi-mts-candidatesBy Harvard Divinity School

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Hope Podcast: Featuring Matta Zheng, MDiv candidate 22:12

4M ago22:12

22:12

On this episode of the Hope Podcast, we hear from third year MDiv candidate Matta Zheng who teaches us about the interconnections between justice, the mundane, and hope.Transcript: https://www.hds.harvard.edu/news/2025/04/29/hope-podcast-featuring-matta-zheng-mdiv-candidateBy Harvard Divinity School

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Photographing the Invisible – A Talk with Shannon Taggart 1:08:41

4M ago1:08:41

1:08:41

For Episode 13 of Pop Apocalypse, we welcome Shannon Taggart, an American photographer, writer, researcher, and curator known for exploring how photography can navigate boundaries between the seen and unseen. Her book, Séance (Fulger Press, 2019), offers hundreds of photographs documenting contemporary Spiritualism across the U.S. and Britain. We d…

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Hope Podcast: Featuring Paula Ortiz, MDiv Candidate 29:08

5M ago29:08

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In this episode of the Hope Podcast, we hear from 2nd year MDiv candidate Paula Ortiz. Together we discuss the Andes mountains, being awestruck, and seeing hope in the present.Transcript: https://www.hds.harvard.edu/news/2025/03/26/hope-podcast-featuring-paula-ortiz-mdiv-candidateBy Harvard Divinity School

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End of Life Care and Horror Scholarship: A Praxis Podcast featuring Kristen Maples, MDiv '24 16:51

6M ago16:51

16:51

You’re listening to Harvard Divinity School's Praxis Podcast, where I, Maddison Tenney, interview HDS students about what brought them here, what they study, and where they hope to go next. This week's guest, Kristen Maples, MDiv '24, explores end of life care and the sacred practice of watching horror films.Full transcript: https://www.hds.harvard…

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Christian Nationalism in Global Perspective 1:05:35

6M ago1:05:35

1:05:35

"Christian Nationalism in Global Perspective," a conversation with David Hempton and one of the 2024-25 Yang Visiting Scholars, Nilay Saiya.This event took place on February 27, 2025. Full transcript: https://www.hds.harvard.edu/news/2025/03/05/video-yang-scholars-2025-christian-nationalism-global-perspective…

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Empire and Epistemicide: Historical Perspectives on the Rhetoric of Peace and its Erasures 58:29

6M ago58:29

58:29

When is peace not peace? When does pluralism only seem like pluralism from the perspective of the people in power? Christianity famously took form during the Pax Romana—an era of celebrated stability in the Roman empire—even as its message about the dawn of the messianic age and the coming of the kingdom of God resonated among those who saw the sam…

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Exploring Sectarian Identity in Islam 54:33

6M ago54:33

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Although the sectarian labels of Sunni and Shi’a are widely used today to cover a range of identities and beliefs held by Muslims across the Islamic World, there are many foundational questions remaining over the origins of sectarian identity in Islam as well as its implications across time. The field has largely understudied theories of sectariani…

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Hope Podcast: Featuring Marty Matinage, MDiv Candidate 30:06

6M ago30:06

30:06

In this episode of the Hope Podcast, first-year Marty Martinage explains how storytelling, representation, and even silly stickers can help guide us to hope.Transcript: https://www.hds.harvard.edu/news/2025/03/03/hope-podcast-featuring-marty-matinage-mdiv-candidateBy Harvard Divinity School

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Black Metal and Orthodox Christianity – A Talk with Haela Ravenna Hunt-Hendrix of Liturgy 1:30:44

6M ago1:30:44

1:30:44

For the 12th episode of Pop Apocalypse, Matt Dillon welcomes the philosopher, artist, and musician Haela Ravenna Hunt-Hendrix. Haela is best known as the songwriter and singer for the black metal band, Liturgy, which has released six full albums and one EP. We discuss Haela’s early relationships to Christianity and metal music, her philosophical tr…

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Hope Podcast: Featuring Ivy Wang, MDiv Candidate 22:05

7M ago22:05

22:05

In this episode of the Hope Podcast, we sit down with second year MDiv candidate Ivy Wang. Together we talk about her journey through different Harvard schools and what it may feel like to find a new home in beauty and mystery.Transcript: https://www.hds.harvard.edu/news/2025/02/20/hope-podcast-featuring-ivy-wang-mdiv-candidate…

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Hope Podcast: Featuring Joyce Cheng, MTS Candidate 22:13

7M ago22:13

22:13

In this episode of the Hope Podcast, we hear from Joyce Cheng, a first year MTS student. This in episode we discuss Joyce's idea of hope, her faith, and what brings her to HDS.Transcript: https://www.hds.harvard.edu/news/2025/02/20/hope-podcast-featuring-joyce-cheng-mts-candidateBy Harvard Divinity School

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Ceramics and Surrender: A Praxis Podcast featuring Jack Tripp, MTS ’25 13:19

7M ago13:19

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Creative practice and religious experience overlap in this week’s Praxis podcast with Jack Tripp, MTS’ 25. In sharing about his artistic practice, Jack offers his perspective on the surrender required for his ceramics and his spiritual life. Full transcript: https://www.hds.harvard.edu/news/2025/03/03/ceramics-and-surrender-praxis-podcast-featuring…

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Bulletin Long Read: On Assignment, Virgil Rescues Dante from the Wilderness 36:54

7M ago36:54

36:54

In this long read from Harvard Divinity Bulletin, a 'Divine Comedy' reading group with two artist friends deepens the author’s understanding of Dante’s transcendent friendship with Virgil.This is a special audio version of "On Assignment, Virgil Rescues Dante from the Wilderness," a feature written and read by Diane Mehta and appearing in the Autum…

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Second Act Careers & Chaplaincy: A Praxis Podcast Episode featuring Rebecca Oreskes 22:23

7M ago22:23

22:23

This week’s Praxis episode features Rebecca Oreskes, who recently graduated HDS with her Master of Theological Studies degree. After a 25 year career in the forest service, she decided to return to school to become a chaplain, focusing on end of life care.Full transcript: https://www.hds.harvard.edu/news/2024/10/24/intersection-of-healing-veteran-s…

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Women, Art, and the Spirit World – A Talk With Jennifer Higgie, Author of The Other Side 1:15:03

8M ago1:15:03

1:15:03

For Episode 11 of Pop Apocalypse, we welcome Jennifer Higgie. Jennifer is the author of several books, including Bedlam, a novel about the artist Richard Dadd; The Mirror and the Palette, a history of women’s self-portraits; and The Other Side: A Story of Women in Art and the Spirit World, a beautiful and personal study of the relationship between …

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Book 4: Episode 10 - The End and the then Another End and looks like one more The End 1:46:56

8M ago1:46:56

1:46:56

The finale of Soul Harvest is a greedy little pig and it is not satisfied with 1 nor 2 but 3 super disasters! Plus we kinda learn some things about Amanda, finally, including one really big, wet one. New book-club-style episodes will be released every other week, with periodic deep-dives into fun topics like Dispensationalism, the rise of the Relig…

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Book 4: Episode 9 - Death Burp 1:22:56

9M ago1:22:56

1:22:56

Buck has to fight for his life and Ken loses it and shoots a guy. Ray is kinda just chilling in the sky. New book-club-style episodes will be released every other week, with periodic deep-dives into fun topics like Dispensationalism, the rise of the Religious Right, and unhinged Evangelical TikToks. Join our Patreon or follow the show on Twitter an…

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Religion and Democratic Ideals: Media, Religion, and the Nation 1:31:03

9M ago1:31:03

1:31:03

“Media, Religion, and the Nation,” featured Zeba Khan, San Fransisco Chronicle, Jesse Holland, George Washington University, and Syreeta McFadden, Borough of Manhattan Community College. Assistant Dean for Religion and Public Life, Hussein Rashid, served as moderator.For decades, news media in the U.S. has been critiqued as reproducing structures o…

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Book Event: Zionism: An Emotional State by Derek Penslar 47:39

9M ago47:39

47:39

In Zionism: An Emotional State, author Derek J. Penslar demonstrated how the energy propelling the Zionist project originates from bundles of feeling whose elements have varied in volume, intensity, and durability across space and time. Penslar examined the emotions that have shaped Zionist sensibilities and practices throughout the movement’s hist…

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Religion and Democratic Ideals: Reproductive Healthcare Access and White Nationalism 1:19:57

9M ago1:19:57

1:19:57

“Reproductive Healthcare Access and White Nationalism,” featured founder of Funky Brown Chick, Twanna Hines, and Melissa Deckman, CEO of Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI). Assistant Dean for Religion and Public Life, Hussein Rashid, served as moderator.Access to reproductive healthcare engages with explicitly religious language. This sessio…

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The Importance of HBCUs in the Making of American Democracy 1:05:24

9M ago1:05:24

1:05:24

Part of the "Symposium on Religion and American Democracy," held September 27, 2024. The Importance of HBCUs in the Making of American DemocracySpeakers:-Jelani M. Favors, Henry E. Frye Distinguished Professor of History, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University -Tony Frazier, Assistant Professor of History, The Pennsylvania State…

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Religion and Democratic Ideals: Political Futures 1:30:04

9M ago1:30:04

1:30:04

“Political Futures,” featured RPL Organizing Fellow, Josh Wolfsun, and RPL Arts and Popular Culture Fellow, Angélique Roché. Assistant Dean for Religion and Public Life, Hussein Rashid, served as moderator.Moving from the exigencies of the moment, this conversation focused on creating new communities, generating solidarity, imagining different econ…

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Hindu and Catholic, Priest and Scholar: A Love Story 1:18:34

9M ago1:18:34

1:18:34

On October 1, 2024, HDS hosted a celebration of "Hindu and Catholic, Priest and Scholar: A Love Story," the new memoir from HDS Professor Francis X. Clooney, S.J. Joining Prof. Clooney on a panel of respondents were: Rajeev Persaud, MTS ’24, Andrea Bischoff, MTS ’24, and Jonathan Makransky, multireligious ministry initiatives coordinator at HDS. Th…

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Harvard Divinity School 2024 Convocation 1:04:07

9M ago1:04:07

1:04:07

At Harvard Divinity School's 209th Convocation ceremony, HDS Dean Marla F. Frederick delivered the address "And, Yet...We Hope" to the HDS and Harvard community, friends, alumni, and distinguished guests.This event took place on September 26, 2024.Full transcript: https://www.hds.harvard.edu/news/2024/09/30/harvard-divinity-school-2024-convocation.…

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Eve’s Innocence: Women’s Biblical Exegesis in Renaissance Venice 47:08

9M ago47:08

47:08

The Women's Studies in Religion Program (WSRP) at Harvard Divinity School was delighted to host Erminia Ardissino as she presented on biblical exegesis in Renaissance Venice aimed at rehabilitating the image of Eve. Ann D. Braude, Director of WSRP and Senior Lecturer on American Religious History at Harvard Divinity School, introduced Ardissino. Er…

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Ethical Scholarship: Gender, Religion, and Difference 48:40

9M ago48:40

48:40

Each year the HDS Women's Studies in Religion Program brings scholars in gender from around the country to enrich the experience of HDS students. 2024 Orientation offered students the opportunity to hear from the 2024–25 WSRP visiting faculty, who shared their thoughts on the ethical responsibility of scholars to be engaged in the study of gender.S…

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Safety Through Solidarity: A Radical Guide to Fighting Antisemitism 1:11:54

9M ago1:11:54

1:11:54

In their book, “Safety Through Solidarity: A Radical Guide to Fighting Antisemitism,” Shane Burley and Ben Lorber, two activist journalists, present a progressive, intersectional approach to the vital question: What can we do about antisemitism? Using personal stories, historical deep-dives, front-line reporting, and interviews with leading change-…

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Celebrating Dhamma Chakra Day: Buddhism as Emancipation 1:18:30

9M ago1:18:30

1:18:30

This special HDS Buddhist Ministry Initiative event commemorated Dhamma Chakra Day, the anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s conversion to Buddhism along with 500,000 of his followers. Dr. Ambedkar’s peaceful, egalitarian, and grassroots movement of social liberation left an indelible mark on Indian society, embracing Buddhism as a powerful method fo…

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Book 4: Episode 8 - BUCKle UP! 1:35:41

9M ago1:35:41

1:35:41

Fresh off of saving Chloe, Buck finds himself in another scheme to save a sinful women. The Tribulation Force gains 1 member. New book-club-style episodes will be released every other week, with periodic deep-dives into fun topics like Dispensationalism, the rise of the Religious Right, and unhinged Evangelical TikToks. Join our Patreon or follow t…

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Religion and Democratic Ideals: Rematriation, Land, and Healing 1:18:53

9M ago1:18:53

1:18:53

"Rematriation, Land, and Healing," featured co-founder of Women of Bears Ears, Cynthia Wilson, and board member of Women of Bears Ears, Doreen Bird. Assistant Dean for Religion and Public Life, Hussein Rashid, served as moderator.How we steward our land—and the lands of others—brings up essential questions of belonging, indigeneity, and spiritual a…