Religion Unplugged

The book of Exodus is full of violence, disease, plagues and power struggle. Can this story be told through the lens of a comedic mockumentary? Culture critic Joseph Holmes interviews Mitch Hudson, director of the new faith-based TV show “The Promised Land,” which presents an “Office”-style twist on the story of Exodus. The Promised Land:  https://www.youtube.com/@ThePromisedLandSeries/featured

Fr. Stephen M. Koeth’s “Crabgrass Catholicism” explores the many ways the Catholic Church drove the creation of suburban culture in postwar America. Crabgrass Catholicism:  https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/C/bo250888546.html

Mike Flynt made history by going back to play college football at the age of 59. Now, with a new movie called "The Senior"   in theaters from Angel Studios, Mike opens up about his experiences and the strong role faith played. The Senior: https://www.angel.com/movies/senior

Culture critic Joseph Holmes talks to filmmaker and author Salvador Litvak about his new faith-based thriller, "Guns & Moses," and how the film reflects the fears and experiences of modern Orthodox Jews. In theaters October 14th. Guns & Moses:  gunsandmosesmovie.com

Edward Wright-Ríos explores the devotees of Our Lady of Juquila and why pilgrimage is so much more than just “sweaty therapy” in his book “Devotion in Motion: Pilgrimage in Modern Mexico.” Devotion in Motion:  https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/D/bo248381442.html

Salvation Poem Project President Brennan McPherson sits down with Film Critic Joseph Holmes to discuss his new hand-drawn animation film about the life of Jesus, "Light of the World," which is in theaters September 5th. Light of The World:  https://lightoftheworld.com

Violence done at the hands of religious zealots seems as ancient as war itself. But how do peace-preaching religions become violent? And is religious violence more rampant today than it has been in the past? To find out, Matthew Peterson investigated the rise of Hindu nationalism in India and the ongoing persecution of its religious minorities. ANHAD:  https://anhadindia.com CSSS:  https://csss-is...

After many years as a reporter for The Wall Street Journal, Lee Hawkins composed a memoir about how his investigation into his family's history led him on a journey of self-discovery and forgiveness. Matthew Peterson speaks with Lee about his book, "I Am Nobody's Slave" I Am Nobody's Slave:  https://www.harpercollins.com/products/i-am-nobodys-slave-lee-hawkins?variant=424176858...

Matthew Peterson speaks with Alina Buzdugan of the Bible Chat app--an AI-powered tool intended to help believers and non-believers grow spiritually and advance their knowledge of scripture. Bible Chat:  https://thebiblechat.com

Matthew Peterson speaks with professor and author Philip C. Almond about his recent book "Noah and the Flood in Western Thought." Noah and the Flood in Western Thought:  https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/noah-and-the-flood-in-western-thought/D854F3F09B2AB914D50E274C540BC8D8

Are religious people as active in service as they claim to be? Matthew Peterson speaks with author and former Ohio State Governor John Kasich about his recent book “Heaven Help Us,” which explores how faith communities are making America a kinder nation.

Film and culture critic Joseph Holmes interviews actor Kevin Sorbo about his history in the faith-based film industry, which started with the film "What If?." The film was directed by Dallas Jenkins and returns to theatres August 5th & 7th for its 15th anniversary. #kevinsorbo #hercules #godsnotdead #dallasjenkins #thechosen #christianity #christianfilm #faithbasedfilm

How did the turban become so ubiquitous? Matthew Peterson speaks with Chris Filstrup about his and Jane Merrill’s recent book, “The Turban: A History from East to West,” to investigate the origins and legacy of the headgear.  The Turban: A History from East to West:  https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/distributed/T/bo248107952.html

Religion Unplugged culture critic Joseph Holmes sits down with Roy Schwartz, author of " Is Superman Circumcised ," to discuss the Jewish roots of the world's first and greatest superhero. Is Superman Circumcised:  https://mcfarlandbooks.com/product/is-superman-circumcised/?srsltid=AfmBOoqcVvb0Jx6SzCgZpyca-meeutW4pEYZFpjTVkuZrgEovryXzsb-

How did a wealthy royal advisor become one of history’s most famous martyrs? Matthew Peterson interviews Michael Staunton about his recent book “Thomas Becket and His World” to understand the medieval Archbishop of Canterbury.  Thomas Becket and His World:  https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/distributed/T/bo248107940.html

Can biblical art find admiration in a majority Hindu Nation? The Media Project board member Jennifer Arul interviews painter Sabrina Siga about her creative journey as both a secular and sacred artist and the slow progress of biblical art in the Indian subcontinent.

Is religion bound to die out, or is theism ultimately indomitable? This week, Professor Espen Hammer tells Matthew Peterson about his recent book “After The Death of God.” After The Death of God:  https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/A/bo242202719.html

Religion Unplugged’s columnist Paul Prather is on the show this week to talk with Matthew Peterson about his pastoring, his journalism career, the importance of balanced news engagement and why vulnerability has been so key to his work. Read Paul's Work:  https://religionunplugged.com/news?author=62cf1597d8ba387d85eac503

As a prolific hymn writer and preacher, Charles Wesley continues to influence modern churches around the world. This week, Dr. Clive Norris, editor of “Rev. Charles Wesley (1707–88),” speaks to Matthew Peterson about who Wesley was and what made him so influential. Rev. Charles Wesley (1707-88):  https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/distributed/R/bo238311671.html

Is religion strictly textual? Jaś Elsner explores the art and artifacts of one of India's most notable Buddhist monuments in his recent book, "Amarāvatī." Matthew Peterson speaks with Jaś to better understand how visuals inform theological beliefs.  Amaravati:  https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/distributed/A/bo214800056.html #amaravati #buddhism #stupa #amaravatistupa #jaselsn...

For nearly as long as we’ve been around, humans have been looking to the stars to help make sense of the world. But what does that practice look like today? Astrologer, teacher, and author Rebecca Gordon speaks with Matthew Peterson about how she uses astrology in her everyday life and how astrology has affected different religions over the centuries. Visit Rebecca’s Website:  https://www.rebeccag...

It has been 30 years since the Chinese government kidnapped a major Tibetan Buddhist leader. The victim, a six year-old boy, has not been seen since. Matthew Peterson investigates the disappearance and its ongoing ramifications for Tibetan autonomy.

On this week’s episode, we interview Religion Unplugged Executive Editor Clemente Lisi about the death of Pope Francis, his legacy and what happens next with the upcoming conclave to elect a new pontiff. 

Culture critic Joseph Holmes interviews Scott LeRette, author of the beloved memoir "The Unbreakable Boy "  and executive producer of the film adaptation of the same name. Scott talks about overcoming addiction, raising a child with special challenges, and how one finds God after walking away from Him.

The Media Project board member Jody Hassett Sanchez interviews journalist Sabrina Ferrisi to learn about Carlo Acutis, who will be canonized as the first millennial saint in April 2025.