I ENJOYED the thoughtful, funny, and accessible Sunday School for Misfits with Dr Selina Stone. Season 6, Episode 10, Why (why?), why (why?) Tell ’em that it’s human nature, features Dr Stone, a scholar who breaks down dense theological concepts into digestible and relatable ideas.
In this episode, she explores the Garden of Eden and its inhabitants, identifying themes of creation care and providing a compelling theological basis for understanding the notion of the image of God. From a tradition of justice-orientated Pentecostalism, she guides listeners from familiar places into liberating truths.
Another podcast that explores faith and society is Beer Christianity. In Episode 110, Naomi Nixon, of the Student Christian Movement (SCM), provides a thorough history of the SCM and its offshoots, including the SCM Press. She empathises with the isolation that many students feel. She also pleads with churches to be open and honest about their theological stances and outlooks, to prevent disappointment and confusion.
Speaking of safety, I found Femicide on File on 4 Investigates, released on 11 March and available on BBC Sounds. It describes how women become unsafe in coercive relationships, leading us through the eight stages, and exposing the manipulation and exploitation that they may face. This is often difficult to define and thus challenging to prosecute. The episode illustrates an escalation as threats become more tangible and deadly. As a priest, I found it incredibly useful in making me aware of what to look for in the parish that I serve. It is not an easy podcast to listen to, but it is an important one.
In a couple of months, we will remember the murder of the African American George Floyd (News, 5 June 2020). You might say, “Oh, I remember that story: a racist police officer, now gone to jail.” But there is more to it. Over two episodes, Malcolm Gladwell, in Revisionist History, Season 13, Memorial Day 2020, delves into the story of the American police officer Derek Chauvin, exploring his previous abuses of power and inability to change course, and the possible psychological causes of being unable to learn and grow.
Journey Through Time focuses on little-known and forgotten histories, highlighting the contributions of ordinary people to big stories. The hosts are the public historians Professor David Olusoga and Dr Sarah Churchwell. They have a beautiful chemistry, are mutually respectful, and are deeply knowledgeable. The opening story recounts the explosion of a munitions plant near New York during the First World War, involving a German spy network that met at a celebrated opera singer’s house. We hear about a President in denial, American vulnerabilities exposed, and steps taken to prevent that apparent weakness. What’s not to love?
Lastly, the Church Times has reposted (15 March) an episode of the 2023 Lent Poetry Podcast series. The Dean of Southwark, the Very Revd Dr Mark Oakley, speaks eloquently about the poet Jen Hadfield, and her poem “Paternoster” is read by her. There is a summary of her work and its impact. At just 15 minutes long, it is a gem.
