Guns and God

In this episode, Helen speaks with Revd Dr Simon Woodman. Simon is minister at Bloomsbury Baptist Church London, and formerly New Testament lecturer at Cardiff University. He is the author of a number of books and articles including two which are under discussion here: The Book of Revelation (SCM core texts) and a chapter entitled “Fire from heaven” in a book he co-edited: The Book of Revelation. Currents in British research on the apocalypse. We discuss the ancient context of the book, whether or not it urges violence to its original readers, and contemporary ways of reading it in a troubled world. 

In this episode, Helen speaks with Dr Rachel Havrelock about her new book The Joshua Generation: Israeli Occupation and the Bible. Rachel is Professor of English at the University of Illinois. In our conversation we discuss how the first Israeli prime minister David Ben Gurion used the conquest of Joshua to assist him in state-building; and the resources which the book itself offers to readers who wish to resist such nationalism. 

In this episode Helen talks with Revd Anthony Peck, General Secretary of the European Baptist Federation.  In the light of current challenges such as migration, the Crimean conflict, and the rise of far right populism, they discuss the challenges that Baptists face, and the distinctives that they can offer to their societies. During the conversation, Tony and Helen make reference to this paper on Christian nationalism.

In this episode Michael and Helen interview Dr Maria Power. Maria is a Catholic social historian, and Senior Research Fellow in Human Dignity at the Las Casas Institute for Social Justice. We discuss the role of Cardinal Cahal Daly in Northern Ireland, and his pursuit of a peaceable kingdom. Our discussion is focussed around Maria's new book Catholic Social Teaching and Theologies of Peace in Northern Ireland.

In this episode Michael and Helen talk with Dr Samuel Brody about Martin Buber's theology of the kingship of God, and how this might influence modern politics.  Sam is Associate Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Kansas. We discuss his latest book Marbin Buber's Theopolitics , and also - briefly - this blog post.

In this episode, Michael Spalione and Helen Paynter talk with Dr Ron Sider about non-violence, with particular reference to his recent book If Jesus is Lord: Loving our enemies in an age of violence. Ron is Emeritus Professor of Theology, Holistic Ministry, and Public Policy at Palmer Theologial Seminary.

In this episode, Michael Spalione and Helen Paynter speak with Danielle (D.L.) Mayfield, author of The Myth of the American Dream: Reflections on Affluence, Autonomy, Safety, and Power. Danielle tells how her own experience of living with the 'exiled' changed her view of how her Christian faith should be expressed. This conversation takes place 'within' the (broadly) evangelical Christian tradition, and Helen even talks a bit about the Old Testament.

In this episode we introduce Dr Michael Spalione, who will be co-hosting some future episodes. Michael has recently gained his PhD in political theology from Durham University (UK), although he is a native and resident of the USA. He is also one of the Research Associates of the Centre for the Study of Bible and Violence. Helen and Michael talk about the role of the church, Christian nationalism and the evangelical label, and music. The episode was recorded at the end of 2020.

In this episode, Helen and Matthew speak with Dr John Heathershaw, professor in the College of Social Sciences and International Studies at Exeter University. Is Central Asia really a crucible for Islamic terrorism? And how are such myths instrumentalised by others? In our conversation, we refer to two briefing papers. This one was written for Chatham House in 2014, and this one was published three years later by Open Democracy.