Religion Unplugged

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 #jaselsner #religiousart #buddha #buddhistart

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.rebeccagordonastrology.com

Rebecca's Free Guide To Reading Your Birth Chart: https://da264.infusionsoft.app/app/form/religion-unplugged-2025