You're involved in a pro-UK Union think tank called these islands. Do you feel that the devolution of so much political power to Scotland and Northern Ireland, in retrospect, was a mistake? No, I'm all in favor of devolution. Britain, before the Second World War, was a state in which power was devolved to Scotland, to Wales, to Northern Ireland,. but also to the great cities of England as well, to Birmingham. And I think that the challenge of defeating Hitler, the British state, became so centralised that we have long Second World War after effects.
Historian Tom Holland joined Tyler to discuss in what ways his Christianity is influenced by Lord Byron, how the Book of Revelation precipitated a revolutionary tradition, which book of the Bible is most foundational for Western liberalism, the political differences between Paul and Jesus, why America is more pro-technology than Europe, why Herodotus is his favorite writer, why the Greeks and Persians didn’t industrialize despite having advanced technology, how he feels about devolution in the United Kingdom and the potential of Irish unification, what existential problem the Church of England faces, how the music of Ennio Morricone helps him write for a popular audience, why Jurassic Park is his favorite movie, and more.
Read a full transcript enhanced with helpful links, or watch the full video.
Recorded February 1st, 2023
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Photo credit: Sadie Holland