Conversations with Tyler Tom Holland on History, Christianity, and the Value of the Countryside
Historian Tom Holland, known for his insightful works on ancient history and Christianity, shares fascinating views on the interplay between faith and history. He discusses how Lord Byron influenced his Christianity and the impact of the Book of Revelation on liberal values. Holland explores the contrasting political visions of Paul and Jesus, why Herodotus stands out as his favorite writer, and the complex issues surrounding UK devolution. He also reflects on America's tech optimism versus Europe and reveals how music sparks his creativity in writing.
53:07
Byron's Influence
- Tom Holland's early fascination with Lord Byron shaped his view of Christianity.
- Visiting Newstead Abbey and learning of Byron's rebellious acts sparked his interest in how different eras perceive the supernatural.
Revelation's Impact
- The Book of Revelation, though potentially illiberal, spurred revolutionary thought.
- Its millennial anxieties inadvertently paved the way for reform and a revolutionary tradition in Western history.
Foundational Text
- Galatians, not a Gospel, is foundational for Western liberalism.
- Its message of equality transcends identity markers like ethnicity, gender, and class, prefiguring modern liberalism.
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Intro
00:00 • 5min
Christianity and Historical Reform Movements
04:32 • 9min
The Christian Roots of African-American Liberalism and Civil Rights
13:33 • 4min
Sibling Dynamics and Historical Insights
17:31 • 20min
Devolution and Its Implications in the UK
37:24 • 7min
Balancing Economic Growth with Environmental Stewardship
44:48 • 3min
Musical Histories: The Creative Process of a Historian
47:52 • 5min
#44294
Letter to the Galatians
Epistle of St. Paul the Apostle to the Galatians
The Apostle Paul
The Letter to the Galatians is a foundational text in the New Testament, written by Paul the Apostle to address theological disputes in early Christian communities.
It emphasizes justification by faith rather than adherence to the Mosaic Law, countering the influence of Judaizers who insisted on circumcision and other Jewish practices for Gentile converts.
The letter defends Paul's apostolic authority and clarifies the relationship between faith and works in Christian salvation.
#36519
Cain
Lord Byron
In 'Cain: A Mystery', Lord Byron dramatizes the story of Cain and Abel, focusing on Cain's existential crisis and his interactions with Lucifer.
The play delves into philosophical questions about the nature of good and evil, and the consequences of pride and envy.
It is heavily influenced by John Milton's 'Paradise Lost' and reflects Byron's fascination with the darker aspects of human nature.
#270
• Mentioned in 57 episodes
The book of Revelation
Ernest Findlay Scott
This book is a detailed commentary on the Book of Revelation, written by Ernest Findlay Scott.
Published in 1940, it provides an in-depth analysis of the biblical text, offering insights into its historical, theological, and literary context.
Scott's work is considered a significant contribution to biblical scholarship, particularly in the field of New Testament studies.
#2779
• Mentioned in 10 episodes
Book of Exodus
S. R. Driver
This book provides a detailed commentary on the Book of Exodus, presented in the Revised Version.
It includes an introduction and notes by S. R. Driver, a renowned biblical scholar.
The work is aimed at providing a thorough understanding of the biblical text, making it a valuable resource for scholars and students of biblical studies.
#711
• Mentioned in 29 episodes
Histories
Herodotus
The Histories by Herodotus is a foundational work in Western historical literature.
It chronicles the Greco-Persian Wars (499–479 BCE) and provides a comprehensive background on the rise and organization of the Persian Empire.
The work is divided into nine books, each named after one of the Muses.
Herodotus describes the conflicts between the Greeks and Persians, including key battles such as Marathon, Thermopylae, Salamis, Plataea, and Mycale.
He also delves into the cultural, ethnographical, geographical, and historiographical aspects of the civilizations involved, offering a rich tapestry of historical and mythological narratives.
Despite some criticisms for including legendary accounts, much of Herodotus's work has been validated by modern historians and archaeologists.
#2717
• Mentioned in 10 episodes
Rubicon
J. S. Dewes
In *Rubicon*, Sergeant Adrienne Valero is a soldier who has been resurrected nearly a hundred times using advanced technology called 'rezoning.
' This process allows her to fight in a war against the Mechans, intelligent machines controlled by a hivemind.
After her 96th resurrection, Valero is transferred to an elite special forces unit and equipped with a virtual intelligence implant named Rubicon.
As Rubicon evolves into a sentient being, Valero and her new squad must undertake increasingly dangerous missions.
The novel explores themes of trauma, camaraderie, and the psychological impact of repeated deaths and resurrections, set against a backdrop of a desperate war where humanity's survival is at stake.
#2333
• Mentioned in 12 episodes
Pax
The Peace of Aristophanes, acted at Athens at the Great Dionysia, B.C. 421; the Greek text rev., with a translation into corresponding metres, introduction and commentary
Aristophanes
In 'Peace,' Aristophanes tells the story of Trygaeus, a farmer who flies to heaven on a dung beetle to rescue the goddess Peace, who has been imprisoned by the gods.
The play celebrates the return of peace to Greece after years of war, highlighting both the joys and challenges of this new era.
It was first performed in 421 BCE, shortly before the Peace of Nicias.
#4465
• Mentioned in 7 episodes
Persian Fire
The First World Empire and the Battle for the West
Tom Holland
Persian Fire by Tom Holland is a captivating historical narrative that delves into the rise of the Persian Empire and its conflicts with the Greek city-states.
The book provides a gripping account of the Greco-Persian Wars, highlighting pivotal battles like Marathon, Thermopylae, and Salamis.
It offers a fresh perspective on this ancient conflict and its enduring significance in shaping Western civilization.
#934
• Mentioned in 24 episodes
BOOK OF GENESIS
CLARE AMOS
The Book of Genesis, the first book of the Bible, narrates the creation of the universe, the Earth, and humankind.
It details the stories of Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, Noah's Ark, and the Tower of Babel, establishing foundational narratives for Judaism and Christianity.
Key themes include creation, sin, divine judgment, covenant, and the chosen people.
The book's influence on Western culture and religious thought is profound and enduring.
It provides a framework for understanding humanity's relationship with God and the origins of civilization.
The book's complex narratives continue to inspire theological debate and literary interpretation.
#4536
• Mentioned in 6 episodes
Dynasty
The Rise and Fall of the House of Caesar
Tom Holland
This book by Tom Holland continues the story where his previous work, 'Rubicon', left off, following the murder of Julius Caesar.
It delves into the lives of five Roman emperors—Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, and Nero—highlighting their vices, vicious behavior, and the intrigue, murder, and decadence that characterized their reigns.
Despite their personal flaws, the Roman Empire continued to prosper during this period.
Holland uses unreliable but lurid Roman sources like Tacitus and Suetonius, while also acknowledging modern scholarly perspectives.
The narrative is rich in detail, covering not only the emperors but also the broader context of the Roman Empire's expansion and internal struggles.
#106
• Mentioned in 110 episodes
Dominion
The Power of Man, the Suffering of Animals, and the Call to Mercy
Matthew Scully
In 'Dominion,' Matthew Scully presents a comprehensive and eloquent case against the mistreatment of animals.
The book delves into various aspects of animal suffering, including factory farming, hunting, whaling, and laboratory experiments.
Scully challenges the notion that humans have unlimited dominion over animals, as suggested by biblical interpretations, and argues for a moral and compassionate approach to animal treatment.
He draws on both religious and scientific perspectives to make his case, emphasizing the importance of empathy and the recognition of animal consciousness and suffering.
The book is a call to action for reform and a plea for human benevolence and mercy towards animals.
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