Catherine Nixey

Sophie Pedder, Paris bureau chief for The Economist, provides insights on how Trump’s second bid influences Europe's hard-right politicians as they grapple with maintaining their identities amid American populism. Catherine Nixey, the Culture correspondent, discusses the surge of Christian-themed television shows and their appeal to audiences, exploring the financial motivations behind this trend. Together, they dissect the evolving political landscape and cultural narratives shaping Europe today.

Sam Grover, Senior Litigation Counsel for the Freedom From Religion Foundation, shares updates on the lawsuit challenging Louisiana’s Ten Commandments law. He highlights the urgent need for secularism in education amidst rising Christian nationalism. Catherine Nixey, author of 'Heretic: Jesus Christ and the Other Sons of God,' uncovers shocking truths about early Christianity, exploring narratives and figures often overlooked in modern interpretations, and reflects on the complexities surrounding the label of 'heretic' in religious contexts.

Early Christianity was filled with diverse and conflicting narratives about Jesus, including alternative versions of his life and personality. The podcast delves into the various beliefs and controversies surrounding Jesus' birth, the cult of the Virgin Mary, and the evolution of Christianity in the Roman Empire amidst competition from other religions. It also explores the reception of apocryphal gospels in early Christianity.