Undeceptions with John Dickson

Christianity no longer has the cultural sway it once held. But there’s always been a long tradition of Christians being flexible in engaging their culture—whether in ancient Rome, Viking Scandinavia, or modern America. So what does a ‘relevant’ Christianity look like in the 21st century?CREDITSUndeceptions is hosted by John Dickson, produced by Kaley Payne and directed by Mark Hadley. Alasdair Belling is a writer and researcher. Siobhan McGuiness is our online librarian. Lyndie Leviston remains John's wonderful assistant. Santino Dimarco is Chief Finance and Operations Consultant. Editing by Richard Hamwi.Our voice actors for this episode were Yannick Lawry and Dakotah Love.Special thanks to our series sponsor Zondervan for making this Undeception possible. Undeceptions is the flagship podcast of Undeceptions.com - letting the truth out.

Back in 2020, John caught up with author and journalist Greg Sheridan to talk about Christianity’s struggles in both Australia, and the global West more broadly. However, Greg wasn’t so glum on the future of the faith in a post-Christian world. Ahead of an upcoming episode on how the gospel applies to a post-Christian world, we thought now was the time to look back at what Greg had to say.

John Took, Professor Emeritus of Dante Studies at University College London, dives into the transformative nature of Dante's Divine Comedy. He discusses how Dante’s epic is less about the afterlife and more about living meaningfully in the present. Took uncovers Dante's rich educational background, his compassion in portraying sinners, and the profound themes of love, morality, and redemption. They explore how the Divine Comedy serves as a metaphor for modern skepticism and reveals enduring truths about human nature, making it relevant even today.

Some claim Christian persecution is on the rise, while others find the idea of a modern persecution implausible. So, what’s the truth? It’s complex … (00:00) - - John Dickson's persecution complex (08:56) - - The myth of persecution (13:24) - - The first Christian persecutions (21:29) - - The third-century persecutions (34:02) - - The Emperor Diocletian comes to power (40:09) - - The Great Persecution (49:41) - - The persecutions end (56:11) - - Haroon's story (01:05:54) - - Smash and squeeze persecution (01:18:34) - - Five Minute Jesus CREDITSUndeceptions is hosted by John Dickson, produced by Kaley Payne and directed by Mark Hadley. Alasdair Belling is a writer and researcher. Siobhan McGuiness is our online librarian. Lyndie Leviston remains John's wonderful assistant. Santino Dimarco is Chief Finance and Operations Consultant. Editing by Richard Hamwi.Our voice actor today was Yannick Lawry.Special thanks to our series sponsor Zondervan for making this Undeception possible. Undeceptions is the flagship podcast of Undeceptions.com - letting the truth out.

Jane Austen’s words and books are well known. But what do we know of Jane herself - what she was like, and what she believed? What did she think of society and class, ethics, literature, romance, and faith?(00:00) - - Jane behind the text (05:51) - - Jane's world (10:35) - - Jane the novelist (19:31) - - The author and the characters (34:16) - - Romance, satire, or something else? (41:27) - - Jane's 'undeceptions' (44:35) - - Jane and the church (53:51) - - Ethics and virtues (58:48) - - Five Minute Jesus (01:03:32) - - Silence on slavery (01:09:27) - - Jane's legacy CREDITS Undeceptions is hosted by John Dickson, produced by Kaley Payne and directed by Mark Hadley. Alasdair Belling is a writer-researcher.Siobhan McGuiness is our online librarian. Lyndie Leviston remains John's wonderful assistant.  Santino Dimarco is Chief Finance and Operations Consultant. Editing by Richard Hamwi.Special thanks to our series sponsor Zondervan for making this Undeception possible. Undeceptions is the flagship podcast of Undeceptions.com - letting the truth out.

A.J. Swoboda, an Associate Professor of Bible and Theology at Bushnell University and author, dives into the art of learning within the Christian faith. He explores the critical role of teachability and humility in personal growth. Swoboda challenges the stereotype of Christianity as anti-intellectual, advocating for learning from various sources, including strangers, historical figures, and even adversaries. He highlights the importance of tradition while emphasizing that engaging with differing perspectives can foster wisdom and understanding.

African Christianity is almost as old as Christianity itself. Many of the early church's theological giants came from Africa, and today, Christianity is exploding across the continent. In this episode, we look at Jesus through African eyes.(00:09) - - The Tortoise and the Hare: A different perspective (08:15) - - Why look at Jesus through African eyes? (11:26) - - Africa in the Bible (15:26) - - Diversity in Christianity (18:19) - - Hermeneutics - African style! (23:30) - - The African church (32:16) - - Syncretism (38:18) - - Scripture through different lenses (45:09) - - Five Minute Jesus (54:05) - - Hannah's prayer (01:00:13) - - Can we see Jesus however we want?

As the West undergoes a ‘de-churching,’ some are starting to wonder about the unintended consequences of a society with fewer believers.After all, some of history’s greatest humanitarians all had one thing in common: a Christian faith.(00:00) - - Intro (00:00) - Chapter 2 (04:32) - - The power of faith communities (08:21) - - Faith and politics (15:20) - - Navigating tragedy in a faith community (18:11) - - The Charleston shooting (26:12) - - Measuring the 'good life' (35:15) - - The great de-churching (43:07) - - The happiness 'miracle drug' (46:07) - - Five Minute Jesus (50:26) - - Why join the faith?

Tyler VanderWeele, Professor of Epidemiology at Harvard and Director of the Human Flourishing Program, shares fascinating insights on the connection between religion and mental health. He discusses how church attendance can reduce suicide rates, particularly among women. VanderWeele highlights the protective effects of faith communities against 'deaths of despair' and emphasizes a significant reduction in depression risk linked to regular worship. His research reveals that being part of a religious community fosters happiness and life satisfaction, boosting overall mental wellbeing.

Are our dreams full of messages and warnings? John was sceptical, but for most of human history, that’s been the common view. In this Undeceptions REWIND, we take a closer look. If you like what you hear, listen to the episode in full: Episode 105 'Decoding Dreams'.