Undeceptions with John Dickson

Amand Diangor, a Classics professor at Oxford, Dr. Stephanie Bernstra, Egyptology expert, and Dr. Charles Cosgrove, a scholar of early Christian literature, dive into the ancient world of hymnody. They discuss the discovery of the oldest Christian hymn in Oxyrhynchus, shedding light on bold expressions of faith amidst persecution. Their journey uncovers the intertwining of pagan and Christian musical traditions and reflects on the historical evolution of hymns, emphasizing their profound cultural and spiritual significance.

Andrew Judd, a biblical scholar and author, discusses the complexities of literary genres in the Bible. He explains how understanding these different genres, from poetry to historical narratives, is key for deeper comprehension. Judd cleverly connects modern genre theory with biblical interpretation, using examples such as the cautionary tales in Judges. He emphasizes that genres shape meaning, inviting listeners to appreciate scripture's richness and its relevance to contemporary moral questions, like the interpretation of slavery.

Stan Grant, a distinguished Australian journalist and professor known for his work on Indigenous issues, engages in a thought-provoking conversation about the Enlightenment's impact on society today. He discusses the significance of the Voice to Parliament and shares his personal journey in journalism. Grant challenges the notion of disenchantment, exploring identity, faith, and the importance of truth-telling in a divided world. His reflections on suffering and the potential for forgiveness reveal deep insights into the intersection of culture and belief.

Matthew Kirkpatrick, a lecturer at Wycliffe Hall and author of books on Dietrich Bonhoeffer, delves into the complexities of Bonhoeffer's life beyond his heroism. He discusses the sociopolitical backdrop of 1920s Germany and the rise of the Nazis, revealing how Bonhoeffer confronted the church's complicity. Kirkpatrick explores Bonhoeffer's ethical struggles, especially regarding the plot to kill Hitler, and emphasizes the importance of genuine faith and service over rigid ideologies. Listeners are invited to rethink Bonhoeffer’s legacy in today's context.

Sam Allberry was involved in environmental activism when he became a Christian - a development that his activist friends saw as bad news. After all, why would a follower of a religion that looks forward to the coming of a new Earth be concerned with the state of the current world? For Sam though, becoming a Christian led him to a very different conclusion. 

John Walton, a leading expert on the Old Testament and professor at Wheaton College, takes listeners on a captivating journey through its 39 books. He provides a concise overview, breaking down complex narratives and literary genres. Discussions dive into ancient creation stories, the significance of the Torah as customary wisdom, and the pivotal role of prophets in guiding Israel's kings. Walton also sheds light on themes of exile and the deep human emotions expressed in the Psalms, urging a richer understanding of this foundational scripture.

The 21st century has seen—and will continue to see—the rise of Christianity in the ‘Global South’, with surging conversion numbers in Asia and Africa. That’s according to Gina Zurlo, a leading authority on Christian demographics, and our guest on episode 75, ‘Global Christianity’. According to Gina, while the Western world is grappling with secularism, a new spiritual awakening of sorts is taking hold in the world’s two most populous nations, China and India. This is our next Undeceptions Rewind, where we resurface some of the best bits of our older episodes that might have been mostly forgotten (but hopefully not misunderstood!) In this episode, we feature snippets of both Episode 17 'Hindu Priest', and Episode 75 'Global Christianity'. 

In this conversation, historian Tom Holland, known for his podcast The Rest is History and author of Dominion, examines Christianity's profound influence on Western values. He discusses how early Christianity contrasted with Roman ideals, offering dignity and inclusivity. Holland highlights Apostle Paul's revolutionary teachings on equality, challenging societal distinctions. The discussion also covers Christianity's legacy of social responsibility, evolving cultural beliefs, and the tension between early universalism and modern ethical challenges.

In this intriguing discussion, 19th-century landscape artist Albert Bierstadt shares his enthralling experiences of depicting the American West. Baroque painter Artemisia Gentileschi opens up about her struggles and powerful depictions of women in art. The legendary Vincent Van Gogh reflects on the emotional depth and vibrant colors of his work, bridging themes of sorrow, faith, and beauty. The conversation explores how these artists’ profound challenges and creative processes reveal the essence of what it means to be human, inspiring a deeper connection to art and spirituality.

Kevin Van Hooser, a systematic theology professor at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, tackles the complexities of biblical interpretation. He discusses the importance of hermeneutics, asserting there's a 'right' way to read scripture. The conversation explores how cultural influences shape our understanding, including the surprising implications of the Slave Bible. Van Hooser highlights the significance of the Transfiguration in understanding Jesus’ authority and encourages a holistic approach to reading the Bible, emphasizing context and diverse perspectives.