
Undeceptions with John Dickson
Every week on Undeceptions we’ll explore some aspect of life, faith, history, culture, or ethics that is either much misunderstood or mostly forgotten. With the help of people who know what they’re talking about, we’ll be trying to ‘undeceive ourselves’ and let the truth ‘out’.
Latest episodes

16 snips
Mar 31, 2024 • 1h 20min
Political Jesus
Exploring the intersection of politics and religion, delving into the concept of 'powers and principalities' as mentioned by the Apostle Paul. Reflecting on the Capitol Hill Riot and the presence of Christian activists. A conversation with NT Wright on Jesus and politics, contrasting traditional kingship with Jesus' revolutionary teachings. Discussing the evolving kingdom concept from ancient Rome to early Christianity's distinctive way of living amidst Roman persecution. Exploring the importance of humility in adhering to God's plans and contrasting human desires. Delving into the impacts of the British Post Office scandal and exploring the complexities of exorcism and spiritual discernment in the church. Reflecting on human responsibility, accountability, and divine intervention in the face of corruption and evil. Discussing Christian responses to violence, advocating for justice, and tracing the evolution of the separation of church and state.

49 snips
Mar 24, 2024 • 1h 23min
The Resurrection
Explore the historical implications of the resurrection in early Christianity, learn about dying and rising gods before Jesus, examine the credibility of Jesus' resurrection event, and unravel controversies and convictions surrounding the mystery of the resurrection.

Mar 17, 2024 • 30min
SINGLE: Holy Virginity
The pursuit of celibacy is seen as strange, taboo, and repressive in modern society. But that's what David Bennett, a gay man, decided, after becoming a Christian during a night out in Sydney's gay quarter. Since then, he's become a scholar of "holy virginity", and the queerness of his Lord, Jesus. This is his story.

Mar 10, 2024 • 22min
SINGLE: Cancel Culture
At the heart of cancel culture is a desire to combat injustice, and expose flaws within society. This is a good thing ... but as recent history has shown, there is a lack of forgiveness at the heart of the movement. This is where Christianity can help.

Jan 14, 2024 • 1h 16min
French Atheism
For the final episode of season X, we're taking a deep dive into the global centre of Atheism - France. How did this once-Christian nation become such a lightning rod for the belief that there is no God? And how are the "French" ways of thinking drawing some people back to belief in Christianity?

Jan 7, 2024 • 1h 5min
Question Answer X
The podcast explores theological questions about aliens, Old Testament violence, and the existence of the devil. It also dives into the implications of alien presence on the Christian belief system, the beauty of tension and struggles, interpreting difficult passages in the Old Testament, addressing malnutrition in Burundi, the geopolitical context of the establishment of Israel, the influence of the Book of Common Prayer, and teaching Christian living as a life of gratitude and joyful response to God's gifts.

Dec 31, 2023 • 1h 3min
12 Objects
Discover the tangibility of Christianity through 12 key objects, including the Augustus Prima Porter statue, the Historical Dispute and the Nicene Creed, the Book of Kells, a well-worn Bible, Amy Carmichael's wooden plaques, and Christian believers in a cultural minority.

Dec 17, 2023 • 1h 40min
Jewish Jesus
This podcast explores the Jewishness of Jesus and how his movement differed from other Jewish movements. It discusses the sects within Judaism during Jesus' time, the reign of King Josiah and the importance of following the law, the beliefs and concepts of Judaism, the Pharisees and their approach to religion in politics, John the Baptist and his movement, Jesus' criticism of the Pharisees, the Essene vow and conflict with the Sadducees, the perception of Jesus as a political revolutionary, and gifting options for supporting the show.

Dec 10, 2023 • 55min
Holy Angels
Graham A. Cole, former dean emeritus of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, discusses the presence and role of angels throughout history and different cultures. They explore the diverse religious perspectives on angels, including Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Islam, and Greek mythology. The concept of guardian angels and their role in protecting individuals is also examined, along with personal accounts of encounters with angels during a terrorist attack and a school shooting. The podcast concludes by exploring the role of angels in prayer and emphasizing their importance in communication with God.

Dec 3, 2023 • 1h 21min
On Tolkien
Unpacking J.R.R. Tolkien's inspiration behind Middle Earth, his Christian worldview, and the influence of Catholicism on his life. Exploring the origins of 'The Hobbit' and its connection to 'The Lord of the Rings'. Analyzing Tolkien's early academic career and his friendship with C.S. Lewis. Discussing the significance of the Eucharist in Tolkien's life and its influence on his writing. Delving into the parallel between Jesus washing his disciples' feet and Tolkien's emphasis on selfless service. Examining the relation between Tolkien's stories and his Christianity and reflecting on old tales and a plea for support.
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