Reading Our Times

The Russian Orthodox Church has been conspicuous in its support of Putin's war against Ukraine. The reasons seem as obvious as they are depressing. But behind the politics, there are centuries of history and theology. How did we get here? How is history of the church in Russia shaping the nation's present? How might it shape the future? This week Nick Spencer talks with Lucy Ash about her book ‘The Baton and the Cross: Russia’s Church from Pagans to Putin’. Purchase a copy of Lucy's book here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Baton-Cross-Russias-Church-Pagans/dp/1837731837

The UK has one of highest levels of dissatisfaction with democracy in the world, though other Western countries aren't far behind. Hopes that the rest of the world would naturally follow the West and democratise have all but evaporated. How serious is this decline in democratic sympathy? What lies behind it? What are the deep foundations on which democracy rests? And what, if anything, can be done about it? This week, Nick Spencer talks with Jonathan Sumption about his book ‘The Challenges of Democracy: And The Rule of Law’. Purchase his book here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Challenges-Democracy-Rule-Law/dp/1805222503  

Diarmaid MacCulloch, a renowned church historian and author of 'Lower than the Angels: A History of Sex and Christianity', recounts the complex relationship between Christianity and sexuality. He discusses the legacy of the sexual revolution as a reaction to Christian sexual ethics. The conversation navigates historical shifts in perspectives on sex, the tension between early Christianity and Gnosticism, and the evolution of marriage. MacCulloch emphasizes diverse interpretations of sexual ethics, underscoring love and respect as central to Christian relationships.

In this engaging discussion, Samir Puri, Director of the Global Governance and Security Centre for Chatham House and author of 'Westlessness,' navigates the evolving concept of the West amid shifting global dynamics. He examines the implications of China's rise and the impact of BRICS nations on global influence. The conversation delves into soft power and cultural aspirations, questioning the West's moral authority. Puri highlights concerns about military expansion and the anxieties surrounding the West's future in a multipolar world.

Get ready for a thought-provoking journey into the twists and turns of Western civilization. Experts delve into the future of democracy and growth while grappling with the influence of Putin and the Orthodox Church. Big questions surrounding children, choice, and the intersection of sex and religion also take center stage. This series promises to challenge listeners' perspectives on the trajectory of the West and its societal challenges.

Announcing a new four-part documentary podcast, Motherhood vs The Machine, where hosts Chine McDonald and Dr Madeleine Pennington look at what motherhood teaches us about what it means to be human.The work of motherhood has always been changed by technological advancement: from the nipple shield to the feeding bottle and breast pump. But as technological advancement accelerates and a future of artificial wombs and ‘bio bags’ does not seem as far-fetched as it once did, what of the humanity of motherhood might be lost if it is outsourced to machines? What might we miss when the maternal doorway is closed to profound and rarely expressed spiritual ideas - such as sacrifice, love, care, value, dignity, and hope?Out weekly from 13 March. Find it on all podcasting platforms.🎙️ Follow Chine McDonald: @ChineMcDonald🎙️ Follow Dr Madeleine Pennington: @mlmpennington💡 Produced by the ‪@thinktanktheos‬ www.theosthinktank.co.uk/

With series 9 of Reading Our Times coming to an end, Nick Spencer takes a look back on the series and shares his thoughts on the ideas espoused by the various guests. Should Britain pay slavery reparations? Are 'leftism' and 'wokeism' compatible? What do all these topics tell us about what it means to be human? Join us for all this and more!

The claim that evolution can help us understand, even explain, the modern world and modern mind has not always had a happy history, veering between overclaim and catastrophe. But the opposite idea - that everything is culture and nothing nature - is hardly more convincing. So, can we threat this needle? Can we have nuanced and realistic understanding of the impact of evolution on us today without going down the rabbit hole of determinism. So, what impact has evolution had on us - our communities and societies, our morality and our religion. Purchase Harvey's book here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Inheritance-Evolutionary-Origins-Modern-World/dp/1529152224/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0

In this engaging conversation, historian Jonathan Clark delves into the complexities of The Enlightenment. He critiques modern interpretations, suggesting they often misrepresent the era's sociability and practices. Clark explores the French Enlightenment's diverse thinkers like Voltaire and Diderot, emphasizing nuanced historical narratives. He also unpacks Kant’s essay on intellectual freedom, challenging common perceptions about authority's role during the period. The discussion ultimately reflects on the Enlightenment’s ideals of universality and democracy in today's context.

In this thought-provoking discussion, Michael Banner, a Christian ethicist and author, delves into the contentious topic of reparations for slavery. He highlights Britain's historical role in the transatlantic slave trade and the dark legacy of colonial exploitation. The conversation navigates the moral complexities of acknowledging past injustices and the implications of collective responsibility. Banner argues for a deeper understanding of moral accountability, challenging listeners to reconsider how we engage with our shared history and its ongoing impact on modern society.