Re-Enchanting

Adjoa Andoh, an award-winning actress noted for her role as Lady Danbury in Bridgerton, shares captivating insights on storytelling and identity. She discusses her experience judging the Booker Prize and the impact of narratives on empathy. Adjoa highlights the importance of older female characters and how Bridgerton resonated during the pandemic. She emphasizes the arts as a form of 'soul work' and advocates for diverse representation in theatre, urging the need to create space for everyone to share their unique stories.

Alec Ryrie, a Professor of the History of Christianity at Durham University and author of 'The Age of Hitler and How We Will Survive It,' explores why Hitler's legacy looms large in our moral landscape. He discusses the unsettling idea of Hitler as a secular exemplar of evil, tracing its influence in modern myth and literature. Ryrie highlights the crumbling societal taboos against fascism, pushing for a resurgence of deeper moral frameworks rooted in tradition. His insights urge us to confront fear-based politics with a vision of beauty and goodness.

Nick Mulvey is a Mercury Prize nominated singer-songwriter. His two latest albums, Dark Harvest Pt 1 and 2, chart his search for the transcendent. His longing for re-enchantment and his captivation with the Christian story. In this episode of Re-Enchanting, Nick tells Belle about the tension between success and humility, the spiritual aspects of writing and performing his music, and the twists and turns of his spiritual journey.  If you found this conversation interesting, Seen & Unseen, the creators of Re-Enchanting, offers thousands of articles exploring how the Christian faith helps us understand the modern world. Discover more here: www.seenandunseen.com Generosity changes things — in us, in others and in the world.At Stewardship, we help Christians give well and see their generosity make a real difference.Find out how a Stewardship Giving Account can help you give, grow, and live generously every day.https://stwdshp.org/re-enchanting  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

AJ Sherrill, pastor and author of 'Rediscovering Christmas', brings fresh insights to the nativity story. He re-examines the Gospel narratives, revealing the richness behind the familiar tale. Sherrill highlights the significance of the shepherds and magi, transforming their roles into powerful symbols of inclusion and recognition. He emphasizes the importance of embracing the story's oddities and cultural context. By doing so, he invites listeners to rediscover the deeper mystery and meaning of Christmas, beyond modern sanitization.

Molly Worthen, a historian and journalist known for her insights into American religious history, returns to discuss her book 'Spellbound'. She explores the nature of charisma as more than mere charm, suggesting it's about leaders weaving compelling narratives. Worthen reflects on America's inclination towards charismatic figures, ties this to Protestant roots, and even analyzes Trump as a contemporary guru. The conversation also delves into the implications of charismatic leadership on faith, politics, and community in modern society.

Bishop Rose Hudson-Wilkin, the first black female bishop in the Church of England, shares her inspiring journey from childhood in Montego Bay to her pivotal roles in the church. She discusses the impact of her work as a chaplain and the need for compassion in leadership. Rose highlights the importance of resilience, drawing on her role models like Mandela and Tutu. She also reflects on writing her autobiography with raw honesty, explaining how her faith and community shaped her identity. Her insights challenge conventional ideas of greatness and promote trust and love.

Rich Villodas, a Brooklyn-born pastor and author, discusses his Advent book, 'Waiting for Jesus.' He shares insights on the spiritual value of waiting, emphasizing its role in character formation and growth. Rich reflects on navigating political polarization and highlights the surge of young adults exploring faith post-pandemic. He also delves into the importance of emotional honesty during waiting times and contrasts joy with mere happiness. Throughout, he invites listeners to embrace the deeper rhythms of Advent and God's continual presence.

Andrew Ollerton, a theologian, pastor, and Bible Society leader, dives deep into tricky Bible topics. He discusses the recent surge in Bible interest, driven by lockdown and social media, and reflects on his personal journey with faith. Andrew also addresses common misconceptions, like treating scripture as directly personal or reading it out of context. He provides insight into controversial issues, such as Old Testament slavery and gender roles, arguing for a thoughtful and contextual approach to understanding scripture.

Ashley Lande is an artist and author whose book ’The Thing That Would Make Everything Okay Forever’ tells her story of using psychedelics as a search for re-enchantment, and her path to faith in Christ as she began to encounter the dark side of trips and transcendent experiences. She talks to Belle and Justin about her journey.For Ashley Lande: https://www.ashleylande.com/ For Seen & Unseen: https://www.seenandunseen.com/  If you found this conversation interesting, Seen & Unseen, the creators of Re-Enchanting, offers thousands of articles exploring how the Christian faith helps us understand the modern world. Discover more here: www.seenandunseen.comGenerosity changes things - in us, in others and in the world.At Stewardship, we help Christians give well and see their generosity make a real difference.Find out how a Stewardship Giving Account can help you give, grow, and live generously every day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bishop Graham Tomlin, a thought leader at the intersection of faith and culture, joins the co-hosts to explore the intriguing resurgence of belief in God among younger generations. They discuss rising church attendance among Gen Z and the implications for spirituality today. The conversation delves into the decline of secular ideologies and the newfound interest in structured religion as a response to modern loneliness. Tomlin emphasizes the importance of authenticity and openness within diverse faith communities, making it an engaging dialogue for spiritual seekers.