logo
episode-header-image
Apr 2025
27m 29s

Cultural Religiosity

Bbc Radio 4
About this episode

Giles Fraser meets columnist Giles Coren, who was raised in the Jewish tradition, became an atheist and who now feels at home in a Christian church, to explore what it means to be culturally religious.

Is cultural religiosity an oxymoron and totally untenable? Is it on the rise or has it always been there? Is it damaging to traditional religious practices? And, does it really matter?

To examine these questions, Giles is joined by: Michael Rosen, author and poet, known for his work exploring humanism and atheism. He has co-written a book, "What is Humanism? How do you live without a god? And Other Big Questions for Kids," which looks at how humanists approach fundamental questions about morals, ethics, and the origins of life. Kate Smurthwaite, patron of the Humanist society and feminist, atheist comedian and activist. Internationally, she is probably best-known as the star of a viral video in which she claims that she doesn’t have a faith because she is not an idiot. Justin Brierley, writer, documentary maker and broadcaster behind the book and podcast series, 'The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God'. Over the course of his work Justin looks at why new atheism grew old and why secular thinkers are considering Christianity again.

Producers: Alexa Good & Linda Walker

Editor: Tim Pemberton

Up next
Sep 23
Faith versus Fear
Giles Fraser delves into the moral and theological tensions surrounding immigration, asking whether Christian faith leads to exclusion or radical inclusion. British politician and prominent catholic Ann Widdecombe opens with a candid reflection on the limits of national capacity ... Show More
27m 30s
Apr 2025
Claiming Christianity
Giles Fraser meets the Revd Canon Fr Phil Harris, of the Anglican Church in North America, to discuss defending Britain’s Christian heritage.Christianity has been deployed as a tool by those who have been labelled as far-right by their opponents, or by people supporting far-right ... Show More
27m 14s
Apr 2025
Faithful Food
We hear from the volunteers serving an average of 1,500 meals a day at the Gurdwara Siri Guru Singh Sabha in Hounslow and explore the significance of langar in the Sikh and wider community. Mona Siddiqui and the panel explore the role food plays in religion. Do all religious trad ... Show More
27m 20s
Recommended Episodes
Apr 2024
Tarana Husain Khan et al., "Forgotten Foods: Memories and Recipes from Muslim South Asia" (Pan Macmillan, 2023)
Forgotten Foods: Memories and Recipes from Muslim South Asia (Pan Macmillan India, 2023) is a collection of essays and recipes that highlights the complex and layered food history of Muslim communities across South Asia. The contributors to the volume include historians, literary ... Show More
1h 15m
Sep 2020
COOKING WITH PLANTS 🌱 chatting with plant-based chef Matthew Kenney!
Today on the show I'm joined by Matthew Kenney, one of the world’s first leading chefs at the forefront of plant-based cuisine! We're talking all things cooking with PLANTS! Matthew is an author of 12 cookbooks and a best-selling memoir, a culinary educator and the CEO ... Show More
43m 32s
Jul 18
Exploring Omani & Zanzibari Food With Chef & Cookbook Author Dina Macki
In this episode of Matbakh, we're joined by Dina Macki, author of cookbook "Bahari: Recipes From an Omani Kitchen and Beyond," who shares insights into the unique flavors and culinary traditions of Omani and Zanzibari cuisines. Dina discusses her cultural heritage and diverse upb ... Show More
49m 23s
Jul 30
Why Ignatian Spirituality is a Green Spirituality with Sr. Margaret Scott
In honor of the Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola on July 31, we're taking a green look at his Spiritual Exercises. When today's host, Eric Clayton, was in college, he stumbled upon a book entitled “The Eucharist and Social Justice.” It’s a small volume and was easily tucked into h ... Show More
36m 18s
Nov 2024
Leen Al Zaben | Building a Real Arab Culinary Community
Vanessa Zuabi interviews Leen Al Zaben in this one in two Matbakh special, recorded live on stage at What The Food by alserkal in Dubai. They discuss Leen's unexpected journey into the food industry, which began 15 years ago as a food blog and evolved into a full-blown career. Th ... Show More
29m 39s
Nov 2024
Learning The Traditions of Food from Elder Women with Chef Jeff Weiss
Rooted in a background as an Olympic-level skater, Chef Jeff Weiss (one of the key chefs behind Dr. Mindy's new book, Eat Like a Girl) highlights the importance of health and nutrition, especially for women. Chef Jeff explores the mentor-driven path through culinary training, hig ... Show More
58m 44s
Dec 2024
Shabbat Explained: The Secret to Sacred Rest (w/ Rabbi Susan Goldberg)
Rainn Wilson sits down with Rabbi Susan Goldberg to explore the enduring wisdom of Jewish tradition and its relevance to modern challenges. They discuss the dynamic nature of belief in God, the universal values that transcend religious boundaries, and practical ways to bring thes ... Show More
1 h
Dec 2023
Dolly Kikon and Joel Rodrigues, "Food Journeys: Stories from the Heart" (Zubaan Books, 2023)
Food Journeys: Stories from the Heart (Zubaan Books, 2023) is a powerful collection that draws on personal experiences, and the meaning of grief, rage, solidarity, and life. Feminist anthropologist Dolly Kikon and peace researcher Joel Rodrigues present a wide-ranging set of stor ... Show More
50m 4s
Oct 2024
Is Buddhism the Path to Peace? with Sita Slavov
Sita Slavov is a professor at George Mason University. She grew up in a Hindu family in Houston, Texas. Over time, she explored different faiths, including Zen Buddhism, and eventually embraced Christianity. She has a PhD in economics from Stanford University and now lives in Vir ... Show More
27m 3s