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During the week before Easter, we visit with Dr. Michael Licona (Houston Baptist University) to discuss the historiography of Jesus’s death and resurrection. Is the Resurrection merely a tale pulled from pagan rituals or an example of mass hysteria? Dr. Licona examines these questions and other counter-arguments to the story presented in the Christian Gospels, and explains why it is important for Christians not to accept the validity of the Resurrection on faith alone, but to think closely about the historical evidence with respect to all alternative explanations. This, he says, can help counter doubt and strengthen one’s own faith.

We have over 275 episodes in our archives. There is likely to be something of interest to everyone.

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How were the funerals for the dead managed in the period of “late antiquity,” roughly spanning the middle 3rd to late 6th century? Historian Sarah Bond of Maquette University surveys the “disreputable profession” of funeral workers prior to, and after, the Edict of Milan, noting how the change in church-state relations that occured had a dramatic impact on the this critical industry. In the post-Constantinian era, funeral workers were often used as bodyguards and personal militaries for bishops, and the process of interring bodies opened the door to a great deal of corruption (rent-seeking) within the Church.

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Why do large institutions that begin as federated organizations tend to centralize authority in executive power? Prof. Ken Kollman (University of Michigan) explains his theory of executive centralization and applies it to the Roman Catholic Church. We discuss how the Church has centralized power in the Curia over the past 150 years and whether there are any counter-tendencies to such concentration of authority.

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In one of our most unique interviews, we talk with J Warner Wallace, a cold-case homicide detective, about his journey into Christianity and his use of criminology tools to determine whether or not the Gospels have any veracity to them. We talk murder mysteries, forensic methodology, and whether or not the birth narrative of Jesus could hold up against the weight of cold-case evidence. This is a conversation that you will want to tell your friends about!

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Johannes Kepler is perhaps best known for his modifications to the Copernican theory of heliocentrism, but few people remember how his science was guided by his deep personal faith. Prof. Russell Kleckley of Augsburg College discusses the natural philosophy and theology of this gifted mind. Kepler’s story is an interesting encapsulation of the scientific and religious ferment that was occurring in Europe in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. Plus, we learn all about “Scuba Jesus.”

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As we solemnly observe the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of World War I, historian Philip Jenkins joins us to discuss the religious dimensions of “The Great & Holy War” (which is also the title of his new book). We survey the spiritual, apocalyptic, and even occult language and imagery that was used to understand the war, mobilize troops, and even guide it on occasion. Prof. Jenkins also lays out the consequences that this pivotal historical event had on the global spiritual landscape … consequences that we are still experiencing to this very day.

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Prof. Sean Everton of the Naval Postgraduate School discusses his examination of The Jesus Seminar, an ongoing project that has examined the authenticity of the historical sayings of Jesus. We learn about the history of The Jesus Seminar, its research procedures, and then talk about Sean’s statistical examination of the votes taken on the sayings of Jesus.

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Hollywood actor Tim Kelleher joins us to discuss the recent documentary he wrote, directed, and produced entitled “The Creed: What Christians Profess and Why It Ought to Matter.” The conversation goes over the process of making the documentary, what Tim learned about the Nicene Creed in the film’s production, and the reactions to the film. We also cover what it is like to be a person of faith in the entertainment industry.

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On Christmas Eve, what better time to explore the life and times of the “real Santa Claus,” St. Nicholas of Myra. Prof. Adam Engish (Campbell University) discusses his new book “The Saint Who Would Be Santa Claus.” We learn about the true charitable bishop of Myra and his most famous act of charity, how that became transformed into our modern representation of Santa Claus, and many other details about this extraordinary individual who lived during an important era of Christian history. This podcast also includes a link to a cookie recipe provided by Prof. English.

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How were the funerals for the dead managed in the period of “late antiquity,” roughly spanning the middle 3rd to late 6th century? Historian Sarah Bond of Marquette University surveys the “disreputable profession” of funeral workers prior to, and after, the Edict of Milan, noting how the change in church-state relations that occurred had a dramatic impact on the this critical industry. In the post-Constantinian era, funeral workers were often used as bodyguards and personal militaries for bishops, and the process of interring bodies opened the door to a great deal of corruption (rent-seeking) within the Church.

Check out our Facebook Fan Page for updates. Tell a friend, co-worker, or teacher about our free educational resource. We thank you!

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