Philip Jenkins on Global Christianity

tonygill — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 08:00:54 +0000

In a conversation that covers two millenia of Christian history and every region of the world, noted historian Philip Jenkins — the Edwin Erle Sparks Professor of the Humanities at the Pennsylvania State University and Distinguished Senior Fellow at Baylor University’s Institute for Study of Religion — talks about the ever-changing nature of Christianity. Our discussion begins with a reminder that a strong understanding of history is essential for understanding the contemporary religious world. Contrary to the popular notion that Christianity is a European faith, Jenkins reveals that this religious tradition had an extensive geographic reach through its inception up until the 13th century. The podcast then turns attention to how Christianity has been growing and changing in the “global South,” which includes Africa, Asia and Latin America. We see how Pentecostal and charismatic forms of Christianity tend to predominate in these regions and discuss how Christians on these continents view The Bible. We end our discussion with some speculation on how religion in the “global South” may be influencing Christian beliefs and practices in Europe and North America. Prof. Jenkins also reveals his three favorite Western movies. Recorded: July 15, 2010.

Jeff Levin on Religion & Health

tonygill — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 04:00:51 +0000

Does participation in religious activities enhance your physical health? Can prayer assist in the healing process? Jeff Levin, University Professor of Epidemiology & Population Health and director of the Program on Religion & Population Health at Baylor University, talks about various findings connecting religious belief and practice with physical well-being. Prof. Levin also provides an intriguing discussion into how the general medical profession has grown to accept the imporance of religion as a variable that needs to be studied seriously. We discuss the differences between religion & health as well as spirituality & healing, and how researchers conduct research in this field. Recorded: May 31, 2010.

Research On Religion » healing

Philip Jenkins on Global Christianity

Jeff Levin on Religion & Health