Download as MP3
Ever since "The Da Vinci Code", there have been a host of high-profile media "revelations" about Jesus ("The Jesus Family Tomb", "The Gospel of Judas")--so much so that we now seem to be getting our information about this interesting historical personage primarily from The Discovery Channel and National Geographic. So, to counteract this in typical non-conformist CKUT fashion, this Christmas episode of The Big Idea is all about Jesus. I talk with Ian Henderson, Associate Professor of New Testament Studies at McGill University, about the historical figure Jesus of Nazareth--what we really, reliably can know about him and how we can understand all those flashy documentaries.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Queer Faith
Download as MP3
On this episode of the Big Idea, I talk with Quinn Albaugh about her "queer faith". Quinn is a student at McGill University, a columnist at the McGill Daily newspaper, an openly transgender person and a committed Anglican Christian. Quinn came to my attention when she wrote an article entitle "Queer Faith", in which she defended the compatibility of queerness and faith against naysayers on the left and right. This time on the Big Idea, she shares her perspective with me and anyone listening out there. "She/He/They who have ears, let him/her/them hear!"
On this episode of the Big Idea, I talk with Quinn Albaugh about her "queer faith". Quinn is a student at McGill University, a columnist at the McGill Daily newspaper, an openly transgender person and a committed Anglican Christian. Quinn came to my attention when she wrote an article entitle "Queer Faith", in which she defended the compatibility of queerness and faith against naysayers on the left and right. This time on the Big Idea, she shares her perspective with me and anyone listening out there. "She/He/They who have ears, let him/her/them hear!"
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Neo-Paganism
Download as MP3
This time we talk about contemporary Paganism and the pagan meaning of Halloween. I am joined by Scarlet Cougar from the Montreal pagan supply store Melange Magique (http://www.themagicalblend.com/) and Hobbes, a Pagan writer and storyteller involved in the Montreal Pagan Resource Center (http://www.paganuniverse.com/mprc/). We discuss what Paganism is, what it means to be a Pagan today and how they approach holidays we would not usually connect with anything too religious. Hobbes and I also sing a (somewhat altered) Christmas carol towards the end!
On the show, Hobbes plugged an event called the Montreal Witches Masquerade Ball, happening on October 30th. What he didn't get to mention is that it takes place at 6870 Terrebonne. More information is available at http://www.paganuniverse.com/mprc/. Just scroll down and you'll see it...
This time we talk about contemporary Paganism and the pagan meaning of Halloween. I am joined by Scarlet Cougar from the Montreal pagan supply store Melange Magique (http://www.themagicalblend.com/) and Hobbes, a Pagan writer and storyteller involved in the Montreal Pagan Resource Center (http://www.paganuniverse.com/mprc/). We discuss what Paganism is, what it means to be a Pagan today and how they approach holidays we would not usually connect with anything too religious. Hobbes and I also sing a (somewhat altered) Christmas carol towards the end!
On the show, Hobbes plugged an event called the Montreal Witches Masquerade Ball, happening on October 30th. What he didn't get to mention is that it takes place at 6870 Terrebonne. More information is available at http://www.paganuniverse.com/mprc/. Just scroll down and you'll see it...
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Gratitude
Download as MP3
In this episode, we talk about gratitude as a universal spiritual practice and the work of Br. David Steindl-Rast, whose popular books and website (gratefulness.org) have done much to promote this notion that gratitude is not just an attitude but a way of life. There are clips form Br. David's talks as well as a longer conversation I had with Montreal resident Clare Hallward, who is on the board of directors of the ANG*L network that runs the gratefulness.org website.
Happy Canadian Thanksgiving!
In this episode, we talk about gratitude as a universal spiritual practice and the work of Br. David Steindl-Rast, whose popular books and website (gratefulness.org) have done much to promote this notion that gratitude is not just an attitude but a way of life. There are clips form Br. David's talks as well as a longer conversation I had with Montreal resident Clare Hallward, who is on the board of directors of the ANG*L network that runs the gratefulness.org website.
Happy Canadian Thanksgiving!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Yom Kippur - The Day of Atonement
Download as MP3
A couple days after Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement, the Big Idea discusses this somber and profound holy day and the concepts underlying it. I am joined by three McGill students--Rachel Katler, Allison Zionts and David Szames--as well as Dr. Jack Hirschberg, a forensic psychologist at Concordia University and an active member of the Jewish community. We discuss what ideas like guilt, sin and reconciliation mean from the perspective of Judaism and how one can make sense of the Day of Atonement as a postmodern person.
A couple days after Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement, the Big Idea discusses this somber and profound holy day and the concepts underlying it. I am joined by three McGill students--Rachel Katler, Allison Zionts and David Szames--as well as Dr. Jack Hirschberg, a forensic psychologist at Concordia University and an active member of the Jewish community. We discuss what ideas like guilt, sin and reconciliation mean from the perspective of Judaism and how one can make sense of the Day of Atonement as a postmodern person.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
The Teaching and Legacy of John Main
Download as MP3
This episode is all about the Benedictine monk and meditation teacher John Main, his insights and his legacy in the city of Montreal. Main stayed here for many year and his particular brand of Christian contemplative silent meditation became famous during this time, spreading to all corners of the world. I interviewed William Grant, a long-time follower of this Fr. Main's teachings, as well as Andre Beauchamp, a theologian and environmentalist inspired by them.
This episode is all about the Benedictine monk and meditation teacher John Main, his insights and his legacy in the city of Montreal. Main stayed here for many year and his particular brand of Christian contemplative silent meditation became famous during this time, spreading to all corners of the world. I interviewed William Grant, a long-time follower of this Fr. Main's teachings, as well as Andre Beauchamp, a theologian and environmentalist inspired by them.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Montreal Bahai Community, part 2
Download as MP3
The last episode got cut short by time constraints. So, this time around you can hear the full-length presentation of my visit to the Maxwell Home and Bahai Shrine in Montreal, which exists to commemorate the 1912 visit of Abdul-Baha to this city. Jean-Paul Moss joined me as a "tour guide" in uncovering the many treasures and surprises hidden away in this jewel of an old mansion house. Listen and then consider checking it out for yourself...
The last episode got cut short by time constraints. So, this time around you can hear the full-length presentation of my visit to the Maxwell Home and Bahai Shrine in Montreal, which exists to commemorate the 1912 visit of Abdul-Baha to this city. Jean-Paul Moss joined me as a "tour guide" in uncovering the many treasures and surprises hidden away in this jewel of an old mansion house. Listen and then consider checking it out for yourself...
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Montreal Bahai Community
Download as MP3
As part of the ongoing monthly series "The Spirit of Montreal", in which the "Big Idea" showcases a local religious community in Montreal, this episode introduces the Montreal Bahai community--its beliefs and presence in this city, with particular attention given to the historic importance of Montreal for Bahais worldwide, having been visited by Abdul-Bahai, the son of the Bahai prophet.
Part 1 concentrates on Bahai beliefs and the Bahai Center in Montreal. I interviewed Jean-Paul Moss, director of media for the local Bahai community as well as other members. Part 2 concentrates on the historic aspect.
As part of the ongoing monthly series "The Spirit of Montreal", in which the "Big Idea" showcases a local religious community in Montreal, this episode introduces the Montreal Bahai community--its beliefs and presence in this city, with particular attention given to the historic importance of Montreal for Bahais worldwide, having been visited by Abdul-Bahai, the son of the Bahai prophet.
Part 1 concentrates on Bahai beliefs and the Bahai Center in Montreal. I interviewed Jean-Paul Moss, director of media for the local Bahai community as well as other members. Part 2 concentrates on the historic aspect.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Beauty
Download as MP3
This time I am joined by Steve Sims, Kat Speeckaert and Essam Hallak to talk about the connection between beauty and spirituality. My traditionalist Catholic friend Tony Paraskevas also makes an appearance, arguing his case for the beauty of the beauty and profundity of the old Latin liturgy of the Catholic Church. There is music by J.S. Bach and poetry read by the late John O'Donohue.
This time I am joined by Steve Sims, Kat Speeckaert and Essam Hallak to talk about the connection between beauty and spirituality. My traditionalist Catholic friend Tony Paraskevas also makes an appearance, arguing his case for the beauty of the beauty and profundity of the old Latin liturgy of the Catholic Church. There is music by J.S. Bach and poetry read by the late John O'Donohue.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Montreal Zen Centre
Download as MP3
This episode continues the ongoing monthly series "The Spirit of Montreal", in which the "Big Idea" showcases a local religious community in Montreal.
This time, I visited the Montreal Zen Centre and spoke with its director, Albert Low about what Zen is, how to practice it, and why anyone should consider looking into it.
This episode continues the ongoing monthly series "The Spirit of Montreal", in which the "Big Idea" showcases a local religious community in Montreal.
This time, I visited the Montreal Zen Centre and spoke with its director, Albert Low about what Zen is, how to practice it, and why anyone should consider looking into it.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
The Padua Centre
Download as MP3
This episode begins an ongoing series planned to air every other time, called "The Spirit of Montreal", in which the "Big Idea" will showcase a local religious community in Montreal.
This time, I visited the Padua Centre, an urban spiritual community in the diverse low-income neighborhood of Little Burgundy.
This episode begins an ongoing series planned to air every other time, called "The Spirit of Montreal", in which the "Big Idea" will showcase a local religious community in Montreal.
This time, I visited the Padua Centre, an urban spiritual community in the diverse low-income neighborhood of Little Burgundy.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Religion in Iran, part 2
Download as MP3
In response to the ongoing violence in Iran, the Big Idea dedicates two episodes to exploring religion in the Islamic Republic. Various voices with varying takes on the country and its religiosity (or lack thereof) are presented here.
Part 2 focuses on the religious minorities in Iran, showcasing the largest and most culturally significant of them: Zoroastrianism, Judaism and the Bahai Faith. Each of these traditions has a fascinating past and often difficult present in Iran. We are joined by representatives of the faiths and attempt to paint a picture of what life in the Islamic Republic is like for religious minorities through talk and music. Join us in exploring the lesser known side of religious life in this surprisingly complex culture...
In response to the ongoing violence in Iran, the Big Idea dedicates two episodes to exploring religion in the Islamic Republic. Various voices with varying takes on the country and its religiosity (or lack thereof) are presented here.
Part 2 focuses on the religious minorities in Iran, showcasing the largest and most culturally significant of them: Zoroastrianism, Judaism and the Bahai Faith. Each of these traditions has a fascinating past and often difficult present in Iran. We are joined by representatives of the faiths and attempt to paint a picture of what life in the Islamic Republic is like for religious minorities through talk and music. Join us in exploring the lesser known side of religious life in this surprisingly complex culture...
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Religion in Iran, part 1
Download as MP3
In response to the current violence in Iran, the Big Idea dedicates two episodes to exploring religion in the Islamic Republic. Various voices with varying takes on the country and its religiosity (or lack thereof) are presented here. We are joined by professors with expertise in Iran's politics and religion, students who traveled there recently, as well as an anti-Ahmadinejad activist, who prefers to remain anonymous. The result is, hopefully, a more nuanced, complex and fleshed-out grasp of what's the "big idea" about religion in Iran.
Part 1 focuses on the majority religion, Shia Islam, and its relationship with Iranian politics since the Revolution.
In response to the current violence in Iran, the Big Idea dedicates two episodes to exploring religion in the Islamic Republic. Various voices with varying takes on the country and its religiosity (or lack thereof) are presented here. We are joined by professors with expertise in Iran's politics and religion, students who traveled there recently, as well as an anti-Ahmadinejad activist, who prefers to remain anonymous. The result is, hopefully, a more nuanced, complex and fleshed-out grasp of what's the "big idea" about religion in Iran.
Part 1 focuses on the majority religion, Shia Islam, and its relationship with Iranian politics since the Revolution.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Vanishing Vocations -- Roman Catholic Priest Crisis
Download as MP3
Jesuit-to-be Dan Leckman and McGill professor Dr. Douglas Farrow join Robin in debating what has been perceived as a crisis in the Roman Catholic Church surrounding the priesthood: an ever older clergy population, a dire shortage of new recruits, sex abuse scandals... What's the future for Rome and its men in black?
Jesuit-to-be Dan Leckman and McGill professor Dr. Douglas Farrow join Robin in debating what has been perceived as a crisis in the Roman Catholic Church surrounding the priesthood: an ever older clergy population, a dire shortage of new recruits, sex abuse scandals... What's the future for Rome and its men in black?
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
"Ethics and Religious Culture" in Quebec Schools
Download as MP3
Robin and a panel of guests talk about the still new "Ethics and Religious Culture" course that was recently made mandatory in all Quebec elementary and high schools--even in parochial/religious schools! Many outcries have come from religious (especially Catholic and Orthodox Jewish) parents against this new curriculum, accusing it of imposing on their religious freedoms. So, what's the "big idea" about this course, anyway?
Robin and a panel of guests talk about the still new "Ethics and Religious Culture" course that was recently made mandatory in all Quebec elementary and high schools--even in parochial/religious schools! Many outcries have come from religious (especially Catholic and Orthodox Jewish) parents against this new curriculum, accusing it of imposing on their religious freedoms. So, what's the "big idea" about this course, anyway?
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
The Hare Krishna Movement
Download as MP3
Robin discusses the Hare Krishna movement, its philosophy and its attitude to current events with monks from Montreal's Hare Krishna community. To top it all off, the monks brought in some of their own music and give a live performance towards the end of the show. Hare Krishna!
Robin discusses the Hare Krishna movement, its philosophy and its attitude to current events with monks from Montreal's Hare Krishna community. To top it all off, the monks brought in some of their own music and give a live performance towards the end of the show. Hare Krishna!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
