Religion in Iran, part 1

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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.

Vanishing Vocations -- Roman Catholic Priest Crisis

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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?

"Ethics and Religious Culture" in Quebec Schools

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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?

The Hare Krishna Movement

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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!