Things Unseen

Addiction and Faith: the 12 Step Programme

March 20, 2015 00:00 - 25 minutes - 35.5 MB

The 12 steps which form the backbone of Alcoholics Anonymous only mention alcohol once, but God features four times, along with references to a higher power and spiritual awakening. But what does that mean in a country like Britain, where only around one in three people say they believe in God? Can the 12 steps work without a religious faith? And on the other hand, if a higher power is so central to recovery from alcoholism, why are there so many Christians with addiction problems?

The Muslim Moses

March 13, 2015 00:00 - 10 minutes - 14.9 MB

Even those with scant religious knowledge will remember Moses as the man who led the Children of Israel out of Egypt. It is much less known that Moses is also one of the Five Great Prophets of the Islamic tradition. In this podcast – which won the Things Unseen podcast competition 2015 - Abdul-Azim Ahmed explores the person of the Muslim Moses, or Musa, and whether he can be a uniting figure between Muslims and Jews.

Suicide and Faith

February 27, 2015 00:00 - 24 minutes - 34 MB

You can have religious faith but not be protected from a sense of inadequacy, which may lead to fear of failure, even thoughts of suicide. In this programme, a 22-year-old Muslim medical student discusses her suicidal feelings and why she feels unloved by God. Muslim counsellor Ajmal Masroor and Christian priest and author of a book on suicide Mike Parsons provide a faith perspective.

Dementia and Faith bonus track: Shelagh Robinson

February 13, 2015 00:00 - 13 minutes - 19.1 MB

74-year-old Quaker Shelagh Robinson is thoughtful, articulate and deeply spiritual. She also has Alzheimer’s. In this moving interview, she tells Remona Aly what her faith and community mean to her, and why she feels her sense of being close to God will always stay with her.

Dementia and Faith

February 06, 2015 00:00 - 28 minutes - 38.7 MB

No fewer than 850,000 people in the UK are living with dementia. Yet even when short-term memory or the ability to operate gadgets are badly affected, the memory of what has been meaningful to the patient – including their faith - usually remains intact for a long time. Remona Aly discusses with four guests, including a 74-year-old Quaker who has Alzheimer’s, what role faith can play in the lives of people with dementia and their families.

The Christmas Truce

December 22, 2014 00:00 - 49 minutes - 68.3 MB

At Christmas 1914, British and German soldiers on the Western front laid down their weapons, exchanged gifts and sang carols together. Some even kicked a football around. In this programme, Nelufar Hedayat hears accounts of these astonishing events, separates fact from fiction and finds out what the Christmas truce means to the descendents of those soldiers and young people today.

Depression and Faith

November 21, 2014 00:00 - 25 minutes - 35.5 MB

One can have faith but not be immune to depression. Faith is no cure, not even a consolation. Yet 'poor theology' leads many to misunderstand, even condemn, the sufferer... and thereby only make the condition worse. If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this programme, which opens a Things Unseen season on mental health, and would like to talk to somebody you can trust, call The Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90. Information on where to seek help is also available from Mind through t...

The Dao of Jesus

November 07, 2014 00:00 - 25 minutes - 35.6 MB

At first glance, the teachings of Jesus seem a world away from the ancient Chinese religion of Daoism. Yet if you look more closely, there are striking parallels and historical connections going back to the 7th century. In conversation with Alison Hilliard, religious historian Martin Palmer explains how Daoism has helped him see Jesus in a new light and ultimately brought him back to his Christian faith.

Angels

October 31, 2014 00:00 - 24 minutes - 33.6 MB

Belief in angels is widespread, far beyond the Christian churches. Lorna Byrne – dubbed “a modern-day Irish mystic” – has attracted a huge following through her books on them. But what is behind their enormous appeal? Alison Hilliard speaks to Lorna Byrne and discusses with three guests.

Religious Trauma

October 17, 2014 00:00 - 26 minutes - 36.4 MB

A childhood of religious indoctrination often leads to damage for those who try to escape it in adulthood. Psychologist Dr Marlene Winell knows all about this 'trauma', personally, and among her patients. She tells her story to Catholic broadcaster, Mark Dowd. As does Samantha Field, who identifies with the dangers of indoctrination, but tells of a 'good' that she has allowed to come out of an 'evil'.

The Word: Sami Yusuf

October 03, 2014 00:00 - 25 minutes - 34.7 MB

Sami Yusuf – dubbed Islam’s biggest rock star - explains to Alison Hilliard why despite his deep commitment to his own Muslim faith, he treasures certain passages from the Bible. He reflects on the values he feels Christianity and Islam share, and the challenges facing Muslims as they try to promote peace and cross-cultural understanding in the face of atrocities carried out in the name of Islam.

Mindfulness: Sharon Salzberg

September 12, 2014 00:00 - 26 minutes - 24.4 MB

Mindfulness – a Buddhist meditation technique aiming to achieve deep awareness of the present moment – is booming. Jane Little talks to Sharon Salzberg, one of America’s leading Buddhist meditation teachers, about its benefits and pitfalls. She also hears from Arianna Huffington, a leading advocate of mindfulness, and Ron Purser, a critic of the way it has been harnessed by big corporations.

Britain’s Forgotten Muslim Heroes

August 22, 2014 00:00 - 19 minutes - 18.2 MB

What do Muslims today make of the Muslim contribution to the First World War, and what can they take away from this historical legacy at a time when Muslim loyalty to Britain is often questioned?

Ramadan: when the tough get going

August 01, 2014 00:00 - 19 minutes - 17.9 MB

Remona Aly discusses with an eye surgeon, a firefighter and a head chef how it is possible to keep the 19-hour Ramadan in jobs as challenging and responsible as theirs.

A God-shaped Hole?

July 31, 2014 10:56 - 24 minutes - 22.7 MB

Arguably, if controversially, we have a God-shaped hole at the heart of our post-Christian world. What are the gains and the losses, and is the 'hole' increasingly being filled with consumerism,the social media, and 'self' as the new god? In this podcast Mark Dowd, well-known to TV and Radio audiences, chairs a discussion with those who have very different answers.

Sikh Soldiers of The Great War

July 04, 2014 00:00 - 28 minutes - 26.3 MB

Nelufar Hedayat explores with four Sikh guests what led so many Sikhs from British India to the trenches and battlegrounds of World War I, to fight a war which was essentially not their own. She hears stories of individual soldiers and families and finds out what young Sikhs today make of this part of their martial legacy.

The Great Divide: a Shia perspective

June 27, 2014 00:00 - 26 minutes - 24.5 MB

Researcher and lecturer Mohammed al-Hilli provides a Shia perspective on why Sunni and Shia Muslims went their separate ways early in Islamic history - and what distinguishes the two main branches of Islam today.

Complementary medicine: a matter of faith?

June 20, 2014 00:00 - 26 minutes - 24.2 MB

Nelufar Hedayat explores cupping, a traditional Islamic practice, and Ayurveda, a holistic approach to health with roots in Hinduism. Are they pure make-belief or a valuable addition to health care?

Road to Forgiveness: South Africa

June 06, 2014 00:00 - 25 minutes - 23.7 MB

A bereaved mother, with the army commander who ordered her child’s killing during South Africa's apartheid years, share with reporter and presenter Mark Dowd their extraordinary journey towards mutual understanding and reconciliation.

The Word: Rowan Williams

May 23, 2014 00:00 - 26 minutes - 24.4 MB

Former Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams discusses his favourite Bible passages. Speaking to Alison Hilliard, he explains the verses which for him “light up the landscape”. Bible readings by David Suchet.

What's in a Name?

May 09, 2014 00:00 - 26 minutes - 24.2 MB

Remona Aly explores with Muslim, Jewish and Sikh guests whether having a name that gives away your religious identity can be a hindrance in the job market – and what you can do about it.

Good Friday and Easter: after Rwanda

April 18, 2014 00:00 - 26 minutes - 24 MB

Genocide widow Lesley Bilinda on her journey through pain and betrayal to a more mature faith – and moments of resurrection joy.

The Great Divide - a Sunni perspective

April 11, 2014 00:00 - 26 minutes - 24.7 MB

Cambridge scholar Tim Winter, also known as Abdal Hakim Murad, provides a Sunni perspective on how the divide between Sunni and Shia Islam began, and what distinguishes the two main branches of Islam today.

The Word: Lord Griffiths

March 28, 2014 00:00 - 23 minutes - 21.7 MB

Lord Leslie Griffiths discusses his journey from a childhood in extreme poverty in Wales to a life peerage and becoming one of Britain’s most senior religious figures. Speaking to Alison Hilliard, he uses Bible verses to re-connect with his memories – including his time as a novice missionary in Haiti, and why he became an “accidental Methodist”. Readings by David Suchet.

The Word: Rose Hudson-Wilkin

March 14, 2014 00:00 - 21 minutes - 19.5 MB

Rose Hudson-Wilkin discusses the Bible verses that have shaped her journey from Jamaica’s Montego Bay to her role as Speaker’s Chaplain at the House of Commons. Her selection reveals her passion on a breadth of political issues, including immigration. Bible readings by David Suchet.

Man with Deer Eyes

February 21, 2014 00:00 - 26 minutes - 24 MB

Cherokee medicine man CJ Whitedeer provides a rare inside view of some of the astonishing myths, beliefs and practices of Native Americans. Jane Little has visited him in Arizona.

The Word: Lord Smith of Finsbury

February 07, 2014 00:00 - 16 minutes - 15.5 MB

In 1984, Labour peer Lord Smith became the first MP to reveal he was gay. He was appointed Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport in Tony Blair’s first cabinet and is now a life peer. Speaking to Louisa Foxe, he reveals the Biblical verses that have informed his public and private life – including some stark choices often used to condemn gay people. Bible readings by David Suchet.

The Mind Body Spirit Doc

January 24, 2014 00:00 - 26 minutes - 24.4 MB

Andrew Weil is America’s best-known doctor, the pioneer of “integrative medicine “- an approach that goes far beyond high tech interventions and drugs. To his admirers, he has managed to combine costly conventional medicine with a focus on the mind and spirit; critics have called him a snake oil salesman. Jane Little has visited him in Arizona.

Faith and Fighting

January 10, 2014 00:00 - 22 minutes - 20.6 MB

Muslim, Zoroastrian, and Humanist voices dispute the legacy of Religion: violence and war, links to power and privilege, oppression of women, or peace initiatives, changed lives and priorities, and concern for the poor and victimized.

The Word: Tony Jordan

December 20, 2013 00:00 - 21 minutes - 20.1 MB

Describing himself as “not particularly religious”, Tony Jordan, one of Britain’s top scriptwriters and former EastEnders writer, was behind the BBC’s critically acclaimed The Nativity. The drama was a tender portrayal of the people featured in Christmas story. In this podcast he talks about the Biblical passages that have inspired his work. Readings by David Suchet.

Jesus the Muslim

December 06, 2013 00:00 - 21 minutes - 20.1 MB

Cambridge Islam scholar Tim Winter, aka Abdal Hakim Murad, talks to Vicky Beeching about how Jesus is seen in Islam – and what role he played in his own decision to become a Muslim.

Shamans and Sacraments: the meaning of rituals

November 27, 2013 00:00 - 25 minutes - 23.8 MB

A shaman undergoing a ritual burial and a Catholic attending mass seem poles apart – yet both rituals answer similar needs. Jane Little explores what makes rituals so compelling and meaningful. Guests: shamanic practitioner Nicholas Taylor, traditional Catholic Peter Williams, and clinical psychologist Isabel Clarke.

The Word: Nicky Gumbel

November 15, 2013 00:00 - 21 minutes - 19.3 MB

Growing up, Nicky Gumbel considered Christianity “intellectually unsustainable”, yet today he is best known as the modern-day architect of the evangelical Alpha Course. In this podcast, he uses Bible passages that have inspired him to reveal little-known parts of his biography to Louisa Foxe – among them the trauma of losing many of his Jewish father’s family in the Holocaust. Readings by David Suchet.

The Case For (and against) Peace Journalism......

November 04, 2013 00:00 - 21 minutes - 19.7 MB

Open any newspaper, watch any TV channel, and stories of War and Conflict tumble from page and screen... But can we trust what we read and see? Even when journalists work hard to separate facts from propaganda, how often do they report ‘selected’ or ‘chosen’ facts? Can they be accused of ‘selling’ War, albeit unwittingly? Some argue that what is needed is a different form of journalism: in this case, Peace Journalism. Edward Canfor-Dumas invites Professor Jake Lynch, journalist Myriam Franc...

The Spirit of Things Unseen: research report

October 23, 2013 00:00 - 2 minutes - 2.14 MB

Belief in post-religious Britain: more than half of us believe spiritual forces have influence on earth. Read the report here - bit.ly/19Tn4pg

The Spirit of Things Unseen: launch discussion

October 23, 2013 00:00 - 35 minutes - 32.6 MB

On 17th October 2013, Things Unseen was launched at Southwark Cathedral with this panel discussion looking at specially commissioned research which revealed a strong undercurrent of spiritual belief in Britain. Chair: Jane Little.

A Self-Centered Church?

October 16, 2013 00:00 - 19 minutes - 17.7 MB

Is it time to take a break from discussing women’s and gay rights in the Church of England and focus on the neediest in society? Roger Bolton throws out the challenge.

Death: reports from the final frontier

October 16, 2013 00:00 - 23 minutes - 21.3 MB

Could it be true that the dying see long-deceased “visitors” who come to take them to the next world? One neuropsychiatrist says yes. Alison Hilliard presents.

Jesus the Jew

October 16, 2013 00:00 - 22 minutes - 20.6 MB

Vicky Beeching talks to Amy-Jill Levine, a Jewish New Testament scholar who – despite teaching about Jesus in the Bible Belt – has never felt tempted to embrace Christianity.

Missing

October 16, 2013 00:00 - 26 minutes - 24.5 MB

Kevin Gosden tells Mark Dowd how, after his teenage son Andrew went missing six years ago, his Christian faith was challenged to the core.

Death: in search of the soul

October 16, 2013 00:00 - 23 minutes - 21.6 MB

Is there such a thing as the soul? And how do Near Death Experiences tally with the way Hindus and Christians understand the soul? Alison Hilliard and guests explore.

ARCHIVE: DISABILITY HATE CRIMES ON RISE

September 27, 2012 09:18 - 9 minutes - 13.8 MB

Politicians, journalists to blame - and Paralympics ‘won’t make any long-term difference’. Dougal Patmore reports. Image courtesy of dominikgolenia via flickr.com ©©

ARCHIVE: PETER HITCHENS ON THE EXCUSES WE MAKE...

September 12, 2012 15:29 - 2 minutes - 4.07 MB

‘We admire the Paralympians because they chose not to sulk or retreat into self-pity, or to use their problem as an excuse.’ Image courtesy of nickmilleruk via flickr.com ©©

ARCHIVE: PETER HITCHENS ARE ALL MEN CREATED EQUAL?

September 06, 2012 13:24 - 2 minutes - 4.07 MB

No, says Peter Hitchens. It’s a ‘sentimental belief’ that’s come back to haunt us... Image courtesy of Photodeus via flickr.com ©©

ARCHIVE: PETER HITCHENS ON SOFT DRUGS

August 31, 2012 15:52 - 2 minutes - 3.51 MB

Evidence piles up that cannabis harms us. Yet our laws have never been softer. Are we, asks Peter Hitchens, soft in the head? Image courtesy of N.ico via flickr.com ©©

ARCHIVE: OLYMPICS OVER, CAN THERE BE A LASTING LEGACY?

August 24, 2012 17:55 - 18 minutes - 18.4 MB

Politicians hope for a boost to the economy. Athletes look to a generation inspired to take up sport. Others see a resurgence of patriotism, and a greater confidence in who they are and in what they value. Nonsense, says Peter Hitchens, of the Mail on Sunday. The only legacy is ‘increased debt’. We have been ‘surprised by joy’, says Catherine Pepinster, of The Tablet, and ‘the feeling lingers’. They debate the London Olympics’ legacy - real or imagined? – with Emma Barnett. Image courte...

Episodes