Beyond Belief

What is the legacy of Calvin and why do his ideas still influence churches in Britain and around the world today?

Marking the 500th anniversary of the birth of John Calvin.

What happened to the perceived wisdom that modernity would see religion wither and die? Why has the post-millennium world seen a rise in interest in all matters religious rather than the expected decline? Does immigration and 9/11 account for this resurgence in religion or are other factors at work? And should faith have a public space in today's complex world; should it have more rights than trade unions and political parties?

Ernie Rea and guests discuss whether Britain is now a post-secular society.

Ernie Rea and guests discusses whether the internet is a gift to humanity or a threat.

Hell appears in several mythologies and religions as a place of suffering and punishment after death, but it is Christianity which has lent it its most vivid imagery. The Christian understanding of hell grew out of the Jewish concept of Sheol, a shadowy abode of the dead. Jesus used graphic images to describe hell which were further elaborated by the early church wrestling under persecution with the question of how a Just God could permit such suffering. That the Evil will be eternally punished was one answer to this dilemma, although there has always been a minority strain within Christianity arguing that eternal hell is incompatible with the workings of a loving God.

Joining Ernie to discuss hell are the Catholic writer and commentator, Peter Stanford, lecturer in patristic theology at Exeter University, Morwenna Ludlow, and lecturer at Oakhill theological college Daniel Strange.

Sometimes it was because they were more able to take up the opportunities the West offered; sometimes it was because they felt less able to express their faith under growing political Islam. In this programme Ernie Rea asks how the events of the Arab Spring will affect the fortunes of Christians in the Middle East. He is joined by Nadim Nassar, a Syrian and Anglican priest, Professor Madawi al-Rasheed from Kings College London, and Ziya Meral, fellow of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom.

Producer Rosie Dawson.

Discussion on the impact of the events of the Arab Spring on Christians in the region.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss Religion and the Big Society.

Ernie Rea's guests in Beyond Belief today are Professor David Voas from Manchester University, Sadek Hamid a researcher into Muslim youth, and the Rabbi and Baroness, Julia Neuberger.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss religion and the generation gap.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the principle of Sabbath rest.

Ernie Rea is joined by Martin Palmer from the Alliance of Religion, Conservation and the Environment, Dr Sara Silvestri from City University, London, and Adrian Wooldridge a columnist with The Economist and the co-author of the book 'God is Back.'.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the effects of globalisation on religion.

Joining Ernie to discuss sectarianism in contemporary Scotland are Peter Kearney, a spokesperson for the Catholic Church in Scotland, Michael Rosie, Senior Lecturer in Sociology at Edinburgh University and Harry Reid, former editor of The Herald and member of the Church of Scotland.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss sectarianism in Scotland.

Ernie Rea is joined in discussion by Nagapriya from the Buddhist Triratna Order, AniRinchen Khandro, a nun in the Tibetan tradition, and Will Buckingham, a lecturer at deMontfort University, Leicester who know describes himself as 'Buddhish' rather than 'Buddhist.'.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the development of Buddhism in the West.

Joining Ernie to discuss Jewish identity are Laura Janner Klausner, Rabbi of the Alyth Reform Synagogue in London; Natan Levy, the Orthodox Rabbi of Shenley United Jewish Congregation; and Dr Brian Klug Senior Research Fellow in Philosophy at St Benet's Hall, University of Oxford, and author of 'Being Jewish and Doing Justice.'.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the vexed question of Jewish identity.

Joining Ernie to discuss these questions are Miroslav Wolf, Henry B Q Wright Professor of Theology at Yale Divinity School; Mona Siddiqi Professor of Islamic Studies at the University of Glasgow; and Father Damien Howard, lecturer in Muslim-Christian Relations at Heythrop College in the University of London.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss Christian and Muslim understandings of God, humans and evil.

The idea that human beings can be possessed by evil spirits clashes with scientific and medical explanations of mental disturbance, but the belief persists in many Christian and other religious circles. Exorcism is widely practised in charismatic and Afro Caribbean churches and even the Church of England has official exorcists or deliverance ministers.

Joining Ernie to discuss Exorcism are the Rt Rev Graham Dow former Bishop of Carlisle; Dr Simon Dein, a Psychiatrist with an interest in the Anthropology of Religion; and the Rev Elizabeth Baxter, Executive Director of Holy Rood House Therapeutic Centre.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the practice of exorcism.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the role and future of Britain's black churches.

Enda Kenny said a culture of 'dysfunction, disconnection, elitism and narcissism' dominated the Vatican, criticisms which were rejected by the Vatican as 'unfounded'.

Kenny's speech signalled beyond doubt an end to the symbiotic relationship between church and state which many say has dominated the Republic ever since it was founded.

So what is the future for Catholicism in Ireland? Joining Ernie Rea for the discussion is Dublin priest Father Joe Murphy, David Quinn, a columnist for the Irish Catholic and Irish Times, and the theologian and lecturer in medical ethics, Gina Menzies.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the future of Catholicism in the Irish Republic.

Joining Ernie Rea to discuss the idea and experience of the wilderness are the Anglican Bishop of Chelmsford, Stephen Cottrell, the Buddhist writer Vishvapani, and Laura Feldt, associate Professor in the Study of Religion at the University of Odense in Denmark.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the religious significance of the wilderness.

For a month from the 12th June there will be a football match on television just about every evening during the World Cup. The host nation, Brazil, are among the favourites to win. Many of their players will be looking to a higher power to help their efforts on the field, because Brazil is an intensely religious country and some of its finest footballers are signed up 'Ambassadors for Jesus.

Brazil has the largest population of Catholics in the world, but things have been changing as Brazilians migrate from rural areas to the cities and the country becomes a major player on the world economic stage.

Joining Ernie to discuss the Changing Face of Religion in Brazil are Daniel Clark, a Baptist minister and citizen of Brazil as well as Britain; Bettina Schmidt, Senior Lecturer in the Study of Religions at the University of Wales, Trinity St David ; and Andrew Dawson, Senior Lecturer at Lancaster University who has been researching Religion in Brazil since the early 1990s.

Producer: Rosie Dawson.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the heady mix of football and religion in Brazil.

Ernie Rea's guests are Dr Chetna Kang, consultation psychiatrist and Hindu priest in the Bhakti Yoga tradition, Aaron Rosen. Professor of Religious Thought & Director of Cultural Projects, Rocky Mountain College, Montana U.S.A and Ben Quash, Professor of Christianity and the Arts, Kings College, London.

Producer: Rosie Dawson.

Does God have a face? Ernie Rea and guests discuss.

Ernie Rea explores the impact of 'Nostra Aetate' with Archbishop Kevin McDonald, Emeritus Catholic Archbishop of Southwark and chair of the Bishops' Conference Committee for Other Faiths and of the Committee for Catholic-Jewish Relations; Dr Ed Kessler, Founder-Director of the interfaith organisation, the Woolf Institute; and Oliver McTernan, Director of the conflict-resolution charity 'Forward Thinking', which works among communities in the UK and the Middle East.

Producer:

Amanda Hancox.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the impact of the Vatican document Nostra Aetate.

Each week Ernie is joined by three guests who discuss how their own religious or non-religious tradition affects their values and outlook on the world, often revealing hidden and contradictory truths.

In this programme, Ernie asks whether there is a secular meaning of life and how this can be achieved without a shared reference to God or other higher spiritual figure. What is the basis of our morality and can there be any universally held, objective rules of right and wrong if there is no God?

Ernie and the panel hear from the writer, AN Wilson, who recounts his journey from childhood belief, through atheism and back to a constant, yet doubting faith in God.

In the second half of the programme, the panel discuss how a secular purpose to life is created and asks whether the purpose of life without God, can only be failure? In a secular world, have the terrors of hell been replaced by the terrors of failure? Can belief in God offer redemption where human capacity has failed?

The panel comprises Fergus Stokes who was once a Baptist minister and now is a humanist who practises psychotherapy; Dr Sue Blackmore, Visiting Professor in the School of Psychology at the University of Plymouth and who is a Zen Practitioner; and Canon Dr Alan Billings, former director of the Centre for Ethics and Religion at the University of Lancaster.

Producer: Karen Maurice.

Ernie Rea discusses the basis of morality and meaning of life without reference to God.

Ernie is joined by three guests who discuss how their own religious tradition affects their values and outlook on the world, often revealing hidden and contradictory truths.

In this edition, representatives of three different faiths discuss the purpose and effect of abstinence. What benefit does abstaining from food or sex or pastimes have on the spirit, the soul or the waistline and is denying yourself always a good thing? Ernie hears about some extreme forms of abstinence which are questioned and challenged by the guests, who include Raana Bokhari from the Religious Studies Department of the University of Lancaster, Peter Stanford, a Catholic writer and journalist and Dr Atul Shah, a member of the Jain community.

Producer: Karen Maurice.

Ernie Rea and his guests explore abstinence for religious and non-religious purposes.

Aleem Maqbool speaks with a vicar who has struggled with addiction about his journey sparking a discussion on the place of faith on the road to recovery.

Aleem Maqbool speaks to a vicar who suffered with addiction.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss religion and adoption.

To discuss African spirituality, Ernie Rea has assembled a panel of experts from across the African continent. Born in Nigeria in the West of Africa, Jacob K Olupona is Professor of African Religious Traditions at Harvard Divinity School and Professor of African American Studies in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Harvard University. Mary Nyangweso was born in Kenya in East Africa and is Professor of Religious Studies at East Carolina University. And Adeola Aderemi is a Holistic Healer who bases her practice on her Isese Ifa spirituality with its origins in the Yoruba culture of Southern Nigeria.

Ernie also talks to Nigerian born artist Laolu Senbanjo who now works in New York. Laolu's art is influenced by his Yoruba heritage and practice of African spirituality. His ‘Sacred Art of the Ori' (Yoruba symbols painted onto the naked body) featured on Beyonc钀s 2016 Grammy award winning video for her concept album ‘Lemonade'.

Producers:

Helen Lee

Julian Paszkiewicz

Image: Original painting by Laolu Senbanjo on display at the Belvedere Vodka x Laolu Senbanjo collaboration celebration on September 6, 2018 in New York City. Credit: Johnny Nunez/WireImage via Getty Images

Ernie Rea takes a look at African spirituality. Why is it increasing in popularity?

Joining Ernie Rea to discuss Agnosticism are Mark Vernon, former Church of England priest and author of 'How To Be An Agnostic;' Alister McGrath Professor of Science and Religions at Oxford University and President of the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics; and Dr Arif Ahmed Senior Lecturer in Philosophy at Cambridge University.

Producer: Catherine Earlam.

Ernie Rea in conversation with guests about Agnosticism and doubt.

It's 70 years since the new country of Pakistan was born ; followed the next day by an independent India. There can be few who are unaware of the seminal role played by Mahtama Gandhi in the struggle for independence. Much less known is Dr B.R Ambedkar. Many would argue that his contribution was every bit as important. Ambedkar was the country's first Law Minister and he was the chief architect of the Indian Constitution. He was a Dalit - or Untouchable - and he had a major falling out with Gandhi on how the problem of Untouchability should be dealt with.

Joining Ernie to discuss Ambedkar and his Legacy are Dr. Ananya Vajpeyi, Fellow and Associate Professor at the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies, New Delhi; Santosh Dass, President of the Federation of Ambedkarite and Buddhist Organisations and Vice Chair of the Anti Caste Alliance; and William Gould, Professor of Indian History at Leeds University.

Producer. Rosie Dawson.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss BR Ambedkar's role in forming modern India.

Producer: Catherine Earlam

Producer Rosie Dawson.

In this Christmas Eve edition of Beyond Belief, Ernie Rea discuss angels with Sally Vickers Author of Miss Garnet's Angel, Rev Dr Arabella Milbank Robinson, Deacon and Theologian and Angel Expert and Rev Dr Stephen Burge, Lecturer at the Quranic Studies Unit at the Institute of Ismaeli Studies and author of `Angels in Islam.`

Producer:

Catherine Earlam

Ernie Rea in conversation with guests about the religious and cultural meaning of angels.

Producer: Helen Lee

Ernie Rea discusses 'Animal Farm' on the anniversary of its publication 75 years ago.

Joining Ernie Rea to discuss the place of animals in the religions of East and West are Shimon Cohen, Director of Shechita UK, an organisation which defends the Jewish method of slaughtering animals for food; Barbara Gardner, a trustee of the RSPCA and author of The Compassionate Animal; and Shaunaka Rishi Das a Vaisnav priest from the Oxford Centre of Hindu Studies.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the place of animals in the religions of East and West.

Joining Ernie to discuss anti Semitism in Europe today are Dr Ed Kessler, Director of the Woolf Institute for the Study of Abrahamic Faiths; Social and political commentator Mohammed Ansar who is a Social and Political Commentator and Dr Yaakov Wise from the Centre for Jewish Studies, at the University of Manchester.

Apocalyptic ideas about the end of the world, as we in the West understand them, have their roots in the Jewish and Christian traditions. The popular imagery - the Mark of the Beast, the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, the Whore of Babylon - feed the imagination of film makers and writers, who draw upon Biblical imagery.

Joining Ernie Rea to discuss the nature and role of apocalyptic ideas on western religion and culture are Dr Philip Alexander, Professor of Post Biblical Jewish Studies at the University of Manchester; Dr Stefan Skrimshire, lecturer in Theology and Religious Studies at the University of Leeds; and Rev Dr Steve Jeffrey minister of Emmanuel Evangelical Church in North London.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the Apocalypse.

The case of Meriam Ibrahim, sentenced to death by a Sudanese court for abandoning Islam, has attracted world wide attention. In the West, the court decision has been almost universally condemned as a violation of a basic human right, that of religious freedom. About 20 Muslim countries in the world have laws against apostasy; What purpose do they fulfil and what is historical and theological reasoning that lies behind them?

Producer: Dan Tierney

Series Producer: Amanda Hancox.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss apparitions of the Virgin Mary.

Producer: Rosie Dawson.

Discussion on the impact of archaeological discoveries on religious belief.

Joining Ernie to discuss the future of religious institutions are the Rev Sam Wells, Vicar of St Martin in the Fields in London and a visiting Professor in Christian Ethics at Kings College London; Linda Woodhead, Professor in the Sociology of Religion at Lancaster University; and Jasjit Singh, Doctoral Researcher in the Department of Theology and Religious Studies at the University of Leeds.

Producer: Rosie Dawson.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the future of religious institutions in Britain.

Anders Sandberg, a philosopher from the Future of Humanity Institute in Oxford, Elaine Graham,

Grosvenor Professor of practical Theology at Chester University, and Professor Lionel Tarassenko, Chair of electrical engineering at Oxford University.

Producer: Rosie Dawson.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss artificial intelligence.

Joining Shelina Janmohamed to discuss the relationship between artificial intelligence and religion are Dr Paula Boddington, senior Research Fellow at the University of Cardiff; Rabbi Dr Raphael Zarum; Dean of the London School of Jewish Studies and Dr Scott Midson, Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Lincoln Theological Institute, University of Manchester.

Producer: Helen Lee

Shelina Janmohamed discusses the impact of AI on religion.

Crematorium Manager Jenny Hamilton tells Aleem Maqbool how she and her team approach their work with the deceased at the Clyde Coast and Garnock Valley Crematorium on the West Coast of Scotland, and how her profession connects to her Christian faith.

Aleem is joined by a panel to discuss how the different ways we process the body after death, has been informed by faith, and what the human body represents within different religions.

How will religions respond to new ways of human decomposition that are being explored, such as alkaline hydrolysis or water cremation, which is being piloted in the UK later this year, and terramation or human composting?

Sally Berkovic, author and a volunteer for a Chevra Kadisha, a group that helps prepare Jewish bodies for funeral, joins Aleem to share her experiences. She's joined by Reverend Andrew Dotchin, who is looking into the theology of alkaline hydrolysis for the Church of England, and Hindu teacher Seeta Lakani.

The discussion raises the question, who is our death rites and rituals for: the deceased, or those left behind?

Producer: Rebecca Maxted

Series Producer: Katharine Longworth

Editor: Tim Pemberton

What the human body in death tells us about our beliefs about the body and the afterlife.

The debate about assisted dying, the right to choose when and how we die if we're terminally ill, is back in the political spotlight. Life, death and attitudes to suffering are at the heart of all religions. After hearing Alison's story, a panel of people of faith discuss how their beliefs shape their views on this fundamental question.

With Rabbi Jonathan Romain, Canon Rosie Harper, Rev Katie Tupling and Baljit Singh.

Presenter: Giles Fraser

Editor: Dan Tierney

Producers: Ruth Purser and Rebecca Maxted

How faith influences our perspective on the legal right to choose when and how to die.

Series exploring the place and nature of faith in today's world

Politicians say there will be another vote on assisted dying. Giles Fraser hears the story of a dying woman who campaigned against it. He chairs a panel about the role faith plays.

So says Professor Brian Cox, particle physicist and one of the best communicators of modern science today. Speaking to Aleem Maqbool, Brian shares his view on the relationship between religion and science. Not a believer himself, he thinks the perception of conflict between them is wrong.

Aleem reflects on Brian's comments with a panel of three guests, to ask is the war over between these big beasts? Monica Grady is a Professor of Planetary and Space Sciences at the Open University and a Catholic, her celebration at the successful comet landing of the Rosetta project made her a viral star. Professor Nawal Prinja is a nuclear physicist and advisor to the Government on nuclear policy. He's a Hindu and studies the Vedic scriptures. And Andrew Copson is the Chief Executive of Humanists UK which seeks to be the representative body of non-religious people.

They discuss the difference and overlap between religion or religious philosophy and science with Monica and Nawal, as scientists of faith, sharing how they see the world. And as physics throws up new theories for the origins of the universe, potentially with no beginning, what does that mean for the idea of a Creator?

Producer: Rebecca Maxted

Assistant Producers: Josie Le Vay and Emily Finch

Professor Brian Cox shares his view on the religion v science debate. Is the war over?

Joining Ernie to discuss Atheism today are Professor Simon Blackburn, Vice President of the British Humanist Association; Mark Embleton, a psychologist and President of Atheism UK; and Lois Lee, founder of the Non-Religion and secularity research network.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the appeal and direction of 'New Atheism'.

Calls appear to be getting louder for institutions, corporations and individuals to offer redress. The historic links of Christianity with slavery have been examined and some feel there is a debt to be paid. What might that look like? What responsibility do the heirs of the oppressor have to the heirs of the oppressed?

Ernie is joined by theologian and broadcaster Professor Robert Beckford, legal specialist on reparations Esther Stanford-Xosei, and Professor Nigel Biggar, Regius Professor of Moral and Pastoral Theology at the University of Oxford.

Plus he hears from the Virginia Theological Seminary in the US who have started paying reparation to the descendants of those it says laboured on it's campus under slavery or segregation.

Producer: Rebecca Maxted

Assistant Producers: Josie Le Vey and Peter Everett

Editor: Dan Tierney

Ernie Rea asks if there's a Christian duty to make reparations for the horrors of slavery.

The National Autistic Society describe autism as a lifelong developmental disability that affects how people communicate and interact with the world. They say 1 in 100 of us may be autistic and the diagnosis of autism has risen dramatically in recent decades.

How are religious organisations responding to the needs of a growing number of their congregations?

Ernie Rae is joined by a panel of three autistic guests to discuss their experiences: Professor Grant Macaskill, the co-director of the Centre for Autism and Theology at the University of Aberdeen; Samantha Stein, a YouTuber with over seven million views, who set up an atheist summer camp; and Iqra Babar, a digital artist with a strong Muslim faith.

We also hear from TV quizzer Anne Hegarty, who is autistic and a Catholic, about her relationship with faith.

Producer: Rebecca Maxted

Assistant Producer: Josie Le Vay

Editor: Helen Grady

Series exploring the place and nature of faith in today's world, with Ernie Rea.

Joining Ernie Rea to discuss the theology and digital reinvention of 'Avatars' are Dr Chetna Kang, Hindu priest and psychiatrist, David Law Professor of Christian Thought and Philosophical Theology, and Dr John Troyer, Deputy Director of the Centre of Death and Society at the University of Bath.

Producer: Catherine Earlam.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the theology and digital reinterpretation of avatars.

Each week a panel is assembled to represent a diversity of views and opinions, which often reveal hidden, complex and sometimes, contradictory understandings of the world around us.

In the programme, Ernie and his guests discuss the disputed site of Ayodhya in India. Hindus and Muslims have been in conflict for more than a century over the Babri mosque in Ayodhya, a town in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh. Hindus claim the site was the birthplace of one of their most revered deities, Lord Ram, and that a mosque was built after the destruction of a Hindu temple by a Muslim, Babur, in the sixteenth century.

After decades of legislation, an Indian court ruled last year that the site should be split three ways between Hindus, Muslims and the Nirmohi Akhara Hindu sect.

~Beyond Belief examines why this site is important to both Hindus and Muslims and asks whether the legal judgement is workable in modern secular India.

Ernie is joined by Dr Raj Pandit Sharma, President of the Hindu Priest Association and Executive Officer of the Hindu Council UK; Kashif ul Huda, editor of Twocircles.net, an Indian Muslim news website; and Dr John Zavos, Lecturer in South Asian Studies at the University of Manchester and editor of the journal, Contemporary South Asia.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the dispute between Hindus and Muslims over Ayodhya.

It was founded in the nineteenth century in Iran, where its followers are now severely persecuted, and preaches the Unity of God, humanity and religion.

Fidelma Meehan tells Ernie Rea how she was introduced to the faith by the comedian Omid Djalili.

Ernie is joined by two Baha'i writers Moojan Momen and Lil Osborne, and by Denis MacEoin who used to be a Baha'i but left after he became disillusioned with what he saw as its authoritarian structures.

Different ways of understanding the world. Ernie Rea and guests discuss the Baha'i faith.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the history of the Baptist Church and its significance today.

Joining Ernie to discuss ritual bathing are Dr Diana Lipton (teaching fellow in the department of biblical studies at Tel Aviv University), Sudipta Sen (professor of history at the University of California, Davis and author of 'Ganges: the Many Pasts of an Indian River') and the Very Reverend Peter Robinson (Dean of Derby, whose doctoral thesis was on Christian Initiation focusing on Baptism).

Producer: Helen Lee

Ernie Rea takes a look at religious bathing rituals.

Producer: Dan Tierney

Series producer: Amanda Hancox.

Bees have been important to humans for thousands of years. Honey was found in Tutankhamun's tomb, Aristotle and Virgil wrote about beekeeping and bees and honey get an honourable mention in the scriptures of many religions. There is a whole surah (chapter) in the Qu'ran called ‘The Bee' ('An-nahl') and the Old Testament refers to Israel as ‘a land of milk and honey'. Bees are vital to our world ecology and they pollinate a third of our crops but their numbers are in decline.

To discuss the role of bees and honey in different religious traditions, Ernie is joined by three urban beekeepers: Salma Attan looks after her bees on the roof of the East London Mosque, Rabbi Kelley Gludt tends a hive in Baltimore, Maryland and Adrian Rhodes was the 'Canon Apiarist' at Manchester Cathedral.

Producer: Helen Lee

Ernie Rea is joined by beekeepers from three different faiths.

Producer: Amanda Hancox

Ernie Rea explores the place and nature of faith in today's world

If you go into the centre of a city like Yangon or Bangkok, you will also come across people begging. Among them will be fine robed Buddhist monks with their begging bowls. They're highly respected members of society, following the tradition of religious mendicancy. What differentiates them from what we know as street beggars? What should inform our decision on whether or not to give?

Joining Ernie to discuss religious and moral attitudes to Begging are Jon Kuhrt, Chief Executive of the West London Mission; Eleanor Nesbitt, Professor Emerita from the University of Warwick and founder-member of the Punjab Research Group, and Dr Andrew Skilton, Senior Research Fellow in Buddhism at Kings College London.

Producer, Rosie Dawson.

Is it a religious duty to give to beggars? Ernie Rea and guests discuss.

Aleem Maqbool speaks to Michael Emmett about his conversion to Christianity leading to a discussion on how religious beliefs and practices can have an impact on people sentenced to prison and how different faiths respond to prisoners.

Aleem is joined by:

Venerable Ajahn Khemadhammo OBE - The Buddhist Adviser to HM Prison & Probation Service

Dr Sofia Buncy MBE - Founder and National Coordinator of the multi-award-winning Muslim Women in Prison programme

Dr Katie Hunt - Lecturer in Law at the University of Lincoln and author of 'Non-religious Prisoners' Unequal Access to Pastoral Care in International Journal of Law in Context.

Producer: Katharine Longworth

Editor: Tim Pemberton

Aleem Maqbool speaks with Michael Emmett about how he found faith in prison.

Producer: Dan Tierney

Series producer: Amanda Hancox.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss religion in Belgium.

To discuss the enduring appeal of the music and the spiritual meaning of 'A Ceremony of Carols', Ernie Rea is joined by a distinguished trio of musicians. Michael Berkeley is a composer, broadcaster, and crossbench peer. Benjamin Britten was his godfather. Anna Lapwood is a conductor, organist and Director of Music at Pembroke College, Cambridge. She was a professional harp player. And the Rev Lucy Winkett is Rector of St James Piccadilly in the centre of London. Before becoming a priest, she trained as a singer at the Royal College of Music.

Producer: Helen Lee

The enduring appeal and spiritual meaning of Benjamin Britten's A Ceremony of Carols.

Ernie Rea is joined by Prakash Shah, Director of the Centre for Culture and Law at Queen Mary, University of London; Rabbi Dr Naftali Brawar, Chief Executive of the Spiritual Capital Foundation Think Tank; and Douglas Davies, Professor in the Study of Religion at Durham University.

Produced by Nija Dalal-Small.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the feelings of betrayal when followers abandon a faith.

In this edition of Beyond Belief, Ernie Rea and guests dig beneath the headlines to examine the religious roots and meaning of blasphemy and explore why it remains so serious an offence in so many countries.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the religious roots and contemporary role of blasphemy.

Joining Ernie to discuss the Religious significance of blood are Douglas Davies - Professor of the Study of Religion at Durham University, Dr Mikel Burley - Associate Professor of Religion and Philosophy at the University of Leeds and Dr Dawn Llewellyn - Senior Lecturer in Christian Studies and Deputy Director at the Institute of Gender Studies at the University of Chester.

Producer: Helen Lee

Series Producer: Amanda Hancox

Ernie Rea discusses the religious significance of blood.

A fortnight later, the world's other heavyweight champion, Tyson Fury proclaimed to a global audience of 920,000 that Jesus helped him knock out Deontay Wilder to retain his title.

Why have boxing and Christianity become so deeply embedded in each other's corners? Ernie Rae goes toe to toe with the theology behind the punches with stories of some of the sport's biggest names and those at its grassroots today.

How do Christians in the fight game reconcile love thy neighbour with delivering knockouts? Especially when we know much more about the long term brain damage boxers are exposed to.

To answer these questions and more, Ernie is joined by:

Pastor Lorraine Jones, Chief Executive Officer and founder of Dwayneamics, a boxing gym in Brixton.

Amy Koehlinger, Associate Professor of History and Religious Studies at Oregon State University and author of the upcoming Rosaries and Rope Burns: Boxing and Manhood in American Catholicism from 1880 to 1970.

Gordon Marino, former boxer who covered the sport for the Wall Street Journal and HBO. A boxing trainer with 30 years' experience, professor of Philosophy at St Olaf College, Minnesota and author of The Existentialist's Survival Guide: How to Live Authentically in an Inauthentic Age.

Plus, as he prepares for his next fight, boxer, Jazza Dickens tells Ernie precisely why he believes God `strengthens his hands` whilst keeping him and his opponent safe no matter what he does in the squared circle.

Producer: Julian Paszkiewicz

Editor: Helen Grady

(Image: Oleksandr Usyk celebrates after being crowned the new World Champion following the Heavyweight Title Fight between Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 25, 2021 in London, England. Credit: Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Why does Christianity play such a big role in the corners of so many fighters?

Buddhism is generally portrayed in the West as a religion of peace and non-violence. The first of Buddhism's 'Five Moral Precepts' states that it is wrong to take the lives of others. But recent clashes between native Buddhists and minority Muslims in Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) have left over 200 people dead, and more than 150,000 people homeless. So what is Buddhism's teaching about the use of violence? Is it permitted or prohibited?

Joining Ernie Rea to discuss Buddhism and violence are Michael Jerryson, Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at Youngstown State University, Ohio, who co-edited the book 'Buddhist Warfare'; Rupert Gethin, Professor of Buddhist Studies at the University of Bristol, and Soe Win Than, a journalist who was born in Myanmar and who works for the BBC's Burmese Service.

Ernie Rea and his guests debate whether violence is permitted within Buddhism.

Ernie is joined by three guests who discuss how their own religious tradition affects their values and outlook on the world, often revealing hidden and contradictory truths.

In this edition, Ernie and guests discuss the life, beliefs and enduring legacy of Cardinal Newman, who will be beatified by Pope Benedict XVI in the Archdiocese of Birmingham during his state visit.

John Henry Newman converted from Anglicanism to Catholicism and went on to become a Cardinal in 1879. He was the founder of the Oratories of St Philip Neri, in Birmingham (where he lived until his death on August 11 1890) and in London. Newman's aim was to describe and inspire the Christian mind. His vocation was to help modern people realise the demands of thinking and acting with the mind of Christ and his Church. And it is this legacy which endures today.

Newman will become the first non-martyr saint in England since the Reformation, and de facto the patron saint of converts.

Producer: Karen Maurice.

The life, beliefs and legacy of Cardinal Newman, being beatified during the Papal visit.

Joining Ernie Rea to discuss the extraordinary Synod on the family are Madeline Teahan, Associate Editor at the Catholic Herald, Paul Vallely author of 'Pope Francis: Untying the Knots' and David Willey the BBC's Vatican Correspondent.

Producer: Catherine Earlam.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the Catholic church's synod on the family.

Each week a panel is assembled to represent a diversity of views and opinions, which often reveal hidden, complex and sometimes contradictory understandings of the world around us.

In this programme, Ernie asks his guests whether the values of celebrity culture are at odds with their own religious values. Why are we fascinated by the rich and famous and have we always been? Why do we care about the personal antics of footballers, pop stars, TV personalities and actors? Has celebrity replaced religion in society?

Joining Ernie to discuss celebrity culture is Dr Kristin Aune, senior lecturer in Sociology at the University of Derby and co-author of 'Reclaiming the F World: The New Feminist Movement; Vicki Mackenzie, journalist and Buddhist and author of Cave in the Snow; and Miriam Berger, Rabbi from the Finchley Reform Synagogue.

Producer: Karen Maurice.

Guests discuss if the values of celebrity culture are at odds with religious values.

The role of celibacy differs cross-culturally among religious traditions, with some insisting on it and others prohibiting it. Obligatory celibacy for Catholic priests in the West was introduced in 1130, yet in other traditions, such as Islam, marriage for their spiritual leaders is positively encouraged and celibacy, whilst not forbidden, is seen as second class. Is celibacy an essential requirement for real closeness to God or not? And given that it's basis is essentially cultural rather than theological, should celibacy be optional across religions?

Joining Ernie Rea to discuss celibacy across religions are Professor Carl Olsen, Prof of Religious Studies at Allegheny College, Pennsylvania, and Editor of the book, Celibacy and Religious Traditions; Dr Helen Costigane SHCJ, member of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus, who teaches Canon Law and Christian Ethics at Heythrop College, University of London, and Sheikh Michael Mumisa, Islamic scholar at the University of Cambridge.

Ernie Rea and guests debate the role of celibacy across different religious traditions.

But what happens when someone converts from one religion to another? Pressures from family or faith communities can have a huge impact on new converts, making their choice all the more difficult and, in some cases, dangerous.

Ernie Rea is joined by a panel of three converts who've made that life changing decision. They share why they made that choice and the impact it had on their lives and relationships. AbdulMaalik Tailor converted to Islam from Hinduism, Dr Adeola Obadina converted to Christianity from Islam and Akhandadhi Das had a Christian upbringing but is now a Vaishnava Hindu theologian.

Producer: Katharine Longworth

Assistant Producers: Peter Everett and Josie Le Vay

Editor: Dan Tierney

What's it like changing from one faith to another? Ernie Rea talks to three converts.

Joining Ernie Rea to discuss the pros and cons of faith based charity are Andrew Hogg, Head of Media at Christian Aid; Jehangir Malik, Director of Islamic Relief; and Dr Michael Jennings, Lecturer in the Department for Development Studies at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London.

Producer: Catherine Earlam.

Ernie Rea and his guests discuss the role of faith-based charities.

Producer: Helen Lee.

Ernie Rea takes a look at the Christian message behind Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol.

Ernie Rea discusses issues around childlessness with Khola Hasan, an Islamic scholar, writer and broadcaster who sits on the Islamic Shariah Council; Dovid Lewis, who is the Rabbi of South Manchester Synagogue; and Dr Dawn Llewellyn, Senior Lecturer in Christian Studies at the University of Chester who has carried out research into voluntary childlessness among Christian women in Britain.

Producer:

Dan Tierney

Series producer:

Amanda Hancox.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss issues around childlessness.

Ernie Rea discusses the role of religion in children's literature with the novelist Geraldine McCaughrean, whose work includes the retelling of classic stories for children, including The Canterbury Tales, The Pilgrim's Progress and Moby Dick; Frank Cotterell Boyce, screenwriter, novelist and author of 'Millions' which won the 2004 Carnegie Medal for children's literature; and Nicholas Tucker, an educational psychologist and academic who has written widely on children's literature.

Producer: Dan Tierney

Series Producer: Amanda Hancox.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss religion in children's literature.

The Communists under Chairman Mao tried to kill off religion but it didn't work and so Mao's successors have had to compromise. The Chinese constitution says that citizens should be able to `enjoy freedom of religious belief' but in reality it does not guarantee the right to practice those religious beliefs.

Buddhism is the most dominant religion and has been practiced in China for two millennia. The Chinese government recognises five faiths; Buddhism, Daoism, Islam, Catholicism and Protestantism but religions in China are subject to a certain level of state control.

Joining Ernie Rea to discuss the place of Religion in Modern China are Dr Gregory Scott, Lecturer in Chinese Culture and History at the University of Manchester, Dr Caroline Fielder, Lecturer in Chinese Studies at the University of Leeds, and Dr Maria Jaschok, Director of the International Gender Studies centre at Lady Margaret Hall, University of Oxford.

Producer: Helen Lee

Series Producer: Amanda Hancox

Ernie Rea discusses the place of religion in modern China.

Within the last 40 years it has been possible for people to undergo sex reassignment surgery. British law was changed ten years ago to enable them to change the sex given on their birth certificates. What challenges do these developments throw up for Christian thought and practice? Ernie is joined by Rev Rachel Mann, a transgender priest in the Church of England, Dr Vicky Gunn who teaches practical theology at Glasgow University and Dr Don Horrocks, head of public affairs at the Evangelical Alliance and Research Associate at the London School of Theology.

Ernie Rea is joined by Sir Mark Hedley, Joshua Rozenberg and David McIlroy to discuss the relationship between Christianity and the Law.

Producer: Rosie Dawson.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the relationship between Christianity and the law.

Ernie Rea discusses the role of the clergy during the Northern Ireland Troubles with John Dunlop, former Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland; Fr Gary Donegan, rector of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Ardoyne, North Belfast; and John Brewer, sociologist and Professor of Post Conflict Studies at Queen's University Belfast.

Producer: Dan Tierney

Series producer: Amanda Hancox.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the role of the clergy during the Northern Ireland Troubles.

The late Christopher Hitchins wrote that 'The mockery of religion is one of the most essential things'. Certainly if you go to any Comedy Club today, you can expect to find that religious belief is an open target. But are there any limits to what is acceptable? Are there any parallels between the role of the priest and his congregation & the comedian with his audience?

Joining Ernie Rea to discuss the relationship between comedy and religion are the Muslim stand-up comedian, Imran Yusuf, the Jewish stand-up, Josh Howie and Patrick McKearney, a Doctoral Researcher in Theology & Social Anthropology at the University of Cambridge.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the complex relationship between comedy and religion.

Ernie Rea is joined by Paul Gilbert, Professor of Psychology at the University of Derby: Anna Smajdor lecturer in Medical Ethics at the University of East Anglia; and Joshua Hordern Associate Professor of Christian Ethics at the University of Oxford.

Producer: Rosie Dawson.

Must nurses show compassion? What is it anyway? Ernie Rea and guests discuss.

For some, confessing your sins to a priest is a theological cop out rather than taking genuine responsibility for your actions; to others it's about trying to become a better person in the eyes of God. How is confession viewed within different religions? Why is confession with a mediator so important for some religious people and not for others? Is confession a medieval relic or does it still have something to offer the modern world?

Ernie Rea discusses religious perspectives on confession with Catholic priest, Fr. Chris Hilton; Rabbi Dr Jonathan Romain; Rory Singer, a former Buddhist Monk and Contemplative Psychotherapist; and Suzanne Hyde, Clinical Director at St Marylebone Centre for Healing and Counselling.

Producer: Dan Tierney

Series producer: Amanda Hancox.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss confession.

In 1966 the Red Guard in China sent a telegram to Mao tse Tung. 'Dearest Chairman Mao,' it read. 'We have rebelled. We have torn down the plaque extolling 'The teacher of ten thousand generations;' we have levelled Confucius' grave; and we have obliterated the statues in the Confucius Temple.' By the time the Cultural Revolution had done its work, Confucianism which had dominated the religious and cultural life of China for over a millennium, seemed almost obliterated. But today it is making a comeback. The Chinese government is encouraging its study. What is going on? How can it be that a philosophy which was thought to be the embodiment of reaction is being hailed as a force of progress,

Joining Ernie to discuss the New Confucianism are Dr Joachim Gentz, Chair of Chinese Philosophy and Religion at Edinburgh University: Thomas Chan, a member of ASHA, a group which focuses on inter faith dialogue: and Isobel Hilton, a journalist and editor of Chinadialogue.com

Producer: Rosie Dawson.

Ernie Rea discusses the quest for Immortality with Natalie Haynes, a Classicist writer and broadcaster; Douglas Davies, Professor in the Study of Religion at the University of Durham, and David Voas, Professor of Social Science at University College, London.

Producer: Rosie Dawson.

From Gilgamesh to Cryonics - Ernie Rea and guests discuss the quest for immortality.

Ernie Rea explores the impact and legacy of the Cultural Revolution on religion in China with Martin Palmer, author and China expert; Isabel Hilton, Editor of the 'China Dialogue' website; and Laureen Leung, a Chinese Christian who was born in China in 1966 at the start of the Cultural Revolution and who now lives in the UK.

Producer: Dan Tierney

Series producer: Amanda Hancox.

Ernie Rea and guests explore the impact of the Cultural Revolution on religion in China.

Ernie also interviews jazz saxophonist and composer Sherman Irby about his jazz ballet score based on Dante's Inferno.

Producer: Helen Lee

Ernie Rea and guests discuss Dante's Inferno.

Producer: Amanda Hancox.

Ernie Rea in conversation with guests about the place of faith in today's complex world.

Producer: Amanda Hancox

Ernie Rea explores the place and nature of faith in today's world.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the relationship between religion and depression.

Producer: Rosie Dawson.

Ernie Rea discusses the development of Makkah with distingished guests.

Dr Katie Edwards discusses faith, food and fasting with Dr Hannah Bacon, Associate Professor in Feminist Theology and Acting head of Theology and Religious studies at the University of Chester, Dr Hina Shahid, General Practitioner and Chairperson of the Muslim Doctors Association and Geeta Vara, Ayurvedic Practioner and author of Ayurveda: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Wellbeing

Producer: Rajeev Gupta

Series Producer: Amanda Hancox

Producer: Helen Lee.

Ernie Rea in conversation with guests about religion and disability.

Each week a panel is assembled to represent a diversity of views and opinions, which often reveal hidden, complex and sometimes contradictory understandings of the world around us.

In this programme, Ernie Rea and guests discuss the religious history and make-up of Egypt: what is Coptic Christianity? How do Christians, who make up about ten per cent of the population, live alongside their fellow Egyptian Muslims? What is distinctive about Egyptian Islam? How have the two faiths co-existed for 1,400 years and how do we make sense of recent tensions between the two communities?

Producer: Karen Maurice.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the history of Christians and Muslims in Egypt.

Producer: Amanda Hancox.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss beliefs about the end of time in Islam.

Joining Ernie Rea to discuss ethical investing are Rabbi Mark Goldsmith of the Edgware & Hendon Reform Synagogue and member of the International Interfaith Investment Group; Devie Mohan, an expert in the relationship between finance and technology; Martin Palmer President of Faith Invest and Umer Suleman a member of the UK Islamic Finance Council and a Sharia Finance Consultant.

Producer: Dan Jackson

Series Producer: Amanda Hancox

The second was that he is an Evangelical - that's important for the wider Anglican church which is battling splits between evangelicals and liberals over the issue of homosexuality - and for the church of England where there's an internal debate among Evangelicals about the very meaning of that term.

Joining Ernie to discuss Evangelicals, especially within an Anglican context are the Rev Dr Rob Munroe, who is a member of the Anglican evangelical group, Reform: Vicky Beeching, a Theologian and Visiting Research Fellow at Durham University ; and Jonathan Bartley, co-director of the think tank Ekklesia.

Ernie Rea and guests debate the meaning of the term evangelical.

Joining Ernie Rea to discuss the Biblical figure Eve, and what has been made of her down the centuries are Katie Edwards, lecturer in Biblical Studies at Sheffield University; Amy Orr Ewing, Director of the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics; and Maureen Kendler, head of Educational Programming at the London School of Jewish Studies.

Producer: Rosie Dawson.

Ernie Rea and guests talk about the enduring place of the Biblical Eve in Western culture.

AI technology is increasingly being incorporated into religious worship. Robot priests are delivering sermons, chatbots are reciting prayers, robot monks are spreading wisdom and robotic arms are carrying out ceremonies.

Aleem Maqbool speaks with robotics specialist, Gabriele Trovato, creator of SanTO, a robotic Catholic priest that delivers sermons, gives advice and joins worshippers in prayers.

This sparks a discussion on whether AI will transform how people experience religion and the potential outcomes involved.

Aleem is joined by:

Professor Subramanian Ramamoorthy - Chair of Robot Learning and Autonomy and Director of the Institute of Perception, Action and Behaviour in the School of Informatics at the University of Edinburgh

Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner - Rabbi at Bromley Reform Synagogue and former Senior Rabbi to Reform Judaism

The Right Reverend Steven Croft - Bishop of Oxford, member of the House of Lords Select Committee on AI and a founding board member for the Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation

Assistant Producer: Linda Walker

Producer: Alexa Good

AI influences how we interact with everything - and religion is no exception.

Ernie is joined by three guests who discuss how their own religious tradition affects their values and outlook on the world, often revealing hidden and contradictory truths.

In this programme Ernie is joined by a Christian, a Druid and a Hindu who discuss the understanding of disability from their faith perspective. They address how disability is viewed within their community, the value of a disabled life lived, the quality of that life and how discrimination against people with disability begins even before birth.

Ernie and his guests hear from a deaf couple who wanted the right to keep an embryo with genes for deafness, should they undergo IVF treatment. Their wishes caused outrage and was frequently misunderstood. How could parents wish for a child with a disability; how could this possibly be wanting the best for their child?

Ernie's panel comprises Emma Restall Orr who is a Druid and a wheel chair user; Jonathan Bartley, co-director of the Christian Think Tank, Ekklesia, and father of Samuel who has spina bifida; and Shaunaka Rishi Das, Director of the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies.

Producer: Karen Maurice.

Ernie Rea and guests explore how disability is explained by different faith communities.

We live in an age of doubt. We have been taught to question everything. But it is the religious traditions which major in certainty which are on the increase. Fundamentalism is gaining pace, even in an age of science.

In the first of a new series, Ernie Rea discusses the role of doubt within religion with Richard Holloway, the former Bishop of Edinburgh and author of 'Leaving Alexandria - a memoir of faith and doubt', Shaykh Shams Ad-duha, Principal of Ebrahim College, London, which trains British Imams, and the theologian and astro-physicist, the Rev Professor David Wilkinson, Principal of St John's College, Durham.

Ernie Rea and guests debate the role of doubt in religion - is it positive or negative?

This inspires a discussion on the interconnections between faith and finance, whether seeking earthly fortune is in conflict with spiritual beliefs and how different faiths approach the gap between rich and poor.

Aleem is joined by:

Dr Christopher Wadibia - Junior Research Fellow at Pembroke College, Oxford. Christopher's doctoral research studied the politics underpinning one of Nigeria's most popular and influential Pentecostal churches and the investments they make in the social and economic development of Africa's most populous nation.

Uneesa Zaman - a communications professional with 10+ years of experience managing global clients across financial services with a focus on financial inclusion. She runs Uneesa Finance - a platform dedicated to educating women about halal finance (with a pop culture twist!) and has helped over 10k women learn more about finance to date.

Prof Atul K Shah - creative pioneer in the fields of accounting, finance, leadership and diversity. He holds a doctorate from the London School of Economics and is author of ‘Jainism and Ethical Finance' ‘Inclusive and Sustainable Finance - Leadership, Ethics and Culture

Producer: Katharine Longworth

Presenter: Aleem Maqbool

Assistant Producers: Robert Guthrie and Ajai Singh

Aleem speaks with Daniel Ally about how his faith inspires him to seek financial success.

In her first major broadcast interview after withdrawing from the leadership race, Kate Forbes said `We live in a world where it's our duty and responsibility to coexist in a compassionate, caring, loving way. There is no doubt - people put this to me all the time - that if I had perhaps not been honest, and not been truthful, if I had tried to make certain things more palatable, or politically correct, then would I have been more successful? Perhaps`.

This inspires a discussion on relationship between faith and politics and whether the two can work together.

In a special episode of Beyond Belief, recorded in front of a live audience at the Religion Media Festival in London.

Aleem is joined by:

NICK FLETCHER, Conservative MP for Don Valley, who's talked in the past about the way in which he sees himself as a Christian first and politician second

RUTH CADBURY, Labour MP for Brentford and Isleworth, who's a Quaker. She was among the MPs who signed an early day motion calling for the abolition of parliamentary prayers

DABINDERJIT SINGH OBE is former director of the National Audit Office and for decades has played a prominent role in government-Sikh relations.

REV SALLY HITCHENER is an Anglican priest, Associate Vicar at St Martin-in-the-Fields, charity co-founder and LGBTQ+ rights activist.

Producer: Linda Walker and Katharine Longworth

Presenter: Aleem Maqbool

Assistant Producer: Naomi Wellings

Aleem speaks with MSP Kate Forbes on why she feels people of faith are fearful of politics

Her moving story sparks a discussion on the impact that the Holocaust had on Jewish belief and practice and how the repercussions are manifest in the modern day.

Holocaust survivor Lily Ebert speaks about holding onto her faith through horrific times.

Some psychedelic drugs, like the plant-based DMT found in the ayahuasca drink, have been the subject of medical trials for their help with mental health conditions such as depression, with some successful results. But alongside their medical potential is, for some, a connection between their use and spirituality.

To discuss what might be going on, the potential and the dangers of the so-called psychedelic renaissance, Aleem is joined by a fascinating panel. Rev Rita Powell is an Episcopal Priest who has taken magic mushrooms as part of a University trial in the US, Dr Ben Sessa is a psychiatrist involved in psychedelic research here in the UK and Dr David Luke, Associate Professor at the University of Greenwich, explores spirituality, psychedelics and ‘exceptional human experiences' in his work.

Opening Music: Ayahuasca Icaros - Medicine (Cures For All)

Producer: Rebecca Maxted

Assistant Producer: James Leesley

Aleem Maqbool meets Richard, who explored a connection to Jesus on a ayahuasca retreat.

Psychedelic drugs are being trialled for their mental health benefits. Can they quench a spiritual thirst too?

Each week a panel is assembled to represent a diversity of views and opinions, which often reveal hidden, complex and sometimes contradictory understandings of the world around us.

Producer: Karen Maurice.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss different ways of understanding the world around us.

Religion has had an impact on the way we dress for many centuries. Clothing is mentioned in the Bible and some might argue that Eve's fig leaf was the earliest fashion statement. But the fashion world is not just influenced by the Catholic Church. Muslim fashion - and the popularity of the 'cool hijab' - is very important today as is a growing demand for modest fashion.

Joining Professor Robert Beckford to discuss religion and fashion are Professor Reina Lewis from London School of Fashion UAL, the Rev Sally Hitchiner and New York based fashion journalist Michelle Honig who is a modern Orthodox Jew. Robert also talks to Simon Ward - former Chief Operating Officer for the British Fashion Council - about important ethical questions facing the fashion industry at the moment.

Producer: Helen Lee

Series Producer: Amanda Hancox.

Professor Robert Beckford in conversation with guests about religion and fashion.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the significance of fear in religious traditions.

Producer: Amanda Hancox

Meet Kali, a Hindu goddess who is one embodiment of the Hindu principle called Shakti, meaning energy, power or force. Who is Kali and what does she represent?

We're embracing some of the ideas of shakti in the West. You can take kundalini yoga classes or meditation courses to access your divine feminine energy. What is the philosophy behind these practices?

Join Ernie Rea as he visits the British Museum to see a new statue of the female Goddess, part of a new exhibition called 'Feminine Power: From The Divine to the Demonic'. Curator Belinda Crerer and dancer and devotee of Kali, Indrani Datta, tell him more.

Plus Ernie is joined by experts in the Shakti tradition Sumita Ambasta, Lavanya Vemsani and Acharya Vidyabhaskar.

Producer: Rebecca Maxted

Editor: Helen Grady

Image: Kali Murti, Kaushik Ghosh, India, 2022. Image © The Trustees of the British Museum

Ernie Rea discovers the Hindu idea of a divine feminine force.

Aleem Maqbool meets Kat Wordsworth, who tells her story about doubt in her Christian beliefs and how it's affected her life and health. She now shares her experiences and thoughts on doubt on a social media account, with followers also contributing their experiences and she's about to publish a book called 'Let's Talk About Doubt'. Kat wants to hear doubt discussed more widely 'at the front of church'.

Alongside a panel who have asked their own questions about faith and belief Aleem asks 'are religions afraid of doubt?'. Professor Alister McGrath is a leading theologian, academic and historian who has written widely about doubt, American historian and poet Jennifer Michael Hecht is the author of 'Doubt: A History' and Dr Nafeez Ahmed, is an investigative journalist and academic who shares his personal journey with his Muslim faith.

Producer: Rebecca Maxted

Assistant Producer: Josie Le Vay

Editor: Tim Pemberton

Picture Credit: Tom Holmes

Aleem Maqbool hears a story about the pain of doubting your religion and belief.

In Edinburgh a modern festival has grown up around the ancient pagan festival of Beltane, traditionally marked on May 1st, where fires are lit. But does fire have both negative and positive connotations across all religions? Is it always viewed as potentially transforming as well as destructive?

In today's programme, Ernie Rea is joined by Alan Williams, Professor of Iranian Studies and Comparative Religion at the University of Manchester; Ronald Hutton, Professor of History at Bristol University and Canon Loveday Alexander, Emeritus Professor of Biblical Studies at the University of Sheffield, to discuss the role of fire within religion and its symbolism today.

Ernie Rea and his guests discuss the role of fire within religion.

Producer: Dan Tierney

Series producer: Amanda Hancox.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss fixing a date for Easter.

Ernie Rea discusses religion in secular France with Kay Chadwick, Reader in French Historical Studies at Liverpool University; Mona Siddiqui, professor of Islamic and Inter-religious Studies at the University of Edinburgh; and Natasha Lehrer, writer and literary editor of the Jewish Quarterly.

Producer:

Dan Tierney

Series producer:

Amanda Hancox.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss religion in France.

Producer: Helen Lee

Ernie Rea in conversation with guests about the religious content of Frankenstein.

Joining Ernie Rea to discuss belief in free will are Rev Sharon Grenham-Thompson, an Anglican minister and former prison chaplain; Professor Rasjid Skinner a consultant clinical psychologist and Dr Richard Christian, Research Associate in Philosophy and Economics at the University of Manchester.

Producer:

Catherine Earlam

Series Producer:

Amanda Hancox

Producer: Dan Tierney

Series producer: Amanda Hancox.

Ernie Rea and guests explore the relationship between religion and freedom of expression.

Producer: Helen Lee

Ernie Rea and guests discuss friendship.

When this programme was recorded, the operation to detain the suspects is continuing. The initial murders were carried out in the name of Allah in retaliation for the publication of cartoons deemed to be lampooning the prophet Mohammed. How do you describe people who carry out such atrocities? A quick glance through the papers revealed a wide diversity of terms, from the simple 'terrorists,' to 'Muslim hardliners and 'Islamic fundamentalist.' Which terms are appropriate? What does it mean to describe someone in religious terms as 'A Fundamentalist? What problems do we cause problems when we don't consider carefully the meaning of terms before applying them to a particular situation?

The use of the term Fundamentalism has changed over the decades. Joining Ernie Rea to discuss its usage today are Haras Raffiq, Managing Director of the Quilliam Foundation, which exists to counter Islamic extremism, Julie Scott Jones, Associate Head of the Sociology Department at Manchester Metropolitan University; and Salman Sayyid, Reader in Islam and Politics at the University of Leeds.

Producer: Rosie Dawson.

As Hindus prepare to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi (the birth of Lord Ganesha), Mobeen Azhar is joined by Hindu monk Swamini Supriyananda, Dr David Frawley (Founder of the American Institute of Vedic Studies) and by Dr Raj Balkaran (Teacher and Consultant at the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies). They discuss why Ganesha is so important and the appeal he has outside the Hindu faith.

Mobeen also talks to Game of Thrones actor Lena Headey about why she has a tattoo of Ganesha on her right shoulder.

Producer: Helen Lee

Editor: Helen Grady

This episode of Beyond Belief contains a short audio excerpt from an episode of The Simpsons entitled 'The Two Mrs Nahasapeemapetilons' (Season 9, Episode 7). It was written by Richard Appel and broadcast by the Fox Broadcasting Company.

Mobeen Azhar and guests talk about the Hindu god Ganesha.

Joining Ernie to discuss the influence of the Orthodox Church within modern Greece are the Rev Vasileios Papathanasiou, priest at the Grreek Orthodox Cathedra; of the Holy Cross and St Michael in Golders Green; Stavroula Pipyrou Leverhulme Early Career Research Fellow at the University of St Andrews; and Daphne Halikiopoulou, Associate Professor in Comparative Politics at the University of Reading.

Producer: Rosie Dawson.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss church-state relations in Greece.

Producer: Amanda Hancox

Ernie Rea explores the place and nature of faith in today's world.

His story leads to a panel discussion on the place of faith, religion and ritual within the grieving process, whether it is a help or a hindrance and whether belief in an afterlife makes it easier to deal with loss.

Maggie Doherty is the Director of the Centre for the Art of Dying Well at St Mary's University. The Centre's mission is to help people to live and die well and be supported in their grief. She is also a trustee of St Joseph's Hospice in Hackney and is a student in Digital Health.

Louise Blyth was 33 when her husband George died from bowel cancer, leaving her with one and three year old boys. At a time like that many lose their faith, but Louise found it, becoming a Christian. A year later she quit her dream job in operations for Mars to write a book `Hope is Coming` all about her experiences. Louise currently juggles being a Mum with trying to write her second book.

Jusna Begum supports bereaved Muslim families by washing the bodies of those they have lost; an essential part of the grieving process. She is also the director of a domestic violence charity in east London.

PRODUCER: KATHARINE LONGWORTH

Aleem Maqbool speaks to Rabbi Jonathan Romain about grief.

Ernie Rea is joined by Jonathan Brown, Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Chair of Islamic Civilisation at Georgetown University; Sahib Bleher, Imam and author on the Qur'an; and Tom Holland, a Classicist and author of several best selling books including In The Shadow of the Sword, on the origins of Islam.

Produced by Nija Dalal-Small.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the Hadith, the stories and traditions of Muhammad's life.

Ernie Rea discusses the connection between hair and religious belief with Dr Christopher Oldstone-Moore, author of 'Of Beards and Men: The Revealing History of Facial Hair' Dr Jasjit Singh, an expert in religious and cultural identity from the University of Leeds; and Rabbi Dr Barbara Borts, a Reform Rabbi and expert on women and Judaism.

Producer: Dan Tierney

Series producer: Amanda Hancox.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the connection between hair and religious belief.

Producer: Helen Lee

Assistant Producer: Barnaby Gordon

Editor: Helen Grady

Ernie Rea takes a look at the religious themes in Harry Potter.

The panel:

Tez Ilyas

Pippa Evans

Bennett Arron

Paul Kerensa

Producer: Helen Lee.

Religion and humour: How far can you go?

Ernie Rea discusses the concept of the afterlife with Shaunaka Rishi Das, Director of the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies; Dr Shuruq Naguib, lecturer in Islamic Studies at Lancaster University; and the writer and broadcaster Peter Stanford.

Producer:

Amanda Hancox.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss religious perspectives on the afterlife.

The 7th-century BC tablet from northern Iraq tells the story of the adventures of Gilgamesh, a legendary ruler of Uruk, and his search for immortality. The tablet contains details similar to the story of Noah and the flood in the Hebrew Bible.

Ernie Rea discusses the meaning of the flood tablet relating part of the Epic of Gilgamesh

Ernie Rae explores the Holy Spirit with Loveday Alexander, Professor Emeritus in New Testament Studies at Sheffield University, Sajjad Rizvi, Associate Professor of Islamic Intellectual History at the University of Exeter and Laura Janner Klausner, from the Movement for Reform Judaism.

Producer: Catherine Earlam.

Ernie Rea explores what is understood by the 'Holy Spirit' across different faiths.

Joining Ernie Rea from their homes to discuss religion in Hong Kong are Chris Patten, Lord Patten of Barnes who served as the Last Governor of Hong Kong; Professor Steve Tsang, the Director of the China Institute at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London; and the Rev Dr Kim Kwong Chan, an Honorary Research Fellow at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Producer: Helen Lee

Ernie Rea explores the role of religion in Hong Kong

William Crawley discusses the beliefs which underpin the so-called Islamic State in the light of the Paris terrorist attacks with Sheikh Dr Salah Al Ansari, an Imam, theologian and academic; Haras Rafiq, Managing Director of the anti-extremism think tank, the Quilliam Foundation; and Dr Katherine Brown, an expert in Islamic Studies at King's College London.

Producer:

Dan Tierney

Series producer:

Amanda Hancox.

William Crawley explores the beliefs of Islamic State following the Paris attacks.

More recently, Iran has been in the news with reports of crackdowns on perceived dissidents: women who choose not to wear the hijab and members of other religions especially the Baha'is.

The Islamic Republic of Iran is ruled by a Supreme Leader from the Shia tradition, Ayatollah Khamenei. It is he who ultimately wields the power and imposes limits on the peoples' rights and freedoms. Given his overruling authority, it is difficult to know what ordinary people believe or how they feel about their system of government.

So is this vast country of 86 million people really an Islamic nation? And if it's not, how religious is Iran?

Ernie Rea is joined by Professor Ali Ansari, Dr Roxane Farmanfarmaian, Professor Sajjad Rizvi and Khosro Kalbasi, a journalist for BBC Monitoring watching Iran.

Producer: Rebecca Maxted

Assistant Producer: Peter Everett

Editor: Dan Tierney.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss religion in Iran.

Last year Pope Francis, addressing the European Parliament , pleaded for a rediscovery of the ideals of humanism centred on respect for the dignity of the human person. He said, 'A Europe which is no longer open to the transcendent dimension of life is a Europe which risks losing its own soul and that 'humanistic spirit' which it still loves and defends.' The Pope was clearly trying to reclaim the humanist tradition from atheism. But was he waging a futile battle? Is humanism by its very nature opposed to religious belief?

Joining Ernie to discuss Humanism are Stephen Law from the Centre for Enquiry and author of 'A very short Introduction to Humanism; Nick Spencer Co-author of 'The Case for Christian Humanism;' and Marilyn Mason, former Education Officer for the British Humanist Association.

Can Humanism include belief in God? Ernie Rea and guests discuss.

As a soldier, Ignatius spent his early life chasing adventure, glory and pleasure. Whilst leading a doomed last stand at the Battle of Pamplona 500 years ago, he was struck by a cannonball that shattered his legs.

This began a dramatic spiritual conversion through intense prayer, ascetism and visions. As the founder of the Jesuits, his lessons were published in a book called The Spiritual Exercises which are basis of Ignatian Spirituality. It's one of the world's most influential books of prayer, meditations and contemplations. It emphasises using all your senses to imagine Jesus, hell, and biblical scenes with the goal of discerning God's will for you.

Ernie Rae meets three people to discover how it transformed their lives and asks: does it's focus on individual discernment mean 'anything goes'? What's it like conjuring up a visceral image of you at your absolute worst? And how has Ignatian Spirituality shaped the papacy of the first Jesuit Pope, Francis I?

Plus, we meet Toy Story co-creator, Pete Docter. He tells us how another goal of Ignatian Spirituality of finding God in all things influenced him and his latest Oscar winning film, Soul.

To discuss all this, Ernie is joined by: Father Jim Martin (a Jesuit Priest and author of ‘The Jesuit Guide to Almost Everything'), Ruth Holgate (Director of St Beuno's Jesuit Spirituality Centre in North Wales) and Sister Anne Arabome (a member of the Sisters of Social Service in Los Angeles and Associate Director of the Faber Centre for Ignatian Spirituality).

Producer: Julian Paszkiewicz

Editor: Helen Grady

Ernie Rae explores a spiritualty that's influenced both Pope Francis and the film, Soul.

Ernie Rea is joined by Francis Davies Professor of Religion, Communities and Public Policy at Birmingham University, Dr Fiona McCallum, Lecturer at the School of International Relations at the University of St Andrews, Pouya Heideri, an Iranian Christian who has been living in Britain for the last seven years and is training for ministry in the Church of England, and Rev Sally Smith from Stoke on Trent.

Producer: Rosie Dawson.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the impact of immigration on the church in Britain.

Each week a panel is assembled to represent a diversity of views and opinions, which often reveal hidden, complex and sometimes contradictory understandings of the world around us.

In this programme Ernie and guests discuss ways in which individuals have sought immortality either through belief in eternal life with God or through ever ingenious scientific methods. Why do human beings appear to want to believe in some sort of life after death? How is the meaning of this life shaped by a belief in the hereafter or a knowledge of endless existence? Are we ultimately creatures shaped by the destiny of our own death?

Joining Ernie to discuss immortality are the philosopher, John Gray, author of The Immortalisation Commission: science and the strange quest to cheat death; the theologian, Alister McGrath, professor of theology, ministry and education, and head of the centre for theology, religion and culture at King's College, London and the psychologist, Les Lancaster, professor of transpersonal psychology at Liverpool John Moores University.

Producer: Karen Maurice.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss ways in which individuals have sought immortality.

Joining Ernie Rea to discuss the role of religious nationalism in Indian politics are William Gould, Professor of Indian History at the University of Leeds, Atreyee Sen, lecturer in Contemporary Religion and Conflict at the University of Manchester, and Zoya Hasan formerly Professor, Jawaharlal Nehru University and currently National Fellow of the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR).

Producer: Amanda Hancox, Rosie Dawson.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the role Hindu Nationalism is playing in India's elections.

Joining Ernie to discuss the Inquisition are Dr Gemma Simmons, Lecturer in Pastoral and Social Studies at Heythrop College London and a member of the Congregation of Jesus; Dr Christopher Black, Honorary Professor of Italian History at the School of Humanities, at the University of Glasgow; and Cullen Murphy, Editor at Large of Vanity Fair and author of God's Jury, The Inquisition and the Making of the Modern World.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the Inquisition and its legacy from different perspectives.

Ernie Rea discusses the pros and cons of interfaith marriage with Asad Zaman, an Imam for over 20 years who leads the Friday prayers at several mosques across Manchester; Dr Jonathan Romain, a Reform Rabbi who has written extensively on interfaith marriage; and Rosalind Birtwistle, Co-Founder of the Interfaith Marriage Network, who is a Christian married to a Jew.

Producer:

Dan Tierney

Series producer:

Amanda Hancox.

Ernie Rae and guests discuss the pros and cons of interfaith marriage.

Most people agree that interfaith dialogue is a good thing, but interfaith crossovers within a worship setting risk causing great offense. Why is interfaith worship so controversial, particularly if the intention is to deepen friendships between local faith communities? How can churches, mosques and temples steer a safe course?

Robert Beckford discusses interfaith worship with Rev Anthea Ballam, an interfaith minister and priest; Rev Dr Gavin Ashenden, an Anglican priest and theologian; and Shayk Sohaib Sayeed, a Koranic scholar and a chaplain at the University of Edinburgh.

Producer: Dan Tierney

Series producer: Amanda Hancox.

Robert Beckford and guests discuss the purpose of interfaith worship.

Giles Fraser asks if this effort is in crisis? And with many feeling disillusioned, is interfaith work worth saving?

Joining Giles to share their experiences and discuss is Rabbi Debbie Young-Somers, Dr Ed Kessler from the Woolf Institute, Julie Siddiqi and Professor Harriet Baber from the University of San Diego.

Presenter: Giles Fraser

Editor: Dan Tierney

Producers: Rebecca Maxted and Peter Everett

Assistant Producer: Ruth Purser

Giles Fraser hears about pressure on interfaith networks and why they should be saved.

Series exploring the place and nature of faith in today's world

Previously friendly relationships between British Muslims and Jews are under strain. Giles Fraser hears about interfaith work in crisis, and hosts a debate about it's value.

Series exploring the place and nature of faith in today's world.

Ernie's guests are are Rania Hafez, Senior Lecturer in Education Studies at the University of Greenwich, Professor Dennis Hayes, Head of the Centre for Educational research at the University of Derby and Yasmin Alibhai-Brown, columnist for the Independent newspaper and co-founder of British Muslims for Secular Democracy.

What is the purpose of an Islamic education? Ernie Rea and guests discuss.

Ernie's guests are Ibrahim Mogra, one of Britain's leading Imams; Pav Akhtar, Muslim politician and the director of UK Black Pride and Islamic scholar and Secretary of the Charity 'Scriptural Reasoning' Sheikh Dr Muhammed al-Hussaini,.

Ernie is joined by three guests who discuss how their own religious tradition affects their values and outlook on the world, often revealing hidden and contradictory truths.

In this programme, Ernie and his guests discuss whether there is a ban on listening and playing music in Islam.

Producer: Karen Maurice.

Ernie Rea and guests debate whether Islam allows followers to play and listen to music.

France, Belgium & Italy have already banned the full face veil. Other countries are considering it. In Britain a Private Member's Bill on the subject was thrown out 18 months ago. But the subject prompts fierce debate amongst Muslims and non-Muslims alike. In a country like the UK, which prizes individual freedom, is it a basic human right? Or is it essentially divisive in promoting community cohesion? The Qur'an contains very few relevant verses and the word hijab literally means curtain but many new converts to Islam believe that the full veil is a religious obligation, but is it? Ernie and his guests get to the heart of what the Qur'an actually says and, more, importantly, how that has been interpreted.

Joining Ernie for a lively debate on Islam & the Veil are Fatima Barkatullah, writer and lecturer for the Islamic Education & Research Academy, Dr Shuruq Naguib, Lecturer in Islam at Lancaster University and Khola Hasan, Lecturer on Women's Rights under Islamic law & member of the Islamic Sharia Council.

Ernie Rea and his guests get to the heart of what the Qur'an actually says about the veil.

In this programme Ernie Rea and his guests explore the history and place of Islam in America, following recent tensions over plans to build an Islamic cultural centre close to Ground Zero in New York. Confusion over whether the building will be a mosque or a community centre have fuelled suspicions over the motivation of those behind the plans and given rise to a wave of Islamophobia across the USA. In the countdown to the mid-term elections in November, is such anti-Muslim rhetoric politically motivated or are Americans having a long overdue conversation about the place of Islam in their society?

Joining Ernie to discuss this are Robert Salaam a former US Marine who converted to Islam and is now the editor of The American Muslim: Dr Hussein Rashid, Lecturer at Hofstra University in New York and associate editor of Religion Dispatches; and Daniel Pipes Director of the Middle East Forum in Philadelphia.

The middle interview comes from Pamela Geller, editor of the blog, AtlasShrugs.com and author of 'The Post-American Presidency: The Obama Administration's War on America.

Producer: Karen Maurice.

Ernie Rea and his guests explore the history and place of Islam in America.

Ernie is joined by novelist and priest Marie-Elsa Bragg, the social and architectural historian William Whyte, Oxford University lecturer Freya Johnston and Rev Paula Hollingsworth, author of 'The Spirituality of Jane Austen.

Producer Rosie Dawson.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the religion of Jane Austen.

Religion features large in this novel - which isn't surprising as Charlotte was the daughter of Irish priest Patrick Bronte, the curate for many years of St Michael and All Angel's Church in Haworth. What is surprising though, is that some critics at the time described 'Jane Eyre' as an anti-religious work. Queen Victoria begged to differ and described it as 'A really wonderful book with fine religious feeling.

Joining Ernie Rea to discuss the religious content of Jane Eyre are Dinah Birch, Professor of English Literature at the University of Liverpool, John Bowen, Professor of Nineteenth Century Literature at the University of York and Rosemary Mitchell, Professor of Victorian Studies at Leeds Trinity University.

Producer: Helen Lee

Series Producer: Amanda Hancox.

Ernie Rea in conversation with guests about the religion in Jane Eyre.

What underlies this enduring appeal? Tolkien, a devout Catholic, described 'The Lord of the Ring' in a letter as 'a fundamentally religious and Catholic work'.

How are we to interpret the theology of Tolkien's world of 'Elves' and 'Orcs', 'Froddo' and 'Gollum', darkness and light? How do we reconcile Catholic symbolism with the magic and mysticism that lean to a more pagan reading of his stories? And what do these epic battles of good versus evil tell us about Tolkien's own faith and world view?

Joining Ernie Rea to discuss the religious and philosophical nature of J.R.R. Tolkien's literary works are Joseph Pearce, writer in Residence and Fellow at Thomas More College and author of 'Tolkien: Man or Myth'. Ronald Hutton, Professor of History at Bristol University, specialising in ancient and medieval paganism and magic. And Rev Dr Alison Milbank, Associate Professor, Department of Theology and Religious Studies, Nottingham University and author of 'Chesterton and Tolkien as Theologians'.

Producer: Catherine Earlam.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the theology of JRR Tolkien.

Joining Ernie Rea to discuss Karma are Ani Rinchern Khandro, an ordained nun in the Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism; Shaunaka Rishi Das, Director of the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies; and Martin Palmer Secretary General of the Alliance of Religions and Conservation.

Producer: Catherine Earlam.

Ernie Rea in conversation with guests about the belief in karma.

Producer Amanda Hancox.

Ernie Rea discusses the life of Khadijah, the first wife of the Prophet Muhammad.

Kim Jong Il - and his father before him - had assumed the status of demi-gods. To follow any other religion risked imprisonment or worse. In today's Beyond Belief Ernie Rea asks what the implications of Kim Jong Il's death might be for religious freedom.

By contrast, South Korea has some of the world's largest Christian congregations. And for centuries millions of Koreans, North and South, have followed Confucian, Buddhist and Shaman traditions.

Joining Ernie for the discussion are James Grayson, Emeritus Professor of Modern Korean Studies at the University of Sheffield; Professor Sebastian Kim who holds the Chair in Theology and Public Life at York St John University; and Dr Jiyoung Song Associate Fellow at Chatham House and Lecturer at the National University of Singapore.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss religion in Korea following the death of Kim Jong-il.

The one reality of which everyone can be sure is that they will die. Most people say they want to die at home surrounded by their loved ones, but dying in hospital is the norm. Religious communities have traditional rituals around dying - do these transfer easily to a clinical setting? And what might the idea of Last Rites mean to those without a religious faith?

Ernie is joined by Maryam Riaz, Muslim Chaplain with Bradford Teaching Hospitals, NHS Trust; the Rev Anne Edwards, Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care Manager at Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust; and Christina Welch, Senior Lecturer in Theology and Religious Studies at Winchester University where she runs an MA course in Death, Religion and Culture.

Producer: Rosie Dawson.

Jonathan Edwards still holds the triple jump world record 27 years after leaping to victory in 1995. He has taken home gold at the Olympics, World and European Championships and the Commonwealth Games. His success, he says, was driven by the belief that he was `in tune with a supernatural being that created the Earth`. Today, he no longer holds those beliefs but looks back on how they had an impact on his sporting career.

For Jonathan Edwards, his Christian beliefs were a deciding factor in his performance as an athlete but does God play a part in sporting success?

Aleem Maqbool brings together three people with different experiences of the inter-play between sport and spirituality. Khadijah Mellah won the Magnolia Cup at Goodwood in 2019 and is the first jockey to wear the hijab in competitive British horse racing. Richard Leadbeater is a former professional footballer turned Anglican Vicar and Shameema Yousuf is a sport psychologist, and mental health therapist who looks at the relationship between performance, mental health and culture.

The panel discuss whether personal religious beliefs have an impact on sporting performance. They ask whether faith gives athletes the edge on their competitors and if sports psychology can have the same impact. When it comes to elite sport, does God have a hand in the result? Does holding a faith make a difference when you're going for gold? Does God help you win?

Producer: Katharine Longworth

In elite sport, does God help you win?

Producer: Beena Khetani.

Ernie Rea in conversation with guests about the place of faith in today's complex world.

It's 200 years since the birth of the Scottish missionary, David Livingstone. His legacy was to shape missionary work in Africa and elsewhere, right through to the present day. His supporters point to the medical and educational advances Christian missions have brought whilst his detractors talk about the oppression of colonialism. Today African missionaries are being sent to the UK.

Joining Ernie Rea to discuss Livingstone's legacy are Paul Lloyd, Senior Pastor of the Victory Outreach Church; Cyprian Yobera, an Anglican Minister in Salford and Dr Jack Thompson, Honorary Fellow at the School of Divinity, the University of Edinburgh.

Ernie Rea and guests debate the legacy of David Livingstone, 200 years after his death.

Aleem Maqbool speaks with former Blue Peter presenter and author, Janet Ellis, about the path that led her to adopt Humanism.

This sparks a discussion on the nature of Humanism and the various rituals and beliefs associated with it.

Joining Aleem for the discussion are:

Professor Alice Roberts - Vice President of Humanist UK and author of The Little Books of Humanism and The Little Book of Humanist Funerals

Theo Hobson - Theologian and author of God Created Humanism: the Christian Basis of Secular Values

Lola Tinubu - Co-founder of the Association of Black Humanists in London.

Producer: Katharine Longworth

Assistant Producer: Linda Walker

Aleem Maqbool speaks to Janet Ellis about her journey to adopt humanism.

Ernie Rea is joined by the Very Rev June Osborne, Dean of Salisbury , whose Cathedral houses one of the four original copies of Magna Carta; Simon Barrow Co Director of Ekklesia, a Christian think tank; and David Carpenter, Professor of Medieval History at Kings College London and one of the investigators involved in the Magna Carta Project which is researching the context, production and reception of Magna Carta.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the church's role in the creation of the Magna Carta.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the religious dimensions of the crisis in Mali.

Dr Katie Edwards discusses marriage with Imam Ajmal Masroor, who's also a marriage counsellor, Hannah Brock Womack, a Quaker and civil justice campaigner and the Rt Rev Dr Christopher Cocksworth, Bishop of Coventry.

Producer: Rajeev Gupta

Producer: Rosie Dawson.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss how Martin Luther affected the course of the Reformation.

Its fifty years since Martin Luther King addressed an immense crowd in Washington and told the world that 'I have a dream.' His words galvanised black people across America and paved the way for the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Out of deep Christian conviction King wanted to fight against ingrained injustice using exclusively non-violent means. In this programme Ernie Rea explores the religious influences and ideas of Martin Luther King and asks, half a century on, whether we have sanitised the tough message of that speech.

To discuss the life and work of Martin Luther King Ernie Rea is joined by Rev Dr Cheryl Sanders, Professor of Christian Ethics at the Howard University School of Divinity in Washington D.C.;

Israel Dresner, Emeritus Rabbi of Temple Beth Tikvah synagogue in New Jersey who worked closely with King and was present when he delivered the 'I have a dream' speech and Richard Reddie, author of the book Martin Luther King Junior, History Maker.

Producer: Catherine Earlam.

Ernie Rea discusses the faith and philosophy of Martin Luther King.

Producer: Amanda Hancox

Ernie Rea explores the place and nature of faith and belief in today's world.

Each week a panel is assembled to represent a diversity of views and opinions, which often reveal hidden, complex and sometimes contradictory understandings of the world around us.

In this programme Ernie Rea and guests discuss male spirituality and ask if men and women respond differently to religious convictions. Do the leaders and prophets of the Hebrew scriptures offer role models for men going to church or synagogue today? Are the characters of Moses, Joshua, David, Solomon suitable and appropriate role models? For Christians, does Jesus and his selection of 12 male apostles offer an image for brotherhood today? Is the church focusing too much on love and nurture rather than courage, risk, adventure and sacrifice? Why are Jewish communities seemingly more successful at retaining men compared with their Christian counterparts?

Joining Ernie to discuss men and spirituality are the Reverend Andy Drake, director of evangelism at Christian Vision for Men; Dr Janet Eccles, a sociologist of religion attached to the Department of Politics, Philosophy and Religion at the University of Lancaster; and Rabbi Dr Dan Cohn Sherbok, Emeritus Professor of Judaism at the University of Wales, Lampeter.

Producer: Karen Maurice.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss male spirituality and ask why so few men go to church.

Aleem Maqbool speaks with Josiah and Vanessa, a young couple who were both brought up in strict Christian households, about how Jordan Peterson's online content influenced their faith and their relationship with one another.

This sparks a discussion on masculinity in the modern world and how male influencers are having an impact in the lives of young men and women.

Joining Aleem are:

Gavin Peacock - associate pastor at Calvary Grace Church of Calgary, and the Director of International Outreach for The Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood. Gavin was born in England, where he was a professional footballer for 18 years - scoring over 135 goals for Queens Park Rangers, Chelsea and Newcastle United amongst others in a career that spanned over 600 games.

Will Moore - an ordinand at Westcott House in Cambridge, a PhD student in Theology at Anglia Ruskin University with the Cambridge Theological Federation, and a Research Associate for the Centre for the Study of Bible and Violence, Bristol. He is the author of Boys Will Be Boys, and Other Myths: Unravelling Biblical Masculinities.

Harriet Hall - award-winning journalist and the Features Director at Cosmopolitan. She is a passionate feminist and author of ‘She: A Celebration of 100 Renegade Women

Producer: Katharine Longworth

Assistant Producer: Linda Walker

Aleem Maqbool explores masculinity and the impact of male online influencers on young men.

Ernie Rea explores religious perspectives on mental health with the Rev Will van der Hart, London vicar and a director the Mind and Soul Foundation, which explores Christianity and Mental Health; Professor Rasjid Skinner, consultant clinical psychologist and expert on Islamic approaches to psychology; and Dr Chetna Kang, consultant psychiatrist and a priest in the Hindu tradition of Bhakti Yoga.

Producer: Dan Tierney

Series producer: Amanda Hancox.

Ernie Rea and guests explore religious perspectives on mental health.

Producer: Dan Tierney

Series producer: Amanda Hancox.

Producer: Helen Lee

Ernie Rea and guests discuss miracles.

He's joined by Dr Shuruq Naguib a lecturer of Islamic Studies at the University of Lancaster, Dr Lindsay Simmonds a research fellow at the London School of Jewish Studies and Molly Boot, a theologian training for ministry in the Church of England. They discuss what rules they apply to the way they dress and the historic and scriptural basis for their understanding of modesty. What is the requirement of men to dress modestly in faith traditions and what role do sexuality, shame and purity have in the way some people of faith understand they have to dress?

Plus, cultural journalist Hafsa Lodi explains why, for her, the modest fashion industry poses a paradox, and we hear from male blogger Zaahid.

Producers: Rebecca Maxted and Katharine Longworth

Assistant Producer: Josie Le Vey

Editor: Helen Grady

Modest clothing is big business. What are the religious ideas behind why some cover up?

Can monarchy be divorced from its religious underpinnings and, if not, what place does it have in a secular society? Is it a symbol of unity or division in multi cultural Britain?

Joining Ernie to discuss the Monarchy are Philip Blond, Director of Res Publica; Symon Hill, Associate Director of the Think Tank, Ekklesia; and the Rev Dr Judith Maltby, Reader in Church History at the University of Oxford.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the religious foundations and function of monarchy.

The story of Moses is the seminal one for Jews; without him they would never have become a people. But he's important for Muslims and Christians too. And the story of a people being rescued from slavery and journeying to the Promised Land has been claimed by countless groups down through the ages.

Ernie Rea is joined by Maureen Kendler, teaching fellow at the London School of Jewish studies, Shuruq Naguib, lecturer in Islamic Studies at Lancaster University, and the Rev Keith Hebden, Anglican Priest in Nottingham and author of 'Seeking Justice: The Radical Compassion of Jesus.

Producer: Rosie Dawson.

Why does the story of Moses still hold such a broad appeal?

Producer: Helen Lee

Ernie Rea discusses Myanmar's turbulent history and current crisis.

There's now a strong working hypothesis amongst academics that traditional religious practices such as meditation can activate chemicals in the brain which produce the same effects as LSD. But Robert Zaehner, an early 20th century British academic argued that only theistic mysticism was sacred and that all other mystical states were profane or immoral.

Joining Ernie Rea to discuss mystical experiences are Dr David Luke, Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Greenwich and President of the Parapsychological Association, Shamanic Practitioner, Dr Zoe Bran and Shaunaka Rishi Das, Director of the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies.

Ernie Rea discusses the impact of religious belief and practice on today's society.

Near-Death Experiences often seem to include bright lights, the presence of benevolent spirits and a sense of peace - in other words a very positive experience. However, more unusually, there are others whose experience is very different, some cite overwhelming fear and visions of being chased by demons. Do these have a rational scientific explanation or are they indications of a life beyond this one?

Joining Ernie Rea to discuss the nature of Near-Death Experiences are Dr Penny Sartori of the University of Swansea, whose book 'The Wisdom of Near-Death Experiences' is due to be published in 2014; the Very Reverend Professor Gordon McPhate, the Dean of Chester Cathedral who is also a trained Pathologist and a member of the Royal College of Physicians and Chris French, Professor of Psychology at Goldsmiths College, the University of London.

Producer: Liz Leonard.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss near-death experiences. Is there a rational explanation?

Ernie Rea is joined by Mark Berry, a member of 'Safespace,' a new monastic community in Telford; Sister Dr Gemma Simmonds, Director of the Religious Life Institute, Heythrop College, London and a Trustee of the new St Anselm's Community at Lambeth Palace; and Dr Abby Day Senior Research Fellow in the Anthropology of Sociology and Religion at The University of Kent.

Producer: Nija Dalal-Small.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss new religious communities.

The attacks have been carried out by a group calling itself Boko Haram which has demanded that Christians leave the North of the country where the majority population is Muslim. Christians have taken revenge by attacking mosques and Muslims living in the South.

Nigeria is said to be one of the most religious countries in the world. Its also Africa's biggest producer of oil so it is wealthy. But more than half of its people live in poverty. Corruption and mismanagement is endemic. So is this conflict really about religion at all, or is religion simply a presenting issue?

Joining Ernie to discuss the role of religion in the conflict in Nigeria are

Dr Jameel Yusha, senior lecturer in media and politics at Northumbria university, Dr Steven Pierce, lecturer in the history of sub Saharan Africa at the university of Manchester and Dr Leena Hoffman who has just completed her PhD on democracy and patronage politics in Nigeria at the University of Birmingham.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the religious dimensions to Nigeria's current crisis.

In this programme Ernie Rea discusses the significance of Cathedrals in the lives of modern cities with Becky Clark, Director of the Cathedral and Church Buildings Division of the Church of England, John Laurenson, a Paris based BBC journalist and the Rev Michael Smith, Canon of York Minster.

Producer: Catherine Earlam

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the significance of cathedrals in the lives of modern cities.

Each week a panel is assembled to represent a diversity of views and opinions, which often reveal hidden, complex and sometimes contradictory understandings of the world around us.

In this programme, Ernie discusses the role and place of nuns in religious communities. How have they changed in recent years and how have they coped with a serious decline in vocations? Is there a similar decline within other faith communities?

Joining Ernie to discuss nuns are Myra Poole, a Sister of Notre Dame who is very involved with the movement for Catholic Women's Ordination; Rosanne Reddy, Sister of the Gospel of Life, a comparatively new order which she founded along with Cardinal Thomas Winning in 2000: and Lama Zangmo, a Buddhist nun and Director of the Kagyu Samya Dzong Buddhist Centre in London.

Producer: Karen Maurice.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the role and place of nuns in religious communities.

Three people die every day in need of an organ transplant while only 31% of people in the UK have joined the Organ Donor Register. Technological advancements mean there are ever more advanced ways of successfully transplanting organs but society remains divided over solutions along ethical and religious lines. Last month the Welsh Assembly became the first UK country to introduce a system where individuals will be presumed to have consented for their organs to be donated unless they opt out. Should the state take our organs or should it be the ultimate altruistic gift?

Joining Ernie Rea to discuss organ donation are Reverend George Pitcher, Anglican Priest at St Bride's, Fleet Street, Janet Radcliffe-Richards, Professor of Practical Philosophy at the University of Oxford. And Mohammed Zubair Butt, Islamic scholar and hospital chaplain.

Producer: Catherine Earlam.

Ernie Rea discusses the complex religious and ethical arguments around organ donation.

Producer: Dan Tierney

Series producer: Amanda Hancox.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the legacy of the doctrine of original sin.

To discuss the stereotype, their faith and their lives, Ernie Rea is joined by three Orthodox Jewish women. Abi Kurzer is the Rebbetzen or Rabbi's wife at Pinner United Synagogue in North London. She is also Clinical Manager and a social worker for a charity supporting adolescent girls from the Orthodox Jewish community. Rabbi Dr Lindsey Taylor-Guthartz is a Research Fellow at Manchester University. Controversially she was ordained this summer in New York. And Avigail Simmonds-Rosten is the Jewish Programme Manager at the Council of Christians and Jews in London.

Producer: Helen Lee

On a wet and windy November night a Carmelite nun, Lisa, leaves the convent, her home for 24 years, after a monk asks her to marry him.

With so few people now living in religious communities, what's the future for Britain's monks, nuns, friars and sisters?

Aleem Maqbool brings together three people who have experienced life in a religious order to hear Lisa's story and discuss this question. Father Luigi Gioia is a former Benedictine monk, turned Anglican Priest and scholar. Sister Gabriel Davison is a nun with the Poor Clares in Arundel, West Sussex, a centuries-old Catholic order which had a recent surprise hit in the classical charts with an album of their singing. And Berwyn Watson is the new Abbott at the Throssel Hole Buddhist Abbey in Northumberland.

The panel discuss what first attracted them to religious life and the benefits and challenges to life as a monk or nun. What is the purpose of monastic life, both for individuals, but also for the wider religious community and society? And what's the place of these centuries-old institutions in modern Britain?

Plus, what happened next for Lisa, and the monk, Robert?

Producer: Rebecca Maxted

Assistant Producer: Josie Le Vay

Editor: Tim Pemberton

With numbers waning, what's the future for Britain's religious communities?

Ernie Rea is joined by Pat Gaffney from the Catholic peace organisation Pax Christi; Jonathan Romain, Rabbi of Maidenhead Synagogue in Berkshire; and Major General Tim Cross who has seen active service in Northern Ireland, in Bosnia, and in Kuwait and Iraq during the First Gulf War and is now Chairman of the Christian Think Tank, Theos.

Produced by Nija Dalal-Small.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the religious history and contemporary aspects of pacifism.

How has religious faith shaped Pakistan? To what extent are the blasphemy laws, adultery punishments and honour killings religious? And how is the cultural and religious patriarchy of the country being challenged today?

Ernie Rea explores religion in Pakistan with Iftikhar Malik, Professor of history at Bath Spa University; Humaira Masihuddin, an Islamabad-based lawyer and Islamic scholar, who trains the Pakistani police and judiciary; and Dr Saeeda Shah, reader in Education at the University of Leicester and an expert in Islam and Education in Pakistan.

Producer: Dan Tierney

Series producer: Amanda Hancox.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss religion in Pakistan.

Ernie Rea is joined by Martin Palmer, Secretary General of the Alliance of Religions and Conservation: Ellen Teague, a Catholic Environmentalist and Michelle Boorstein, Religion Reporter for the Washington Post.

Produced by Nija Dalal-Small.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the Papal Encyclical on the environment and climate change.

Producer: Catherine Earlam

Each week a panel is assembled to represent a diversity of views and opinions, which often reveal hidden, complex and sometimes contradictory understandings of the world around us.

In this programme, Ernie Rea and guests discuss whether faith inspires philanthropy and asks if greater personal wealth comes with greater responsibility to help others, less fortunate.

Producer: Karen Maurice.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss whether faith inspires philanthropy.

A new book, A Universe from Nothing, by the American theoretical physicist Lawrence Krauss, turns this argument on its head. Not only can something arise out of nothing, but something will always arise out of nothing because physics tells us that nothingness is inherently unstable.

The book has made an enormous impact in the States, making the New York Times' best sellers list, and it prompted Richards Dawkins to observe that it was Potentially the most important scientific book with implications for atheism since Darwin.

So does it knock the argument for God on the head? Are physics and God irreconcilable?

Joining Ernie to discuss whether modern physics leaves any room for God are Dr John Lennox, Professor of Mathematics at the University of Oxford, Dr Usama Hasan, Senior Lecturer at Middlesex University and a part time Imam, and Dr Mark Vernon, Honorary Research Fellow at Birkbeck College, London who has degrees in physics, theology and philosophy.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss whether modern physics leaves any room for God.

Joining Ernie Rea to discuss pilgrimage are Dr Marion Bowman, Head of the Department of Religious Studies at the Open University; Martin Palmer, Secretary General of the Alliance of Religions & Conservation, and Connie Hill-Smith who is writing her doctoral thesis on cyber pilgrimage at the University of Wales, Trinity & St. David's.

Ernie Rea and his guests discuss pilgrimage and ask why it is growing in popularity.

Throughout history, people have sought explanations for such deadly epidemics. Pre scientific societies thought that plagues were a punishment from the gods who were displeased with human behaviour. We have a better understanding of the causes and effects of disease today, but such ideas persist in many quarters and can still have a subconscious influence on contemporary attitudes to illness.

Ernie Rea is joined by Dr Jane Stevens Crawshaw, Leverhulme early careers research fellow in History at Oxford Brookes University; the Rev Monsignor Robert J Vitillo, special Advisor on Health and HIV at the Catholic organisation Caritas International; and Joel Baden, Professor of Hebrew Bible at Yale University.

Producer: Rosie Dawson.

Each member of the panel has chosen (and recites) a poem to illustrate the idea that poetry can be the language of faith:

Names' by Wendy Cope

To men who use 'Why are you single?' as a chat up line' by Muneera Pilgrim

Belsen, Day of Liberation' by Robert Hayden

Rehearsal for the Death Scene' by Michael Symmons Roberts

Producer: Helen Lee

Poetry as the language of religion.

He has appointed eight Cardinals from outside the Curia as his key advisers - what fresh perspectives might they bring to the Vatican? And he's been consulting priests and laity ahead of a Synod on the family in October, but will the Church's position on matters such as contraception change as a result?

Producer: Rosie Dawson.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss Pope Francis' first year in the Vatican.

Producer: Helen Lee

Ernie Rea asks why more people have turned to prayer since the beginning of the pandemic.

Producer: Helen Lee

Ernie Rea and a multi-faith panel discuss the spiritual life of Prince Philip.

Joining Ernie Rea to discuss the Protestant Work Ethic are Lord Andrew Mawson, social entrepreneur, cross bench peer & minister in the United Reformed Church; Professor Sam Whimster, Fellow in the Centre for Advanced Study at the University of Bonn, and Jonathan Wittenberg, Rabbi of New North London Synagogue.

Ernie Rea discusses the impact of religious belief and practice on today's society.

Even in this so-called secular age, people with little or no religious belief often revert to religious terminology to describe their experience. After a difficult time, someone will say, 'I've been to Hell and back.' And after a time of testing or of waiting, they might say they've been through Purgatory.

The word Purgatory comes from the Latin word meaning to 'Purge,' and refers in Catholic teaching to a place or state between heaven and hell. It has no place in Protestant or Orthodox teaching. How did the idea develop? What was its purpose? Does it have any contemporary meaning?

Joining Ernie Rea to discuss the concept of Purgatory are Miri Rubin, Professor of Medieval and Early Modern History at Queen Mary University, London: Father Paul Keane, Vice Rector of Oscott Catholic Seminary in Birmingham: and the historian of religions, Martin Palmer.

Producer: Rosie Dawson.

Is purgatory a religious place or a psychological concept? Ernie Rea and guests discuss.

Joining Ernie Rea in this edition of Beyond Belief to discuss the colour purple and how it is used in society and religion, are the Right Reverend Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, Bishop of Ripon; the artist and colour expert Nicola Green and British Classicist and art historian Professor Robin Cormac.

Producer: Catherine Earlam

Series Producer: Amanda Hancox

Ernie Rea in conversation with guests about the colour purple and its use in religion.

Ernie Rea explores the beliefs being used to justify this aggression, and asks why the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill, has defended Putin's actions.

He's joined by Andrew Louth, theologian and Archpriest in the Russian Orthodox Church here in the UK, Geraldine Fagan, an expert in religious affairs in the former Soviet states, and Katherine Kelaidis, a writer and historian whose work focuses on early Medieval Christian history and contemporary orthodox identity.

Plus he speaks to the journalist and theologian Sergei Chapnin, who worked for the Russian Orthodox Church for 15 years.

Producer: Rebecca Maxted

Editor: Helen Grady

Ernie Rea explores the spiritual beliefs used to justify Russian aggression in Ukraine.

Producer: Beatrice Pickup

Ernie Rea and guests discuss church and race relations in the United States of America.

Joining Ernie to discuss Rastafari are Tony Tafari, who is a member of the Rastafari Council of Britain; Dr Ellis Cashmore, Professor of Culture, Media and Sport at Staffordshire University; and Marzia Coltri, visiting Lecturer at the University of Wolverhampton.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the beliefs and practices of Rastafari.

For many religions in the East the answer is found in reincarnation. Reincarnation is the belief that the human spirit inhabits new lives over and over, each time a person dies. Reincarnation is supported by Buddhism, Hinduism and Sikhism. But all these traditions have different views on how and why reincarnation takes places. Today we want to have a deep dive into what reincarnation really means within these faith traditions.

Joining Ernie Rea to discuss reincarnation is Dr Chakravarti Ram-Prasad, Distinguished Professor of Comparative Religion at Lancaster University; Dr Saeko Yazaki, Lecturer in Religious Studies at the University of Glasgow and Dr Douglas Davies, Professor in Theology and Religion at the University of Durham

Producer: Rajeev Gupta

Series Producer: Amanda Hancox

Ernie Rea and guests discuss reincarnation in Buddhist, Hindu and Sikh traditions.

The issue is not going to go away. From September next year, all primary schools are compelled to teach Relationship Education and parents at a number of other schools have raised concerns. At the heart of the matter is a clash of rights, a tension between the need to protect LGBT rights while accommodating certain religious convictions. How do you adjudicate between competing rights? In a plural, liberal democracy how do get along with respect and difference?

Joining Ernie Rea to discuss those questions are Yusuf Patel, Founder of SRE Islamic, an organisation which provides advice, support and training to parents concerned with how Sex and Relationship Education is taught in schools; Dr David Landrum, Director of Advocacy at the Evangelical Alliance; and Andrew Copson, Chief Executive of Humanists UK.

Producer:

Catherine Earlam

Series Producer:

Amanda Hancox

Joining Ernie to discuss the spiritual dimension to alcohol addiction and its treatment are Mike Williams, General Director of Stauros Foundation, a Christian Charity which offers fellowship to people suffering or recovering from addiction; Maia Szalavitz a neuro-science journalist with Time.com; and Dr Wendy Dossett Senior Lecturer in Religious Studies at Chester University who has just completed a Research Project on Spirituality and Addiction.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss spiritual approaches to the treatment of alcohol addiction.

Joining Ernie Rea to discuss religion and climate justice are Dr Husna Ahmad is Chief Executive Officer of Global One 2015, a Muslim Independent non-governmental organisation led by women, Gopal Patel, Director of the Bhumi Project, which works to mobilise the Hindu community on environmental issues and Martin Palmer former Secretary-General of the Alliance of Religions and Conservation.

Producer:

Catherine Earlam

Series Producer:

Amanda Hancox

Producer: Rosie Dawson.

As the sales get underway, Ernie Rea's guests discuss religion and consumerism.

We are all living with debt. People in the UK owed £1.436 trillion at the end of May 2015, according to The Money Charity, up from £1.407 trillion at the end of May 2014. That's an extra £584 per adult. We have learnt to live with credit, whether it be a mortgage or a loan for a car or just a credit card account which spirals out of control.

It seems that debt has become an essential part of personal finance. But is that healthy? Or ethical? And do our religious traditions have anything to say about our reliance on debt?

Ernie Rea is joined by Habib Ahmed, Sharjah Chair in Islamic Law and Finance at Durham University Business School; Paul Francois Tremlett, Lecturer in the Religious Studies Department at the Open University; and Michelle Swallow, Debt Advisor at the organisation Christians Against Poverty.

Produced by Nija Dalal-Small.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss what role religion plays in people's attitudes toward debt.

Joining Ernie to discuss how religious responses to earthquakes and other Natural Disasters are Edward Simpson, Professor of Social Anthropology at the School of Oriental and African Studies, author of 'the Political biography on an earthquake' about the aftermath of earthquakes in Western India: Atreyee Sen, Lecturer in Contemporary Religion and Conflict at the University of Manchester; and The Rev David Chester, Professor of Environmental Sciences at Liverpool Hope University.

What impact has the twin earthquake disaster had on Nepalese religious beliefs?

Since its emergence from the south Bronx in New York in the mid-1970s, hip hop culture has radically transformed music and the arts in America, and across the world. Hip hop is more than rap music; it is a style, a philosophy and a political worldview. In recent months, the artist, Stormzy has re-ignited discussion of the relationship between religion and hip hop. Is religion a superficial embellishment or is it fundamental to the origin and message of the artform?

Robert Beckford is joined by Monica Miller, Associate Professor of Religion & Africana Studies at Lehigh University, Pennsylvania, Abdul-Rehman Malik - Music Journalist & Educator, and Dr Christopher Shannahan - Research fellow at the centre for trust, peace and social relations at Coventry University.

Producer: Rosie Dawson.

What's the relationship between religion and hip hop? Robert Beckford and guests discuss.

Joining Ernie Rea are Dr Eliza Filby, Lecturer in Modern British History at King's College London, whose book, 'God and Mrs Thatcher: The Battle for Britain's Soul', is published later this year; Edwina Currie, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Health under Margaret Thatcher and MP for South Derbyshire between 1983 and 1997 and Canon Dr Alan Billings, Deputy Leader of Sheffield City Council under David Blunkett when Margaret Thatcher came to power, and former Director of the Centre for Ethics and Religion at Lancaster University.

Ernie Rea and guests debate the role of religion within politics.

Ernie Rea discusses religion's obsession with numbers with Marcus du Sautoy, Professor for the Public Understanding of Science and Professor of Mathematics at the University of Oxford: Alex Bellos, science writer and journalist and author of the book, 'Can you solve my problems?' and Rabbi Debbie Young-Somers a Community Educator at the Movement for Reform Judaism.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss religion's obsession with numbers.

Joining Ernie Rea to discuss religion and PR are the Rev. George Pitcher, former Religious Editor at the Daily Telegraph and Public Affairs Secretary to Rowan Williams when he was Archbishop of Canterbury; Dr Yasmin Ibrahim, Reader in International Business and Communications at Queen Mary University; and Jack Valero, former Press Officer for Opus Dei and one of the founding fathers of Catholic Voices set up to provide a positive Catholic response to issues in the public arena.

Producer: Catherine Earlam.

Ernie Rea discusses with guests how religions can do good - and avoid bad - PR.

Ernie Rea discusses whether Christianity or psychotherapy provides the more reliable guide to the inner life with Mark Vernon, a psychotherapist and writer; psychoanalyst Anouchka Grose; and Reverend Dr Andrew Walker, Director of the St Marylebone Healing and Counselling Centre.

Producer:

Dan Tierney

Series producer:

Amanda Hancox.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the relationship between religion and psychotherapy.

To discuss this subject, Ernie Rea is in debate with Berry Billingsley (Professor in Science Education at Canterbury Christ Church University); Dr Ruth Wareham (Education Campaigns Manager at Humanists UK); and Dr Myles MacBean (National Director at Scripture Union England and Wales).

Producer: Helen Lee

Editor: Amanda Hancox

Ernie Rea explores the place and nature of faith in today's world.

Producer: Helen Lee

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the role that smell can play in religion.

Producer: Amanda Hancox

Ernie Rea explores the place and nature of faith in today's world.

The Queen is preparing to celebrate the 60th anniversary of her Coronation on 2nd June 1953. The Coronation is an occasion for pageantry and celebration, but it is also a solemn religious ceremony. The form and wording have varied over the centuries. Today, the Sovereign undertakes to rule according to law, to exercise justice with mercy, and to maintain the Church of England.

Ernie and his guests will be considering the spiritual elements of the ceremony, asking whether both the wording and the solely Christian emphasis are appropriate in today's multi-faith society.

Joining Ernie Rea to discuss the role of religion in the Coronation ceremony are Revd Rose Hudson-Wilkin who is both a chaplain to the Queen and Speaker's Chaplain in the House of Commons, as well as vicar to two inner city parishes in Hackney; Martin Palmer, Church Historian and Director of the International Consultancy on Religion, Education & Culture and Symon Hill, an Associate of Ekklesia, a Christian thinktank which explores the role of religion in public life.

Ernie Rea and guests debate the role of religion in the coronation ceremony.

Aleem Maqbool and guests explore the intersection of religion, politics and international law when it comes to justifying the use of violence or military action in conflict.

With Rabbi Yehoshua Pfeffer, a Jewish lawyer and educator who lives in Jerusalem, who is the head of the Haredi division of the Tikvah Fund, a charity dedicated to promoting Jewish thoughts and ideas; Sheikh Dr Usama Hasan, an Islamic scholar and Imam with a background in researching extremism; and Mary-Ellen O'Connell, Professor of Law and International Peace Studies at the Catholic Notre-Dame University in the US, and author of ‘Self-Defence Against Non-State Actors'.

With additional contributions from Rabbi Yakov Nagen, author and leader in interfaith dialogue between Judaism and Islam; and Rev Dr Muther Isaac, a Palestinian Lutheran pastor and Dean of Bethlehem Bible College.

Producer: Rebecca Maxted

Assistant Producer: Peter Everett, Ruth Purser

Editors: Tim Pemberton and Dan Tierney

Series exploring the place and nature of faith in today's world.

The Reformation left Germany with a predominantly Catholic South and Protestant North; but today the scene is much more nuanced. The legacy of Communism means that religious affiliation in the former DDR is much lower than in the West; the number of Muslims in Germany now nudges five million, following the recent arrival of Syrian refugees, and debates around Islam and multi-culturalism are likely to play a prominent part in elections later this year.

Ernie's guests are Nick Baines, the Anglican Bishop of Leeds, who as a multi linguist has had a close relationship with all things German for many years; James Hodkinson, Associate Professor in German at the University of Warwick; and Silke Horstkotte, a Lutheran living in Leipzig who is also a Research Fellow at Warwick.

Producer: Rosie Dawson.

Mexicans have experienced a lot of death in recent years. Drug cartels operate freely in the urban areas. They have even appropriated their own folk Saint - called Santa Muerte or Our Lady of Death. 87% of Mexicans identify as Catholics. But what does their faith have to say about the desperate conditions under which so many live.

Joining Ernie Rea to discuss the role of religion in Mexico are Alan Knight, Emeritus Professor of Latin American History at the University of Oxford; Amanda Hopkinson, Visiting Professor of Translation at City University, London; and Dr Elizabeth Baquedano, Senior Honorary Lecturer at the Institute of Archaeology, University College London.

Producer: Helen Lee.

Ernie Rea in conversation with guests about the role of religion in Mexico.

In this programme, Ernie Rea and his guests discuss the statutory provision of religion in prison. What is the history and role of prison chaplains? Should the state make provision for prisoners to worship and practice their own faith inside prison. Is radical Islam being propagated within the prison system and what is being done to combat extremist views.

Discussing religion in prison is the Rev Christopher Jones, a former prison chaplain and now Home Affairs Policy Adviser for the Church of England's, Archbishop's Council; Rashad Ali from Centri, a counter extremist organisation; and Frances Crook, the director of the Howard League for Penal Reform.

Producer: Karen Maurice.

William Crawley and guests discuss the role of religion in Putin's Russia.

As restrictions have lifted many are finding that the faithful are not rushing back, although there are exceptions. How did it feel to take communion or attend Friday prayers together again in real life? Has the pandemic permanently changed the practice of faith as a congregation or community? And why, for faith leaders and theologians, is it so important we return to the church, synagogue or mosque?

To discuss why physical presence has been so important in faith and religion across millennia, Ernie Rea is joined by Dr Mansur Ali, a lecturer in Islamic studies at the University of Cardiff who advised his local mosque on the theology of online prayer during Covid. He's also joined by Dr Sara Parvis, a senior lecturer in Early Christian History at the University of Edinburgh and a practicing Catholic, and Dr Samuel Landau, an Orthodox Rabbi at the Barnet United Synagogue and a Clinical Psychologist.

Plus Rev. Sean Steele, the vicar of St Isidore Episcopal Church in Texas, explains how he is exploring physical presence in worship through virtual reality services in the metaverse.

Producer: Rebecca Maxted

Editor: Helen Grady

Is communal prayer and worship 'in real life' still as important to the faithful?

Joining Dr Katie Edwards to discuss this is Dr Beth Singler, Junior Research Fellow in Artificial Intelligence at Homerton College, University of Cambridge; Swami Ambikananda, a Hindu monastic and founder of the Traditional Yoga Association; Adrian Harris, Head of Digital at the Church of England and Abid Khan, Imam at Cheadle Mosque in Manchester.

Producer: Amanda Hancox

Dr Katie Edwards explores the place and nature of faith in today's world

Ernie Rea discusses the role of religious education with Dr Adam Dinham, Professor of Faith & Public Policy at Goldsmiths, University of London; Dr Adrian Hilton, theologian, educationalist and advisor to the former Education Secretary, Michael Gove; and Dr Abdullah Sahin, reader in Islamic Education at the University of Warwick

Producer: Dan Tierney

Series producer: Amanda Hancox.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the purpose of religious education.

Joining Ernie Rea to discuss the current situation in Iraq from a religious perspective are Gerard Russell, former British and United Nations diplomat and author of 'Heirs to Forgotten Kingdoms: Journeys into the Disappearing Religions of the Middle East'; Dr Erica Hunter, Senior Lecturer in Eastern Christianity in the Department of Religions at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London: and Dr Reza Pankhurst author of The Inevitable Caliphate.

Producer: Catherine Earlam.

Ernie Rea discuss the conflict in Iraq in the context of the country's religious history.

Joining Ernie to discuss Religious Literacy are Dr James Conroy, Vice Principal of the University of Glasgow and lead author of the publication, 'Does Religious Education Work?'; Dr Adam Dinham, Professor of Faith and Public Policy at Goldsmith's, University of London; and Dr Abby Day, Reader of Race, Faith and Culture at Goldsmiths, and author of 'Believing and Belonging.

Producer: Rosie Dawson.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss what makes a religiously literate society.

Producer: Rosie Dawson.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the promise and pitfalls of religious polls.

There will be the usual Ceremony of Remembrance at the Cenotaph on Whitehall when the nation honours those who lost their lives in two world wars and more recent military conflicts. Is this the best way for us to remember war? Do acts of Remembrance have any relevance today and should religion play a part in these ceremonies? To take a look at these questions, Mark Dowd is joined by a panel of experts and pupils from Loreto Sixth Form College in Manchester.

Producer: Catherine Earlam

Series Producer: Amanda Hancox

Mark Dowd discusses the best way for us to remember those who have fought and died in war.

Ernie Rea is joined by Bob Vander Plaats, head of The Family Leader pressure group, Boo Tyson from Coalition Mainstream and Dr Alexander Smith from Huddersfield University. Together they assess the influence of the Religious Right on Republican politics, and whether Americans might be ready for a Mormon president.

What role does religion play in the race for the Republican nomination in the US?

Many religious groups believe that Restorative Justice principles resonate with their traditions.

Joining Ernie to discuss Restorative Justice are Pavan Dhilowal, Head of Public Affairs at the British Humanist Society and former policy head at a think tank specialising in criminal justice; Khola Hassan, Media Representative at the Islamic Sharia Council; and Tim Newell former Governor of Grendon, a therapeutic prison.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the religious principles behind restorative justice.

Ernie Rea is joined by scholars Professor Helen Bond, Dr Andrew Boakye, and the Chief Executive of the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity, Paul Woolley, to discuss the evidence for and understanding of the Resurrection. Plus film critic and host of the 'Girls on Film' podcast, Anna Smith, discusses how the story and themes of the resurrection have appeared in popular cinema throughout the decades.

Producer: Rebecca Maxted

Editor: Tim Pemberton

This programme contains short excepts from the following films:

The Greatest Story Ever Told (Dir: George Stevens, 1965)

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe (Dir: Andrew Adamson, 2005)

What resonance does the essential story of Christian hope and salvation have today?

Producer: Helen Lee

Ernie Rea takes a look at Rosh Hashanah and discusses how different it will be this year.

Producer: Dan Tierney

Series producer: Amanda Hancox.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the Rule of Benedict.

Ernie Rea is joined by Fatemah Keshavarz, Director of the Roshan Institute for Persian Studies at the University of Maryland, College Park; Alan Williams, Professor of Iranian Studies and Comparative Religion at the University of Manchester; and Shahram Shiva, a Rumi Translator and scholar

Produced by Nija Dalal-Small.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the life and lasting influence of the Persian poet Rumi.

Ernie Rea chairs a special discussion about Rumi's appeal, recorded at the BBC's Contains Strong Language Festival in Hull.

Contributors:

Narguess Farzad - Senior Lecturer in Persian Studies at SOAS University of London;

Alan Williams - Professor of Iranian Studies and Comparative Religion at the University of Manchester, who is currently translating the six volumes of the Masnavi;

Shaykh Paul Salahuddin Armstrong - Managing Director of the Association of British Muslims and member of the Naqshbandi Sufi order;

Jamal Mehmood - writer and poet.

Producer: Dan Tierney

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the appeal of the 13th century Persian poet Rumi.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss religion in Putin's Russia.

Producer: Helen Lee.

Why does 'east' play such an important part in much Christian architecture?

Ernie also talks to John Irvine who was working in a factory in Flixborough in the North East of England in June 1974 when a huge explosion took the lives of 28 of his friends and colleagues and left him totally blind. He was buried alive for 48 hours before being pulled from the rubble. He found sanctuary and peace and ultimately Christian faith through creating and maintaining his own garden.

Producer: Helen Lee

Series Producer: Amanda Hancox.

Ernie Rea in conversation with guests about sacred gardens.

A young, slightly lost university student wanders into York Minster on a Saturday afternoon, after football practice. The choral music he hears there will change his life.

Aleem Maqbool hears his story, and is joined by a panel of talented musicians and composers from the Christian, Sikh and Sufi Islamic traditions to explore what makes the music they perform and compose spiritual. Is music a way they are able to connect with the divine?

His guests include Abi Sampa and Rushil Ranjan from the Orchestral Qawwali Project, Indian classical musician Jasdeep Singh Degun and Elizabeth Stratford, organist and Master of the Choristers at Arundel Cathedral.

Producer: Rebecca Maxted

Assistant Producer: James Leesley

A university student wanders into a cathedral and is transformed by the music he hears.

Start the New Year with music written to connect us with the divine. Aleem Maqbool hears a story of transformation and explores what makes music sacred with four talented artists.

Producer: Amanda Hancox.

Robert Beckford in conversation with guests about what makes a sacred space.

Joining Ernie Rea to discuss same sex marriage are John Haldane, Professor of Philosophy at the University of St Andrew's, the Reverend John Bell, a Church of Scotland minister and Bashir Maan, Former Convenor of the Muslim Council of Scotland.

Ernie Rea and his guests discuss same sex marriage.

For Jasvir Singh CBE, barrister and community activist, his Sikh faith has always been the cornerstone of his life. But when he got married in 2022 to his partner Nick. he couldn't have a religious ceremony. Speaking openly for the first time, he tells Aleem Maqbool about his relationship with his faith and his sexuality.

Nine years after legislation was passed in England and Wales legalising same-sex marriage, for many religious institutions it's an intractable issue. Aleem is joined by a panel to discuss why many religions won't conduct a marriage ceremony for same-sex couples.

Gurmel Singh is the Secretary General of the Supreme Sikh Council in the UK, Helen Lamb is on the Evangelical Council in the Church of England and Bhavit Mehta is a producer of cultural events and a practicing Hindu, who has conducted a Hindu marriage ceremony for a same-sex couple.

Producer: Rebecca Maxted

Assistant Producer: Vishva Samani

Editor: Tim Pemberton

Photo Credit: Lex Fleming Photography

Aleem Maqbool explores why many same-sex couples can't have a religious wedding ceremony.

Ernie is joined by three guests who discuss how their own religious tradition affects their values and outlook on the world, often revealing hidden and contradictory truths.

In this programme, Ernie and his guests discuss the place of sanctuary in the modern world. The guests discuss why Britain has a long and honourable but not unblemished record of offering sanctuary to those with a well founded fear of persecution, why churches were often seen as a place of sanctuary and how modern notions of sanctuary, known as seeking asylum, have become complicated by issues of economic migration.

Joining Ernie to discuss the right to sanctuary are Jonathan Wittenberg, Rabbi of the New North London Synagogue, the Rev Nicholas Sagovsky, Canon Theologian at Westminster Abbey and Douglas Murray, Director of the Centre for Social Cohesion. The programme also hears from Alain, who sought sanctuary in the UK after fleeing from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Producer: Karen Maurice.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the place of sanctuary in the modern world.

Ernie Rea is joined by three people who have given much thought to Satan. Darren Oldridge is Professor of Early Modern History at the University of Worcester and the author of `The Devil: A Very Short Introduction.` Roni Tabick is the Rabbi of the New Stoke Newington Shul in Hackney. He has studied ancient Hebrew culture and Rabbinic texts. And Dr Sharihan Al-Akhras is a Digital Journalist at the BBC World Service. Her PhD looked at the links between Milton's Satan in `Paradise Lost` and the Muslim story of Iblis.

Producer: Helen Lee

Editor: Helen Grady

Producer: Dan Tierney

Series producer: Amanda Hancox.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the religion of Saudi Arabia.

Producer: Helen Lee

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the growing tension between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

Joining Ernie Rea to discuss the Scapegoat are Rabbi Dan Cohn Sherbok, Professor Emeritus of Judaism at the University of Wales: Sharon Dirix, Tutor at the Centre for Christian Apologetics at Oxford; and Peter Stanford, writer and broadcaster whose latest book on Judas came out last week.

Producer: Rosie Dawson.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the religious role of the scapegoat.

Robert Beckford discusses the role of religion in science fiction with Aliette de Bodard, a writer with an interest in the interplay between science fiction and religion; Roz Kaveney, a writer, poet and critic; and Dr Sarah Dillon, author and Cambridge academic who explores science fiction in literature and film.

Producer: Dan Tierney

Series producer: Amanda Hancox.

Robert Beckford and guests explore the role of religion in science fiction.

Ernie Rea is joined by a panel which is split equally between pro and anti-union sentiments. Murdo Fraser is a Conservative Member of the Scottish Parliament and a Patron of the Conservative Christian Fellowship; the Rev Scott Rennie is a Church of Scotland Minister in Aberdeen and a member of the Lib Dems; both are pro union. Angela Haggerty is a Catholic journalist and commentator and shares a pro independence position with Graham Campbell an SNP councillor on Glasgow City Council and a Rastafarian.

Has the changing religious landscape in Scotland had an impact on the independence debate?

To discuss the religious dimensions in the Scottish independence debate, Ernie Rea is joined by the Rev Doug Gay, who is a minister of the Church of Scotland and lectures in Practical Theology at the University of Glasgow; Peter Kearney is Spokesman for the Catholic Church in Scotland; the Very Rev Kevin Holdsworth is Provost of St Mary's Cathedral in Glasgow and as such, a senior figure in the Scottish Episcopal Church; and the Rev Kathy Galloway is a Church of Scotland minister and former Leader of the Iona Community.

Producer: Helen Lee

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the religious dimension in the Scottish independence debate.

Joining me to discuss The Sermon are the Rev Dr Joe Aldred, Bishop in the Church of God of Prophecy: Reform Rabbi Barbara Borts,Newcastle; and Dr Bex Lewis, Senior Lecturer in Digital Marketing at Manchester Metropolitan University.

Producer. Rosie Dawson.

Is the sermon dead? Ernie Rea and guests discuss.

Producer: Amanda Hancox.

Ernie Rea and his guests discuss the seven deadly sins.

Ernie Rea discusses Shakespeare and Religion with Clare Asquith, author of Shadowplay: The Hidden Beliefs and Coded Practice of William Shakespeare; Eric Mallin author of a book called 'Godless Shakespeare:' and Helen Wilcox, Head of the School of English at Bangor University.

Producer: Rosie Dawson.

Was Shakespeare a closet Catholic? Ernie Rea and guests discuss Shakespeare's religion.

Ernie Rea explores the role of sharia councils in the UK with Dr Amra Bone, who is on the panel for the Sharia Council based in Birmingham Central Mosque; Dr Samia Bano, an expert in Muslim family law in the UK at SOAS, University of London; and Maryam Namazie, a human rights activist from the campaign group 'One Law for All'.

Producer: Dan Tierney

Series producer: Amanda Hancox.

Ernie Rea and guests explore the role of sharia councils in the UK.

Ernie Rea is joined in the studio to discuss what we mean by sin by Dr Gemma Simmonds, Director of the Religious Life Institute in Cambridge; Robyn Ashworth-Steen, Rabbi at Manchester Reform Synagogue and a former human rights lawyer; and Davinder Panesar, transpersonal psychologist and author.

Producer: Amanda Hancox

Ernie Rea discusses the relationship between religion and social media with Michael O'Loughlin, journalist and author of 'The Tweetable Pope'; Dr Bex Lewis, a Christian and Senior Lecturer in Digital Marketing at Manchester Metropolitan University; and Shelina Janmohammed, a Muslim writer and blogger.

Producer: Dan Tierney

Series producer: Amanda Hancox.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the relationship between religion and social media.

Producer:

Amanda Hancox

Ernie Rea explores the place and nature of faith in today's world.

In an attempt to find answers to these questions, Ernie Rea is joined by Shelina Janmohamed - an author and commentator on Muslim social and religious trends - Jewish journalist Angela Epstein and former MP Ann Widdecombe, who is a Christian.

Ernie also talks to Dr Fauzia Ahmad. She is an unmarried Muslim woman whose own experience has informed 25 years of research into why young Muslim women are finding it increasingly difficult to meet suitable Muslim husbands.

Producer: Helen Lee

Series Producer: Amanda Hancox.

Ernie Rea in conversation with guests about religion and the unmarried woman.

Producer: Rosie Dawson.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the appeal of Spiritualism.

Producer: Catherine Earlam

Ernie Rea explores the religious landscape of Sri Lanka.

That's what some religious leaders and scholars are starting to consider as we search for more sustainable solutions to feeding the world. Didier Toubia is the CEO of Aleph Farms, one company in Israel that has sought religious approval for its steak, grown from the stem cells of a black angus cow. They have also submitted an application to the Food Standards Authority in the hopes of bringing their products to the UK.

A written ruling by the Chief Rabbi of Israel declared that their lab-grown meat could be considered Kosher. Aleem Maqbool has questions, and is joined by a panel of livestock farmers to discuss the relationship between faith, farming and the future of meat.

Dr Lutfi Radwan is from Willowbrook Farm in Oxfordshire, which claims to be the first halal and tayib farm in the UK, Bridget Down is a Methodist preacher and famer in Devon and Achyuta Masoumi is from Bhaktivendanta Manor near Watford, an estate and Hare Krishna temple which includes a cow sanctuary.

Producer: Rebecca Maxted

Assistant Producer: Ruth Purser

The CEO of a lab-grown meat company describes the place of his Jewish faith in his work.

How does faith inform the work of the Jewish CEO of a lab-grown meat company? And a panel of farmers, all religious, share their perspective on the future of food production.

Ernie Rea is joined by Ronald Hutton, Professor of History at the University of Bristol, Julian Thomas,. Professor of archaeology at Manchester University and Frank Somers from the Amesbury and Stonehenge Druids.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the spiritual importance of Stonehenge.

Producer: Dan Tierney

Series Producer: Amanda Hancox.

William Crawley and guests discuss the use of stories in the Bible.

Each week a panel is assembled to represent a diversity of views and opinions, which often reveal hidden, complex and sometimes contradictory understandings of the world around us.

In this programme, Ernie and guests discuss how suicide is understood in Christian, Muslim and Hindu communities. Why do people want to take their own lives? What do the faiths say about suicide? And why does having a faith make you less vulnerable to suicide, as the evidence suggests it does?

Joining Ernie to discuss suicide is the Rev Dr Mike Parsons, principal of the West of England Ministerial Training Course and author of 'Suicide and the Church'; Raana Bokhari, doctoral student in the Department of Religious Studies at Lancaster University; and Dr Chetna Kang, a consultant psychiatrist and Hindu pastor. The panel hear from the Reverend Alan Smith, an Anglican priest, whose daughter, Sarah, took her own life in January 2007.

Producer: Karen Maurice.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss how suicide is understood by different faith communities.

A fault line has emerged throughout the middle-east dividing the region along Sunni and Shia lines. Where did this division within Islam occur and is it really the cause of these conflicts or merely being exploited for political gain?

Ernie Rea is joined by Murtaza Hussain, a Sunni Muslim, writer and journalist specialising in foreign policy and the Middle East. Dr Ali Al-Hilli is an Iraqi activist, lecturer and a Shia Muslim and Dr Carool Kersten, Senior Lecturer in the Study of Islam and the Muslim World, King's College London.

Producer: Catherine Earlam.

Ernie Rea in conversation with guests about the Sunni and Shia branches of Islam.

Each week a panel is assembled to represent a diversity of views and opinions, which often reveal hidden, complex and sometimes contradictory understandings of the world around us.

Producer: Karen Maurice.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss different ways of understanding the world around us.

On this New Year's eve edition of Beyond Belief, Ernie Rea discusses how the idea of heroes has developed, why those characters often have supernatural as well as superhuman dimensions and what religious and cultural meaning underlines their enduring appeal. He is joined by Angie Hobbs, Professor of the Public Understanding of Philosophy at Sheffield University, Natalie Haynes, Classicist and Comedian and Ajinbayo 'Siku' Akinsiku, British/Nigerian Artist and Writer and creator of the Manga Bible.

Producer:

Catherine Earlam

Series Producer:

Amanda Hancox

Ernie Rea in conversation with guests about the religious roots of superheroes.

Producer: Helen Lee.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss if there is any place for God in a modern courtroom.

Producer: Rosie Dawson.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the role of religion in Syria.

Aleem Maqbool speaks with Hilary about her choice to take a direct approach by blocking roads during climate change protests. They discuss her reasons, how she feels called to do this because of her faith and what her limits are.

Her reflections lead to a discussion on the place of protest and direct action for people of faith and faith leaders with Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg, senior rabbi in Masorti Judaism, Gavin Ashenden, Associate Editor of the Catholic Herald and writer and activist, Shaista Aziz.

Producers: Katharine Longworth and Linda Walker

Editor: Tim Pemberton

Aleem Maqbool speaks with Revd Hilary Bond about her actions during climate protests.

Producer: Helen Lee

Ernie Rea takes a look at the 5Ks of Sikhism.

Joining Ernie to discuss the Ahmadi are Imam Ataul Rashed from the Ahmadi London Mosque, Dr Sahib Bleher founder of the Islamic Party of Britain, and Dr Simon Valentine, author of 'Islam and the Ahmaddiya Jama'at.'.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the place of the Ahmadi community within Islam.

Ernie is joined by three guests who discuss how their own religious tradition affects their values and outlook on the world, often revealing hidden and contradictory truths.

In this programme, Ernie and his guests explore the beliefs, practices and lifestyles of the fastest growing group within Britain's Jewish community - Ultra Orthodox or Charedi Jews.

Much of its rapid growth is down to a high birth rate - they average around seven children per family - but they are also attracting members from other Jewish communities. In Israel they play a key role in electoral politics. But what is their impact in this country? What do they believe? How do they practice? And how do they interact with those who sit outside their community?

Joining Ernie to discuss Charedi Jewry is Rabbi Avraham Printer, Principal of the Yesodey Hatorah Senior School for Girls, Mrs Henya Myer, a member of the Hasidic Congregation in Manchester, and Rabbi Dan Cohn-Sherbok, Professor of Judaism at the University of Wales, Lampeter who belongs to the Reform Movement of Judaism.

The middle interview is with Hillel Athias Robias, now a Liberal Rabbi in London but once Rabbi to a Haredi Congregation.

Producer: Karen Maurice.

Ernie Rea and guests explore the beliefs and lifestyles of the Jewish Charedi communities.

Producer: Helen Lee

Assistant Producer: Julian Paszkiewicz

What is the role of the College of Cardinals in the Catholic Church?

The Coronation service is, at its heart, a religious event in which King Charles swears an oath to uphold `the Protestant Reformed Religion Established by Law` and is anointed with holy oil by The Archbishop of Canterbury.

But is this religious service representative of modern Britain? What does it say about who we are today? And will it speak to people of all faiths and none?

Aleem Maqbool speaks to The Most Reverend Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, about the meaning of the rituals and symbolism of this national event. His reflections lead to a discussion on the role of The Coronation in our modern world.

Aleem is joined by Professor Ian Bradley, author of God Save the King and Emeritus Professor of Cultural and Spiritual History at the University of St Andrews, Chief Executive of 'Republic' Graham Smith and Sejal Sehmi, U.K. Editor for Brown Girl Magazine.

Producer: Katharine Longworth

Assistant Producer: Linda Wood

Aleem Maqbool speaks to Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby about the coronation.

Ernie Rea considers the different uses and symbolism of the cross with Dr Sophie Lunn Rockcliffe, Lecturer in Roman History at Kings College London; Dr Anna Robbins, Lecturer in Theology and Contemporary Culture at the London School of Theology: and Dr Ed Kessler, Director of the Woolf Institute of Abrahamic religions in Cambridge.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the symbol of the cross in contemporary society.

Discussing the 14th Dalai Lama with Ernie Rea will be Kate Saunders (a writer and independent specialist on Tibet), Professor Robbie Barnett (Former Director of Modern Tibetan Studies at Columbia University and now a Professorial Research Associate at SOAS). the Venerable Lama Losang Samten (Spiritual Director of the Chenrezig Tibetan Buddhist Centre of Philadelphia and personal attendant to the Dalai Lama in the 1980s) and Andrew Quintman (Associate Professor of Religion at Wesleyan University who specializes in the Buddhist traditions of Tibet).

Producer: Helen Lee

Editor: Amanda Hancox

Ernie Rea takes a look at the life of the Dalai Lama.

In the final episode of this series of Beyond Belief, Ernie Rea is joined by Ajmal Masroor, a Bangladeshi born British Imam, the Reverend Lucy Winkett, Rector of St James' Church Piccadilly and Dav Panesar, a Sikh who has carried out pioneering work on mindfulness and contemplative based health interventions in the UK.

Producer:

Catherine Earlam

Series Producer:

Amanda Hancox

Ernie Rea explores the place and nature of faith in today's world.

Joining Ernie Rea are the Rev Michael Roberts, who trained as a geologist; Martin Palmer, Founder of the Alliance of Religions and Conservation: and the Rev Chris Halliwell, Rural and Environment Officer for the Diocese of Blackburn.

Producer: Rosie Dawson.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss Christian attitudes to the environment.

As for the human face, some Muslim women cover theirs in public; Hindus adorn their faces with colourful marks which signify their status; while many Christians have a cross of ash placed on their faces during Lent.

Joining Ernie to discuss The Face are Dr Jessica Frazier, a Fellow at the Centre for Hindu studies and a Lecturer at the University of Oxford; Joanna Moorhead, a freelance writer and Arts Editor for The Tablet; and Rania Hafez, a Senior Lecturer in the School of Education at the University of Greenwich and a Fellow of the Muslim Institute.

Producer: Helen Lee

Ernie Rea discusses the importance of the face to people of different faiths.

Joining Ernie Rea to discuss the family is Dr Clare Watkins, Lecturer in Ministerial Theology at the University of Roehamption in London; the Rt Rev Alan Wilson, Anglican Bishop of Buckingham; and the Rev Dr Paul Middleton, Senior Lecturer in New Testament and Early Christianity at Chester University and a minister of the Church of Scotland.

Producer: Amanda Hancox.

Ernie Rea and guests explore the changing nature of the family.

Professor Robert Beckford discusses why some far right populist movements in Europe are using Christian symbols and wanting to defend Christian culture with Tobias Cremer, a Phd Student at the Department of Politics and International Studies at the University of Cambridge; Timothy Peace, Lord Kelvin Adam Smith Fellow of the School of Social and Political sciences at the University of Glasgow and Jasjit Singh a Research Fellow in the School of Philosophy, Religion and the History of Science at the University of Leeds.

Producer: Amanda Hancox

Robert Beckford discusses the use of Christianity by the far right in Europe.

In the first of a new series, Aleem Maqbool speaks to David Baddiel about his book 'The God Desire'.

Aleem is joined on stage at The Hay Festival by the panel to explore what it means to have a desire for God, where this desire might come from and whether it's driven by fear of death.

Aleem is joined by:

Fergus Butler-Gallie - Priest in the Church of England and author of 'Touching Cloth

Osman Yousefzada - Multidisciplinary artist and author of 'The Go Between

Dr Carissa Sharp - Assistant Professor in Psychology of Religion at Birmingham University

Recorded at The Hay Festival in front of a live audience.

Producers: Katharine Longworth and Linda Walker

Editor: Tim Pemberton

Aleem speaks to David Baddiel and asks whether we have a desire to believe in God.

Joining Ernie Rea are the Rev Norman Hamilton, former Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Northern Ireland and Father Martin Magill, the parish priest at St John's on the Falls Road. Also in the discussion is Dr Gladys Ganiel, Research Fellow of the George Mitchell for Global Peace at Queens University Belfast, an expert in conflict transformation.

Ernie will also be talking to Alan McBride who lost his wife in the Shankill Road Bombing.

Producer: Helen Lee

Series producer: Amanda Hancox.

A discussion on the different ways of understanding the world around us.

Producer: Helen Lee.

Ernie Rea in conversation with guests about the place of faith in today's complex world.

Atwood's novel about a dystopian future in a fundamentalist regime has been turned into a hugely popular TV series, about to start it's fifth season. It's also been adopted by activists protesting against restrictions on female rights and freedoms.

Professor Linda Woodhead (Kings College London), Professor Coral Ann Howells (editor of The Cambridge Companion to Margaret Atwood) and Alissa Wilkinson (Culture and Film Critic for Vox.com) join Ernie to discuss the role of religion in Atwood's Gilead, why her vision has struck a chord today and its influence on culture and politics.

Producer: Rebecca Maxted

Assistant Producers: Josie Le Vay and Peter Everett

Editor: Dan Tierney

Margaret Atwood on the role of faith in her seminal novel.

Producer:

Catherine Earlam

Series Producer:

Amanda Hancox

Pope Francis is the first Pope from a religious order for 200 years. Many were surprised by his appointment. But what will his Jesuit formation give him as he grapples with the many complex issues facing the Catholic Church, including child abuse and infighting, including what some view as corruption, within the Vatican itself?

In the first of a new series, Ernie Rea discusses the Jesuits, with panellists Brendan Callaghan SJ, Master of Campion Hall, Oxford; Michael Barnes SJ, Professor of Interreligious Relations at Heythrop College, University of London and Catherine Pepinster, Editor of The Tablet.

Ernie Rea and guests debate the Jesuits in the light of Pope Francis's recent election.

Producer: Helen Lee

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the Christian themes in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

To answer these questions, Ernie Rea is joined by Dr Kathryn Gray, Associate Professor in Early American Literature at the University of Plymouth; Professor Peter Mancall who teaches history at the University of Southern California; and Paula Peters, a member of the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe.

Producer: Helen Lee

Ernie Rea takes a look at the Mayflower story.

To discuss these issues, Ernie Rea is joined by Martin Palmer who was Prince Philip's Religious Advisor on the environment; Rabbi Julia Neuberger - a Crossbench Peer in the House of Lords; Dr Jasjit Singh - an Associate Professor in the School of Philosophy, Religion and the History of Science at the University of Leeds; and Dr Daniel Loss from Harvard University - an historian of modern Britain.

Producer: Helen Lee

Assistant Producer: Barnaby Gordon

Editor: Helen Grady

What does it mean to be 'Defender of the Faith'? How relevant is it in a multi-faith UK?

Ernie Rea's guests are Professor Ronald Hutton from Bristol University, Professor Monica Grady from the Open University, Edgar Mark Williams, author of 'The Moon, Nature and Culture' and the Associate Director of the Jodrell Bank Observatory in Cheshire, Tim O'Brien.

Producer Rosie Dawson.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the spiritual allure of the moon.

Ernie Rea is joined by the Right Rev Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, Bishop of Ripon; Dr Mark Vernon, a Psychotherapist and author of A Secret History of Christianity and Pradip Gajjar, President of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness movement in Leicester and a teacher of Philosophy, Religion and Ethics.

Producer

Catherine Earlam

Series Producer

Amanda Hancox

Ernie is joined by three guests who discuss how their own religious or non faith tradition affects their values and outlook on the world, often revealing hidden and contradictory truths.

In this programme, Ernie's guests discuss what an understanding of the Big Bang Theory proves about the existence or not of God. How is the search for the so-called 'God particle' or Higgs Boson taking shape at the Large Hadron Collider at CERN, Switzerland and what are the implications for its discovery?

Joining Ernie to discuss this are Professor Jeff Forshaw from Manchester University, Reverend Dr David Wilkinson from St John's College, Durham and Dr Usama Hasan from Middlesex University. Providing some light relief is the comedian and atheist, Robin Ince.

Producer: Karen Maurice.

Ernie Rea and his guests discuss the origins of the universe.

Producer: Beena Khetani.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the appeal of chanting. Can it benefit our health?

Ed West is former deputy editor of the Catholic Herald and the author of `Iron, Fire and Ice: The real History that Inspired Game of Thrones`. Dr Jeffrey D Long Professor of Religion and Asian Studies at Elizabethtown College in Pennsylvania. Dr Jayme Reaves is Public Theologian and Coordinator at the Centre for Encountering the Bible at Sarum College, Salisbury. And Racha Kirakosian is Associate Professor of German and the Study of Religion at Harvard University.

Producer:

Catherine Earlam

Series Producer:

Amanda Hancox

Producer:

Catherine Earlam

Series Producer:

Amanda Hancox

Joining Ernie Rea to discuss the arguments for and against having Bishops sitting in the House of Lords are the Rt Rev Tim Stevens, Bishop of Leicester, Jonathan Bartley, Director of the Think Tank Ekklesia, and Dr Meg Russell, Deputy Director of the Constitution Unit at University College London.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the role of Bishops in the House of Lords.

Producer: Amanda Hancox.

Ernie Rea in conversation with guests on the life and death of Tsar Nicholas.

Ernie is joined by three guests who discuss how their own religious tradition affects their values and outlook on the world, often revealing hidden and contradictory truths.

In this programme, ahead of Pope Benedict XVI's state visit to England and Scotland, Ernie and his guests ask what is distinctive about English Catholicism. How did the ban on Catholics taking public office, only lifted in 1829 with the Catholic Relief Act, alter the treatment and perception of Catholics in England? What were the key moments and factors which restored Catholicism to a place in society and how have those created a distinctive form of Catholicism, unique to England and different to traditional Catholic countries. How does this play out today in public life, in relationship to the Pope and in acceptance of Vatican authority?

Producer: Karen Maurice.

Ahead of the Pope's visit, Ernie Rea asks what is distinctive about English Catholicism.

Ernie is joined by three guests who discuss how their own religious tradition affects their values and outlook on the world, often revealing hidden and contradictory truths.

In the first programme of this series, Ernie and his guests discuss the sacredness of hair. Why do some faiths require hair to be covered; some demand it is never cut; and some shave it as a means of suppressing the ego? What does hair and the covering of it, with cloth or wigs tell us about modesty, purity and cleanliness? How do we feel about ourselves and our identity when our hair is removed?

Producer: Karen Maurice.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the sacredness of hair.

Aleem Maqbool speaks to JB Gill from the boyband JLS about his strong Christian beliefs and the interactions he has with fans about faith and spirituality. Their conversation sparks a lively discussion on attitudes to religion among younger people and the role of celebrities and social media.

Aleem is joined in the studio by Jewish educator, and activist, Rabbi Lara Haft Yom-Tov who is a Masorti Rabbi at New North London Synagogue, Muslim influencer Nadim Al-Maktar and the musician Paul Bloom who made his career in Christian music but has since then left the Christian faith.

Producer: Katharine Longworth

Assistant Producers: Linda Walker and Olivia Copeland

Editor: Tim Pemberton

Aleem Maqbool speaks to JB Gill about his Christian beliefs and faith among young people.

Millions will have watched the historic funeral service from Westminster Abbey and the Committal at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle as Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was laid to rest. For some, the services will be full of meaning and resonance. Others will be less familiar with the Christian rituals that have evolved over centuries.

Ernie Rea is joined by writer and journalist Catherine Pepinster, Professor Douglas Davies, Rev Dr Giles Fraser and Andrew Carwood MBE (Director of Music, St Paul's Cathedral) to discuss and illuminate the meaning, symbolism and significance of the Queen's state funeral.

Producer: Rebecca Maxted

Assistant Producer: Peter Everett

Editor: Dan Tierney

A deep dive into the rituals of faith behind the pageantry of the Queen's state funeral.

Each week a panel is assembled to represent a diversity of views and opinions, which often reveal hidden, complex and sometimes contradictory understandings of the world around us.

In this programme, the first in a new series, Ernie and guests discuss the supernatural and ask whether there are always rational explanations for the apparently inexplicable.

Why does belief in the supernatural appear to have increased in recent years? Can it be explained by an increase in visibility in books, television and the internet or could our fascination with ghosts, spirits and the hereafter be filling a void left by organised religion.

The panellists hear from a medium and paranormal investigator who claims to have daily visions and has helped police forces solve murder cases.

Joining Ernie to discuss the supernatural are Gordon Smith, one of Britain's best known psychic mediums, the Reverend Anthony Delaney, pastor of Ivy Church in Manchester and Professor Christopher French, head of the Anomalistic Psychology Research Unit in the Department of Psychology at Goldsmiths College, London.

Producer: Karen Maurice.

In the first of a new series, Ernie Rea and guests discuss the supernatural.

Each week a panel is assembled to represent a diversity of views and opinions, which often reveal hidden, complex and sometimes contradictory understandings of the world around us.

In this programme, Ernie Rea and guests discuss the story of the visit of the Magi, or Wise-men to the infant Jesus told in St Matthew's account of the Nativity.

Who could the Magi have been? From where did they travel, having seen a star in the east and why would they have recognised it as a significant sign? Is there more to this story than a colourful image on a Christmas card and the inspiration for a well known carol?

Producer: Karen Maurice.

Ernie Rea asks who were the Magi or Wise-men who visited the infant Jesus.

Joining Ernie to discuss the Unification Church are Professor Eileen Barker, Director of Inform, an Information Network focusing on New Religious Movements, George Chryssides, Honorary Research Fellow in Contemporary Religion at the University of Birmingham and Jack Corley, Director of the UK branch of the Unification Church.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the future of the Unification Church.

To unpick the intricacies of the religious vote in the upcoming Presidential Election, Ernie Rea is joined by four experts: Sarah Posner, whose most recent book is ‘Unholy: Why White Evangelicals Worship at the Altar of Donald Trump'; Jane Little, a former Religious Affairs Correspondent for the BBC who now commentates on Religion and Politics in the United States; Christopher White; the National Correspondent for the National Catholic Reporter; and Anthea Butler, Associate Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Pennsylvania.

Producer: Helen Lee

Ernie Rea discusses the role that religion will play in the US presidential election.

Panel:

Dr Hina Shahid (GP and Chair of the Muslim Doctors Association)

Dr Rosemarie Mallet (Archdeacon of Croydon)

Dr Mark Pickering (Chief Executive of the Christian Medical Fellowship)

Producer: Helen Lee

Ernie Rea takes a look at the religious reasons behind vaccine hesitancy.

Producer: Helen Lee.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss differing concepts of time in religious traditions.

The Bible asserts that God made mankind in his own image; so what's the problem? Presumably he made people whose gender does not sit comfortably with the sex they were assigned at birth? But debate still rages within the church because the Bible also says that 'male and female, God created them' which suggests that there should be no ambiguity when it comes to a person's gender.

The issues are complex and they can multiply if a trans person is living a religious life within a religious community. What is the attitude of religious traditions towards transgender people? Are the problems more cultural than religious?

Joining Ernie Rea are Kamalanandi, and Philippa Whittaker, A Buddhist and a Christian who have both transitioned. With them in discussion is the academic Dr Susannah Cornwall whose work concentrates on contextual theologies, particularly those relating to sex gender and sexuality.

Ernie also talks to Indian transgender activist Vyjayanti Vasanta Mogli about the role that the Hijra play within the Hindu community in India. The Hijra are transgender people who are invited to bless new born babies and married couples but they find themselves outcast within Indian society despite a change in the law in 2014 which recognises their right to be who they are.

Producer: Helen Lee

Series producer: Amanda Hancox.

Ernie Rea in conversation with guests about religion and transgender issues.

Each week a panel is assembled to represent a diversity of views and opinions, which often reveal hidden, complex and sometimes contradictory understandings of the world around us.

As 2011 marks the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible, Ernie Rea and guests discuss how sacred texts, such as the Bible, Koran or Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh Holy book, should be translated. Are translations given equal consideration by followers as the original text? Does it matter whether you understand the language of your Holy book? Is there a place for contemporary interpretations such as the comic book Bible?

Joining Ernie to discuss translating holy books is Jasjit Singh, a doctoral researcher from the Department of Theology and Religious Studies at the University of Leeds; Dr Sahib Bleher, a professional translator who is currently working on a translation of the Qur'an into English; and the Rev Dr Maggi Dawn Fellow at Robinson College Cambridge and author of 'The Writing on the Wall: High Art, Popular Culture and the Bible.

Producer: Karen Maurice.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss whether we should translate Holy books.

Ernie Rea explores the religious response to trauma with Fr Aidan Troy, Parish priest of St Joseph's Catholic Church in Paris; Dr Elisabeth Harris, Associate Professor in Religious Studies at Liverpool Hope University; and Dr Kenneth Pargament, clinical psychologist and author of 'The Psychology of Religion and Coping'.

Producer: Dan Tierney

Series producer: Amanda Hancox.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the religious response to trauma.

Many travellers have a strong religious faith. Those of Irish origin tend to be Catholic; but an increasing number of travellers of Romany origin are joining Pentecostal churches. How does their religious practice differ from the mainstream? Are there common features that relate to their way of life? How has the experience of travelling and of exclusion impacted on their faith? In religion, as in life, must they always be outsiders?

Joining Ernie Rea to discuss the religious beliefs of travelling people are Dr Adrian Marsh, Senior Programme Manager at the Open Society Foundation, Cathleen McDonagh, from Exchange House, a National Traveller Organisation in Dublin; and Jackie Boyd, a pastor with the Light and Life Gypsy Church.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the place of faith in the lives of travelling people.

Special edition live from the Imperial War Museum North on civilians in armed conflict.

In this programme Ernie Rea is joined in the studio by Charley Baginsky, a Rabbi from Liberal Judaism; Mabh Savage, Pagan Federation Children and Families Secretary; and John Parker who is the Senior Technical Officer at the Arboricultural Association to explore what the worlds great religious traditions can teach us about why trees matter so much.

Religions claim they hold the 'truth', but religious belief cannot be proved like the sort of truth which is based on empirical evidence. What are some of the religious understandings of truth? And what role does religion have to play in a so-called 'post-truth' world?

Producer: Dan Tierney

Series Producer: Amanda Hancox.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the religious understanding of truth.

It's 50 years since TS Eliot died. His later work, most notably the Four Quartets, is informed by a Christian Faith which became one of the pillars which sustained his life. How religious is his poetry? And what does it have to say to a society which many feel has lost its Christian moorings?

Ernie is joined by Lyndall Gordon, author of The Imperfect Life of T S Eliot; the Rt Rev the Lord Harris, former Bishop of Oxford; and Roz Kaveney, poet, and critic and author of a series on Eliot for the Guardian newspaper.

Producer: Rosie Dawson.

Ernie Rea is joined by Zoe Petkanas, working on a Ph.D on Gender, Law and Social Change in North Africa at Cambridge University; Dr Radwan Masmoudi, President of the Centre of the Study of Islam and Democracy in Washington D.C.; and Berny Sebe, Senior Lecturer in colonial and post colonial studies at Birmingham University.

Produced by Nija Dalal-Small.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the role of religion in Tunisian society and government.

Turkey is around 97% Muslim. However, there have been growing concerns among many who see the conservative religious reforms of Erdogan's Islamist-rooted AK Party as being in opposition to the modern secular republic established in the 1920s by nationalist leader Kemal Ataturk.

What do recent events say about the place of religion in Turkey? How strong is the tension between secularism and Islamism? What does the future hold for religious freedom in Turkey?

Ernie Rea discusses religion in Turkey with Bill Park, senior lecturer at King's College London and policy advisor for the Centre for Turkey Studies; Ozcan Keles, Muslim chairperson of the Gulen-inspired UK charity, the Dialogue Society; and Hakan Camuz; Muslim international legal consultant and supporter of the Turkish government.

Producer: Dan Tierney

Series producer: Amanda Hancox.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss religion in Turkey.

In the latter years of the 20th century, there had perhaps been an assumption in the West that faith was anachronistic, declining, irrelevant. But as the new millennium got under way, even those without any faith of their own had to acknowledge that religion was not something they could ignore.

In Britain, the story often told is of a steady decline in institutional religion and of increasing secularisation. But that's not the whole story; the religious make-up of Britain is younger, more diverse and more bespoke, and, according to a recent survey, young adults are more likely to pray than older generations (Church of England, 2022).

For Ernie Rea's last programme on Beyond Belief he's joined by guests to explore two decades of change. Is our religious literacy improved, or is ignorance more entrenched? And what is role might religion play in our future?

With Sheikh Dr Usama Hasan, Right Reverend James Jones KBE, Seeta Suchak, Christina Patterson and Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner.

Producer: Rebecca Maxted

Assistant Producers: Peter Everett and Josie Le Vey

Editor: Dan Tierney

In his final Beyond Belief Ernie Rea explores the evolving role of faith in today's world.

Julie Nicholson's daughter, Jenny, was killed in the 7/7 London Bombings. Julie has not forgiven Jenny's killer which has led to conflict with what was expected of her in her role as a parish priest. She tells Aleem Maqbool about the difficulties in reconciling her faith's teachings on forgiveness with her Christian ministry and the response she received after being dubbed 'the vicar who couldn't forgive'.

Julie's story sparks a discussion on the place of forgiveness from different religious perspectives. Aleem is joined by New Testament scholar, Professor Anthony Bash, who has written extensively on the theology of forgiveness, Rabbi Elchonon Feldman, Senior Rabbi at Bushey United Synagogue and author Marian Partington.

They discuss what is meant by forgiveness in different religious contexts. Whether it is essential to forgive others for the hurt they have caused us or is there a limit. Can we forgive the unforgiveable?

Producer: Katharine Longworth with Vishva Semani

Assistant Producer: Josie Le Vay

Editor: Tim Pemberton

Aleem Maqbool explores what happens when we can't, or won't, forgive.

Producer: Dan Tierney

Series producer: Amanda Hancox.

To discuss these questions Ernie Rea is joined by David Clough, Professor of Medical Ethics at the University of Chester, David Rosen, former Chief Rabbi of Ireland, Heena Modi, a Jain who coaches people on how to become vegan and Dr David Grumett, Senior Lecturer in Theology and Ethics at the School of Divinity, at the University of Edinburgh.

Producer: Catherine Earlam

Ernie Rea explores the place and nature of faith in today's world.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the genesis of the idea of the Virgin Birth and explores its contemporary validity and value.

Producer: Rosie Dawson.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the belief that Jesus was born of a virgin birth.

Producer: Amanda Hancox

Ernie Rea explores the place and nature of faith in today's world

Ernie is joined by Her Majesty Queen Mother Dr Dowoti Desir (a Mambo Asogwe - Vodou High Priestess) from her Royal Palace in the city of Ouidah in Benin. Also taking part in the discussion are Dr Louise Fenton (a Senior Lecturer in Contextual Studies at the University of Wolverhampton) and Dr Kyrah Malika Daniels (Assistant Professor of Art History, Africana Studies and Theology at Boston College in the United States).

Producer: Helen Lee

Ernie Rea explores the misunderstood religion of Vodou; known as Voodoo in the West.

Many of those who remember life under the Taliban the first time around in the 1990s are not hopeful. They describe an oppressive regime, justified Islamically through an extremely narrow interpretation of sharia law. Women couldn't work, girls couldn't go to school; there was a strict dress code for men and women; music, TV and cinema were banned. There were brutal punishments for those who stepped out of line. Ethnic and religious minorities were targeted and killed.

Mobeen Azhar and guests explore what the Taliban believe, how they have justified their actions theologically and whether any of those core beliefs are likely to change.

Contributors:

Dr Sayed Hassan Akhlaq - Afghan-Iranian philosopher at Coppin State University in Baltimore, who has specialised in Islamic theology;

Dr Haroun Rahimi - Assistant Professor of Law at the American University of Afghanistan;

John Mohammed Butt - Islamic scholar and graduate of Darul Uloom Deoband in India;

Dr Weeda Mehran - lecturer at the Department of Politics at the University of Exeter, who grew up in Afghanistan in the 1990s.

Producer: Dan Tierney

Editor: Helen Grady.

Ernie Rea explores how ritual, repeated actions done the same way every time, long associated with religion, is being employed by those outside of faith practice. There are now apps that can help build mindful rituals into your day, workplaces are designing ceremonies to build community amongst colleagues. What attracts us to these kinds of practices and without a religious framework do they lose their power?

Ernie is joined by Casper Ter Kuile, formerly at the Harvard Divinity School he's the author of 'The Power of Ritual'. Kashori Jani is a Sanskrit teacher at a Hindu faith school and shares ancient Hindu wisdom and Kirtan (musical mantra meditation) with her large following online. Father David Elliot is Catholic Priest and the Head of Theology at the Oratory School in Oxford.

Plus Matt Brooke from Tough Mudder tells us how ritual helps competitors complete their endurance challenges.

Producer: Rebecca Maxted and Katharine Longworth

Assistant Producer: Josie Le Vey

Editor: Tim Pemberton

Why are non-religious rituals becoming popular, and how do habits become sacred?

A shortage of experienced subject teachers and a very mixed picture in what children are taught has led to a 'post-code lottery' in the quality of RE teaching. The subject has different names and different legal requirements depending on what nation your child goes to school in, but it's compulsory to teach religious education to all children across the UK throughout their school life. The differences are in what is taught, how it's taught and the quality of teaching.

Fiona Moss is the CEO of the National Association of Teachers for Religious Education (NATRE), advising and training hundreds of teachers every year and lobbying for better funding. Stephen Evans is the Chief Executive Officer for the National Secular Society and Rabbi Benjy Rickman is Head of Religious Education at King David High School in Manchester, a Jewish faith school. They debate how the subject is and should be changing and why it's important.

Producer: Rebecca Maxted

Assistant Producer: Ruth Purser

The quality of RE teaching is a 'postcode lottery'. What needs to change?

Teacher and Tik-Toker @mrsreandpsheteacher shares her passion for religious education, but says there are problems. What needs to change and why is it important?

Religious institutions are large establishments, but does this give people the right to joke about them? And can religion itself be seen as funny?

Aleem Maqbool talks to Eman El Husseini, Muslim comedian, and wife of Jewish comic Jess Salomon who together hosted Comedians vs The News on BBC World Service, about her belief that religion itself is funny and how this influences her stand-up material.

Comedians Rachel Creeger, Paul Kerensa, and Aatif Nawaz join our panel to discuss when they started to joke about faith, whether they think religion is funny and whether we should draw a line between what we should and shouldn't joke about.

Producers: Katharine Longworth and Rebecca Maxted

Assistant Producer: Ruth Purser

Should religion be joked about, or are some subjects too sacred for satire?

Series exploring the place and nature of faith in today's world

Is religion funny? Comedian Eman El Husseini talks to Aleem Maqbool about her belief that religion is itself is funny and how this influences her stand-up material.

For over eight years, there have been reports of mass surveillance of the Uyghur population and abuses including forced incarceration in 're-education camps' and sterilisation against the Uyghur people in Xinjiang. The Chinese government have consistently denied accusations of abuse and insist their camps are vocational facilities, and to combat terrorism.

Ernie Rea explores the faith of the majority Muslim Uyghur people. What could be lost from their language, culture and heritage?

Ernie is joined by experts on the region, Dr Jo Smith Finley and Dr Rian Thum. Rahima Mahmut, a Uyghur Muslim. grew up in the region and is the UK Director of the World Uyghur Congress. And Abduweli Ayup, a Uyghur poet and linguistic scholar, tells his story of incarceration in Xinjiang.

Producer: Rebecca Maxted

Ernie Rea explores the faith and culture of a majority Muslim people in North-West China.

Joining Ernie Rea to discuss the way in which religions change are Dr Linda Woodhead, Professor in the Sociology of Religion in the Department of Politics, Philosophy and Religion at Lancaster University; Dr Yaakov Wise, Research Fellow in the Centre for Jewish Studies at the University of Manchester; and Dr Gavin Flood, Professor of Hindu Studies and Comparative Religion at the University of Oxford.

Ernie Rea in conversation with guests about why religions change.

Producer, Rosie Dawson.

Will Ernie Rea and guests sing William Blake's Jerusalem at Last Night of the Proms?

Producer: Charlotte Simpson.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the link between African churches, witchcraft and child abuse

Aleem Maqbool speaks with modern day witch, Richard about his spirituality and the impact it has on his life sparking a discussion on Wicca, Paganism and Druidry the relationship between these spiritualities and other faiths.

Producer: Katharine Longworth

Editor: Tim Pemberton

Aleem Maqbool speaks to Richard about his pagan spirituality.

Aleem Maqbool speaks to Lizzie Lowrie about her experience of baby loss and miscarriage and how her faith and church community brought both challenges and support.

Her story sparks a discussion on what it means to live without children in different belief systems and how the faith community responds. Aleem discusses different approaches to childlessness with:

Vik Singh, who, with his wife, Sarina, set up The Himmat Collective to support Punjabi Communities struggling with fertility issues, after their own difficulties starting a family, Dr Dawn Llewellyn, Associate Professor in Religion and Gender at the University of Chester and Farah Dualeh author of Taking Control: A Muslim Woman's Guide to Surviving Infertility.

Producer: Katharine Longworth

Assistant Producer: Dave James

Aleem Maqbool leads a discussion on fertility, childlessness and faith.

Aleem Maqbool meets Naima Khan, a Muslim and female imam and Director of the Inclusive Mosque Initiative. For ten years the mosque has been quietly pioneering, with women leading mixed-gender congregations in prayer. Naima tells Aleem why it was important for her to take on a level of spiritual leadership. What has the reaction been and what does her faith teach her about inclusivity and representation?

Jill Duff, the Bishop of Lancaster in the Church of England, Georgia Clarke, a youth leader in the Roman Catholic Church, and Mandeep Kaur MBE, Sikh Chaplain to the RAF and Ministry of Defence advisor on Sikh issues discuss what female leadership means to them. What progress has been made and where are the limits in their traditions to the roles women can play?

Producer: Rebecca Maxted

Assistant Producer: Ruth Purser

A female imam tells Aleem Maqbool about her pioneering work and the reaction she's had.

Aleem Maqbool meets a pioneering female imam, Naima Khan, from the Inclusive Mosque Initiative. What progress has been made in female spiritual leadership and where are the limits?

There are around a million Hindus living in Britain and they take many of their values from the story of Ram. But are some of those values demeaning to women? There are many gods and goddesses in Hinduism but do they provide good role models for modern women? What does Hinduism teach about how women are supposed to live their lives?

Joining Ernie Rea to discuss a woman's place in Hindu society are Atreyee Sen, Lecturer in Contemporary Religion and Conflict at Manchester University; Shaunaka Rishi Das, Director of the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies; and Padma Anagol, Senior Lecturer in History at Cardiff University.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the place of women in Hinduism.

Ernie is joined by three guests who discuss why the idea of women in positions of religious leadership is so controversial.

It is 35 years since the first woman was appointed as a Rabbi in the UK. Since then, women have become priests but not bishops in the Church of England; there are continual calls to ordain women to the Catholic church; while the idea of female Imams is almost unimaginable in Muslim circles.

So why aren't women breaking through the glass ceiling into positions of leadership? How do theological issues influence equality? And do men and women bring different but equal skills to positions of religious leadership?

Joining Ernie to discuss these issues is Canon Lucy Winkett, currently Precentor of St Paul's Cathedral and shortly to become Rector of St James, Piccadilly; Lorna Ashworth, lay member of the General Synod of the Church of England and member or Reform, an organisation which opposes women Bishops and Khola Hassan, the director of Albatross Consultancy which focuses on issues concerning Muslims in Britain.

Jackie Tabick tells Ernie what it was like to be Britain's first female Reform Rabbi and whether opposition to women in positions of leadership has changed in the 35 years since she joined the Rabbinate.

Producer: Karen Maurice.

Ernie Rea and a panel of guests discuss the role and place of women as religious leaders.

Joining Ernie to discuss the position of women within the Sikh tradition are Navtej Purewal, Lecturer in the School of Social Sciences at Manchester University; Eleanor Nesbitt, Professor Emeritus at the Institute of Education in the University of Warwick; and Nicky Guninder Kaur Singh, Professor in the Department of Religious Studies at Colby College Waterville Maine in the USA.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss women in Sikhism.

Religion and nature were great sources of inspiration and debate for both men. Wordsworth's childhood home, The English Lake District, was alive with different and often 'dissenting' ideas about Christianity but what influence did these ideas have on his work? Did Wordsworth and Coleridge share a common idea of the nature of God and what resonance does their work have today?

Joining Dr Katie Edwards to discuss the influence of faith on the life of Wordsworth, is Rev Marie-Elsa Bragg, priest and writer; Seamus Perry, Professor of English Literature at The University of Oxford and Heidi Snow, Professor of English Literature and holder of the Edith and Lewis White Distinguished Professorship at Principia College, Illinois, USA.

Producer: Dan Jackson

Ernie Rea is joined by Jim Mallinson from SOAS, University of London, Suzanne Newcombe from the charity Inform and Ramesh Pattni from the Hindu Forum of Britain.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the spiritual roots of yoga.

Whilst those ticking ‘no religion' box on the census is increasing, are those who still identify with a religion more likely to have a strengthened commitment to it? Ernie Rea is joined by a panel representing different faiths, to discuss the pull of religion for young people in 2022.

Bhavya Shah is the President of the National Hindu Student Forum, Jasvir Kaur Rababan is a Sikh music teacher, Professor Stephen Bullivant from St Mary's University is about to publish new research called 'Why Younger Catholics Seem More Committed' and Dr Sadek Hamid is a writer and academic with an expertise on Islam and young people in Britain.

Producer: Rebecca Maxted

Editor: Tim Pemberton

As society becomes more secular, why are some young people embracing a 'full fat' faith?

Ernie was born in Belfast and worked in a youth club on the Shankill Road during some of the worst years of the Troubles. He experienced the visceral hatred felt by some Protestants and Catholics towards each other and although religion was not the cause of the Troubles, it played its part; it largely determined how people voted and where they sent their children to school. Ernie acknowledges that things have changed since the Troubles but he wants to know how much? Does religious affiliation still determine attitudes towards social and moral issues in Northern Ireland?

Panel:

Andrew Matthews

Aoibhin McNeill

Chris Clague

Shannon Campbell

Producer:

Helen Lee

Editor:

Helen Grady

Young voices from Northern Ireland discuss how things have changed since the Troubles.

Ernie Rea explores the pagan origins of Christmas with Ronald Hutton, professor of History at Bristol University; JJ Middleway, a celebrant and ritualist based in the Druid tradition; and the reverend Steve Hollinghurst, a Church of England vicar and author of 'New Age Paganism and Christian Mission'.

Producer:

Amanda Hancox.

Ernie Rea and guests explore the pagan origins of Christmas.

Producer: Rosie Dawson.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss the relationship between Zionism and Judaism.