Podcast 11 deals with the phenomenon of Fundamentalism, particularly biblical Fundamentalism, and its history. The podcast begins by setting the historical parameters, in the early part of the twentieth century, and considers some of the reasons that the movement may have begun. German biblical criticism, Darwin’s theory, and the First World War among them. A brief sketch of the movement is then offered, starting with the Niagara Bible Conference and the publication of The Fundamentals. The basic tenets of the belief system are summarized, again with suggestions as to why this may have been the case. A cautionary conclusion ends the presentation.
Evolution of Gods
Podcast 10 concerns the earliest signs of religion in the Upper Paleolithic period. Three distinct aspects of early human cultural inclinations are explored to determine if they point to an emergent form of religion.
The Fear of the Lord Is Pure
This is the 9th podcast for this blog. The topic under consideration here is why fear is so closely associated with religion. I ponder the origins of the concept of deity and try to make a connection with other dark areas of the imagination.
Creationism’s White Box
It is sometimes claimed by Creationists that Darwin’s theory is a “black box” — the inner mechanism is unknown and it provides uncertain results. In this podcast I explore Creationism’s “white box.” Not the default version of Christianity it claims to be, Creationism is a modern movement with a well documented history.
Design intelligently!
What the Devil
Podcast number seven is now available. The topic of this cast is the origin of the concept and imagery of the devil as it developed in the western world.
The Devil in the Deep Blue Sea
The latest podcast is now up and running. This is a discussion of Leviathan and the ambivalent outlook on water in the ancient world.
Surfs up!
What’s Wrong with Baal?
Here’s a podcast regarding Baal, El, and Yahweh. It is a discussion of why Israel had no problem with El but felt the need to get Baal completely out of the system.
And We All Fall Down
Welcome to the latest podcast on the Sects and Violence blog — please pardon the technical difficulties (old dog, new trick!). The topic of this podcast is the phenomenon of sects-uality, or how religions split into sects. The focus is particularly on Christianity, and especially Orthodoxy.
Enjoy!
Whence Monotheism
Here are some preliminary thoughts on the origins of monotheism, recorded on a very hot and humid day!
Stay tuned for more developments, including further posts on various gods in the non-monotheistic world.
Michael Jackson, Isaac Newton, and the Alphabet
Here is my second podcast, complete with musings about Michael Jackson and the alphabet, neither of which I’m an expert on! I find the linguistic aspects less interesting than the big picture of how this whole wonderful enterprise of writing got started.
Puff the Magic Dagon
H. P. Lovecraft created an entire mythological world (the Cthulhu Mythos) that borrowed from ancient mythological themes and ideas. Although not part of his original Cthulhu cycle, his story concerning Dagon also draws from ancient mythology. Click to hear more.
Thanks to my niece Zoe for all the help in getting podcasts figured out!
Steve A. Wiggins 