Tag: thinkingreligion

Thinking Religion 168: Tribalism and Identity with Matthew Klippenstein

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Episode Summary

In this episode of “Thinking Religion,” Sam is joined by Matthew Klippenstein to discuss a wide range of topics, including cultural differences, the development of early Christianities, political dynamics in the USA and Canada, and the philosophical and historical context of monotheism.

Topics Discussed

  1. Cultural Differences and Regional Dialects:
    • Sam and Matthew explore regional cultural differences within the United States, particularly focusing on dialects and food traditions.
    • The significance of regional barbecue styles in South Carolina.
    • Comparison to regional differences in Japan, such as variations in soy sauce.
  2. Early Christianities and Monotheism:
    • Discussion on the origins and development of monotheism in ancient Israel and the influence of early Desert Fathers and Mothers.
    • The role of Josiah’s reforms and the discovery of Deuteronomy in shaping Jewish religious practices.
    • Influence of Platonic philosophy on early Christian thought and the transition from henotheism to monotheism.
  3. Political Dynamics in the USA and Canada:
    • Current political climate in the USA, including the pressures within the Democratic Party for President Biden to step down​ (Politico)​.
    • The complexities of the two-party system in the US and the potential for future changes.
    • Comparison with Canadian politics and the challenges of maintaining political coalitions over long periods.
  4. Philosophical and Sociological Reflections:
    • The concept of tribalism in modern politics and social media’s impact on political identities.
    • Dunbar’s number and its implications for social networks and community sizes.
    • Reflections on the interconnectedness of humanity and the natural world.

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Contact Information

Listener Q&A

  • Have questions or comments about this episode? Leave them in the comments section or reach out to Sam and Matthew directly through their social media profiles.

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Thinking Religion 115 and Hermeneutics

Thomas is in Philadelphia this week but we still managed to sneak in a podcast episode. We start by going over the very important but often-overlooked general idea of hermeneutics and why we should take them seriously in the Age Of Trump (AOT from here on out). Then we hop into the Bible Bracket Challenge. Sorry, Ruth.

Dr. Thomas Whitley and the Rev. Sam Harrelson discuss the concept of hermeneutics and continue their ongoing quest to decide the best book in the Bible from the Thinking Religion Bible Bracket Challenge.

via Thinking Religion Episode 115: Your Hair Is Like a Flock of Goats

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