ReligionForBreakfast en An educational channel dedicated to the academic, nonsectarian study of religion. We promote improving the public's religious literacy by exploring humanity's beliefs and rituals through an anthropological, sociological, and archaeological lens. Religion for Breakfast does not endorse any particular religious tradition or non-religious perspective. Please be respectful in the comments!The host, Dr. Andrew M. Henry, is a scholar of religious studies. His research focus is early Christianity and late Roman religion. He earned his PhD at Boston University. Follow him on Twitter @andrewmarkhenry.fan Made. no infringement intended.Links:Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: https://twitter.com/andrewmarkhenryBlog: http://www.religionforbreakfast.com https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/5a968cb2-71b6-11f1-8f10-2be1172b6f17/image/9d84a2d3c1317e03ac92fa15618d7c2c.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress ReligionForBreakfast no episodic ReligionForBreakfast An educational channel dedicated to the academic, nonsectarian study of religion. We promote improving the public's religious literacy by exploring humanity's beliefs and rituals through an anthropological, sociological, and archaeological lens. Religion for Breakfast does not endorse any particular religious tradition or non-religious perspective. Please be respectful in the comments!The host, Dr. Andrew M. Henry, is a scholar of religious studies. His research focus is early Christianity and late Roman religion. He earned his PhD at Boston University. Follow him on Twitter @andrewmarkhenry.fan Made. no infringement intended.Links:Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: https://twitter.com/andrewmarkhenryBlog: http://www.religionforbreakfast.com An educational channel dedicated to the academic, nonsectarian study of religion. We promote improving the public's religious literacy by exploring humanity's beliefs and rituals through an anthropological, sociological, and archaeological lens.

Religion for Breakfast does not endorse any particular religious tradition or non-religious perspective. Please be respectful in the comments!

The host, Dr. Andrew M. Henry, is a scholar of religious studies. His research focus is early Christianity and late Roman religion. He earned his PhD at Boston University. Follow him on Twitter @andrewmarkhenry.
fan Made. no infringement intended.

Links:
Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewmarkhenry
Blog: http://www.religionforbreakfast.com

]]> ReligionForBreakfast wintwealthpodcast@gmail.com What Did Gnostic Christians Believe? What is Gnosticism?Andrew's religious studies book recommendations: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfastPatreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comAll images are public domain.Royalty-free Music: Kevin Macleod, incompetech.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 19 Sep 2026 14:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast What is Gnosticism?Andrew's religious studies book recommendations: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfastPatreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comAll images are public domain.Royalty-free Music: Kevin Macleod, incompetech.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices What is Gnosticism?

Andrew's religious studies book recommendations: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast
Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Twitter: @andrewmarkhenry
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast
Blog: www.religionforbreakfast.com

All images are public domain.
Royalty-free Music: Kevin Macleod, incompetech.com

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]]> 821 no The Shakers Explained Subscribe to Sacred & Profane's newsletter here!: http://eepurl.com/gjbzuXJoin our Patreon community!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastOne-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastSign-up for my mailing list to be notified of online classes: https://classes.religionforbreakfast.com/Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and ReutersThe Shakers are an apocalyptic offshoot of the Quakers. They believed that their leader, Ann Lee, was Christ incarnate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 19 Sep 2026 14:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Subscribe to Sacred & Profane's newsletter here!: http://eepurl.com/gjbzuXJoin our Patreon community!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastOne-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastSign-up for my mailing list to be notified of online classes: https://classes.religionforbreakfast.com/Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and ReutersThe Shakers are an apocalyptic offshoot of the Quakers. They believed that their leader, Ann Lee, was Christ incarnate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Subscribe to Sacred & Profane's newsletter here!: http://eepurl.com/gjbzuX

Join our Patreon community!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
One-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfast
Sign-up for my mailing list to be notified of online classes: https://classes.religionforbreakfast.com/
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The Shakers are an apocalyptic offshoot of the Quakers. They believed that their leader, Ann Lee, was Christ incarnate.

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]]> 1391 no Why Ancient Christians Destroyed Greek Statues Compare news coverage. Spot media bias. Avoid algorithms. Try Ground News today and get 40% off your subscription by going to https://ground.news/religionforbreakfastIn Late Antiquity, Christian leaders condemned paganism, sometimes leading to violent attacks on divine statues. What do these attacks teach us about Christianization of the Roman Empire?Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters00:00 Setting up the topic1:40 How did the Greeks and Romans view statues?5:28 Idolatry and Cult Statues7:30 Demonology12:12 Selective Damage and Embodied Objects14:07 Christian Triumphalism 20:24 Christianization: Syncretism vs. Antisyncretism Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 19 Sep 2026 13:42:30 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Compare news coverage. Spot media bias. Avoid algorithms. Try Ground News today and get 40% off your subscription by going to https://ground.news/religionforbreakfastIn Late Antiquity, Christian leaders condemned paganism, sometimes leading to violent attacks on divine statues. What do these attacks teach us about Christianization of the Roman Empire?Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters00:00 Setting up the topic1:40 How did the Greeks and Romans view statues?5:28 Idolatry and Cult Statues7:30 Demonology12:12 Selective Damage and Embodied Objects14:07 Christian Triumphalism 20:24 Christianization: Syncretism vs. Antisyncretism Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Compare news coverage. Spot media bias. Avoid algorithms. Try Ground News today and get 40% off your subscription by going to https://ground.news/religionforbreakfast

In Late Antiquity, Christian leaders condemned paganism, sometimes leading to violent attacks on divine statues. What do these attacks teach us about Christianization of the Roman Empire?

Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters

00:00 Setting up the topic
1:40 How did the Greeks and Romans view statues?
5:28 Idolatry and Cult Statues
7:30 Demonology
12:12 Selective Damage and Embodied Objects
14:07 Christian Triumphalism
20:24 Christianization: Syncretism vs. Antisyncretism

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2065 no How Plato Changed Christian Theology Watch @toldinstone's video, How 4 Forged Books Changed Christianity: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cbTUvIu298Patreon is the single best way to support Religion for Breakfast. Support us here!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastApophatic theology is one of the most mystical branches of Christian thought, which traces from Plato and Neoplatonism to Gregory of Nyssa, Pseudo-Dionysius, and Byzantine mystics.00:00 Apophatic Moses on Mt. Sinai3:16 Cataphatic vs. Apophatic Defined7:16 Roots of Apophatic Theology9:44 The Cappadocian Fathers 13:17 Pseudo-Dionysius Explained16:55 Apophatic Ritual and Hesychasm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 19 Sep 2026 13:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Watch @toldinstone's video, How 4 Forged Books Changed Christianity: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cbTUvIu298Patreon is the single best way to support Religion for Breakfast. Support us here!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastApophatic theology is one of the most mystical branches of Christian thought, which traces from Plato and Neoplatonism to Gregory of Nyssa, Pseudo-Dionysius, and Byzantine mystics.00:00 Apophatic Moses on Mt. Sinai3:16 Cataphatic vs. Apophatic Defined7:16 Roots of Apophatic Theology9:44 The Cappadocian Fathers 13:17 Pseudo-Dionysius Explained16:55 Apophatic Ritual and Hesychasm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Watch @toldinstone's video, How 4 Forged Books Changed Christianity: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cbTUvIu298

Patreon is the single best way to support Religion for Breakfast. Support us here!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast

Apophatic theology is one of the most mystical branches of Christian thought, which traces from Plato and Neoplatonism to Gregory of Nyssa, Pseudo-Dionysius, and Byzantine mystics.

00:00 Apophatic Moses on Mt. Sinai
3:16 Cataphatic vs. Apophatic Defined
7:16 Roots of Apophatic Theology
9:44 The Cappadocian Fathers
13:17 Pseudo-Dionysius Explained
16:55 Apophatic Ritual and Hesychasm

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1689 no People Felt God Wearing This Helmet...But It Was Fake Learn religion with real scholars. Join The Religion Department for guest lectures, guided readings, and member-only courses. Sign up at https://religiondepartment.com/membershipDid a wired-up ski helmet really make people “feel God”? We explore the God Helmet, failed replications, and what its story reveals about belief, expectation, and the placebo effect.Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and ReutersThis video was made possible through the support of grant #TRT-2021-10499 from the John Templeton Foundation managed by the Center for Mind and Culture. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the John Templeton Foundation or the Center forMind and Culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 19 Sep 2026 13:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Learn religion with real scholars. Join The Religion Department for guest lectures, guided readings, and member-only courses. Sign up at https://religiondepartment.com/membershipDid a wired-up ski helmet really make people “feel God”? We explore the God Helmet, failed replications, and what its story reveals about belief, expectation, and the placebo effect.Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and ReutersThis video was made possible through the support of grant #TRT-2021-10499 from the John Templeton Foundation managed by the Center for Mind and Culture. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the John Templeton Foundation or the Center forMind and Culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn religion with real scholars. Join The Religion Department for guest lectures, guided readings, and member-only courses. Sign up at https://religiondepartment.com/membership

Did a wired-up ski helmet really make people “feel God”? We explore the God Helmet, failed replications, and what its story reveals about belief, expectation, and the placebo effect.

Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters


This video was made possible through the support of grant
#TRT-2021-10499 from the John Templeton Foundation
managed by the Center for Mind and Culture. The
opinions expressed in this publication are those
of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views
of the John Templeton Foundation or the Center for
Mind and Culture.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 910 no Göbekli Tepe: The World's Oldest Temple? Göbekli Tepe is a massive monolithic complex in southeastern Turkey. Archaeologists have hypothesized that the site is the oldest temple known to humanity. But what do we know about it? And why do archaeologists think it is a religious site?Kurzgesagt mentions this site in a recent video, check it out!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czgOWmtGVGs&t=132sPatreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastBlog: www.religionforbreakfastThanks to Vlogbrothers for their sponsorship of this video!Thanks also to our Patreon patrons!:Christian G.Brian B.Daniel D.Cedric V.Tuuli H.Kalei W.Alex B.Adil A.Mason A.Mark H.Alice C.WilsonCain D.Bibliography:Banning, E.B. “So Fair a House: Gobekli Tepe and the Identification of Temples in the Pre-Pottery Neolithic of the Near East,” Current Anthropology, vol. 52, no. 5 (2011): 619-660.Borié, Dusan. “Theater of Predation: Beneath the Skin of Göbekli Tepe Images,” in Christopher Watts, Relational Archaeologies: Humans, Animals, Things,”Oliver Dietrich, “The role of cult and feasting in the emergence of Neolithic communities. New evidence from Göbekli Tepe, south-eastern Turkey," Antiquity, Sept 2012.Article on beer brewing at Göbekli Tepe: https://tepetelegrams.wordpress.com/2016/04/24/out-for-a-beer-at-the-dawn-of-agriculture/Article on dating Göbekli tepe: https://tepetelegrams.wordpress.com/2016/06/22/how-old-ist-it-dating-gobekli-tepe/# Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 19 Sep 2026 12:45:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Göbekli Tepe is a massive monolithic complex in southeastern Turkey. Archaeologists have hypothesized that the site is the oldest temple known to humanity. But what do we know about it? And why do archaeologists think it is a religious site?Kurzgesagt mentions this site in a recent video, check it out!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czgOWmtGVGs&t=132sPatreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastBlog: www.religionforbreakfastThanks to Vlogbrothers for their sponsorship of this video!Thanks also to our Patreon patrons!:Christian G.Brian B.Daniel D.Cedric V.Tuuli H.Kalei W.Alex B.Adil A.Mason A.Mark H.Alice C.WilsonCain D.Bibliography:Banning, E.B. “So Fair a House: Gobekli Tepe and the Identification of Temples in the Pre-Pottery Neolithic of the Near East,” Current Anthropology, vol. 52, no. 5 (2011): 619-660.Borié, Dusan. “Theater of Predation: Beneath the Skin of Göbekli Tepe Images,” in Christopher Watts, Relational Archaeologies: Humans, Animals, Things,”Oliver Dietrich, “The role of cult and feasting in the emergence of Neolithic communities. New evidence from Göbekli Tepe, south-eastern Turkey," Antiquity, Sept 2012.Article on beer brewing at Göbekli Tepe: https://tepetelegrams.wordpress.com/2016/04/24/out-for-a-beer-at-the-dawn-of-agriculture/Article on dating Göbekli tepe: https://tepetelegrams.wordpress.com/2016/06/22/how-old-ist-it-dating-gobekli-tepe/# Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Göbekli Tepe is a massive monolithic complex in southeastern Turkey. Archaeologists have hypothesized that the site is the oldest temple known to humanity. But what do we know about it? And why do archaeologists think it is a religious site?

Kurzgesagt mentions this site in a recent video, check it out!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czgOWmtGVGs&t=132s

Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Twitter: @andrewmarkhenry
Facebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast
Blog: www.religionforbreakfast

Thanks to Vlogbrothers for their sponsorship of this video!

Thanks also to our Patreon patrons!:
Christian G.
Brian B.
Daniel D.
Cedric V.
Tuuli H.
Kalei W.
Alex B.
Adil A.
Mason A.
Mark H.
Alice C.
Wilson
Cain D.

Bibliography:
Banning, E.B. “So Fair a House: Gobekli Tepe and the Identification of Temples in the Pre-Pottery Neolithic of the Near East,” Current Anthropology, vol. 52, no. 5 (2011): 619-660.

Borié, Dusan. “Theater of Predation: Beneath the Skin of Göbekli Tepe Images,” in Christopher Watts, Relational Archaeologies: Humans, Animals, Things,”

Oliver Dietrich, “The role of cult and feasting in the emergence of Neolithic communities. New evidence from Göbekli Tepe, south-eastern Turkey," Antiquity, Sept 2012.

Article on beer brewing at Göbekli Tepe: https://tepetelegrams.wordpress.com/2016/04/24/out-for-a-beer-at-the-dawn-of-agriculture/

Article on dating Göbekli tepe: https://tepetelegrams.wordpress.com/2016/06/22/how-old-ist-it-dating-gobekli-tepe/#

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 778 no The Daoist Scriptures Are Huge Register for our online class "Fact and Fiction about Laozi and his Daodejing:" https://religionforbreakfast.eventbrite.com/Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastThumbnail art by @hotcyder Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and ReutersWhile the Bible or the Quran can fit into a single volume, the Daoist canon of scriptures contains around 1,500 texts. It is huge. So what is the Daoist canon all about? How did it form?00:00 Basic overview3:58 History of the Daozang9:05 Daozang's role in Daoism14:20 Register for our Daoism class! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 19 Sep 2026 12:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Register for our online class "Fact and Fiction about Laozi and his Daodejing:" https://religionforbreakfast.eventbrite.com/Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastThumbnail art by @hotcyder Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and ReutersWhile the Bible or the Quran can fit into a single volume, the Daoist canon of scriptures contains around 1,500 texts. It is huge. So what is the Daoist canon all about? How did it form?00:00 Basic overview3:58 History of the Daozang9:05 Daozang's role in Daoism14:20 Register for our Daoism class! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Register for our online class "Fact and Fiction about Laozi and his Daodejing:" https://religionforbreakfast.eventbrite.com/

Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast

Thumbnail art by @hotcyder
Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters

While the Bible or the Quran can fit into a single volume, the Daoist canon of scriptures contains around 1,500 texts. It is huge. So what is the Daoist canon all about? How did it form?

00:00 Basic overview
3:58 History of the Daozang
9:05 Daozang's role in Daoism
14:20 Register for our Daoism class!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1228 no Modesto, CA: A Public School with Mandatory Religion Courses? Teaching neutral, academic religious studies courses in American public schools is tricky. Many people don't even realize that it is legal! But one school district in Modesto, California is proving that a world religions requirement for all students can help improve religious literacy and foster respect for religious freedom.Twitter: @andrewmarkhenryBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comPatreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastThanks to our Patreon patrons!:Brian BDan DAlex BJohn MWilsonCain DMannyMark HSources and photo attributions:First Amendment Center report: http://www.firstamendmentcenter.org/madison/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/FirstForum_ModestoWorldReligions.pdfReport on outrage over Islam class: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/19/us/lesson-on-islam-shuts-down-virginia-school-district.htmlSued School District: http://www.fox5dc.com/news/local-news/83461841-storyBible Belt report: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/teaching-not-preaching-in-ca-bible-belt/Religion Dispatches: http://religiondispatches.org/reading-writing-religion-back-to-school-at-the-first-public-school-in-the-country-to-require-a-world-religions-course/Classroom Image: By Nan Austin of Modesto Bee Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 19 Sep 2026 12:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Teaching neutral, academic religious studies courses in American public schools is tricky. Many people don't even realize that it is legal! But one school district in Modesto, California is proving that a world religions requirement for all students can help improve religious literacy and foster respect for religious freedom.Twitter: @andrewmarkhenryBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comPatreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastThanks to our Patreon patrons!:Brian BDan DAlex BJohn MWilsonCain DMannyMark HSources and photo attributions:First Amendment Center report: http://www.firstamendmentcenter.org/madison/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/FirstForum_ModestoWorldReligions.pdfReport on outrage over Islam class: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/19/us/lesson-on-islam-shuts-down-virginia-school-district.htmlSued School District: http://www.fox5dc.com/news/local-news/83461841-storyBible Belt report: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/teaching-not-preaching-in-ca-bible-belt/Religion Dispatches: http://religiondispatches.org/reading-writing-religion-back-to-school-at-the-first-public-school-in-the-country-to-require-a-world-religions-course/Classroom Image: By Nan Austin of Modesto Bee Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Teaching neutral, academic religious studies courses in American public schools is tricky. Many people don't even realize that it is legal! But one school district in Modesto, California is proving that a world religions requirement for all students can help improve religious literacy and foster respect for religious freedom.

Twitter: @andrewmarkhenry
Blog: www.religionforbreakfast.com
Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast

Thanks to our Patreon patrons!:
Brian B
Dan D
Alex B
John M
Wilson
Cain D
Manny
Mark H

Sources and photo attributions:

First Amendment Center report: http://www.firstamendmentcenter.org/madison/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/FirstForum_ModestoWorldReligions.pdf

Report on outrage over Islam class: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/19/us/lesson-on-islam-shuts-down-virginia-school-district.html

Sued School District: http://www.fox5dc.com/news/local-news/83461841-story

Bible Belt report: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/teaching-not-preaching-in-ca-bible-belt/

Religion Dispatches: http://religiondispatches.org/reading-writing-religion-back-to-school-at-the-first-public-school-in-the-country-to-require-a-world-religions-course/

Classroom Image: By Nan Austin of Modesto Bee

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 477 no What Did the Tomb of Jesus Actually Look Like? Register for my class Crucifixion and Burial in the Roman Empire!: https://religionforbreakfast.eventbrite.com/Special thanks to @zahishaked for his footage of the Tomb of Annas. He's a tour guide in Israel. Check out his channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@zahishakedSupport us on Patreon!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastGo read Dr. Mark Goodacre's original article!: "How Empty Was the Tomb?" Journal for the Study of the New Testament," Volume 44, Issue 1, 2021.Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 19 Sep 2026 11:47:30 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Register for my class Crucifixion and Burial in the Roman Empire!: https://religionforbreakfast.eventbrite.com/Special thanks to @zahishaked for his footage of the Tomb of Annas. He's a tour guide in Israel. Check out his channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@zahishakedSupport us on Patreon!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastGo read Dr. Mark Goodacre's original article!: "How Empty Was the Tomb?" Journal for the Study of the New Testament," Volume 44, Issue 1, 2021.Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Register for my class Crucifixion and Burial in the Roman Empire!: https://religionforbreakfast.eventbrite.com/

Special thanks to @zahishaked for his footage of the Tomb of Annas. He's a tour guide in Israel. Check out his channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@zahishaked

Support us on Patreon!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast

Go read Dr. Mark Goodacre's original article!: "How Empty Was the Tomb?" Journal for the Study of the New Testament," Volume 44, Issue 1, 2021.

Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 844 no Excavating Göbekli Tepe: An Interview with Archaeologist Jens Notroff Register for our seminar Archaeology of the Hebrew Bible!: https://www.religiondepartment.com/offers/6cuCSULf/checkoutArchaeologist Jens Notroff, who spent years excavating Göbekli Tepe, joins me to discuss what this 12,000-year-old site reveals about the dawn of civilization, religion, and art. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 19 Sep 2026 11:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Register for our seminar Archaeology of the Hebrew Bible!: https://www.religiondepartment.com/offers/6cuCSULf/checkoutArchaeologist Jens Notroff, who spent years excavating Göbekli Tepe, joins me to discuss what this 12,000-year-old site reveals about the dawn of civilization, religion, and art. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Register for our seminar Archaeology of the Hebrew Bible!: https://www.religiondepartment.com/offers/6cuCSULf/checkout

Archaeologist Jens Notroff, who spent years excavating Göbekli Tepe, joins me to discuss what this 12,000-year-old site reveals about the dawn of civilization, religion, and art.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 4168 no One Million Subscribers, Still Just Getting Started Get yourself a Religion for Breakfast mug! Support us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/religionforbreakfast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 19 Sep 2026 11:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Get yourself a Religion for Breakfast mug! Support us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/religionforbreakfast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Get yourself a Religion for Breakfast mug! Support us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/religionforbreakfast

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]]> 774 no What is the Hajj? Join our Patreon community!: https://patreon.com/religionforbreakfastOne-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastEvery year, millions of Muslims complete a pilgrimage to Mecca called The Hajj. This pilgrimage is obligatory for all Muslims and is considered one of the Five Pillars of Islam. But what does this pilgrimage entail?This video was brought to you, in part, by the Foundation for Religious Literacy. Check out their work here: https://tfrl.org/Check out my favorite religious studies books: https://www.amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast Follow me on Twitter!: @andrewmarkhenrySources:https://www.aljazeera.com/focus/hajj/2009/11/2009111895127111168.htmlhttps://www.vox.com/2016/9/12/12814258/hajj-2018-islamic-pilgrimage-mecca-what-is-explainedhttps://www.britishmuseum.org/explore/themes/hajj/the_rituals_of_the_hajj.aspxstampede: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/09/pilgrims-killed-hajj-stampede-mina-mecca-150924082302232.htmlstampede: https://religionnews.com/2015/12/10/saudi-arabia-stifled-true-death-count-hajj-stampede-2411/Picture Credits:https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Ihram#/media/File:In_transit_-_Flickr_-_Al_Jazeera_English.jpghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Binding_of_Isaac#/media/File:Rembrandt_Abraham_en_Isaac,_1634.jpghttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sa%27yee_To_return.jpghttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Sa%27yee#/media/File:Insideofmasjeldolharam1.JPGhttps://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/03/Mount_Safa_Mecca.jpgMina: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mina,_Saudi_Arabia#/media/File:Mina_Overview.JPGMina tent: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Clouds_over_Mina_-_Flickr_-_Al_Jazeera_English.jpgPlain of Arafat: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Arafat#/media/File:Pilgrims_cover_Arafat's_roads,_plains_and_mountain_-_Flickr_-_Al_Jazeera_English.jpgMuzdalifa: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Muzdalifah.jpgStoning of the Devil wall: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:While_pilgrims_are_performing_these_rites,_Muslims_who_are_not_at_Hajj_are_celebrating_the_Eid_al-Adha_holiday._-_Flickr_-_Al_Jazeera_English.jpgExiting Ihram: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:After_casting_their_stones_the_first_day,_pilgrims_trim_(or_shave_if_they_are_men)_their_hair_and_remove_their_ihram_clothes._-_Flickr_-_Al_Jazeera_English.jpgCollecting stones: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Meanwhile,_some_pilgrims_begin_to_collect_pebbles_for_the_next_day%27s_rites._-_Flickr_-_Al_Jazeera_English.jpg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 19 Sep 2026 10:50:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Join our Patreon community!: https://patreon.com/religionforbreakfastOne-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastEvery year, millions of Muslims complete a pilgrimage to Mecca called The Hajj. This pilgrimage is obligatory for all Muslims and is considered one of the Five Pillars of Islam. But what does this pilgrimage entail?This video was brought to you, in part, by the Foundation for Religious Literacy. Check out their work here: https://tfrl.org/Check out my favorite religious studies books: https://www.amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast Follow me on Twitter!: @andrewmarkhenrySources:https://www.aljazeera.com/focus/hajj/2009/11/2009111895127111168.htmlhttps://www.vox.com/2016/9/12/12814258/hajj-2018-islamic-pilgrimage-mecca-what-is-explainedhttps://www.britishmuseum.org/explore/themes/hajj/the_rituals_of_the_hajj.aspxstampede: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/09/pilgrims-killed-hajj-stampede-mina-mecca-150924082302232.htmlstampede: https://religionnews.com/2015/12/10/saudi-arabia-stifled-true-death-count-hajj-stampede-2411/Picture Credits:https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Ihram#/media/File:In_transit_-_Flickr_-_Al_Jazeera_English.jpghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Binding_of_Isaac#/media/File:Rembrandt_Abraham_en_Isaac,_1634.jpghttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sa%27yee_To_return.jpghttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Sa%27yee#/media/File:Insideofmasjeldolharam1.JPGhttps://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/03/Mount_Safa_Mecca.jpgMina: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mina,_Saudi_Arabia#/media/File:Mina_Overview.JPGMina tent: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Clouds_over_Mina_-_Flickr_-_Al_Jazeera_English.jpgPlain of Arafat: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Arafat#/media/File:Pilgrims_cover_Arafat's_roads,_plains_and_mountain_-_Flickr_-_Al_Jazeera_English.jpgMuzdalifa: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Muzdalifah.jpgStoning of the Devil wall: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:While_pilgrims_are_performing_these_rites,_Muslims_who_are_not_at_Hajj_are_celebrating_the_Eid_al-Adha_holiday._-_Flickr_-_Al_Jazeera_English.jpgExiting Ihram: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:After_casting_their_stones_the_first_day,_pilgrims_trim_(or_shave_if_they_are_men)_their_hair_and_remove_their_ihram_clothes._-_Flickr_-_Al_Jazeera_English.jpgCollecting stones: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Meanwhile,_some_pilgrims_begin_to_collect_pebbles_for_the_next_day%27s_rites._-_Flickr_-_Al_Jazeera_English.jpg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Join our Patreon community!: https://patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
One-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfast

Every year, millions of Muslims complete a pilgrimage to Mecca called The Hajj. This pilgrimage is obligatory for all Muslims and is considered one of the Five Pillars of Islam. But what does this pilgrimage entail?

This video was brought to you, in part, by the Foundation for Religious Literacy. Check out their work here: https://tfrl.org/

Check out my favorite religious studies books: https://www.amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast

Follow me on Twitter!: @andrewmarkhenry


Sources:
https://www.aljazeera.com/focus/hajj/2009/11/2009111895127111168.html
https://www.vox.com/2016/9/12/12814258/hajj-2018-islamic-pilgrimage-mecca-what-is-explained
https://www.britishmuseum.org/explore/themes/hajj/the_rituals_of_the_hajj.aspx
stampede: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/09/pilgrims-killed-hajj-stampede-mina-mecca-150924082302232.html
stampede: https://religionnews.com/2015/12/10/saudi-arabia-stifled-true-death-count-hajj-stampede-2411/


Picture Credits:
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Ihram#/media/File:In_transit_-_Flickr_-_Al_Jazeera_English.jpg
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Binding_of_Isaac#/media/File:Rembrandt_Abraham_en_Isaac,_1634.jpg
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sa%27yee_To_return.jpg
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Sa%27yee#/media/File:Insideofmasjeldolharam1.JPG
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/03/Mount_Safa_Mecca.jpg
Mina: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mina,_Saudi_Arabia#/media/File:Mina_Overview.JPG
Mina tent: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Clouds_over_Mina_-_Flickr_-_Al_Jazeera_English.jpg
Plain of Arafat: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Arafat#/media/File:Pilgrims_cover_Arafat's_roads,_plains_and_mountain_-_Flickr_-_Al_Jazeera_English.jpg
Muzdalifa: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Muzdalifah.jpg
Stoning of the Devil wall: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:While_pilgrims_are_performing_these_rites,_Muslims_who_are_not_at_Hajj_are_celebrating_the_Eid_al-Adha_holiday._-_Flickr_-_Al_Jazeera_English.jpg
Exiting Ihram: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:After_casting_their_stones_the_first_day,_pilgrims_trim_(or_shave_if_they_are_men)_their_hair_and_remove_their_ihram_clothes._-_Flickr_-_Al_Jazeera_English.jpg
Collecting stones: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Meanwhile,_some_pilgrims_begin_to_collect_pebbles_for_the_next_day%27s_rites._-_Flickr_-_Al_Jazeera_English.jpg

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]]> 604 no The Enduring Appeal of Gnosticism and Esoteric Christianity (Interview w/ Dr. David Litwa) Register for Dr. Litwa's lecture!: https://religiondepartment.com/marcionCheck out Dr. Litwa's channel here @m.davidlitwa Dr. David Litwa joins Religion for Breakfast to explore Gnosticism, Hermeticism, and the Gospel of Thomas. We talk ethics, online education, Marcion, Paul's legacy, and why esoteric Christianity is striking a chord with modern audiences. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 19 Sep 2026 10:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Register for Dr. Litwa's lecture!: https://religiondepartment.com/marcionCheck out Dr. Litwa's channel here @m.davidlitwa Dr. David Litwa joins Religion for Breakfast to explore Gnosticism, Hermeticism, and the Gospel of Thomas. We talk ethics, online education, Marcion, Paul's legacy, and why esoteric Christianity is striking a chord with modern audiences. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Register for Dr. Litwa's lecture!: https://religiondepartment.com/marcion

Check out Dr. Litwa's channel here @m.davidlitwa

Dr. David Litwa joins Religion for Breakfast to explore Gnosticism, Hermeticism, and the Gospel of Thomas. We talk ethics, online education, Marcion, Paul's legacy, and why esoteric Christianity is striking a chord with modern audiences.

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]]> 3381 no What It's Like Inside the Dome of the Rock In spring 2018, I got a special tour inside the Dome of the Rock. Here are my thoughts as I wandered around this sacred building. Join our Patreon community!: https://patreon.com/religionforbreakfastYou can also donate to the show at: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastFor religious studies book recommendations, see: https://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfastFollow me on:Twitter @andrewmarkhenrywww.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 19 Sep 2026 10:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast In spring 2018, I got a special tour inside the Dome of the Rock. Here are my thoughts as I wandered around this sacred building. Join our Patreon community!: https://patreon.com/religionforbreakfastYou can also donate to the show at: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastFor religious studies book recommendations, see: https://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfastFollow me on:Twitter @andrewmarkhenrywww.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In spring 2018, I got a special tour inside the Dome of the Rock. Here are my thoughts as I wandered around this sacred building.

Join our Patreon community!: https://patreon.com/religionforbreakfast

You can also donate to the show at: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfast

For religious studies book recommendations, see: https://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast

Follow me on:
Twitter @andrewmarkhenry
www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast

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]]> 381 no Exploring Tel Arad: An Ancient Canaanite and Israelite City I visited dozens of archaeological sites while researching in Jerusalem. Tel Arad was one of the my favorites and the inspiration for my video on YHWH and Asherah. Here is a longer exploration of this ancient Canaanite and Israelite city. Twitter: @andrewmarkhenryFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastPatreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastFor a list of my favorite religious studies books, check out my Amazon page: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfastPhoto attributes:Tamar Hayardeni: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jericho_-_Tel_Es-Sultan13.jpghttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jericho_-_Tel_Es-Sultan10.jpghttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jericho_-_Tel_Es-Sultan1.jpg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 19 Sep 2026 09:52:30 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast I visited dozens of archaeological sites while researching in Jerusalem. Tel Arad was one of the my favorites and the inspiration for my video on YHWH and Asherah. Here is a longer exploration of this ancient Canaanite and Israelite city. Twitter: @andrewmarkhenryFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastPatreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastFor a list of my favorite religious studies books, check out my Amazon page: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfastPhoto attributes:Tamar Hayardeni: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jericho_-_Tel_Es-Sultan13.jpghttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jericho_-_Tel_Es-Sultan10.jpghttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jericho_-_Tel_Es-Sultan1.jpg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices I visited dozens of archaeological sites while researching in Jerusalem. Tel Arad was one of the my favorites and the inspiration for my video on YHWH and Asherah. Here is a longer exploration of this ancient Canaanite and Israelite city.

Twitter: @andrewmarkhenry
Facebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast
Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast

For a list of my favorite religious studies books, check out my Amazon page: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast

Photo attributes:
Tamar Hayardeni: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jericho_-_Tel_Es-Sultan13.jpg
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jericho_-_Tel_Es-Sultan10.jpg
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jericho_-_Tel_Es-Sultan1.jpg

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]]> 376 no Demons Are In Your Toilet Demonology meets the archaeology of ancient Roman latrines. Andrew's religious studies book recommendations: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfastwww.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastwww.patreon.com/religionforbreakfasttwitter: @andrewmarkhenryhttps://www.instagram.com/andrewmarkhenry/Bibliography:Primary Sources:Life and Miracles of St. Thecla, Miracle 7Suicide by xylospongium found in Seneca's letters: Epis. Mor. 70.20-21Pompeii "Cacator Cave Malum" fresco found in Taberna IX 7, 22.Clemens quote: Protrepticus 4.51Secondary Sources:Brenk, F.E. “Demonology in the Early Imperial Period.” Aufstieg und Niedergang der romischen Welt. II.16.3, (1986): 2068-2145.Dunbabin, Katherine M.D. “Baiarum Grata Voluptas: Pleasures and Dangers of the Baths,” Papers of the British School at Rome, Vol. 57, British School at Rome, (1989): 6-46.Koloski-Ostrow, Ann Olga, "The Archaeology of Sanitation in Roman Italy: Toilets, Sewers, and Water Systems," 2015Koloski-Ostrow, Ann Olga. “Cacator Cave Malum: The Subject and Object of Roman Public Latrines in Italy during the First Centuries BC and AD,” in Cura Aquarum in Sicilia. Proceedings of the Tenth International Congress on the History of Water Management and Hydraulic Engineering in the Mediterranean Region.(2000)Jansen, Gemma C. M., Ann Olga Koloski-Ostrow, and Eric Maria Moormann. 2011. Roman Toilets: Their Archaeology and Cultural History. Peeters Publishers & Booksellers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 19 Sep 2026 09:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Demonology meets the archaeology of ancient Roman latrines. Andrew's religious studies book recommendations: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfastwww.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastwww.patreon.com/religionforbreakfasttwitter: @andrewmarkhenryhttps://www.instagram.com/andrewmarkhenry/Bibliography:Primary Sources:Life and Miracles of St. Thecla, Miracle 7Suicide by xylospongium found in Seneca's letters: Epis. Mor. 70.20-21Pompeii "Cacator Cave Malum" fresco found in Taberna IX 7, 22.Clemens quote: Protrepticus 4.51Secondary Sources:Brenk, F.E. “Demonology in the Early Imperial Period.” Aufstieg und Niedergang der romischen Welt. II.16.3, (1986): 2068-2145.Dunbabin, Katherine M.D. “Baiarum Grata Voluptas: Pleasures and Dangers of the Baths,” Papers of the British School at Rome, Vol. 57, British School at Rome, (1989): 6-46.Koloski-Ostrow, Ann Olga, "The Archaeology of Sanitation in Roman Italy: Toilets, Sewers, and Water Systems," 2015Koloski-Ostrow, Ann Olga. “Cacator Cave Malum: The Subject and Object of Roman Public Latrines in Italy during the First Centuries BC and AD,” in Cura Aquarum in Sicilia. Proceedings of the Tenth International Congress on the History of Water Management and Hydraulic Engineering in the Mediterranean Region.(2000)Jansen, Gemma C. M., Ann Olga Koloski-Ostrow, and Eric Maria Moormann. 2011. Roman Toilets: Their Archaeology and Cultural History. Peeters Publishers & Booksellers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Demonology meets the archaeology of ancient Roman latrines.

Andrew's religious studies book recommendations: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast

www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast
www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
twitter: @andrewmarkhenry
https://www.instagram.com/andrewmarkhenry/

Bibliography:
Primary Sources:
Life and Miracles of St. Thecla, Miracle 7

Suicide by xylospongium found in Seneca's letters: Epis. Mor. 70.20-21

Pompeii "Cacator Cave Malum" fresco found in Taberna IX 7, 22.

Clemens quote: Protrepticus 4.51

Secondary Sources:

Brenk, F.E. “Demonology in the Early Imperial Period.” Aufstieg und Niedergang der romischen Welt. II.16.3, (1986): 2068-2145.

Dunbabin, Katherine M.D. “Baiarum Grata Voluptas: Pleasures and Dangers of the Baths,” Papers of the British School at Rome, Vol. 57, British School at Rome, (1989): 6-46.

Koloski-Ostrow, Ann Olga, "The Archaeology of Sanitation in Roman Italy: Toilets, Sewers, and Water Systems," 2015

Koloski-Ostrow, Ann Olga. “Cacator Cave Malum: The Subject and Object of Roman Public Latrines in Italy during the First Centuries BC and AD,” in Cura Aquarum in Sicilia. Proceedings of the Tenth International Congress on the History of Water Management and Hydraulic Engineering in the Mediterranean Region.(2000)

Jansen, Gemma C. M., Ann Olga Koloski-Ostrow, and Eric Maria Moormann. 2011. Roman Toilets: Their Archaeology and Cultural History. Peeters Publishers & Booksellers.

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]]> 361 no You Don't Need to be Religious to Study Religion You don't need to be religious to study religion. This might sound really obvious to you...but from my experience, lots of people assume this. Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastBlog: www.religionforbreakfastAAR teaching guidelines: https://www.aarweb.org/sites/default/files/pdfs/Publications/epublications/AARK-12CurriculumGuidelines.pdfThanks to our patrons on Patreon for voting on this topic!:Brian BCassandra CDaniel DDerek KKalei WQuinn NRende DRoee SMegan BTuuli HAlex BDan HEsther BThe_Lich_QueenAdil AMason AMark HAlice CWilson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 19 Sep 2026 09:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast You don't need to be religious to study religion. This might sound really obvious to you...but from my experience, lots of people assume this. Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastBlog: www.religionforbreakfastAAR teaching guidelines: https://www.aarweb.org/sites/default/files/pdfs/Publications/epublications/AARK-12CurriculumGuidelines.pdfThanks to our patrons on Patreon for voting on this topic!:Brian BCassandra CDaniel DDerek KKalei WQuinn NRende DRoee SMegan BTuuli HAlex BDan HEsther BThe_Lich_QueenAdil AMason AMark HAlice CWilson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices You don't need to be religious to study religion. This might sound really obvious to you...but from my experience, lots of people assume this.

Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Twitter: @andrewmarkhenry
Facebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast
Blog: www.religionforbreakfast

AAR teaching guidelines: https://www.aarweb.org/sites/default/files/pdfs/Publications/epublications/AARK-12CurriculumGuidelines.pdf

Thanks to our patrons on Patreon for voting on this topic!:
Brian B
Cassandra C
Daniel D
Derek K
Kalei W
Quinn N
Rende D
Roee S
Megan B
Tuuli H
Alex B
Dan H
Esther B
The_Lich_Queen
Adil A
Mason A
Mark H
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Wilson

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]]> 345 no Emperor Constantine Did NOT Choose the Books of the Bible One of the most enduring myths today about the Council of Nicaea is that the council members voted on which books to include in the Bible. This myth is sometimes expanded to include Emperor Constantine as some driving political force behind the formation of the canon. This, in actuality, is almost certainly a fable. Dive into the historical evidence to see why.Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comBibliography:20 Canon Laws from Nicaea: http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/3801.htmTheodoret Ecclesiastical History: http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/27021.htmAthanasius De Decretis: http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/2809.htmAthanasius Festal Letter info: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Easter_letterVoltaire Dictionnaire Philosophique Section 3: (see edition: Oeuvres Completes de Voltaire, 1874, p. 357).Synodicon Vetus (out of print): http://www.doaks.org/resources/publications/books-in-print/the-synodicon-vetusThanks especially to our Patrons on Patreon!:Brian B.Daniel D.Kalei W.Alex B.Mark H.Alice C. WilsonCain D. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 19 Sep 2026 08:55:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast One of the most enduring myths today about the Council of Nicaea is that the council members voted on which books to include in the Bible. This myth is sometimes expanded to include Emperor Constantine as some driving political force behind the formation of the canon. This, in actuality, is almost certainly a fable. Dive into the historical evidence to see why.Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comBibliography:20 Canon Laws from Nicaea: http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/3801.htmTheodoret Ecclesiastical History: http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/27021.htmAthanasius De Decretis: http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/2809.htmAthanasius Festal Letter info: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Easter_letterVoltaire Dictionnaire Philosophique Section 3: (see edition: Oeuvres Completes de Voltaire, 1874, p. 357).Synodicon Vetus (out of print): http://www.doaks.org/resources/publications/books-in-print/the-synodicon-vetusThanks especially to our Patrons on Patreon!:Brian B.Daniel D.Kalei W.Alex B.Mark H.Alice C. WilsonCain D. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices One of the most enduring myths today about the Council of Nicaea is that the council members voted on which books to include in the Bible. This myth is sometimes expanded to include Emperor Constantine as some driving political force behind the formation of the canon. This, in actuality, is almost certainly a fable. Dive into the historical evidence to see why.

Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Twitter: @andrewmarkhenry
Facebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast
Blog: www.religionforbreakfast.com

Bibliography:
20 Canon Laws from Nicaea: http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/3801.htm

Theodoret Ecclesiastical History: http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/27021.htm

Athanasius De Decretis: http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/2809.htm

Athanasius Festal Letter info: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Easter_letter

Voltaire Dictionnaire Philosophique Section 3: (see edition: Oeuvres Completes de Voltaire, 1874, p. 357).

Synodicon Vetus (out of print): http://www.doaks.org/resources/publications/books-in-print/the-synodicon-vetus

Thanks especially to our Patrons on Patreon!:
Brian B.
Daniel D.
Kalei W.
Alex B.
Mark H.
Alice C.
Wilson
Cain D.

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]]> 976 no Who is Gabriel in Islam? | Jibrīl Explained Watch 17 Pages on Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://nebula.tv/videos/17pages?ref=religionforbreakfastGet Lifetime Access to Nebula here: https://go.nebula.tv/lifetime?ref=religionforbreakfast Who is the angel Gabriel in Islam? Known as Jibril, he’s the messenger who revealed the Quran to Muhammad. This video explores his role in Islamic tradition, how he compares to the biblical Gabriel, and why he’s considered the chief of all angels.Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 19 Sep 2026 08:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Watch 17 Pages on Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://nebula.tv/videos/17pages?ref=religionforbreakfastGet Lifetime Access to Nebula here: https://go.nebula.tv/lifetime?ref=religionforbreakfast Who is the angel Gabriel in Islam? Known as Jibril, he’s the messenger who revealed the Quran to Muhammad. This video explores his role in Islamic tradition, how he compares to the biblical Gabriel, and why he’s considered the chief of all angels.Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Watch 17 Pages on Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://nebula.tv/videos/17pages?ref=religionforbreakfast
Get Lifetime Access to Nebula here: https://go.nebula.tv/lifetime?ref=religionforbreakfast

Who is the angel Gabriel in Islam? Known as Jibril, he’s the messenger who revealed the Quran to Muhammad. This video explores his role in Islamic tradition, how he compares to the biblical Gabriel, and why he’s considered the chief of all angels.

Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters

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]]> 1065 no Is Buddhism an Atheistic Religion? Register for our class "Who are the Hungry Ghosts?:" https://religionforbreakfast.eventbrite.com/Buddhism has a reputation of being an atheistic religion. But is this true?Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and ReutersThumbnail art by @hotcyder This video was made possible through the support of Grant 61928 from the John Templeton Foundation managed by The Queen’s University of Belfast. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the John Templeton Foundation or The Queen’s University of Belfast. 00:00 Intro: Theravada, Mahayana, Secular Buddhism3:14 Buddhist Cosmology and Devas7:25 Can the devas help us? (Theravada perspective)13:46 Bodhissatvas and Mahayana Buddhism15:26 Tibetan Buddhism16:19 Buddhist Modernism19:48 Secular Buddhism24:47 Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 19 Sep 2026 08:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Register for our class "Who are the Hungry Ghosts?:" https://religionforbreakfast.eventbrite.com/Buddhism has a reputation of being an atheistic religion. But is this true?Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and ReutersThumbnail art by @hotcyder This video was made possible through the support of Grant 61928 from the John Templeton Foundation managed by The Queen’s University of Belfast. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the John Templeton Foundation or The Queen’s University of Belfast. 00:00 Intro: Theravada, Mahayana, Secular Buddhism3:14 Buddhist Cosmology and Devas7:25 Can the devas help us? (Theravada perspective)13:46 Bodhissatvas and Mahayana Buddhism15:26 Tibetan Buddhism16:19 Buddhist Modernism19:48 Secular Buddhism24:47 Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Register for our class "Who are the Hungry Ghosts?:" https://religionforbreakfast.eventbrite.com/

Buddhism has a reputation of being an atheistic religion. But is this true?

Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters
Thumbnail art by @hotcyder

This video was made possible through the support
of Grant 61928 from the John Templeton Foundation
managed by The Queen’s University of Belfast. The
opinions expressed in this publication are those of
the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views
of the John Templeton Foundation or The Queen’s
University of Belfast.

00:00 Intro: Theravada, Mahayana, Secular Buddhism
3:14 Buddhist Cosmology and Devas
7:25 Can the devas help us? (Theravada perspective)
13:46 Bodhissatvas and Mahayana Buddhism
15:26 Tibetan Buddhism
16:19 Buddhist Modernism
19:48 Secular Buddhism
24:47 Conclusion

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]]> 2056 no YHWH had a Wife? YHWH...the God of the Israelites in the Hebrew Bible, and you shall have no other gods before him. But did some ancient Israelites worship another god, Asherah? Archaeological evidence suggests that some Israelites may have believed YHWH had a consort or wife.Support the show on Patreon!www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastwww.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenry Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewmarkhenry/Sources:William Devers, "Did God Have a Wife?" Eerdmans, 2005.William Dever, “Archaeology and Ancient Israelite Iconography: Did Yahweh Have a Face?” in A.M. Maeir and P. de Miroschedji (editor), "I will Speak the Riddles of Ancient Times”: Archaeological and Historical Studies in Honor of Amihai Mazar," 461. Judith Hadley, "The Cult of Asherah in Ancient Israel and Judah: Evidence for a Hebrew Goddess," Cambridge University Press, 2000.Critical Review of William Dever’s book: https://members.bib-arch.org/biblical-archaeology-review/32/5/15Hershel Shanks, “The Persisting Uncertainties of Kuntillet ‘Ajrud,” https://members.bib-arch.org/biblical-archaeology-review/38/6/2?ip_login_no_cache=%EA~%7C%DC%F7%B6%07%FFDr. Erin Darby interview on pillar figurines: https://www.coursera.org/learn/bible-history/lecture/gZbL6/darby-interviewSource on standing stones: Stephen Herring, "Divine Substitution," "Chapter 3: Iconic Israel: Divine Representation, Idol Polemics, and the Awareness of the Relationship between Image and Presence in the Hebrew Bible," Vandenhoeck and Ruprecht, 2013. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 19 Sep 2026 07:57:30 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast YHWH...the God of the Israelites in the Hebrew Bible, and you shall have no other gods before him. But did some ancient Israelites worship another god, Asherah? Archaeological evidence suggests that some Israelites may have believed YHWH had a consort or wife.Support the show on Patreon!www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastwww.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenry Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewmarkhenry/Sources:William Devers, "Did God Have a Wife?" Eerdmans, 2005.William Dever, “Archaeology and Ancient Israelite Iconography: Did Yahweh Have a Face?” in A.M. Maeir and P. de Miroschedji (editor), "I will Speak the Riddles of Ancient Times”: Archaeological and Historical Studies in Honor of Amihai Mazar," 461. Judith Hadley, "The Cult of Asherah in Ancient Israel and Judah: Evidence for a Hebrew Goddess," Cambridge University Press, 2000.Critical Review of William Dever’s book: https://members.bib-arch.org/biblical-archaeology-review/32/5/15Hershel Shanks, “The Persisting Uncertainties of Kuntillet ‘Ajrud,” https://members.bib-arch.org/biblical-archaeology-review/38/6/2?ip_login_no_cache=%EA~%7C%DC%F7%B6%07%FFDr. Erin Darby interview on pillar figurines: https://www.coursera.org/learn/bible-history/lecture/gZbL6/darby-interviewSource on standing stones: Stephen Herring, "Divine Substitution," "Chapter 3: Iconic Israel: Divine Representation, Idol Polemics, and the Awareness of the Relationship between Image and Presence in the Hebrew Bible," Vandenhoeck and Ruprecht, 2013. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices YHWH...the God of the Israelites in the Hebrew Bible, and you shall have no other gods before him. But did some ancient Israelites worship another god, Asherah? Archaeological evidence suggests that some Israelites may have believed YHWH had a consort or wife.

Support the show on Patreon!
www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast
Twitter: @andrewmarkhenry
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewmarkhenry/

Sources:

William Devers, "Did God Have a Wife?" Eerdmans, 2005.

William Dever, “Archaeology and Ancient Israelite Iconography: Did Yahweh Have a Face?” in A.M. Maeir and P. de Miroschedji (editor), "I will Speak the Riddles of Ancient Times”: Archaeological and Historical Studies in Honor of Amihai Mazar," 461.

Judith Hadley, "The Cult of Asherah in Ancient Israel and Judah: Evidence for a Hebrew Goddess," Cambridge University Press, 2000.

Critical Review of William Dever’s book: https://members.bib-arch.org/biblical-archaeology-review/32/5/15

Hershel Shanks, “The Persisting Uncertainties of Kuntillet ‘Ajrud,” https://members.bib-arch.org/biblical-archaeology-review/38/6/2?ip_login_no_cache=%EA~%7C%DC%F7%B6%07%FF

Dr. Erin Darby interview on pillar figurines: https://www.coursera.org/learn/bible-history/lecture/gZbL6/darby-interview

Source on standing stones: Stephen Herring, "Divine Substitution," "Chapter 3: Iconic Israel: Divine Representation, Idol Polemics, and the Awareness of the Relationship between Image and Presence in the Hebrew Bible," Vandenhoeck and Ruprecht, 2013.

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]]> 399 no The Archaeology of Ancient Magic My research as an apprentice-scholar of religion is ancient Greco-Roman magic. Many people do not realize that archaeologists have discovered hundreds of ancient objects that attest to the ubiquity of magic in ancient daily life. Facebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comPatreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastExhibit website: https://www.penn.museum/exhibitions/special-exhibitions/magic-in-the-ancient-worldPhoto Attributions:Parthenon: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Parthenon#/media/File:20090624_Acropolis_Parthenon_Athens_Koukaki_panoramic_view.jpgColosseum: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Colosseum#/media/File:RomeColosseum.JPG Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 19 Sep 2026 07:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast My research as an apprentice-scholar of religion is ancient Greco-Roman magic. Many people do not realize that archaeologists have discovered hundreds of ancient objects that attest to the ubiquity of magic in ancient daily life. Facebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comPatreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastExhibit website: https://www.penn.museum/exhibitions/special-exhibitions/magic-in-the-ancient-worldPhoto Attributions:Parthenon: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Parthenon#/media/File:20090624_Acropolis_Parthenon_Athens_Koukaki_panoramic_view.jpgColosseum: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Colosseum#/media/File:RomeColosseum.JPG Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices My research as an apprentice-scholar of religion is ancient Greco-Roman magic. Many people do not realize that archaeologists have discovered hundreds of ancient objects that attest to the ubiquity of magic in ancient daily life.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast
Twitter: @andrewmarkhenry
Blog: www.religionforbreakfast.com
Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast

Exhibit website: https://www.penn.museum/exhibitions/special-exhibitions/magic-in-the-ancient-world

Photo Attributions:

Parthenon: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Parthenon#/media/File:20090624_Acropolis_Parthenon_Athens_Koukaki_panoramic_view.jpg

Colosseum: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Colosseum#/media/File:RomeColosseum.JPG

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]]> 293 no Did Emperor Decius Target Christians? In the mid-3rd century CE, Emperor Decius ordered that everyone in the Roman Empire is to offer a sacrifice to the Roman gods. This caused a controversy among Christian communities as bunches of Christians refused to sacrifice and ended up being jailed, tortured, or executed. But was this edict specifically an anti-Christian decree? Or did Decius inadvertently stumble into a theological controversy? Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comMusic: Kevin MacLeod, www.incompetech.comAnimation: EC Henry, www.echenry.comSpecial Thanks to our patrons on Patreon!:Brian B.John M.Alex B.Cain D.MannyMark H.Dan D.Andrew S.WilsonPhoto Attributions:Decius: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decius#/media/File:Emperor_Traianus_Decius_(Mary_Harrsch).jpgDiocletian:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diocletian#/media/File:Istanbul_-_Museo_archeol._-_Diocleziano_(284-305_d.C.)_-_Foto_G._Dall%27Orto_28-5-2006.jpgTheadelphia Libellus: http://www.luther.edu/archives/research/digital-collections/papyrus/images/Libation Vessel: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Libation#/media/File:Omphalos_pushkin.jpgLibating Priest statue: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Libation#/media/File:RMW_-_Opfernder_Togatus.jpg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 19 Sep 2026 07:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast In the mid-3rd century CE, Emperor Decius ordered that everyone in the Roman Empire is to offer a sacrifice to the Roman gods. This caused a controversy among Christian communities as bunches of Christians refused to sacrifice and ended up being jailed, tortured, or executed. But was this edict specifically an anti-Christian decree? Or did Decius inadvertently stumble into a theological controversy? Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comMusic: Kevin MacLeod, www.incompetech.comAnimation: EC Henry, www.echenry.comSpecial Thanks to our patrons on Patreon!:Brian B.John M.Alex B.Cain D.MannyMark H.Dan D.Andrew S.WilsonPhoto Attributions:Decius: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decius#/media/File:Emperor_Traianus_Decius_(Mary_Harrsch).jpgDiocletian:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diocletian#/media/File:Istanbul_-_Museo_archeol._-_Diocleziano_(284-305_d.C.)_-_Foto_G._Dall%27Orto_28-5-2006.jpgTheadelphia Libellus: http://www.luther.edu/archives/research/digital-collections/papyrus/images/Libation Vessel: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Libation#/media/File:Omphalos_pushkin.jpgLibating Priest statue: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Libation#/media/File:RMW_-_Opfernder_Togatus.jpg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In the mid-3rd century CE, Emperor Decius ordered that everyone in the Roman Empire is to offer a sacrifice to the Roman gods. This caused a controversy among Christian communities as bunches of Christians refused to sacrifice and ended up being jailed, tortured, or executed. But was this edict specifically an anti-Christian decree? Or did Decius inadvertently stumble into a theological controversy?

Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Twitter: @andrewmarkhenry
Facebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast
Blog: www.religionforbreakfast.com

Music: Kevin MacLeod, www.incompetech.com
Animation: EC Henry, www.echenry.com

Special Thanks to our patrons on Patreon!:
Brian B.
John M.
Alex B.
Cain D.
Manny
Mark H.
Dan D.
Andrew S.
Wilson

Photo Attributions:
Decius: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decius#/media/File:Emperor_Traianus_Decius_(Mary_Harrsch).jpg

Diocletian:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diocletian#/media/File:Istanbul_-_Museo_archeol._-_Diocleziano_(284-305_d.C.)_-_Foto_G._Dall%27Orto_28-5-2006.jpg

Theadelphia Libellus: http://www.luther.edu/archives/research/digital-collections/papyrus/images/

Libation Vessel: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Libation#/media/File:Omphalos_pushkin.jpg

Libating Priest statue: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Libation#/media/File:RMW_-_Opfernder_Togatus.jpg

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]]> 608 no The Academic Study of Religion Explained Religious studies draws inspiration from multiple academic disciplines: sociology, anthropology, history, neuroscience, biology, psychology, political science..so no matter what you're interested in, you can probably find a home in religious studies!Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comAndrew's religious studies book recommendations: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfastSpecial thanks to the Religious Freedom Center for helping to film and edit this video. The Religious Freedom Center is a nonsectarian organization based out of the Newseum in Washington D.C. They are developing online curriculum to help public school teachers to improve their religious literacy in the classroom. This video is part of two classes I helped to design: RLIT 100 Religions of the World, and EDU 300 Teaching About Religion in Public School. If you are interested in signing up for one of these courses, head on over to: http://www.religiousfreedomcenter.org/admissions/Buddhism footage is from my friend and colleague Jenn Lindsay. Check out her YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/user/jenniferslindsaySpecial thanks to another friend and colleague, John Balch, for help describing the scientific study of religion. Follow him on Twitter at @PerplexedMonist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 19 Sep 2026 07:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Religious studies draws inspiration from multiple academic disciplines: sociology, anthropology, history, neuroscience, biology, psychology, political science..so no matter what you're interested in, you can probably find a home in religious studies!Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comAndrew's religious studies book recommendations: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfastSpecial thanks to the Religious Freedom Center for helping to film and edit this video. The Religious Freedom Center is a nonsectarian organization based out of the Newseum in Washington D.C. They are developing online curriculum to help public school teachers to improve their religious literacy in the classroom. This video is part of two classes I helped to design: RLIT 100 Religions of the World, and EDU 300 Teaching About Religion in Public School. If you are interested in signing up for one of these courses, head on over to: http://www.religiousfreedomcenter.org/admissions/Buddhism footage is from my friend and colleague Jenn Lindsay. Check out her YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/user/jenniferslindsaySpecial thanks to another friend and colleague, John Balch, for help describing the scientific study of religion. Follow him on Twitter at @PerplexedMonist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Religious studies draws inspiration from multiple academic disciplines: sociology, anthropology, history, neuroscience, biology, psychology, political science..so no matter what you're interested in, you can probably find a home in religious studies!

Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Facebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast
Twitter: @andrewmarkhenry
Blog: www.religionforbreakfast.com

Andrew's religious studies book recommendations: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast

Special thanks to the Religious Freedom Center for helping to film and edit this video. The Religious Freedom Center is a nonsectarian organization based out of the Newseum in Washington D.C. They are developing online curriculum to help public school teachers to improve their religious literacy in the classroom. This video is part of two classes I helped to design: RLIT 100 Religions of the World, and EDU 300 Teaching About Religion in Public School. If you are interested in signing up for one of these courses, head on over to: http://www.religiousfreedomcenter.org/admissions/

Buddhism footage is from my friend and colleague Jenn Lindsay. Check out her YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/user/jenniferslindsay

Special thanks to another friend and colleague, John Balch, for help describing the scientific study of religion. Follow him on Twitter at @PerplexedMonist

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 399 no Going full time, and I need your help Join the Patreon community here!: https://patreon.com/religionforbreakfastThank you so much. Thank you to the 100,000 people who have subscribed. And thank you to the 200 people who have supported this show financially. I am so grateful, and I'm excited about the future of religious literacy education on YouTube. Here's to 2020! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 19 Sep 2026 06:53:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Join the Patreon community here!: https://patreon.com/religionforbreakfastThank you so much. Thank you to the 100,000 people who have subscribed. And thank you to the 200 people who have supported this show financially. I am so grateful, and I'm excited about the future of religious literacy education on YouTube. Here's to 2020! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Join the Patreon community here!: https://patreon.com/religionforbreakfast

Thank you so much. Thank you to the 100,000 people who have subscribed. And thank you to the 200 people who have supported this show financially. I am so grateful, and I'm excited about the future of religious literacy education on YouTube. Here's to 2020!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 308 no Big News... Join The Religion Department: https://www.religiondepartment.com/The Religion Department is our new online learning platform and community where you can learn about religion from scholars around the world. We offer lectures, multi-week seminars, and guided reading groups that explore the fascinating complexity of religion in all its forms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 19 Sep 2026 06:02:30 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Join The Religion Department: https://www.religiondepartment.com/The Religion Department is our new online learning platform and community where you can learn about religion from scholars around the world. We offer lectures, multi-week seminars, and guided reading groups that explore the fascinating complexity of religion in all its forms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Join The Religion Department: https://www.religiondepartment.com/
The Religion Department is our new online learning platform and community where you can learn about religion from scholars around the world. We offer lectures, multi-week seminars, and guided reading groups that explore the fascinating complexity of religion in all its forms.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 490 no The Most Painful Religious Rituals Join our Patreon community!: https://patreon.com/religionforbreakfastOne-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastCheck out my favorite religious studies books: https://www.amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast Self-flagellation. Body mortification. Fire-walking. Global religion has bunches of examples of extreme, painful rituals. But why do humans do them?Watch full interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRdi0hNqVSw&feature=youtu.beFull picture: https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/9bz875/do-anthropologists-consider-the-ice-bucket-challenge-an-extreme-ritual-106All photographs are courtesy of Dr. Dimitris Xygalatas unless otherwise stated. Support the show!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastOne time donations: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastFollow me on Twitter: @andrewmarkhenryOther photo credits:Wikimedia Commons, tajai : https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:15ème_Fête_de_Ganesh_(4939345552).jpg | https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Thaipusam7.jpgBibliography:Dimitris Xygalatas, "How Extreme Rituals Forge Intense Social Bonds," https://aeon.co/essays/how-extreme-rituals-forge-intense-social-bondsFischer et. al., "The Fire-Walker’s High: Affect and Physiological Responses in an Extreme Collective Ritual," February 2014 | Volume 9 | Issue 2https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/file?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0088355&type=printableXygalatas et. al. “Effects of Extreme Ritual Practices on Psychophysiological Well-Being,” Current Anthropology, Volume 60, Number 5, October 2019. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 19 Sep 2026 06:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Join our Patreon community!: https://patreon.com/religionforbreakfastOne-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastCheck out my favorite religious studies books: https://www.amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast Self-flagellation. Body mortification. Fire-walking. Global religion has bunches of examples of extreme, painful rituals. But why do humans do them?Watch full interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRdi0hNqVSw&feature=youtu.beFull picture: https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/9bz875/do-anthropologists-consider-the-ice-bucket-challenge-an-extreme-ritual-106All photographs are courtesy of Dr. Dimitris Xygalatas unless otherwise stated. Support the show!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastOne time donations: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastFollow me on Twitter: @andrewmarkhenryOther photo credits:Wikimedia Commons, tajai : https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:15ème_Fête_de_Ganesh_(4939345552).jpg | https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Thaipusam7.jpgBibliography:Dimitris Xygalatas, "How Extreme Rituals Forge Intense Social Bonds," https://aeon.co/essays/how-extreme-rituals-forge-intense-social-bondsFischer et. al., "The Fire-Walker’s High: Affect and Physiological Responses in an Extreme Collective Ritual," February 2014 | Volume 9 | Issue 2https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/file?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0088355&type=printableXygalatas et. al. “Effects of Extreme Ritual Practices on Psychophysiological Well-Being,” Current Anthropology, Volume 60, Number 5, October 2019. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Join our Patreon community!: https://patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
One-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfast
Check out my favorite religious studies books: https://www.amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast

Self-flagellation. Body mortification. Fire-walking. Global religion has bunches of examples of extreme, painful rituals. But why do humans do them?
Watch full interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRdi0hNqVSw&feature=youtu.be

Full picture: https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/9bz875/do-anthropologists-consider-the-ice-bucket-challenge-an-extreme-ritual-106

All photographs are courtesy of Dr. Dimitris Xygalatas unless otherwise stated.
Support the show!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
One time donations: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfast
Follow me on Twitter: @andrewmarkhenry

Other photo credits:
Wikimedia Commons, tajai : https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:15ème_Fête_de_Ganesh_(4939345552).jpg | https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Thaipusam7.jpg

Bibliography:
Dimitris Xygalatas, "How Extreme Rituals Forge Intense Social Bonds," https://aeon.co/essays/how-extreme-rituals-forge-intense-social-bonds

Fischer et. al., "The Fire-Walker’s High: Affect and Physiological Responses in an Extreme Collective Ritual," February 2014 | Volume 9 | Issue 2
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/file?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0088355&type=printable

Xygalatas et. al. “Effects of Extreme Ritual Practices on Psychophysiological Well-Being,” Current Anthropology, Volume 60, Number 5, October 2019.

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]]> 571 no Did Jesus Really Have Long Hair? With my link, you can get 50% off of Nebula. It’s just $30/year, or $2,5/month, at https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast Watch Lindsay Ellis' "Let’s Compare and Contrast Disney’s Flop Eras": https://nebula.tv/videos/lindsayellis-disney-flop-eras?ref=religionforbreakfastReligion for Breakfast videos take a lot of research and collaboration. Patreon support helps fund editors, scholars, and future episodes. Support us here: https://www.patreon.com/c/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and ReutersDid Jesus really have long, flowing hair? Art always depicts him like that, but archaeology says probably not. From Roman statues to Jewish tomb finds, we explore what men actually looked like in first-century Galilee. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 19 Sep 2026 06:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast With my link, you can get 50% off of Nebula. It’s just $30/year, or $2,5/month, at https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast Watch Lindsay Ellis' "Let’s Compare and Contrast Disney’s Flop Eras": https://nebula.tv/videos/lindsayellis-disney-flop-eras?ref=religionforbreakfastReligion for Breakfast videos take a lot of research and collaboration. Patreon support helps fund editors, scholars, and future episodes. Support us here: https://www.patreon.com/c/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and ReutersDid Jesus really have long, flowing hair? Art always depicts him like that, but archaeology says probably not. From Roman statues to Jewish tomb finds, we explore what men actually looked like in first-century Galilee. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices With my link, you can get 50% off of Nebula. It’s just $30/year, or $2,5/month, at https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast
Watch Lindsay Ellis' "Let’s Compare and Contrast Disney’s Flop Eras": https://nebula.tv/videos/lindsayellis-disney-flop-eras?ref=religionforbreakfast

Religion for Breakfast videos take a lot of research and collaboration. Patreon support helps fund editors, scholars, and future episodes. Support us here: https://www.patreon.com/c/religionforbreakfast

Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters

Did Jesus really have long, flowing hair? Art always depicts him like that, but archaeology says probably not. From Roman statues to Jewish tomb finds, we explore what men actually looked like in first-century Galilee.

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]]> 1068 no Whose Religion Counts as "American?" | ft. Dr. Simran Jeet Singh Watch Simran's new docuseries UNDIVIDED on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKFaEhkvrfIWhat counts as "American" religion? Dr. Simran Jeet Singh joins me to talk pluralism, religious freedom, and the religious communities often overlooked in US history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 19 Sep 2026 05:05:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Watch Simran's new docuseries UNDIVIDED on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKFaEhkvrfIWhat counts as "American" religion? Dr. Simran Jeet Singh joins me to talk pluralism, religious freedom, and the religious communities often overlooked in US history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Watch Simran's new docuseries UNDIVIDED on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKFaEhkvrfI

What counts as "American" religion? Dr. Simran Jeet Singh joins me to talk pluralism, religious freedom, and the religious communities often overlooked in US history.

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]]> 3549 no The Dajjāl: The Islamic Antichrist? Go to https://hensonshaving.com/religionforbreakfast and enter RELIGIONFORBREAKFAST at checkout to get 100 free blades with your purchase! The Dajjal: a one-eyed deceiver who performs miracles, raises the dead, and nearly conquers the world. We break down the Islamic end-times traditions, his origins, and why he remains one of the most feared figures in Islam.Religion for Breakfast videos take a lot of research and collaboration. Patreon support helps fund editors, scholars, and future episodes. Support us here: https://www.patreon.com/c/religionforbreakfastThumbnail design by @ECHenry Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters00:00 Intro1:08 The Dajjal in the Hadith5:42 The Physical Traits of the Dajjal8:51 The Defeat of the Dajjal11:00 Historical Context12:54 Linking the Dajjal to Real People14:47 Mystical Intepretations16:00 Tamim al-Dari Story Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 19 Sep 2026 05:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Go to https://hensonshaving.com/religionforbreakfast and enter RELIGIONFORBREAKFAST at checkout to get 100 free blades with your purchase! The Dajjal: a one-eyed deceiver who performs miracles, raises the dead, and nearly conquers the world. We break down the Islamic end-times traditions, his origins, and why he remains one of the most feared figures in Islam.Religion for Breakfast videos take a lot of research and collaboration. Patreon support helps fund editors, scholars, and future episodes. Support us here: https://www.patreon.com/c/religionforbreakfastThumbnail design by @ECHenry Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters00:00 Intro1:08 The Dajjal in the Hadith5:42 The Physical Traits of the Dajjal8:51 The Defeat of the Dajjal11:00 Historical Context12:54 Linking the Dajjal to Real People14:47 Mystical Intepretations16:00 Tamim al-Dari Story Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Go to https://hensonshaving.com/religionforbreakfast and enter RELIGIONFORBREAKFAST at checkout to get 100 free blades with your purchase!

The Dajjal: a one-eyed deceiver who performs miracles, raises the dead, and nearly conquers the world. We break down the Islamic end-times traditions, his origins, and why he remains one of the most feared figures in Islam.

Religion for Breakfast videos take a lot of research and collaboration. Patreon support helps fund editors, scholars, and future episodes. Support us here: https://www.patreon.com/c/religionforbreakfast

Thumbnail design by @ECHenry

Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters

00:00 Intro
1:08 The Dajjal in the Hadith
5:42 The Physical Traits of the Dajjal
8:51 The Defeat of the Dajjal
11:00 Historical Context
12:54 Linking the Dajjal to Real People
14:47 Mystical Intepretations
16:00 Tamim al-Dari Story

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]]> 1569 no How Secular Are We? [Interview w/ Dr. Josephson-Storm] Andrew chats with Dr. Jason Josephson-Storm, scholar of religious studies, about the rise of exorcisms in the United States. We also talk about the limits of the secularization thesis—the theory that the West is becoming less and less religious. Join our Patreon community at: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast One-time donations can be sent to: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastFind Jason's book and many more suggestions from Andrew at: https://www.amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfastFollow me on:Twitter @andrewmarkhenry: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastFollow Jason on Twitter too!: @Ghost_Image_ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 19 Sep 2026 05:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Andrew chats with Dr. Jason Josephson-Storm, scholar of religious studies, about the rise of exorcisms in the United States. We also talk about the limits of the secularization thesis—the theory that the West is becoming less and less religious. Join our Patreon community at: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast One-time donations can be sent to: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastFind Jason's book and many more suggestions from Andrew at: https://www.amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfastFollow me on:Twitter @andrewmarkhenry: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastFollow Jason on Twitter too!: @Ghost_Image_ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Andrew chats with Dr. Jason Josephson-Storm, scholar of religious studies, about the rise of exorcisms in the United States. We also talk about the limits of the secularization thesis—the theory that the West is becoming less and less religious.

Join our Patreon community at: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
One-time donations can be sent to: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfast

Find Jason's book and many more suggestions from Andrew at: https://www.amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast

Follow me on:
Twitter @andrewmarkhenry:
www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast

Follow Jason on Twitter too!: @Ghost_Image_

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]]> 3222 no Who were the Nephilim? Get Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast Watch Archaeology Quest here!: https://nebula.tv/videos/realscience-pottery?ref=religionforbreakfast Join our Patreon community!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastOne-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastSign-up for my classes list to be notified of online classes: https://classes.religionforbreakfast.com/The Nephilim are a mysterious group of beings mentioned in the book of Genesis. But who were they thought to be? Giants? Fallen angels?Bibliography:-Loren T. Stuckenbruck, The Myth of Rebellious Angels: Studies in Second Temple Judaism and New Testament Texts (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2017).-Adrienne Mayor, The First Fossil Hunters: Dinosaurs, Mammoths, and Myth in Greek and Roman Times (Princeton: Princeton UP, 2023).-Wojciech Kosior, “The Fallen (Or) Giants? The Gigantic Qualities of the Nefilim in the Hebrew Bible,” in Magdalena Waligórska and Tara Kohn, eds., Jewish Translation, Translating Jewishness (Boston: De Gruyter, 2018). -Ronald Hendel, The Landscape of Memory: Giants and the Conquest of Canaan,” "From the book Collective Memory and Collective Identity."-Ronald Hendel, "The Nephilim were on the Earth," in The Fall of the Angels, pages 11-34.-Robin Routledge, "The Nephilim: A Tall Story?" Tyndale Bulletin 66.1 (2015), 19-40.-Annette Yoshiko Reed, "Fallen Angels and the History of Judaism and Christianity: The Reception of Enochic Literature," 2005.00:00 Introduction1:31 Ancient Context of Genesis 64:00 Ancient Canaanite Giants?7:18 The Hellenistic Interpretation of Nephilim9:00 Fallen Angel Interpretation10:30 Rabbinic Jewish and later Christian InterpretationsSelect images courtesy of Getty Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 19 Sep 2026 04:07:30 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Get Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast Watch Archaeology Quest here!: https://nebula.tv/videos/realscience-pottery?ref=religionforbreakfast Join our Patreon community!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastOne-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastSign-up for my classes list to be notified of online classes: https://classes.religionforbreakfast.com/The Nephilim are a mysterious group of beings mentioned in the book of Genesis. But who were they thought to be? Giants? Fallen angels?Bibliography:-Loren T. Stuckenbruck, The Myth of Rebellious Angels: Studies in Second Temple Judaism and New Testament Texts (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2017).-Adrienne Mayor, The First Fossil Hunters: Dinosaurs, Mammoths, and Myth in Greek and Roman Times (Princeton: Princeton UP, 2023).-Wojciech Kosior, “The Fallen (Or) Giants? The Gigantic Qualities of the Nefilim in the Hebrew Bible,” in Magdalena Waligórska and Tara Kohn, eds., Jewish Translation, Translating Jewishness (Boston: De Gruyter, 2018). -Ronald Hendel, The Landscape of Memory: Giants and the Conquest of Canaan,” "From the book Collective Memory and Collective Identity."-Ronald Hendel, "The Nephilim were on the Earth," in The Fall of the Angels, pages 11-34.-Robin Routledge, "The Nephilim: A Tall Story?" Tyndale Bulletin 66.1 (2015), 19-40.-Annette Yoshiko Reed, "Fallen Angels and the History of Judaism and Christianity: The Reception of Enochic Literature," 2005.00:00 Introduction1:31 Ancient Context of Genesis 64:00 Ancient Canaanite Giants?7:18 The Hellenistic Interpretation of Nephilim9:00 Fallen Angel Interpretation10:30 Rabbinic Jewish and later Christian InterpretationsSelect images courtesy of Getty Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Get Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast
Watch Archaeology Quest here!: https://nebula.tv/videos/realscience-pottery?ref=religionforbreakfast

Join our Patreon community!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
One-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfast
Sign-up for my classes list to be notified of online classes: https://classes.religionforbreakfast.com/

The Nephilim are a mysterious group of beings mentioned in the book of Genesis. But who were they thought to be? Giants? Fallen angels?

Bibliography:
-Loren T. Stuckenbruck, The Myth of Rebellious Angels: Studies in Second Temple Judaism and New Testament Texts (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2017).
-Adrienne Mayor, The First Fossil Hunters: Dinosaurs, Mammoths, and Myth in Greek and Roman Times (Princeton: Princeton UP, 2023).
-Wojciech Kosior, “The Fallen (Or) Giants? The Gigantic Qualities of the Nefilim in the Hebrew Bible,” in Magdalena Waligórska and Tara Kohn, eds., Jewish Translation, Translating Jewishness (Boston: De Gruyter, 2018).
-Ronald Hendel, The Landscape of Memory: Giants and the Conquest of Canaan,” "From the book Collective Memory and Collective Identity."
-Ronald Hendel, "The Nephilim were on the Earth," in The Fall of the Angels, pages 11-34.
-Robin Routledge, "The Nephilim: A Tall Story?" Tyndale Bulletin 66.1 (2015), 19-40.
-Annette Yoshiko Reed, "Fallen Angels and the History of Judaism and Christianity: The Reception of Enochic Literature," 2005.

00:00 Introduction
1:31 Ancient Context of Genesis 6
4:00 Ancient Canaanite Giants?
7:18 The Hellenistic Interpretation of Nephilim
9:00 Fallen Angel Interpretation
10:30 Rabbinic Jewish and later Christian Interpretations

Select images courtesy of Getty

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]]> 1181 no What Is Religion? What is religion? The answer might not be as simple as you thought.Twitter: @andrewmarkhenryFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comAndrew's religious studies book recommendations: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfastDesign: Chris Maghintay, http://www.chrismaghintay.com/Animation: EC Henry, http://echenry.com/Music: Kevin MacLeod, http://incompetech.com/Attributions:Star Wars Medieval Illumination: Chawakarn KongprasertFor God, Country, and Coca-Cola image: Mark PendergrastReligion Evolution Tree: Simon E. Davies, https://www.facebook.com/HumanOdyssey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 19 Sep 2026 04:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast What is religion? The answer might not be as simple as you thought.Twitter: @andrewmarkhenryFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comAndrew's religious studies book recommendations: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfastDesign: Chris Maghintay, http://www.chrismaghintay.com/Animation: EC Henry, http://echenry.com/Music: Kevin MacLeod, http://incompetech.com/Attributions:Star Wars Medieval Illumination: Chawakarn KongprasertFor God, Country, and Coca-Cola image: Mark PendergrastReligion Evolution Tree: Simon E. Davies, https://www.facebook.com/HumanOdyssey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices What is religion? The answer might not be as simple as you thought.

Twitter: @andrewmarkhenry
Facebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast
Blog: www.religionforbreakfast.com

Andrew's religious studies book recommendations: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast

Design: Chris Maghintay, http://www.chrismaghintay.com/
Animation: EC Henry, http://echenry.com/
Music: Kevin MacLeod, http://incompetech.com/

Attributions:
Star Wars Medieval Illumination: Chawakarn Kongprasert

For God, Country, and Coca-Cola image: Mark Pendergrast

Religion Evolution Tree: Simon E. Davies, https://www.facebook.com/HumanOdyssey

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 584 no Mazu: The Chinese Goddess Who Went Global Get Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast Watch my next video early!: https://nebula.tv/videos/religionforbreakfast-jess-malverde-cartel-narcosaint-or-not?ref=religionforbreakfast Watch China, Actually: https://nebula.tv/chinaactually?ref=religionforbreakfast Mazu is a Chinese goddess particularly popular in Taiwan and the southeastern provinces of China. But she's also arguably the most popular Chinese goddess around the world, worshipped in 20 different countries around the world.Join our Patreon community!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastOne-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastSign-up for my mailing list to be notified of online classes: https://classes.religionforbreakfast.com/Thumbnail art by @hotcyderSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 19 Sep 2026 04:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Get Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast Watch my next video early!: https://nebula.tv/videos/religionforbreakfast-jess-malverde-cartel-narcosaint-or-not?ref=religionforbreakfast Watch China, Actually: https://nebula.tv/chinaactually?ref=religionforbreakfast Mazu is a Chinese goddess particularly popular in Taiwan and the southeastern provinces of China. But she's also arguably the most popular Chinese goddess around the world, worshipped in 20 different countries around the world.Join our Patreon community!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastOne-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastSign-up for my mailing list to be notified of online classes: https://classes.religionforbreakfast.com/Thumbnail art by @hotcyderSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Get Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast
Watch my next video early!: https://nebula.tv/videos/religionforbreakfast-jess-malverde-cartel-narcosaint-or-not?ref=religionforbreakfast
Watch China, Actually: https://nebula.tv/chinaactually?ref=religionforbreakfast

Mazu is a Chinese goddess particularly popular in Taiwan and the southeastern provinces of China. But she's also arguably the most popular Chinese goddess around the world, worshipped in 20 different countries around the world.

Join our Patreon community!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
One-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfast
Sign-up for my mailing list to be notified of online classes: https://classes.religionforbreakfast.com/

Thumbnail art by @hotcyder
Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters.

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]]> 973 no Would Alien "First Contact" Destroy Religion? As NASA continues to discover thousands of new exoplanets, humans have increasingly asked: "Are we alone?" If other intelligent species exist in our universe, do they practice religion too? If so, how would human world religions react to the possibility of first contact with extraterrestrial life?Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comThanks to our Patreon patrons!:Brian BDan DAlex BJohn MWilsonCain DMannyMark HAttributions:Ultra Hi Def Earth: https://www.nasa.gov/content/ultra-high-definition-video-galleryStarfield time-lapse with aurora: http://eol.jsc.nasa.gov/BeyondThePhotography/CrewEarthObservationsVideos/Africa.htmStarfield time lapse: https://www.videezy.com/time-lapse/2669-star-trails-royalty-free-hd-stock-footageEarth from ISS orbit: http://eol.jsc.nasa.gov/BeyondThePhotography/CrewEarthObservationsVideos/Flying over New Zealand: http://eol.jsc.nasa.gov/BeyondThePhotography/CrewEarthObservationsVideos/SouthPacific.htmJohn Hart Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0fQiXrvw1gDavid Weintraub lecture: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFUF5gcXWVwThomas Paine Oil Painting: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Paine#/media/File:Thomas_Paine_by_Laurent_Dabos-crop.jpgRuined Church: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a5/Ruined_church_passarella.jpgChalmers Photo: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Chalmers#/media/File:Thomas_Chalmers_by_David_Octavius_Hill,_c1843-47.jpgSamsara photo: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sa%E1%B9%83s%C4%81ra#/media/File:The_wheel_of_life,_Trongsa_dzong.jpgFlammarion Woodcut: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5/Vodou Altar: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haitian_Vodou#/media/File:Haitian_vodou_altar_to_Petwo,_Rada,_and_Gede_spirits;_November_5,_2010..jpg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 19 Sep 2026 03:10:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast As NASA continues to discover thousands of new exoplanets, humans have increasingly asked: "Are we alone?" If other intelligent species exist in our universe, do they practice religion too? If so, how would human world religions react to the possibility of first contact with extraterrestrial life?Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comThanks to our Patreon patrons!:Brian BDan DAlex BJohn MWilsonCain DMannyMark HAttributions:Ultra Hi Def Earth: https://www.nasa.gov/content/ultra-high-definition-video-galleryStarfield time-lapse with aurora: http://eol.jsc.nasa.gov/BeyondThePhotography/CrewEarthObservationsVideos/Africa.htmStarfield time lapse: https://www.videezy.com/time-lapse/2669-star-trails-royalty-free-hd-stock-footageEarth from ISS orbit: http://eol.jsc.nasa.gov/BeyondThePhotography/CrewEarthObservationsVideos/Flying over New Zealand: http://eol.jsc.nasa.gov/BeyondThePhotography/CrewEarthObservationsVideos/SouthPacific.htmJohn Hart Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0fQiXrvw1gDavid Weintraub lecture: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFUF5gcXWVwThomas Paine Oil Painting: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Paine#/media/File:Thomas_Paine_by_Laurent_Dabos-crop.jpgRuined Church: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a5/Ruined_church_passarella.jpgChalmers Photo: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Chalmers#/media/File:Thomas_Chalmers_by_David_Octavius_Hill,_c1843-47.jpgSamsara photo: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sa%E1%B9%83s%C4%81ra#/media/File:The_wheel_of_life,_Trongsa_dzong.jpgFlammarion Woodcut: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5/Vodou Altar: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haitian_Vodou#/media/File:Haitian_vodou_altar_to_Petwo,_Rada,_and_Gede_spirits;_November_5,_2010..jpg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices As NASA continues to discover thousands of new exoplanets, humans have increasingly asked: "Are we alone?" If other intelligent species exist in our universe, do they practice religion too? If so, how would human world religions react to the possibility of first contact with extraterrestrial life?

Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Twitter: @andrewmarkhenry
Facebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast
Blog: www.religionforbreakfast.com

Thanks to our Patreon patrons!:
Brian B
Dan D
Alex B
John M
Wilson
Cain D
Manny
Mark H

Attributions:
Ultra Hi Def Earth: https://www.nasa.gov/content/ultra-high-definition-video-gallery

Starfield time-lapse with aurora: http://eol.jsc.nasa.gov/BeyondThePhotography/CrewEarthObservationsVideos/Africa.htm

Starfield time lapse: https://www.videezy.com/time-lapse/2669-star-trails-royalty-free-hd-stock-footage

Earth from ISS orbit: http://eol.jsc.nasa.gov/BeyondThePhotography/CrewEarthObservationsVideos/

Flying over New Zealand: http://eol.jsc.nasa.gov/BeyondThePhotography/CrewEarthObservationsVideos/SouthPacific.htm

John Hart Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0fQiXrvw1g

David Weintraub lecture: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFUF5gcXWVw

Thomas Paine Oil Painting: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Paine#/media/File:Thomas_Paine_by_Laurent_Dabos-crop.jpg

Ruined Church: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a5/Ruined_church_passarella.jpg

Chalmers Photo: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Chalmers#/media/File:Thomas_Chalmers_by_David_Octavius_Hill,_c1843-47.jpg

Samsara photo: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sa%E1%B9%83s%C4%81ra#/media/File:The_wheel_of_life,_Trongsa_dzong.jpg

Flammarion Woodcut: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5/

Vodou Altar: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haitian_Vodou#/media/File:Haitian_vodou_altar_to_Petwo,_Rada,_and_Gede_spirits;_November_5,_2010..jpg

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 494 no What Does it Mean to Be Religious? Many define "religion" as a "belief system." But religion encompasses a lot more than "belief" and "doctrine." In fact, many religions don't emphasize personal faith much at all. For many people, their religious identity is derived through the rituals they decide to participate in and the cultural identity that they have adopted. How, then, can we complicate our "belief centric" view of religious identity?Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryAndrew's religious studies book recommendations: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfastB-reel footage used with permission from the following photographers:EC Henry: https://www.youtube.com/user/tlwllJennifer Lindsay: https://www.youtube.com/user/jenniferslindsayBibliography:Ben Marcus on the 3B Framework of Religious Identity:“Religious Literacy in American Education,” in The Oxford Handbook of Religion and American Education, ed. Michael D. Waggoner and Nathan C. Walker (Oxford: Oxford University Press, Forthcoming).More from Ben Marcus on 3B Framework: http://www.religiousfreedomcenter.org/schools/grounding/identity/Belief in God Pew Research study: http://www.pewforum.org/religious-landscape-study/belief-in-god/Catholic views Pew Research study: http://www.pewforum.org/2013/03/18/us-catholics-happy-with-selection-of-pope-francis/Another study on Catholic views on birth control and homosexuality: http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2013/09/19/majority-of-u-s-catholics-opinions-run-counter-to-church-on-contraception-homosexuality/For a fuller discussion on Charles Hardwick and the "Protestant bias" in the study of religion, see:Dr. Tomoko Masuzawa, "The Invention of World Religions," p. 127Dr. JZ Smith, "Drudgery Divine," (the whole book, its great). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 19 Sep 2026 03:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Many define "religion" as a "belief system." But religion encompasses a lot more than "belief" and "doctrine." In fact, many religions don't emphasize personal faith much at all. For many people, their religious identity is derived through the rituals they decide to participate in and the cultural identity that they have adopted. How, then, can we complicate our "belief centric" view of religious identity?Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryAndrew's religious studies book recommendations: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfastB-reel footage used with permission from the following photographers:EC Henry: https://www.youtube.com/user/tlwllJennifer Lindsay: https://www.youtube.com/user/jenniferslindsayBibliography:Ben Marcus on the 3B Framework of Religious Identity:“Religious Literacy in American Education,” in The Oxford Handbook of Religion and American Education, ed. Michael D. Waggoner and Nathan C. Walker (Oxford: Oxford University Press, Forthcoming).More from Ben Marcus on 3B Framework: http://www.religiousfreedomcenter.org/schools/grounding/identity/Belief in God Pew Research study: http://www.pewforum.org/religious-landscape-study/belief-in-god/Catholic views Pew Research study: http://www.pewforum.org/2013/03/18/us-catholics-happy-with-selection-of-pope-francis/Another study on Catholic views on birth control and homosexuality: http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2013/09/19/majority-of-u-s-catholics-opinions-run-counter-to-church-on-contraception-homosexuality/For a fuller discussion on Charles Hardwick and the "Protestant bias" in the study of religion, see:Dr. Tomoko Masuzawa, "The Invention of World Religions," p. 127Dr. JZ Smith, "Drudgery Divine," (the whole book, its great). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Many define "religion" as a "belief system." But religion encompasses a lot more than "belief" and "doctrine." In fact, many religions don't emphasize personal faith much at all. For many people, their religious identity is derived through the rituals they decide to participate in and the cultural identity that they have adopted. How, then, can we complicate our "belief centric" view of religious identity?

Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Facebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast
Twitter: @andrewmarkhenry

Andrew's religious studies book recommendations: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast

B-reel footage used with permission from the following photographers:
EC Henry: https://www.youtube.com/user/tlwll
Jennifer Lindsay: https://www.youtube.com/user/jenniferslindsay

Bibliography:

Ben Marcus on the 3B Framework of Religious Identity:
“Religious Literacy in American Education,” in The Oxford Handbook of Religion and American Education, ed. Michael D. Waggoner and Nathan C. Walker (Oxford: Oxford University Press, Forthcoming).

More from Ben Marcus on 3B Framework: http://www.religiousfreedomcenter.org/schools/grounding/identity/

Belief in God Pew Research study: http://www.pewforum.org/religious-landscape-study/belief-in-god/

Catholic views Pew Research study: http://www.pewforum.org/2013/03/18/us-catholics-happy-with-selection-of-pope-francis/

Another study on Catholic views on birth control and homosexuality: http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2013/09/19/majority-of-u-s-catholics-opinions-run-counter-to-church-on-contraception-homosexuality/

For a fuller discussion on Charles Hardwick and the "Protestant bias" in the study of religion, see:
Dr. Tomoko Masuzawa, "The Invention of World Religions," p. 127

Dr. JZ Smith, "Drudgery Divine," (the whole book, its great).

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]]> 398 no What is Hermeticism? Get Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast Get Lifetime memberships!: https://go.nebula.tv/lifetime?ref=religionforbreakfast Watch Dracula's Ex-Girlfriend here!: https://nebula.tv/videos/dex-film?ref=religionforbreakfastSpecial thanks to the writer of this episode Paul Davidson. Check out his blog "Is that in the Bible?": https://isthatinthebible.wordpress.com/Bibliography:Christian Bull, "The Tradition of Hermes Trismegistus," 2014.M. David Litwa, "Hermetica II: The Excerpts of Stobaeus," 2018.Wouter Hanegraaff, "Dictionary of Gnosis and Western Esotericism," 2006.00:00 Intro1:39 Hermetica explained6:01 Hermetic and Platonic Cosmogony10:09 Fate and the Hermetic Human Condition12:08 Ascension, the Way of Hermes, and Rebirth19:30 Was Hermetism a Religion?24:48 I included a bonus section about baboons in the Nebula version of this vid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 19 Sep 2026 03:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Get Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast Get Lifetime memberships!: https://go.nebula.tv/lifetime?ref=religionforbreakfast Watch Dracula's Ex-Girlfriend here!: https://nebula.tv/videos/dex-film?ref=religionforbreakfastSpecial thanks to the writer of this episode Paul Davidson. Check out his blog "Is that in the Bible?": https://isthatinthebible.wordpress.com/Bibliography:Christian Bull, "The Tradition of Hermes Trismegistus," 2014.M. David Litwa, "Hermetica II: The Excerpts of Stobaeus," 2018.Wouter Hanegraaff, "Dictionary of Gnosis and Western Esotericism," 2006.00:00 Intro1:39 Hermetica explained6:01 Hermetic and Platonic Cosmogony10:09 Fate and the Hermetic Human Condition12:08 Ascension, the Way of Hermes, and Rebirth19:30 Was Hermetism a Religion?24:48 I included a bonus section about baboons in the Nebula version of this vid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Get Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast
Get Lifetime memberships!: https://go.nebula.tv/lifetime?ref=religionforbreakfast
Watch Dracula's Ex-Girlfriend here!: https://nebula.tv/videos/dex-film?ref=religionforbreakfast

Special thanks to the writer of this episode Paul Davidson. Check out his blog "Is that in the Bible?": https://isthatinthebible.wordpress.com/

Bibliography:
Christian Bull, "The Tradition of Hermes Trismegistus," 2014.
M. David Litwa, "Hermetica II: The Excerpts of Stobaeus," 2018.
Wouter Hanegraaff, "Dictionary of Gnosis and Western Esotericism," 2006.

00:00 Intro
1:39 Hermetica explained
6:01 Hermetic and Platonic Cosmogony
10:09 Fate and the Hermetic Human Condition
12:08 Ascension, the Way of Hermes, and Rebirth
19:30 Was Hermetism a Religion?
24:48 I included a bonus section about baboons in the Nebula version of this vid

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]]> 2023 no What is the History of Magic Wands? Magic wands...we see them everywhere in the modern fantasy genre. But what is the history of these mythological tools? Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comThanks to our supporters on Patreon!:Brian B.Daniel D.Kalei W.Alex B.Mark H.Alice C. WilsonCain D. Bibliography and Attributions:Pseudo-Bacon "Thesaurus Spirituum:" http://archives.wellcomelibrary.org/DServe/dserve.exe?dsqIni=Dserve.ini&dsqApp=Archive&dsqDb=Catalog&dsqCmd=show.tcl&dsqSearch=(RefNo==%27MS110%27)Aramaic Incantation Bowl: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Coupe_Aram%C3%A9en_Nippur_Mus%C3%A9e_Mariemont_08112015.jpgJoseph H. Peterson's history: http://www.esotericarchives.com/wands/Holly tree photograph: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holly#/media/File:Ilex-aquifolium_(Europaeische_Stechpalme-1).jpgMore on the carved doors depicting Jesus wielding a wand or a staff: https://cyberdisciple.wordpress.com/2011/09/11/carved-doors-of-santa-sabina-rome/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 19 Sep 2026 02:12:30 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Magic wands...we see them everywhere in the modern fantasy genre. But what is the history of these mythological tools? Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comThanks to our supporters on Patreon!:Brian B.Daniel D.Kalei W.Alex B.Mark H.Alice C. WilsonCain D. Bibliography and Attributions:Pseudo-Bacon "Thesaurus Spirituum:" http://archives.wellcomelibrary.org/DServe/dserve.exe?dsqIni=Dserve.ini&dsqApp=Archive&dsqDb=Catalog&dsqCmd=show.tcl&dsqSearch=(RefNo==%27MS110%27)Aramaic Incantation Bowl: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Coupe_Aram%C3%A9en_Nippur_Mus%C3%A9e_Mariemont_08112015.jpgJoseph H. Peterson's history: http://www.esotericarchives.com/wands/Holly tree photograph: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holly#/media/File:Ilex-aquifolium_(Europaeische_Stechpalme-1).jpgMore on the carved doors depicting Jesus wielding a wand or a staff: https://cyberdisciple.wordpress.com/2011/09/11/carved-doors-of-santa-sabina-rome/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Magic wands...we see them everywhere in the modern fantasy genre. But what is the history of these mythological tools?

Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Twitter: @andrewmarkhenry
Facebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast
Blog: www.religionforbreakfast.com

Thanks to our supporters on Patreon!:
Brian B.
Daniel D.
Kalei W.
Alex B.
Mark H.
Alice C.
Wilson
Cain D.

Bibliography and Attributions:

Pseudo-Bacon "Thesaurus Spirituum:" http://archives.wellcomelibrary.org/DServe/dserve.exe?dsqIni=Dserve.ini&dsqApp=Archive&dsqDb=Catalog&dsqCmd=show.tcl&dsqSearch=(RefNo==%27MS110%27)

Aramaic Incantation Bowl: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Coupe_Aram%C3%A9en_Nippur_Mus%C3%A9e_Mariemont_08112015.jpg

Joseph H. Peterson's history: http://www.esotericarchives.com/wands/

Holly tree photograph: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holly#/media/File:Ilex-aquifolium_(Europaeische_Stechpalme-1).jpg

More on the carved doors depicting Jesus wielding a wand or a staff: https://cyberdisciple.wordpress.com/2011/09/11/carved-doors-of-santa-sabina-rome/

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]]> 588 no Religion in the Legend of Zelda: The Ultimate Guide The people of Hyrule seem to subscribe to a sophisticated religion that is unlike anything that we see in the real world. What could we learn if we were transported into this world as an anthropologist to study Hylianism?Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastEditing and Animation by: EC Henry: https://www.youtube.com/user/tlwllGame footage capture by: Linkumshttps://www.youtube.com/user/LinkumsMusic: "Adventure Meme" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/"Overworld" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/"Digital Zen" by TeknoAXEhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZDRDwcsG9o&list=PLBE459782E55DE0D8&index=1Photo Attributions:Simeon Token: http://art.thewalters.org/detail/27490/pilgrim-token-from-the-shrine-of-st-simeon-the-stylite/Pompeii fresco: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Naples_Museum_112_(15372291136).jpgOrthodox basilica: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Iconostasis_at_Saint_Mary%27s_Russian_Orthodox_Church_in_McKeesport,_PA.jpgOrthodox basilica: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Sv_stefan_interior.jpgTube TV: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Loewe_Planus_CRT_TV,_1995,_front.jpg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 19 Sep 2026 02:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast The people of Hyrule seem to subscribe to a sophisticated religion that is unlike anything that we see in the real world. What could we learn if we were transported into this world as an anthropologist to study Hylianism?Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastEditing and Animation by: EC Henry: https://www.youtube.com/user/tlwllGame footage capture by: Linkumshttps://www.youtube.com/user/LinkumsMusic: "Adventure Meme" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/"Overworld" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/"Digital Zen" by TeknoAXEhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZDRDwcsG9o&list=PLBE459782E55DE0D8&index=1Photo Attributions:Simeon Token: http://art.thewalters.org/detail/27490/pilgrim-token-from-the-shrine-of-st-simeon-the-stylite/Pompeii fresco: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Naples_Museum_112_(15372291136).jpgOrthodox basilica: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Iconostasis_at_Saint_Mary%27s_Russian_Orthodox_Church_in_McKeesport,_PA.jpgOrthodox basilica: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Sv_stefan_interior.jpgTube TV: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Loewe_Planus_CRT_TV,_1995,_front.jpg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The people of Hyrule seem to subscribe to a sophisticated religion that is unlike anything that we see in the real world. What could we learn if we were transported into this world as an anthropologist to study Hylianism?

Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Twitter: @andrewmarkhenry
Facebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast

Editing and Animation by: EC Henry: https://www.youtube.com/user/tlwll

Game footage capture by: Linkums
https://www.youtube.com/user/Linkums

Music:
"Adventure Meme" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

"Overworld" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

"Digital Zen" by TeknoAXE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZDRDwcsG9o&list=PLBE459782E55DE0D8&index=1

Photo Attributions:

Simeon Token: http://art.thewalters.org/detail/27490/pilgrim-token-from-the-shrine-of-st-simeon-the-stylite/

Pompeii fresco: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Naples_Museum_112_(15372291136).jpg
Orthodox basilica: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Iconostasis_at_Saint_Mary%27s_Russian_Orthodox_Church_in_McKeesport,_PA.jpg
Orthodox basilica: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Sv_stefan_interior.jpg
Tube TV: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Loewe_Planus_CRT_TV,_1995,_front.jpg

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]]> 968 no Li Hong: The Daoist Messiah Watch my Nebula video on the Sardis Synagogue here!: https://nebula.tv/videos/religionforbreakfast-sacred-spaces-inside-the-ancient-sardis-synagogue?ref=religionforbreakfastGet Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfastJoin our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 19 Sep 2026 02:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Watch my Nebula video on the Sardis Synagogue here!: https://nebula.tv/videos/religionforbreakfast-sacred-spaces-inside-the-ancient-sardis-synagogue?ref=religionforbreakfastGet Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfastJoin our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Watch my Nebula video on the Sardis Synagogue here!: https://nebula.tv/videos/religionforbreakfast-sacred-spaces-inside-the-ancient-sardis-synagogue?ref=religionforbreakfast
Get Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast

Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
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]]> 1279 no Is Animal Sacrifice Legal in the USA? We always think of animal sacrifice as an ancient ritual, but many people still practice it today. This sparked some controversy in Florida in the late 1980s, leading to a landmark Supreme Court decision in Lukumi Babalu Aye, Inc. v. Hialeah. This case still influences religious freedom law today, even being cited in the courts' decisions to strike down President Donald Trump's so-called Muslim Ban.Twitter: @andrewmarkhenryFacebook. www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comPatreon: Patreon.com/religionforbreakfastThanks to our Patreon Patrons!Bibliography:http://www.casebriefs.com/blog/law/constitutional-law/constitutional-law-keyed-to-sullivan/the-religion-clauses-free-exercise-and-establishment/church-of-the-lukumi-babalu-aye-v-city-of-hialeah/https://cdn.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/opinions/2017/02/09/17-35105.pdfhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2017/02/12/the-role-an-old-florida-case-on-ritual-goat-sacrifices-played-in-blocking-trumps-travel-ban/Santeria Photograph AttributionsPhoto 1: Jorge Royan: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santer%C3%ADa#/media/File:Havana_-_Cuba_-_0616.jpgPhoto 2: Santería en Cuba, Creative Commons License CC-SA-BY-3.0 by Jorge Royan.Photo 3: Ji Elle https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:La_Havane-Vente_d%27articles_religieux-Santer%C3%ADa_(3).jpg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 19 Sep 2026 01:15:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast We always think of animal sacrifice as an ancient ritual, but many people still practice it today. This sparked some controversy in Florida in the late 1980s, leading to a landmark Supreme Court decision in Lukumi Babalu Aye, Inc. v. Hialeah. This case still influences religious freedom law today, even being cited in the courts' decisions to strike down President Donald Trump's so-called Muslim Ban.Twitter: @andrewmarkhenryFacebook. www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comPatreon: Patreon.com/religionforbreakfastThanks to our Patreon Patrons!Bibliography:http://www.casebriefs.com/blog/law/constitutional-law/constitutional-law-keyed-to-sullivan/the-religion-clauses-free-exercise-and-establishment/church-of-the-lukumi-babalu-aye-v-city-of-hialeah/https://cdn.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/opinions/2017/02/09/17-35105.pdfhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2017/02/12/the-role-an-old-florida-case-on-ritual-goat-sacrifices-played-in-blocking-trumps-travel-ban/Santeria Photograph AttributionsPhoto 1: Jorge Royan: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santer%C3%ADa#/media/File:Havana_-_Cuba_-_0616.jpgPhoto 2: Santería en Cuba, Creative Commons License CC-SA-BY-3.0 by Jorge Royan.Photo 3: Ji Elle https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:La_Havane-Vente_d%27articles_religieux-Santer%C3%ADa_(3).jpg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices We always think of animal sacrifice as an ancient ritual, but many people still practice it today. This sparked some controversy in Florida in the late 1980s, leading to a landmark Supreme Court decision in Lukumi Babalu Aye, Inc. v. Hialeah. This case still influences religious freedom law today, even being cited in the courts' decisions to strike down President Donald Trump's so-called Muslim Ban.

Twitter: @andrewmarkhenry
Facebook. www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast
Blog: www.religionforbreakfast.com
Patreon: Patreon.com/religionforbreakfast

Thanks to our Patreon Patrons!

Bibliography:
http://www.casebriefs.com/blog/law/constitutional-law/constitutional-law-keyed-to-sullivan/the-religion-clauses-free-exercise-and-establishment/church-of-the-lukumi-babalu-aye-v-city-of-hialeah/

https://cdn.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/opinions/2017/02/09/17-35105.pdf

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2017/02/12/the-role-an-old-florida-case-on-ritual-goat-sacrifices-played-in-blocking-trumps-travel-ban/

Santeria Photograph Attributions
Photo 1: Jorge Royan: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santer%C3%ADa#/media/File:Havana_-_Cuba_-_0616.jpg

Photo 2: Santería en Cuba, Creative Commons License CC-SA-BY-3.0 by Jorge Royan.

Photo 3: Ji Elle https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:La_Havane-Vente_d%27articles_religieux-Santer%C3%ADa_(3).jpg

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]]> 522 no Do Atheist Friends Make People Lose Their Faith? With my link, you can get 50% off of Nebula. It’s just $30/year, or $2,5/month, at https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast Watch Downie Express here: https://nebula.tv/videos/downieexpress-s3e1?ref=religionforbreakfast Religion for Breakfast videos take a lot of research and collaboration. Patreon support helps fund editors, scholars, and future episodes. Support us here: https://www.patreon.com/c/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and ReutersA new study asks whether atheist friends make religious teens more likely to disaffiliate from religion. The answer is yes, but the real surprise is how many stay religious anyway. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 19 Sep 2026 01:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast With my link, you can get 50% off of Nebula. It’s just $30/year, or $2,5/month, at https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast Watch Downie Express here: https://nebula.tv/videos/downieexpress-s3e1?ref=religionforbreakfast Religion for Breakfast videos take a lot of research and collaboration. Patreon support helps fund editors, scholars, and future episodes. Support us here: https://www.patreon.com/c/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and ReutersA new study asks whether atheist friends make religious teens more likely to disaffiliate from religion. The answer is yes, but the real surprise is how many stay religious anyway. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices With my link, you can get 50% off of Nebula. It’s just $30/year, or $2,5/month, at https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast
Watch Downie Express here: https://nebula.tv/videos/downieexpress-s3e1?ref=religionforbreakfast

Religion for Breakfast videos take a lot of research and collaboration. Patreon support helps fund editors, scholars, and future episodes. Support us here: https://www.patreon.com/c/religionforbreakfast

Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters

A new study asks whether atheist friends make religious teens more likely to disaffiliate from religion. The answer is yes, but the real surprise is how many stay religious anyway.

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]]> 1134 no When Did Christianity and Judaism Part Ways? 30 CE? 70 CE? 135 CE? 200 CE?Twitter: @andrewmarkhenryFacebook: www.religionforbreakfast.com/facebookBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comAnimation: EC Henry www.echenry.comDesign: Chris Maghintay http://www.chrismaghintay.com/Music: Kevin MacLeod www.incompetech.comAll images my own or Public Domain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 19 Sep 2026 01:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast 30 CE? 70 CE? 135 CE? 200 CE?Twitter: @andrewmarkhenryFacebook: www.religionforbreakfast.com/facebookBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comAnimation: EC Henry www.echenry.comDesign: Chris Maghintay http://www.chrismaghintay.com/Music: Kevin MacLeod www.incompetech.comAll images my own or Public Domain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices 30 CE? 70 CE? 135 CE? 200 CE?

Twitter: @andrewmarkhenry
Facebook: www.religionforbreakfast.com/facebook
Blog: www.religionforbreakfast.com

Animation: EC Henry www.echenry.com
Design: Chris Maghintay http://www.chrismaghintay.com/
Music: Kevin MacLeod www.incompetech.com

All images my own or Public Domain.

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]]> 622 no Was Nero the Antichrist? (and why early Christians thought he’d rise again) Join me in Ephesus!: https://religionforbreakfast.com/ Nero died in 68 CE—or did he? Meet the impostors, rumors, and apocalyptic traditions that convinced many he would return, shaping the meaning of 666 and the Beast in Revelation.Religion for Breakfast videos take a lot of research and collaboration. Patreon support helps fund editors, scholars, and future episodes. Support us here: https://www.patreon.com/c/religionforbreakfast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 19 Sep 2026 00:17:30 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Join me in Ephesus!: https://religionforbreakfast.com/ Nero died in 68 CE—or did he? Meet the impostors, rumors, and apocalyptic traditions that convinced many he would return, shaping the meaning of 666 and the Beast in Revelation.Religion for Breakfast videos take a lot of research and collaboration. Patreon support helps fund editors, scholars, and future episodes. Support us here: https://www.patreon.com/c/religionforbreakfast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Join me in Ephesus!: https://religionforbreakfast.com/

Nero died in 68 CE—or did he? Meet the impostors, rumors, and apocalyptic traditions that convinced many he would return, shaping the meaning of 666 and the Beast in Revelation.

Religion for Breakfast videos take a lot of research and collaboration. Patreon support helps fund editors, scholars, and future episodes. Support us here: https://www.patreon.com/c/religionforbreakfast

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1735 no Is Witchcraft Going Mainstream? | Interview w/ Thorn Mooney Register for Thorn's seminar American Paranormal!: https://www.religiondepartment.com/AmericanParanormalThe number of witches in the U.S. has increased dramatically. I sit down with scholar and practicing witch Thorn Mooney to talk about Wicca, WitchTok, misconceptions, and what it means to be a witch in 2025. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 19 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Register for Thorn's seminar American Paranormal!: https://www.religiondepartment.com/AmericanParanormalThe number of witches in the U.S. has increased dramatically. I sit down with scholar and practicing witch Thorn Mooney to talk about Wicca, WitchTok, misconceptions, and what it means to be a witch in 2025. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Register for Thorn's seminar American Paranormal!: https://www.religiondepartment.com/AmericanParanormal

The number of witches in the U.S. has increased dramatically. I sit down with scholar and practicing witch Thorn Mooney to talk about Wicca, WitchTok, misconceptions, and what it means to be a witch in 2025.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3427 no Fandoms are Religions Get Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast Get Lifetime memberships!: https://go.nebula.tv/lifetime?ref=religionforbreakfast Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and ReutersAre fandoms the new religions? This video explores how fan communities mirror religious traditions—from pilgrimages and sacred texts to rituals and devotion—revealing what fandom tells us about the human need for meaning and belonging. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sat, 19 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Get Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast Get Lifetime memberships!: https://go.nebula.tv/lifetime?ref=religionforbreakfast Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and ReutersAre fandoms the new religions? This video explores how fan communities mirror religious traditions—from pilgrimages and sacred texts to rituals and devotion—revealing what fandom tells us about the human need for meaning and belonging. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Get Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast
Get Lifetime memberships!: https://go.nebula.tv/lifetime?ref=religionforbreakfast

Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters

Are fandoms the new religions? This video explores how fan communities mirror religious traditions—from pilgrimages and sacred texts to rituals and devotion—revealing what fandom tells us about the human need for meaning and belonging.

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]]> 1757 no Modern Paganism and Modern Pilgrimage in Salem, Massachusetts Salem is a small city in Massachusetts, most famous for being the site of the Salem Witch Trials. Because of this dubious history, Salem has become a hub for New Religious Movements. Tens of thousands of people travel there in October every year to celebrate Halloween (or Samhain), making it something like a modern pilgrimage site.Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comThanks to our supporters on Patreon!:Brian B.Daniel D.Kalei W.Alex B.Mark H.Alice C. WilsonCain D.Photo Attributions and Bibliography:Satanism Headquarters: https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/north/2016/09/20/satanic-headquarters-hopes-for-quiet-opening-salem/GcS4kooiHUCdDGdRHVq9xK/story.htmlVaranasi photo: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:India_-_Varanasi_-_027_-_pilgrims_getting_ready_to_cruise_(2146282405).jpg1876 Painting of Witch Trials: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salem_witch_trials#/media/File:Witchcraft_at_Salem_Village.jpg1892 Lithograph of Witch Trials: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salem_witch_trials#/media/File:Salem_witch2.jpg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 23:20:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Salem is a small city in Massachusetts, most famous for being the site of the Salem Witch Trials. Because of this dubious history, Salem has become a hub for New Religious Movements. Tens of thousands of people travel there in October every year to celebrate Halloween (or Samhain), making it something like a modern pilgrimage site.Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comThanks to our supporters on Patreon!:Brian B.Daniel D.Kalei W.Alex B.Mark H.Alice C. WilsonCain D.Photo Attributions and Bibliography:Satanism Headquarters: https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/north/2016/09/20/satanic-headquarters-hopes-for-quiet-opening-salem/GcS4kooiHUCdDGdRHVq9xK/story.htmlVaranasi photo: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:India_-_Varanasi_-_027_-_pilgrims_getting_ready_to_cruise_(2146282405).jpg1876 Painting of Witch Trials: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salem_witch_trials#/media/File:Witchcraft_at_Salem_Village.jpg1892 Lithograph of Witch Trials: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salem_witch_trials#/media/File:Salem_witch2.jpg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Salem is a small city in Massachusetts, most famous for being the site of the Salem Witch Trials. Because of this dubious history, Salem has become a hub for New Religious Movements. Tens of thousands of people travel there in October every year to celebrate Halloween (or Samhain), making it something like a modern pilgrimage site.

Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Twitter: @andrewmarkhenry
Facebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast
Blog: www.religionforbreakfast.com

Thanks to our supporters on Patreon!:
Brian B.
Daniel D.
Kalei W.
Alex B.
Mark H.
Alice C.
Wilson
Cain D.

Photo Attributions and Bibliography:
Satanism Headquarters: https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/north/2016/09/20/satanic-headquarters-hopes-for-quiet-opening-salem/GcS4kooiHUCdDGdRHVq9xK/story.html

Varanasi photo: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:India_-_Varanasi_-_027_-_pilgrims_getting_ready_to_cruise_(2146282405).jpg

1876 Painting of Witch Trials: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salem_witch_trials#/media/File:Witchcraft_at_Salem_Village.jpg

1892 Lithograph of Witch Trials: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salem_witch_trials#/media/File:Salem_witch2.jpg

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]]> 347 no What the Odyssey Gets Wrong About Bronze Age Greek Religion Create your world with WORLD ANVIL ► https://www.worldanvil.com/?c=rfbUse code "RFB" for 51% off ANY yearly subscription!Religion for Breakfast videos take a lot of research and collaboration. Patreon support helps fund editors, scholars, and future episodes. Support us here: https://www.patreon.com/c/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and ReutersHomer’s Odyssey is set in the Bronze Age, but Homer (if he was even a real person) lived during the Iron Age. So...is he accurate? Explore Mycenaean religion, Linear B, Poseidon, Potnia, sacrifice, and what Homer gets right and wrong.00:00 Anachronisms and Boar's Tusk Helmets2:23 Linear B Tablets and their challenges5:11 The Mycenaean Gods Explained11:50 Mycenaean [State] Ritual18:07 What Homer Gets Right and Wrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 23:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Create your world with WORLD ANVIL ► https://www.worldanvil.com/?c=rfbUse code "RFB" for 51% off ANY yearly subscription!Religion for Breakfast videos take a lot of research and collaboration. Patreon support helps fund editors, scholars, and future episodes. Support us here: https://www.patreon.com/c/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and ReutersHomer’s Odyssey is set in the Bronze Age, but Homer (if he was even a real person) lived during the Iron Age. So...is he accurate? Explore Mycenaean religion, Linear B, Poseidon, Potnia, sacrifice, and what Homer gets right and wrong.00:00 Anachronisms and Boar's Tusk Helmets2:23 Linear B Tablets and their challenges5:11 The Mycenaean Gods Explained11:50 Mycenaean [State] Ritual18:07 What Homer Gets Right and Wrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Create your world with WORLD ANVIL ► https://www.worldanvil.com/?c=rfb
Use code "RFB" for 51% off ANY yearly subscription!

Religion for Breakfast videos take a lot of research and collaboration. Patreon support helps fund editors, scholars, and future episodes. Support us here: https://www.patreon.com/c/religionforbreakfast

Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters

Homer’s Odyssey is set in the Bronze Age, but Homer (if he was even a real person) lived during the Iron Age. So...is he accurate? Explore Mycenaean religion, Linear B, Poseidon, Potnia, sacrifice, and what Homer gets right and wrong.

00:00 Anachronisms and Boar's Tusk Helmets
2:23 Linear B Tablets and their challenges
5:11 The Mycenaean Gods Explained
11:50 Mycenaean [State] Ritual
18:07 What Homer Gets Right and Wrong

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2136 no Why These Christians Worship with Deadly Snakes Compare news coverage. Spot media bias. Avoid algorithms. Try Ground News today and get 40% off your subscription by going to https://ground.news/religionforbreakfastJoin our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and ReutersIn parts of Appalachia, a few Pentecostal Christians handle live venomous snakes during worship, following a literal reading of Mark 16. This video explores the history, psychology, and faith behind one of America’s most dangerous religious traditions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 23:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Compare news coverage. Spot media bias. Avoid algorithms. Try Ground News today and get 40% off your subscription by going to https://ground.news/religionforbreakfastJoin our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and ReutersIn parts of Appalachia, a few Pentecostal Christians handle live venomous snakes during worship, following a literal reading of Mark 16. This video explores the history, psychology, and faith behind one of America’s most dangerous religious traditions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Compare news coverage. Spot media bias. Avoid algorithms. Try Ground News today and get 40% off your subscription by going to https://ground.news/religionforbreakfast

Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters

In parts of Appalachia, a few Pentecostal Christians handle live venomous snakes during worship, following a literal reading of Mark 16. This video explores the history, psychology, and faith behind one of America’s most dangerous religious traditions.

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]]> 1413 no The Real Origin of the Pope's Pointy Hat Get Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast Watch War Room here!: https://nebula.tv/warroom?ref=religionforbreakfastWatch my interivew with Dr. Katie Turner here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXhY2GbRiy8Watch Dan McClellan's debunk of the "Dagon" theory: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHntHwQselg&t=35s00:00 Mitre introduced1:12 The earliest mitre and its evolution2:29 The Horns of Moses6:08 The side-horned mitre in passion plays7:37 The mitre in anti-Catholic propaganda8:45 Nebula! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 22:22:30 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Get Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast Watch War Room here!: https://nebula.tv/warroom?ref=religionforbreakfastWatch my interivew with Dr. Katie Turner here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXhY2GbRiy8Watch Dan McClellan's debunk of the "Dagon" theory: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHntHwQselg&t=35s00:00 Mitre introduced1:12 The earliest mitre and its evolution2:29 The Horns of Moses6:08 The side-horned mitre in passion plays7:37 The mitre in anti-Catholic propaganda8:45 Nebula! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Get Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast
Watch War Room here!: https://nebula.tv/warroom?ref=religionforbreakfast

Watch my interivew with Dr. Katie Turner here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXhY2GbRiy8

Watch Dan McClellan's debunk of the "Dagon" theory: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHntHwQselg&t=35s

00:00 Mitre introduced
1:12 The earliest mitre and its evolution
2:29 The Horns of Moses
6:08 The side-horned mitre in passion plays
7:37 The mitre in anti-Catholic propaganda
8:45 Nebula!

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]]> 870 no Jesús Malverde: The Patron Saint of Drug Cartels? Subscribe to Sacred & Profane's newsletter here!: http://eepurl.com/gjbzuXJesús Malverde is a Catholic folk saint particularly popular in Mexico. He has a bad reputation of being a "narcosaint." But is it an unfair stereotype?Join our Patreon community!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastOne-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastSign-up for my mailing list to be notified of online classes: https://classes.religionforbreakfast.com/Thumbnail art by @hotcyderSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 22:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Subscribe to Sacred & Profane's newsletter here!: http://eepurl.com/gjbzuXJesús Malverde is a Catholic folk saint particularly popular in Mexico. He has a bad reputation of being a "narcosaint." But is it an unfair stereotype?Join our Patreon community!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastOne-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastSign-up for my mailing list to be notified of online classes: https://classes.religionforbreakfast.com/Thumbnail art by @hotcyderSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Subscribe to Sacred & Profane's newsletter here!: http://eepurl.com/gjbzuX

Jesús Malverde is a Catholic folk saint particularly popular in Mexico. He has a bad reputation of being a "narcosaint." But is it an unfair stereotype?

Join our Patreon community!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
One-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfast
Sign-up for my mailing list to be notified of online classes: https://classes.religionforbreakfast.com/

Thumbnail art by @hotcyder
Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters.

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]]> 1076 no Garden Tomb vs. Holy Sepulchre: The Quest for the REAL Tomb of Jesus Get Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast Watch Archaeology Quest here!: https://nebula.tv/videos/realscience-pottery?ref=religionforbreakfast Join our Patreon community!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastOne-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastSign-up for my mailing list to be notified of online classes: https://classes.religionforbreakfast.com/The vast majority of Christians recognize The Church of the Holy Sepulchre as the authentic tomb of Jesus. But starting in the mid-1800s, Protestant Christians started to argue that an alternate tomb, outside the walls of Jerusalem, was the REAL tomb of Jesus.Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 22:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Get Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast Watch Archaeology Quest here!: https://nebula.tv/videos/realscience-pottery?ref=religionforbreakfast Join our Patreon community!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastOne-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastSign-up for my mailing list to be notified of online classes: https://classes.religionforbreakfast.com/The vast majority of Christians recognize The Church of the Holy Sepulchre as the authentic tomb of Jesus. But starting in the mid-1800s, Protestant Christians started to argue that an alternate tomb, outside the walls of Jerusalem, was the REAL tomb of Jesus.Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Get Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast
Watch Archaeology Quest here!: https://nebula.tv/videos/realscience-pottery?ref=religionforbreakfast

Join our Patreon community!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
One-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfast
Sign-up for my mailing list to be notified of online classes: https://classes.religionforbreakfast.com/

The vast majority of Christians recognize The Church of the Holy Sepulchre as the authentic tomb of Jesus. But starting in the mid-1800s, Protestant Christians started to argue that an alternate tomb, outside the walls of Jerusalem, was the REAL tomb of Jesus.

Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1264 no The Origins of Lilith | Adam's First Wife? Register for my class "Early Christian Exorcism" here!: https://religionforbreakfast.eventbrite.com/Thumbnail art by @hotcyder Join our Patreon community!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastOne-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastCheck out my favorite religious studies books by following this affiliate link to my Amazon page: https://www.amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfastAccording to medieval Jewish folklore, Lilith is a demon who was Adam's first wife before Eve. But where did this idea come from? Dive into the 4,000-year-long history of Lilith, the terrifying demoness.00:00 Intro1:00 Mesopotamian Origins: lilu-demons4:15 Named Mesopotamian demonesses6:04 Lilith in the Hebrew Bible8:24 Lilith in 2nd Temple and Rabbinic Judaism12:12 Adam's First Wife?14:51 Lilith in Kabbalah15:22 The Lilith 'rebrand'Select images courtesy of Getty Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 21:53:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Register for my class "Early Christian Exorcism" here!: https://religionforbreakfast.eventbrite.com/Thumbnail art by @hotcyder Join our Patreon community!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastOne-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastCheck out my favorite religious studies books by following this affiliate link to my Amazon page: https://www.amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfastAccording to medieval Jewish folklore, Lilith is a demon who was Adam's first wife before Eve. But where did this idea come from? Dive into the 4,000-year-long history of Lilith, the terrifying demoness.00:00 Intro1:00 Mesopotamian Origins: lilu-demons4:15 Named Mesopotamian demonesses6:04 Lilith in the Hebrew Bible8:24 Lilith in 2nd Temple and Rabbinic Judaism12:12 Adam's First Wife?14:51 Lilith in Kabbalah15:22 The Lilith 'rebrand'Select images courtesy of Getty Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Register for my class "Early Christian Exorcism" here!: https://religionforbreakfast.eventbrite.com/

Thumbnail art by @hotcyder

Join our Patreon community!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
One-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfast
Check out my favorite religious studies books by following this affiliate link to my Amazon page: https://www.amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast

According to medieval Jewish folklore, Lilith is a demon who was Adam's first wife before Eve. But where did this idea come from? Dive into the 4,000-year-long history of Lilith, the terrifying demoness.

00:00 Intro
1:00 Mesopotamian Origins: lilu-demons
4:15 Named Mesopotamian demonesses
6:04 Lilith in the Hebrew Bible
8:24 Lilith in 2nd Temple and Rabbinic Judaism
12:12 Adam's First Wife?
14:51 Lilith in Kabbalah
15:22 The Lilith 'rebrand'

Select images courtesy of Getty

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1464 no Is Coca-Cola a Religion? Religion is very difficult to define. The scholar Clifford Geertz offered his own definition, but ironically, this definition is broad enough to apply to even a soft drink brand: Coca Cola. But how could Coca-Cola be a religion?www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastwww.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast@andrewmarkhenrywww.religionforbreakfast.comAndrew's religious studies book recommendations: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfastThanks to our patrons on Patreon!Sources:Mark Pendergrast, "For God, Country, and Coca Cola,"David Chidester, "The Church of Baseball, the Fetish of Coca-Cola, and the Potlatch of Rock n' Roll: Theoretical Models for the Study of Religion in American Popular Culture, Journal of the American Academy of Religion, Vol. 64, No. 4, (Winter, 1996), 743-765 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 21:25:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Religion is very difficult to define. The scholar Clifford Geertz offered his own definition, but ironically, this definition is broad enough to apply to even a soft drink brand: Coca Cola. But how could Coca-Cola be a religion?www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastwww.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast@andrewmarkhenrywww.religionforbreakfast.comAndrew's religious studies book recommendations: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfastThanks to our patrons on Patreon!Sources:Mark Pendergrast, "For God, Country, and Coca Cola,"David Chidester, "The Church of Baseball, the Fetish of Coca-Cola, and the Potlatch of Rock n' Roll: Theoretical Models for the Study of Religion in American Popular Culture, Journal of the American Academy of Religion, Vol. 64, No. 4, (Winter, 1996), 743-765 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Religion is very difficult to define. The scholar Clifford Geertz offered his own definition, but ironically, this definition is broad enough to apply to even a soft drink brand: Coca Cola. But how could Coca-Cola be a religion?

www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast
www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
@andrewmarkhenry
www.religionforbreakfast.com

Andrew's religious studies book recommendations: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast

Thanks to our patrons on Patreon!

Sources:
Mark Pendergrast, "For God, Country, and Coca Cola,"

David Chidester, "The Church of Baseball, the Fetish of Coca-Cola, and the Potlatch of Rock n' Roll: Theoretical Models for the Study of Religion in American Popular Culture, Journal of the American Academy of Religion, Vol. 64, No. 4, (Winter, 1996), 743-765

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 387 no Crash Course Mythology Review Crash Course Mythology has brought a much needed series to YouTube. As a religious studies scholar, I want to offer some thoughts and critiques of the series. Twitter: @andrewmarkhenryFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastPatreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfasthttps://www.instagram.com/andrewmarkhenry/Lays Farra's review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igrsfx0sLpI&t=1236sCrashCourse Mythology: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRCVcuA6yZQ&list=PL8dPuuaLjXtNCG9Vq7vdvJytS-F-xGi7_Andrew's religious studies book recommendations: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfastBibliography:Russell McCutcheon: Critics Not Caretakers: Redescribing the Public Study of Religion, 2001Russell McCutcheon: Manufacturing Religion, 1997 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 21:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Crash Course Mythology has brought a much needed series to YouTube. As a religious studies scholar, I want to offer some thoughts and critiques of the series. Twitter: @andrewmarkhenryFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastPatreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfasthttps://www.instagram.com/andrewmarkhenry/Lays Farra's review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igrsfx0sLpI&t=1236sCrashCourse Mythology: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRCVcuA6yZQ&list=PL8dPuuaLjXtNCG9Vq7vdvJytS-F-xGi7_Andrew's religious studies book recommendations: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfastBibliography:Russell McCutcheon: Critics Not Caretakers: Redescribing the Public Study of Religion, 2001Russell McCutcheon: Manufacturing Religion, 1997 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Crash Course Mythology has brought a much needed series to YouTube. As a religious studies scholar, I want to offer some thoughts and critiques of the series.

Twitter: @andrewmarkhenry
Facebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast
Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
https://www.instagram.com/andrewmarkhenry/

Lays Farra's review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igrsfx0sLpI&t=1236s

CrashCourse Mythology: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRCVcuA6yZQ&list=PL8dPuuaLjXtNCG9Vq7vdvJytS-F-xGi7_

Andrew's religious studies book recommendations: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast

Bibliography:

Russell McCutcheon: Critics Not Caretakers: Redescribing the Public Study of Religion, 2001

Russell McCutcheon: Manufacturing Religion, 1997

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 564 no What Did Freud Think About Religion? Sigmund Freud: Famous psychoanalyst with famously eccentric research. But did you know some of his research focused on theories about religion?@andrewmarkhenrywww.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastwww.religionforbreakfast.comThanks to our Patreon patrons!:Brian B.Kalei W.Alex B.Mark H.Alice C.WilsonCain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 21:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Sigmund Freud: Famous psychoanalyst with famously eccentric research. But did you know some of his research focused on theories about religion?@andrewmarkhenrywww.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastwww.religionforbreakfast.comThanks to our Patreon patrons!:Brian B.Kalei W.Alex B.Mark H.Alice C.WilsonCain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Sigmund Freud: Famous psychoanalyst with famously eccentric research. But did you know some of his research focused on theories about religion?

@andrewmarkhenry
www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
www.religionforbreakfast.com

Thanks to our Patreon patrons!:
Brian B.
Kalei W.
Alex B.
Mark H.
Alice C.
Wilson
Cain

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 480 no Ancient Greek Sacrifice: Why did they do it? When we think about animal sacrifice, ancient societies such as the Greeks come to mind. But why did they ritually slaughter animals? What did this do for their society?Part 1: The Origins of Animal Sacrifice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mw8JD972M78Thank you to our patrons on Patreon who support this channel!Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastFacebook. www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryAndrew's religious studies book recommendations: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfastPhoto attributions: Sphageion: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sphageion_01_pushkin.jpgRoman Procession image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Turquie_2009_212a_Pamukkale_Hierapolis.jpgHermes altar, Agora of the Competaliasts on Delos: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ancient_Greek_Altar_Hermes_Delos_102292.jpglimestone Cypriot priest: https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/74.51.2466/Demeter votive: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5f/Votive_relief_sacrifice_Louvre_Ma756.jpg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 20:27:30 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast When we think about animal sacrifice, ancient societies such as the Greeks come to mind. But why did they ritually slaughter animals? What did this do for their society?Part 1: The Origins of Animal Sacrifice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mw8JD972M78Thank you to our patrons on Patreon who support this channel!Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastFacebook. www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryAndrew's religious studies book recommendations: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfastPhoto attributions: Sphageion: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sphageion_01_pushkin.jpgRoman Procession image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Turquie_2009_212a_Pamukkale_Hierapolis.jpgHermes altar, Agora of the Competaliasts on Delos: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ancient_Greek_Altar_Hermes_Delos_102292.jpglimestone Cypriot priest: https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/74.51.2466/Demeter votive: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5f/Votive_relief_sacrifice_Louvre_Ma756.jpg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices When we think about animal sacrifice, ancient societies such as the Greeks come to mind. But why did they ritually slaughter animals? What did this do for their society?

Part 1: The Origins of Animal Sacrifice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mw8JD972M78

Thank you to our patrons on Patreon who support this channel!

Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Facebook. www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast
Twitter: @andrewmarkhenry

Andrew's religious studies book recommendations: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast

Photo attributions:
Sphageion: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sphageion_01_pushkin.jpg

Roman Procession image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Turquie_2009_212a_Pamukkale_Hierapolis.jpg

Hermes altar, Agora of the Competaliasts on Delos: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ancient_Greek_Altar_Hermes_Delos_102292.jpg

limestone Cypriot priest: https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/74.51.2466/

Demeter votive: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5f/Votive_relief_sacrifice_Louvre_Ma756.jpg

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]]> 376 no Why More Māori Are Rejecting Christianity Register for our online lecture with Dr. Sara Rahmani!: https://www.religiondepartment.com/offers/zsbQ2xsX/checkoutAtheism series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHsXddZFR9ANbj-eq169yTeOmNenCs8ZBMāori atheism is on the rise, but it's more than just disbelief—it’s tied to colonial resistance. A new study shows how Māori atheists frame rejecting Christianity as a political act. Atheism isn’t just Western—it’s global.Production Team:Producers: Andrew Henry; Andrew AghapourWriter: Kira KiefferConsultants: Sara Rahmani; Peter AddsEditor: Mark HenryJoin our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and ReutersThumbnail art by @hotcyder This video was made possible through the support of Grant 61928 from the John Templeton Foundation managed by The Queen’s University of Belfast. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the John Templeton Foundation or The Queen’s University of Belfast.00:00 Māori atheism rising1:36 Māori history in brief6:15 Atheism defined7:26 Māori atheism and moral critique10:36 Māori atheism and indigenous "authenticity" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 20:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Register for our online lecture with Dr. Sara Rahmani!: https://www.religiondepartment.com/offers/zsbQ2xsX/checkoutAtheism series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHsXddZFR9ANbj-eq169yTeOmNenCs8ZBMāori atheism is on the rise, but it's more than just disbelief—it’s tied to colonial resistance. A new study shows how Māori atheists frame rejecting Christianity as a political act. Atheism isn’t just Western—it’s global.Production Team:Producers: Andrew Henry; Andrew AghapourWriter: Kira KiefferConsultants: Sara Rahmani; Peter AddsEditor: Mark HenryJoin our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and ReutersThumbnail art by @hotcyder This video was made possible through the support of Grant 61928 from the John Templeton Foundation managed by The Queen’s University of Belfast. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the John Templeton Foundation or The Queen’s University of Belfast.00:00 Māori atheism rising1:36 Māori history in brief6:15 Atheism defined7:26 Māori atheism and moral critique10:36 Māori atheism and indigenous "authenticity" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Register for our online lecture with Dr. Sara Rahmani!: https://www.religiondepartment.com/offers/zsbQ2xsX/checkout

Atheism series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHsXddZFR9ANbj-eq169yTeOmNenCs8ZB

Māori atheism is on the rise, but it's more than just disbelief—it’s tied to colonial resistance. A new study shows how Māori atheists frame rejecting Christianity as a political act. Atheism isn’t just Western—it’s global.

Production Team:
Producers: Andrew Henry; Andrew Aghapour
Writer: Kira Kieffer
Consultants: Sara Rahmani; Peter Adds
Editor: Mark Henry

Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters
Thumbnail art by @hotcyder

This video was made possible through the support
of Grant 61928 from the John Templeton Foundation
managed by The Queen’s University of Belfast. The
opinions expressed in this publication are those of
the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views
of the John Templeton Foundation or The Queen’s
University of Belfast.

00:00 Māori atheism rising
1:36 Māori history in brief
6:15 Atheism defined
7:26 Māori atheism and moral critique
10:36 Māori atheism and indigenous "authenticity"

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]]> 1165 no The Gospel of Mary Explained Compare news coverage. Spot media bias. Avoid algorithms. Try Ground News today and get 40% off your subscription by going to https://ground.news/religionforbreakfastThis video explores the Gospel of Mary, an early Christian text that reimagines salvation, challenges authority, and puts Mary Magdalene at the center of the story.Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters00:00 Intro to Gospel of Mary4:09 The Sermon of Jesus: Matter, Sin, Son of Man10:06 Mary's Vision: The Soul Ascends16:33 Battle over Authority Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 20:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Compare news coverage. Spot media bias. Avoid algorithms. Try Ground News today and get 40% off your subscription by going to https://ground.news/religionforbreakfastThis video explores the Gospel of Mary, an early Christian text that reimagines salvation, challenges authority, and puts Mary Magdalene at the center of the story.Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters00:00 Intro to Gospel of Mary4:09 The Sermon of Jesus: Matter, Sin, Son of Man10:06 Mary's Vision: The Soul Ascends16:33 Battle over Authority Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Compare news coverage. Spot media bias. Avoid algorithms. Try Ground News today and get 40% off your subscription by going to https://ground.news/religionforbreakfast

This video explores the Gospel of Mary, an early Christian text that reimagines salvation, challenges authority, and puts Mary Magdalene at the center of the story.

Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters

00:00 Intro to Gospel of Mary
4:09 The Sermon of Jesus: Matter, Sin, Son of Man
10:06 Mary's Vision: The Soul Ascends
16:33 Battle over Authority

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]]> 1743 no Religion and the No True Scotsman Fallacy Religion is a tough subject to study. One of the reasons why is because we bring our own preconceptions about particular religions to the subject. Our stereotypes affect how we interpret different religious traditions. This can lead to the No True Scotsman Fallacy.Become a member of our Patreon community!: https://patreon.com/religionforbreakfastYou can also donate to the show at: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastFor religious studies book recommendations, see: https://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfastFollow me on:Twitter @andrewmarkhenrywww.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastInspired by a blog post by Joseph Laycock and Natasha Mikleshttp://bulletin.equinoxpub.com/2018/05/name-it-and-disclaim-it-a-tool-for-better-discussion-in-religious-studies/John Oliver piece on Ashin Wirathu: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjPYmEZxACM&t=449sHarvard Religious Literacy Project Video: https://rlp.hds.harvard.edu/for-educators/videos-teaching Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 19:30:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Religion is a tough subject to study. One of the reasons why is because we bring our own preconceptions about particular religions to the subject. Our stereotypes affect how we interpret different religious traditions. This can lead to the No True Scotsman Fallacy.Become a member of our Patreon community!: https://patreon.com/religionforbreakfastYou can also donate to the show at: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastFor religious studies book recommendations, see: https://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfastFollow me on:Twitter @andrewmarkhenrywww.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastInspired by a blog post by Joseph Laycock and Natasha Mikleshttp://bulletin.equinoxpub.com/2018/05/name-it-and-disclaim-it-a-tool-for-better-discussion-in-religious-studies/John Oliver piece on Ashin Wirathu: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjPYmEZxACM&t=449sHarvard Religious Literacy Project Video: https://rlp.hds.harvard.edu/for-educators/videos-teaching Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Religion is a tough subject to study. One of the reasons why is because we bring our own preconceptions about particular religions to the subject. Our stereotypes affect how we interpret different religious traditions. This can lead to the No True Scotsman Fallacy.

Become a member of our Patreon community!: https://patreon.com/religionforbreakfast

You can also donate to the show at: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfast

For religious studies book recommendations, see: https://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast

Follow me on:
Twitter @andrewmarkhenry
www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast

Inspired by a blog post by Joseph Laycock and Natasha Mikles
http://bulletin.equinoxpub.com/2018/05/name-it-and-disclaim-it-a-tool-for-better-discussion-in-religious-studies/

John Oliver piece on Ashin Wirathu: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjPYmEZxACM&t=449s

Harvard Religious Literacy Project Video: https://rlp.hds.harvard.edu/for-educators/videos-teaching

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 345 no The Ancient Jerusalem Soundscape: They Experienced Life Differently One day, I was trying to write my dissertation while sitting in my room in east Jerusalem. I was writing about ancient soundscapes...how the lack of ambient sounds in ancient cities would have made conversation and religious chants audible from over 100 feet away. Then a traffic jam happened outside my window. It was very loud. So I made this video.(The ancient city you see in some of these clips comes from the city of Hippos, a Roman city in the Galilee). Andrew's religious studies book recommendations: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfasthttps://www.instagram.com/andrewmarkhenry/Sources:Bruce Smith, “The Acoustic World of Early Modern England."Massachusetts Birth rate stats: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/sosmap/infant_mortality_rates/infant_mortality.htm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 19:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast One day, I was trying to write my dissertation while sitting in my room in east Jerusalem. I was writing about ancient soundscapes...how the lack of ambient sounds in ancient cities would have made conversation and religious chants audible from over 100 feet away. Then a traffic jam happened outside my window. It was very loud. So I made this video.(The ancient city you see in some of these clips comes from the city of Hippos, a Roman city in the Galilee). Andrew's religious studies book recommendations: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfasthttps://www.instagram.com/andrewmarkhenry/Sources:Bruce Smith, “The Acoustic World of Early Modern England."Massachusetts Birth rate stats: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/sosmap/infant_mortality_rates/infant_mortality.htm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices One day, I was trying to write my dissertation while sitting in my room in east Jerusalem. I was writing about ancient soundscapes...how the lack of ambient sounds in ancient cities would have made conversation and religious chants audible from over 100 feet away. Then a traffic jam happened outside my window. It was very loud. So I made this video.

(The ancient city you see in some of these clips comes from the city of Hippos, a Roman city in the Galilee).

Andrew's religious studies book recommendations: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast

https://www.instagram.com/andrewmarkhenry/

Sources:
Bruce Smith, “The Acoustic World of Early Modern England."

Massachusetts Birth rate stats: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/sosmap/infant_mortality_rates/infant_mortality.htm

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]]> 293 no Does the Bible Command Women to Wear Veils? Get Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast Watch The Getaway here!: https://nebula.tv/videos/getaway-the-snitch-or-snitch?ref=religionforbreakfast Join our Patreon community!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastOne-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastSign-up for my mailing list to be notified of online classes: https://classes.religionforbreakfast.com/Thumbnail art by @hotcyder Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters00:00 Intro + Text Overview 3:38 Head-coverings in the Roman World7:07 The Social Significance of the Head-covering11:11 Paul and Roman Religion14:56 Ritual Impropriety and Angels17:35 Hair as Sex Organs...yeah you read that right18:51 The Hair-Style Theory22:09 Theory and Method: People Selectively Interpret Sacred Texts24:43 Nebula is awesome, truly honored to be a Nebula creator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 19:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Get Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast Watch The Getaway here!: https://nebula.tv/videos/getaway-the-snitch-or-snitch?ref=religionforbreakfast Join our Patreon community!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastOne-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastSign-up for my mailing list to be notified of online classes: https://classes.religionforbreakfast.com/Thumbnail art by @hotcyder Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters00:00 Intro + Text Overview 3:38 Head-coverings in the Roman World7:07 The Social Significance of the Head-covering11:11 Paul and Roman Religion14:56 Ritual Impropriety and Angels17:35 Hair as Sex Organs...yeah you read that right18:51 The Hair-Style Theory22:09 Theory and Method: People Selectively Interpret Sacred Texts24:43 Nebula is awesome, truly honored to be a Nebula creator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Get Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast
Watch The Getaway here!: https://nebula.tv/videos/getaway-the-snitch-or-snitch?ref=religionforbreakfast

Join our Patreon community!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
One-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfast
Sign-up for my mailing list to be notified of online classes: https://classes.religionforbreakfast.com/

Thumbnail art by @hotcyder
Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters

00:00 Intro + Text Overview
3:38 Head-coverings in the Roman World
7:07 The Social Significance of the Head-covering
11:11 Paul and Roman Religion
14:56 Ritual Impropriety and Angels
17:35 Hair as Sex Organs...yeah you read that right
18:51 The Hair-Style Theory
22:09 Theory and Method: People Selectively Interpret Sacred Texts
24:43 Nebula is awesome, truly honored to be a Nebula creator

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2000 no Why Fictional Religions Feel So Fake Compare news coverage. Spot media bias. Avoid algorithms. Try Ground News today and get 40% off your subscription by going to https://ground.news/religionforbreakfastWhy do fictional religions feel so fake? This video explores what fantasy and sci-fi often miss about real-world religion—like ritual, syncretism, and lived practice—and how adding these elements can make your worldbuilding feel more authentic and alive.Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters00:00 Intro3:00 Syncretism6:45 Ritualization11:08 Religious Materiality13:26 Lived Religion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 18:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Compare news coverage. Spot media bias. Avoid algorithms. Try Ground News today and get 40% off your subscription by going to https://ground.news/religionforbreakfastWhy do fictional religions feel so fake? This video explores what fantasy and sci-fi often miss about real-world religion—like ritual, syncretism, and lived practice—and how adding these elements can make your worldbuilding feel more authentic and alive.Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters00:00 Intro3:00 Syncretism6:45 Ritualization11:08 Religious Materiality13:26 Lived Religion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Compare news coverage. Spot media bias. Avoid algorithms. Try Ground News today and get 40% off your subscription by going to https://ground.news/religionforbreakfast

Why do fictional religions feel so fake? This video explores what fantasy and sci-fi often miss about real-world religion—like ritual, syncretism, and lived practice—and how adding these elements can make your worldbuilding feel more authentic and alive.

Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters

00:00 Intro
3:00 Syncretism
6:45 Ritualization
11:08 Religious Materiality
13:26 Lived Religion

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]]> 1521 no Gospel of Thomas: Why Is It Not In the Bible? The Gospel of Thomas. It is a famous text, but what do we really know about it? And why didn't it make it into the New Testament canon?Andrew's religious studies book recommendations: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastPatreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastAndrew's religious studies book recommendations: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfastThanks to our Patreon supporters!:BrianDanAlexWilsonCainMark Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 18:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast The Gospel of Thomas. It is a famous text, but what do we really know about it? And why didn't it make it into the New Testament canon?Andrew's religious studies book recommendations: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastPatreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastAndrew's religious studies book recommendations: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfastThanks to our Patreon supporters!:BrianDanAlexWilsonCainMark Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The Gospel of Thomas. It is a famous text, but what do we really know about it? And why didn't it make it into the New Testament canon?

Andrew's religious studies book recommendations: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast
Twitter: @andrewmarkhenry
Blog: www.religionforbreakfast.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast
Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast

Andrew's religious studies book recommendations: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast

Thanks to our Patreon supporters!:
Brian
Dan
Alex
Wilson
Cain
Mark

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]]> 606 no Is Religion Biologically Hardwired? Join our Patreon community!: https://patreon.com/religionforbreakfastOne-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastReligion is a social thing. It involves beliefs and practices passed on from generation to generation as an integral part of culture. But is there a biological default to religion hardwired in the brain of homo sapiens?For religious studies book recommendations, see: https://amazon.com/shop/religionforbr...Follow me on:Twitter @andrewmarkhenrywww.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastBibliography:Science on Religion: https://www.patheos.com/blogs/scienceonreligion/2013/12/is-religion-anthropomorphism/Patrican and Burris, “Am I the Stone? Overattribution of Agency and Religious Orientation,” Psychology of Religion and Spirituality, 2012, Vol 4, No. 4, 312-323.Harris and Fiske: https://sites.duke.edu/flaubertsbrain/files/2012/08/Harris-and-Fiske-The-Brooms-in-Fantasia.pdfSteven Mithen, "Prehistory of the Mind," 2002.Justin Barrett, Cognitive Science Religion and Theology: From Human Minds to Divine Minds, Templeton Press, 2011. Marc Andersen: https://www-tandfonline-com.ezproxy.bu.edu/doi/full/10.1080/2153599X.2017.1378709“Learned Faith: The influence of evolved cultural learning mechanisms on belief in Gods. Psychology of Religion and Spirituality, 7(4), 327-335.Lanman, J. A., & Buhrmester, M. D. (2017). Religious actions speak louder than words: Exposure to credibility-enhancingdisplays predicts theism. Religion, Brain & Behavior, 7(1), 3–16.Willard, A. K., & Cingl, L. (2017). Testing theories of secularization and religious belief in the Czech Republic andSlovakia. Evolution and Human Behavior, 38(5), 604–615.Jonathan Lanman, “On The Nature and Future of Agency Detection and Religion,” Religion Brain and Behavior, 2018.Pascal Boyer, Religion Explained: The Evolutionary Origins of Religious Thought, 2001 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 17:32:30 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Join our Patreon community!: https://patreon.com/religionforbreakfastOne-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastReligion is a social thing. It involves beliefs and practices passed on from generation to generation as an integral part of culture. But is there a biological default to religion hardwired in the brain of homo sapiens?For religious studies book recommendations, see: https://amazon.com/shop/religionforbr...Follow me on:Twitter @andrewmarkhenrywww.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastBibliography:Science on Religion: https://www.patheos.com/blogs/scienceonreligion/2013/12/is-religion-anthropomorphism/Patrican and Burris, “Am I the Stone? Overattribution of Agency and Religious Orientation,” Psychology of Religion and Spirituality, 2012, Vol 4, No. 4, 312-323.Harris and Fiske: https://sites.duke.edu/flaubertsbrain/files/2012/08/Harris-and-Fiske-The-Brooms-in-Fantasia.pdfSteven Mithen, "Prehistory of the Mind," 2002.Justin Barrett, Cognitive Science Religion and Theology: From Human Minds to Divine Minds, Templeton Press, 2011. Marc Andersen: https://www-tandfonline-com.ezproxy.bu.edu/doi/full/10.1080/2153599X.2017.1378709“Learned Faith: The influence of evolved cultural learning mechanisms on belief in Gods. Psychology of Religion and Spirituality, 7(4), 327-335.Lanman, J. A., & Buhrmester, M. D. (2017). Religious actions speak louder than words: Exposure to credibility-enhancingdisplays predicts theism. Religion, Brain & Behavior, 7(1), 3–16.Willard, A. K., & Cingl, L. (2017). Testing theories of secularization and religious belief in the Czech Republic andSlovakia. Evolution and Human Behavior, 38(5), 604–615.Jonathan Lanman, “On The Nature and Future of Agency Detection and Religion,” Religion Brain and Behavior, 2018.Pascal Boyer, Religion Explained: The Evolutionary Origins of Religious Thought, 2001 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Join our Patreon community!: https://patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
One-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfast

Religion is a social thing. It involves beliefs and practices passed on from generation to generation as an integral part of culture. But is there a biological default to religion hardwired in the brain of homo sapiens?

For religious studies book recommendations, see: https://amazon.com/shop/religionforbr...

Follow me on:
Twitter @andrewmarkhenry
www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast

Bibliography:

Science on Religion: https://www.patheos.com/blogs/scienceonreligion/2013/12/is-religion-anthropomorphism/

Patrican and Burris, “Am I the Stone? Overattribution of Agency and Religious Orientation,” Psychology of Religion and Spirituality, 2012, Vol 4, No. 4, 312-323.

Harris and Fiske: https://sites.duke.edu/flaubertsbrain/files/2012/08/Harris-and-Fiske-The-Brooms-in-Fantasia.pdf

Steven Mithen, "Prehistory of the Mind," 2002.

Justin Barrett, Cognitive Science Religion and Theology: From Human Minds to Divine Minds, Templeton Press, 2011.

Marc Andersen:
https://www-tandfonline-com.ezproxy.bu.edu/doi/full/10.1080/2153599X.2017.1378709
“Learned Faith: The influence of evolved cultural learning mechanisms on belief in Gods. Psychology of Religion and Spirituality, 7(4), 327-335.

Lanman, J. A., & Buhrmester, M. D. (2017). Religious actions speak louder than words: Exposure to credibility-enhancing
displays predicts theism. Religion, Brain & Behavior, 7(1), 3–16.

Willard, A. K., & Cingl, L. (2017). Testing theories of secularization and religious belief in the Czech Republic and
Slovakia. Evolution and Human Behavior, 38(5), 604–615.

Jonathan Lanman, “On The Nature and Future of Agency Detection and Religion,” Religion Brain and Behavior, 2018.

Pascal Boyer, Religion Explained: The Evolutionary Origins of Religious Thought, 2001

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 861 no Why Ancient Christian Artists Gave Jesus a "Magic" Wand Compare news coverage. Spot media bias. Avoid algorithms. Try Ground News today and get 40% off your subscription by going to https://ground.news/religionforbreakfastJoin our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and ReutersAncient Christian art often shows Jesus holding what looks like a magic wand. Was he being portrayed as a magician? This video explores the cultural meaning behind these images, and what they reveal about early Christian views of power and miracles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 17:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Compare news coverage. Spot media bias. Avoid algorithms. Try Ground News today and get 40% off your subscription by going to https://ground.news/religionforbreakfastJoin our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and ReutersAncient Christian art often shows Jesus holding what looks like a magic wand. Was he being portrayed as a magician? This video explores the cultural meaning behind these images, and what they reveal about early Christian views of power and miracles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Compare news coverage. Spot media bias. Avoid algorithms. Try Ground News today and get 40% off your subscription by going to https://ground.news/religionforbreakfast

Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters

Ancient Christian art often shows Jesus holding what looks like a magic wand. Was he being portrayed as a magician? This video explores the cultural meaning behind these images, and what they reveal about early Christian views of power and miracles.

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]]> 1844 no 500 Subscribers! 500 subscribers! Thank you everyone!Twitter: @andrewmarkhenryFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comPatreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 17:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast 500 subscribers! Thank you everyone!Twitter: @andrewmarkhenryFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comPatreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices 500 subscribers! Thank you everyone!

Twitter: @andrewmarkhenry
Facebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast
Blog: www.religionforbreakfast.com
Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast

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]]> 265 no Saint Patrick: First Missionary to Ireland or Not? Saint Patrick was a real guy...a 5th century bishop to the Christian communities in Ireland. But the notion that he was the FIRST Christian missionary to Ireland is actually not true. Christianity was in Ireland decades before Patrick's career. Twitter: @andrewmarkhenrBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastPatreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastThanks to our Patreon Patrons!:BrianDanielDerekKaleiTuuliAlexJohnAdilMasonMarkAliceWilsonCainCheck out St. Patrick's "Confessio:" http://www.confessio.ie/etexts/epistola_english#Photo Attributions: Celtic statue: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Celts#/media/File:Keltenf%C3%BCrst_Glauberg_Gesicht_2.jpgCeltic bowl: Credit to Malene Thyssen. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gundestrupkarret1.jpgLeprechaun picture and Parade picture: Credit to Daniel Ramirez at Waikiki St. Patricks Day ParadeLullingstone Villa image: Credit to Captmondo https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:LullingstonVilla-Kent_Interior_May2001.jpgLullingstone Villa Fresco: Credit to user Udimu. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Lullingstone_paintings2.jpgCeltic Viking pic: Credit to user Noah Sachs. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Irish_Viking_at_the_Whiskey_Priest,_Boston,_Massachusetts.JPG Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 16:35:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Saint Patrick was a real guy...a 5th century bishop to the Christian communities in Ireland. But the notion that he was the FIRST Christian missionary to Ireland is actually not true. Christianity was in Ireland decades before Patrick's career. Twitter: @andrewmarkhenrBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastPatreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastThanks to our Patreon Patrons!:BrianDanielDerekKaleiTuuliAlexJohnAdilMasonMarkAliceWilsonCainCheck out St. Patrick's "Confessio:" http://www.confessio.ie/etexts/epistola_english#Photo Attributions: Celtic statue: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Celts#/media/File:Keltenf%C3%BCrst_Glauberg_Gesicht_2.jpgCeltic bowl: Credit to Malene Thyssen. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gundestrupkarret1.jpgLeprechaun picture and Parade picture: Credit to Daniel Ramirez at Waikiki St. Patricks Day ParadeLullingstone Villa image: Credit to Captmondo https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:LullingstonVilla-Kent_Interior_May2001.jpgLullingstone Villa Fresco: Credit to user Udimu. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Lullingstone_paintings2.jpgCeltic Viking pic: Credit to user Noah Sachs. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Irish_Viking_at_the_Whiskey_Priest,_Boston,_Massachusetts.JPG Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Saint Patrick was a real guy...a 5th century bishop to the Christian communities in Ireland. But the notion that he was the FIRST Christian missionary to Ireland is actually not true. Christianity was in Ireland decades before Patrick's career.

Twitter: @andrewmarkhenr
Blog: www.religionforbreakfast.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast
Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast

Thanks to our Patreon Patrons!:

Brian
Daniel
Derek
Kalei
Tuuli
Alex
John
Adil
Mason
Mark
Alice
Wilson
Cain

Check out St. Patrick's "Confessio:" http://www.confessio.ie/etexts/epistola_english#

Photo Attributions:

Celtic statue: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Celts#/media/File:Keltenf%C3%BCrst_Glauberg_Gesicht_2.jpg

Celtic bowl: Credit to Malene Thyssen. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gundestrupkarret1.jpg

Leprechaun picture and Parade picture: Credit to Daniel Ramirez at Waikiki St. Patricks Day Parade

Lullingstone Villa image: Credit to Captmondo https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:LullingstonVilla-Kent_Interior_May2001.jpg

Lullingstone Villa Fresco: Credit to user Udimu. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Lullingstone_paintings2.jpg

Celtic Viking pic: Credit to user Noah Sachs. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Irish_Viking_at_the_Whiskey_Priest,_Boston,_Massachusetts.JPG

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]]> 576 no The Jade Emperor: The Daoist God Who Out-Buddha’d the Buddha? Use code RFBINCOGNI at the link below to get an exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan: https://incogni.com/rfbincogni.The Jade Emperor is one of the most important gods in Chinese religion, but he didn’t start that way. This video traces his rise from mortal prince to cosmic ruler, his role in Daoism and popular religion, and his surprising rivalry with the Buddha.Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 16:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Use code RFBINCOGNI at the link below to get an exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan: https://incogni.com/rfbincogni.The Jade Emperor is one of the most important gods in Chinese religion, but he didn’t start that way. This video traces his rise from mortal prince to cosmic ruler, his role in Daoism and popular religion, and his surprising rivalry with the Buddha.Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Use code RFBINCOGNI at the link below to get an exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan: https://incogni.com/rfbincogni.

The Jade Emperor is one of the most important gods in Chinese religion, but he didn’t start that way. This video traces his rise from mortal prince to cosmic ruler, his role in Daoism and popular religion, and his surprising rivalry with the Buddha.

Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1566 no Exorcism Gaining Popularity in the USA? More and more people are requesting exorcisms from Catholic priests in the U.S. according to a recent article in The Atlantic. What gives? Is this phenomenon actually happening? And if so, why? Andrew and Dr. Jason-Josephson-Storm team up to determine the sociological reasons behind this uptick in an age-old ritual. Full interview here: https://youtu.be/Y8jUsOv7QX4Join our Patreon community at: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast One-time donations can be sent to: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastInterested in Jason's book The Myth of Disenchantment? Check it out and other books from Andrew's recommendation list at Amazon here: https://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast Follow me on:Twitter @andrewmarkhenrywww.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastSources:American Exorcism, The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2018/12/catholic-exorcisms-on-the-rise/573943/WBUR Interview with Lampert: https://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2018/04/20/exorcisms-demand-catholic-priestRise in Italy sources: https://theconversation.com/the-vatican-the-exorcists-and-the-return-of-the-devil-in-a-time-of-enchantment-92575 https://www.vaticannews.va/it/chiesa/news/2018-02/esorcismo-corsi-roma-palermo-demonio.html) https://catholicherald.co.uk/news/2018/03/06/demonic-activity-is-on-the-rise-in-italy-says-exorcist/ Rise in U.K. Exorcisms source: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-43697573Pope Francis quote: http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/apost_exhortations/documents/papa-francesco_esortazione-ap_20180319_gaudete-et-exsultate.htmlVatican demonology course: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-43697573Kirsty Rowan and Karen Dwyer, "Demonic Possession and Deliverance in the Diaspora: Phenomenological Descriptions from Pentecostal Deliverees:" https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13674676.2015.1077211?casa_token=aYTVkb0Zb3QAAAAA:wQZZKUQCjINqlMmc2M2e-P0GmYjUFQLSfSckZVKRU_QmJcT8gXKwQSHG6yA1BOlVz5jKjaiCSsI Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 16:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast More and more people are requesting exorcisms from Catholic priests in the U.S. according to a recent article in The Atlantic. What gives? Is this phenomenon actually happening? And if so, why? Andrew and Dr. Jason-Josephson-Storm team up to determine the sociological reasons behind this uptick in an age-old ritual. Full interview here: https://youtu.be/Y8jUsOv7QX4Join our Patreon community at: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast One-time donations can be sent to: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastInterested in Jason's book The Myth of Disenchantment? Check it out and other books from Andrew's recommendation list at Amazon here: https://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast Follow me on:Twitter @andrewmarkhenrywww.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastSources:American Exorcism, The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2018/12/catholic-exorcisms-on-the-rise/573943/WBUR Interview with Lampert: https://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2018/04/20/exorcisms-demand-catholic-priestRise in Italy sources: https://theconversation.com/the-vatican-the-exorcists-and-the-return-of-the-devil-in-a-time-of-enchantment-92575 https://www.vaticannews.va/it/chiesa/news/2018-02/esorcismo-corsi-roma-palermo-demonio.html) https://catholicherald.co.uk/news/2018/03/06/demonic-activity-is-on-the-rise-in-italy-says-exorcist/ Rise in U.K. Exorcisms source: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-43697573Pope Francis quote: http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/apost_exhortations/documents/papa-francesco_esortazione-ap_20180319_gaudete-et-exsultate.htmlVatican demonology course: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-43697573Kirsty Rowan and Karen Dwyer, "Demonic Possession and Deliverance in the Diaspora: Phenomenological Descriptions from Pentecostal Deliverees:" https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13674676.2015.1077211?casa_token=aYTVkb0Zb3QAAAAA:wQZZKUQCjINqlMmc2M2e-P0GmYjUFQLSfSckZVKRU_QmJcT8gXKwQSHG6yA1BOlVz5jKjaiCSsI Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices More and more people are requesting exorcisms from Catholic priests in the U.S. according to a recent article in The Atlantic. What gives? Is this phenomenon actually happening? And if so, why? Andrew and Dr. Jason-Josephson-Storm team up to determine the sociological reasons behind this uptick in an age-old ritual.

Full interview here: https://youtu.be/Y8jUsOv7QX4

Join our Patreon community at: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
One-time donations can be sent to: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfast

Interested in Jason's book The Myth of Disenchantment? Check it out and other books from Andrew's recommendation list at Amazon here: https://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast

Follow me on:
Twitter @andrewmarkhenry
www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast

Sources:
American Exorcism, The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2018/12/catholic-exorcisms-on-the-rise/573943/

WBUR Interview with Lampert: https://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2018/04/20/exorcisms-demand-catholic-priest

Rise in Italy sources: https://theconversation.com/the-vatican-the-exorcists-and-the-return-of-the-devil-in-a-time-of-enchantment-92575

https://www.vaticannews.va/it/chiesa/news/2018-02/esorcismo-corsi-roma-palermo-demonio.html)

https://catholicherald.co.uk/news/2018/03/06/demonic-activity-is-on-the-rise-in-italy-says-exorcist/

Rise in U.K. Exorcisms source: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-43697573

Pope Francis quote: http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/apost_exhortations/documents/papa-francesco_esortazione-ap_20180319_gaudete-et-exsultate.html

Vatican demonology course: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-43697573

Kirsty Rowan and Karen Dwyer, "Demonic Possession and Deliverance in the Diaspora: Phenomenological Descriptions from Pentecostal Deliverees:" https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13674676.2015.1077211?casa_token=aYTVkb0Zb3QAAAAA:wQZZKUQCjINqlMmc2M2e-P0GmYjUFQLSfSckZVKRU_QmJcT8gXKwQSHG6yA1BOlVz5jKjaiCSsI

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]]> 773 no What Fantasy Gets Wrong About Sacred Groves Want to restore the planet’s ecosystems and see your impact in monthly videos? The first 100 people to join Planet Wild with my code RELIGION1 will get the first month for free on me: https://planetwild.com/r/religionforbreakfast/joinIf you want to get to know them better first, check out their mission in Tanzania: https://planetwild.com/r/religionforbreakfast/m33Religion for Breakfast videos take a lot of research and collaboration. Patreon support helps fund editors, scholars, and future episodes. Support us here: https://www.patreon.com/c/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and ReutersFantasy loves sacred groves as untouched relics of a lost world. This video shows what scholars actually find on the ground, and why sacred groves thrive not through isolation, but through human care, ritual, and community life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 15:37:30 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Want to restore the planet’s ecosystems and see your impact in monthly videos? The first 100 people to join Planet Wild with my code RELIGION1 will get the first month for free on me: https://planetwild.com/r/religionforbreakfast/joinIf you want to get to know them better first, check out their mission in Tanzania: https://planetwild.com/r/religionforbreakfast/m33Religion for Breakfast videos take a lot of research and collaboration. Patreon support helps fund editors, scholars, and future episodes. Support us here: https://www.patreon.com/c/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and ReutersFantasy loves sacred groves as untouched relics of a lost world. This video shows what scholars actually find on the ground, and why sacred groves thrive not through isolation, but through human care, ritual, and community life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Want to restore the planet’s ecosystems and see your impact in monthly videos? The first 100 people to join Planet Wild with my code RELIGION1 will get the first month for free on me: https://planetwild.com/r/religionforbreakfast/join
If you want to get to know them better first, check out their mission in Tanzania: https://planetwild.com/r/religionforbreakfast/m33

Religion for Breakfast videos take a lot of research and collaboration. Patreon support helps fund editors, scholars, and future episodes. Support us here: https://www.patreon.com/c/religionforbreakfast

Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters

Fantasy loves sacred groves as untouched relics of a lost world. This video shows what scholars actually find on the ground, and why sacred groves thrive not through isolation, but through human care, ritual, and community life.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1892 no New Age Spirituality Explained Compare news coverage. Spot media bias. Avoid algorithms. Try Ground News today and get 40% off your subscription by going to https://ground.news/religionforbreakfast.Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and ReutersWhat is New Age Spirituality? To understand the movement, we need to explore four historical streams that combined in the 1960s and 70s: Western Esotericism, New Thought, the 60s Counterculture, and the adaptation of Asian religions in a western context.00:00 What is the New Age?3:58 Western Esotericism and the Dawn of a New Age8:18 New Thought and Mind-Body Health Practices12:23 The Counterculture and Detraditionalization16:57 Americanization of Eastern Religions19:33 The Mainstreaming of the New Age24:04 Sponsor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 15:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Compare news coverage. Spot media bias. Avoid algorithms. Try Ground News today and get 40% off your subscription by going to https://ground.news/religionforbreakfast.Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and ReutersWhat is New Age Spirituality? To understand the movement, we need to explore four historical streams that combined in the 1960s and 70s: Western Esotericism, New Thought, the 60s Counterculture, and the adaptation of Asian religions in a western context.00:00 What is the New Age?3:58 Western Esotericism and the Dawn of a New Age8:18 New Thought and Mind-Body Health Practices12:23 The Counterculture and Detraditionalization16:57 Americanization of Eastern Religions19:33 The Mainstreaming of the New Age24:04 Sponsor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Compare news coverage. Spot media bias. Avoid algorithms. Try Ground News today and get 40% off your subscription by going to https://ground.news/religionforbreakfast.

Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters

What is New Age Spirituality? To understand the movement, we need to explore four historical streams that combined in the 1960s and 70s: Western Esotericism, New Thought, the 60s Counterculture, and the adaptation of Asian religions in a western context.

00:00 What is the New Age?
3:58 Western Esotericism and the Dawn of a New Age
8:18 New Thought and Mind-Body Health Practices
12:23 The Counterculture and Detraditionalization
16:57 Americanization of Eastern Religions
19:33 The Mainstreaming of the New Age
24:04 Sponsor

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]]> 1972 no Was America Founded as a Christian Nation? | ft. Dr. Brook Wilensky-Lanford Join Dr. Wilensky-Lanford for a FREE guided reading of A God-Shaped Nation this summer. Read the book alongside the author and a community of fellow nerds: https://www.religiondepartment.com/godshapednation Was America founded as a Christian nation? Historian Brook Wilensky-Lanford on 500 years of religion in America, including Squanto's real story, Puritans executing Quakers, and who actually fought for church-state separation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 15:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Join Dr. Wilensky-Lanford for a FREE guided reading of A God-Shaped Nation this summer. Read the book alongside the author and a community of fellow nerds: https://www.religiondepartment.com/godshapednation Was America founded as a Christian nation? Historian Brook Wilensky-Lanford on 500 years of religion in America, including Squanto's real story, Puritans executing Quakers, and who actually fought for church-state separation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Join Dr. Wilensky-Lanford for a FREE guided reading of A God-Shaped Nation this summer. Read the book alongside the author and a community of fellow nerds: https://www.religiondepartment.com/godshapednation

Was America founded as a Christian nation? Historian Brook Wilensky-Lanford on 500 years of religion in America, including Squanto's real story, Puritans executing Quakers, and who actually fought for church-state separation.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2929 no Come Explore Ancient Turkey With Me (Religion for Breakfast Tour 2026) Register for Tour: https://religionforbreakfast.com/Join Q&A Session: https://forms.gle/5avHs8je5ycAJ1kh9 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 14:40:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Register for Tour: https://religionforbreakfast.com/Join Q&A Session: https://forms.gle/5avHs8je5ycAJ1kh9 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Register for Tour: https://religionforbreakfast.com/
Join Q&A Session: https://forms.gle/5avHs8je5ycAJ1kh9

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]]> 298 no What "Speaking In Tongues" Does To Your Brain Register for my online class "Magic in the Ancient World!": https://www.religiondepartment.com/Scientists have studied the cognitive and neurological effects of speaking in tongues (glossolalia), uncovering its links to language processing, executive control, and mentalization.Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and ReutersThis video was made possible through the support of grant #TRT-2021-10499 from the John Templeton Foundation managed by the Center for Mind and Culture. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the John Templeton Foundation or the Center forMind and Culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 14:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Register for my online class "Magic in the Ancient World!": https://www.religiondepartment.com/Scientists have studied the cognitive and neurological effects of speaking in tongues (glossolalia), uncovering its links to language processing, executive control, and mentalization.Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and ReutersThis video was made possible through the support of grant #TRT-2021-10499 from the John Templeton Foundation managed by the Center for Mind and Culture. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the John Templeton Foundation or the Center forMind and Culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Register for my online class "Magic in the Ancient World!": https://www.religiondepartment.com/

Scientists have studied the cognitive and neurological effects of speaking in tongues (glossolalia), uncovering its links to language processing, executive control, and mentalization.

Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters

This video was made possible through the support of grant
#TRT-2021-10499 from the John Templeton Foundation
managed by the Center for Mind and Culture. The
opinions expressed in this publication are those
of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views
of the John Templeton Foundation or the Center for
Mind and Culture.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1432 no Why Is Christmas on December 25th? | Dr. Tom Schmidt Religion for Breakfast videos take a lot of research and collaboration. Patreon support helps fund editors, scholars, and future episodes. Support us here: https://www.patreon.com/c/religionforbreakfastRead Dr. Schmidt's Christmas publications here: https://tcschmidt.com/christmas-publications/The Bible doesn't say when Jesus was born...so why December 25th? New Testament scholar Dr. Tom Schmidt explains.00:00 Intro: The Debate Over December 25th01:20 What We Know for Sure (John Chrysostom)05:25 The History of Religions Thesis (Sol Invictus)07:43 Problems with the Sol Invictus Theory11:20 The Winter Solstice in Ancient Culture13:05 The Calculation Theory: Passover & The Equinox15:34 "Cosmic Perfection": Linking Conception & Crucifixion19:42 The Hippolytus Statue (222 AD)22:36 Deciphering the "Genesis of Christ" Inscription27:14 Calculating the Birth Date from Creation30:04 Other Early Chronographers (Julius Africanus & Clement)34:12 How December 25th Spread & "Won"53:29 Other Holidays: Saturnalia, Kalends, & Brumalia56:44 Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 14:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Religion for Breakfast videos take a lot of research and collaboration. Patreon support helps fund editors, scholars, and future episodes. Support us here: https://www.patreon.com/c/religionforbreakfastRead Dr. Schmidt's Christmas publications here: https://tcschmidt.com/christmas-publications/The Bible doesn't say when Jesus was born...so why December 25th? New Testament scholar Dr. Tom Schmidt explains.00:00 Intro: The Debate Over December 25th01:20 What We Know for Sure (John Chrysostom)05:25 The History of Religions Thesis (Sol Invictus)07:43 Problems with the Sol Invictus Theory11:20 The Winter Solstice in Ancient Culture13:05 The Calculation Theory: Passover & The Equinox15:34 "Cosmic Perfection": Linking Conception & Crucifixion19:42 The Hippolytus Statue (222 AD)22:36 Deciphering the "Genesis of Christ" Inscription27:14 Calculating the Birth Date from Creation30:04 Other Early Chronographers (Julius Africanus & Clement)34:12 How December 25th Spread & "Won"53:29 Other Holidays: Saturnalia, Kalends, & Brumalia56:44 Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Religion for Breakfast videos take a lot of research and collaboration. Patreon support helps fund editors, scholars, and future episodes. Support us here: https://www.patreon.com/c/religionforbreakfast

Read Dr. Schmidt's Christmas publications here: https://tcschmidt.com/christmas-publications/


The Bible doesn't say when Jesus was born...so why December 25th? New Testament scholar Dr. Tom Schmidt explains.

00:00 Intro: The Debate Over December 25th
01:20 What We Know for Sure (John Chrysostom)
05:25 The History of Religions Thesis (Sol Invictus)
07:43 Problems with the Sol Invictus Theory
11:20 The Winter Solstice in Ancient Culture
13:05 The Calculation Theory: Passover & The Equinox
15:34 "Cosmic Perfection": Linking Conception & Crucifixion
19:42 The Hippolytus Statue (222 AD)
22:36 Deciphering the "Genesis of Christ" Inscription
27:14 Calculating the Birth Date from Creation
30:04 Other Early Chronographers (Julius Africanus & Clement)
34:12 How December 25th Spread & "Won"
53:29 Other Holidays: Saturnalia, Kalends, & Brumalia
56:44 Conclusion

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3864 no Nimrod: The Bible’s Most Mysterious King Compare news coverage. Spot media bias. Avoid algorithms. Try Ground News today and get 40% off your subscription by going to https://ground.news/religionforbreakfastShoutout to Paul Davidson for writing this episode. Check out his amazing YouTube channel @InquisitiveBible Who was Nimrod, the Bible’s mighty hunter and empire-builder? Some scholars think he’s more than myth—maybe even Sargon of Akkad, one of the great kings of Mesopotamia. In this video, we explore the mystery behind one of Genesis’s most enigmatic figures.Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters00:00 Intro1:15 Nimrod in the Table of Nations5:12 Sargon of Akkad Theory7:07 Ninurta Theory10:03 Later Identities of Nimrod15:38 Nimrod = Zoroaster? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 13:42:30 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Compare news coverage. Spot media bias. Avoid algorithms. Try Ground News today and get 40% off your subscription by going to https://ground.news/religionforbreakfastShoutout to Paul Davidson for writing this episode. Check out his amazing YouTube channel @InquisitiveBible Who was Nimrod, the Bible’s mighty hunter and empire-builder? Some scholars think he’s more than myth—maybe even Sargon of Akkad, one of the great kings of Mesopotamia. In this video, we explore the mystery behind one of Genesis’s most enigmatic figures.Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters00:00 Intro1:15 Nimrod in the Table of Nations5:12 Sargon of Akkad Theory7:07 Ninurta Theory10:03 Later Identities of Nimrod15:38 Nimrod = Zoroaster? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Compare news coverage. Spot media bias. Avoid algorithms. Try Ground News today and get 40% off your subscription by going to https://ground.news/religionforbreakfast

Shoutout to Paul Davidson for writing this episode. Check out his amazing YouTube channel @InquisitiveBible

Who was Nimrod, the Bible’s mighty hunter and empire-builder? Some scholars think he’s more than myth—maybe even Sargon of Akkad, one of the great kings of Mesopotamia. In this video, we explore the mystery behind one of Genesis’s most enigmatic figures.

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00:00 Intro
1:15 Nimrod in the Table of Nations
5:12 Sargon of Akkad Theory
7:07 Ninurta Theory
10:03 Later Identities of Nimrod
15:38 Nimrod = Zoroaster?

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]]> 1544 no Melchizedek: The Most Mysterious Man in the Bible Compare news coverage. Spot media bias. Avoid algorithms. Try Ground News today and get 40% off your subscription by going to https://ground.news/religionforbreakfastJoin our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and ReutersIn Genesis 14, a priestly king named Melchizedek randomly appears and gives bread and wine to the patriarch Abraham. And then...he's never mentioned again in the story. Who is this mysterious man? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 13:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Compare news coverage. Spot media bias. Avoid algorithms. Try Ground News today and get 40% off your subscription by going to https://ground.news/religionforbreakfastJoin our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and ReutersIn Genesis 14, a priestly king named Melchizedek randomly appears and gives bread and wine to the patriarch Abraham. And then...he's never mentioned again in the story. Who is this mysterious man? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Compare news coverage. Spot media bias. Avoid algorithms. Try Ground News today and get 40% off your subscription by going to https://ground.news/religionforbreakfast

Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters

In Genesis 14, a priestly king named Melchizedek randomly appears and gives bread and wine to the patriarch Abraham. And then...he's never mentioned again in the story. Who is this mysterious man?

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]]> 1494 no What Are Frankincense and Myrrh? According to the Gospel of Matthew, the magi bring gold, frankincense, and myrrh as expensive gifts to the young Jesus. We all know what gold is, but what is this frankincense and myrrh stuff? What did the ancients use it for?Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastBlog: www.religionforbreakfastFurther Reading:Dr. Sarah Bond's article: https://marquettehistorians.wordpress.com/2012/12/24/sweat-of-the-gods-frankincense-and-myrrh-in-antiquity/Dr. Susan Ashbrook Harvey: "Scenting Salvation: Ancient Christianity and the Olfactory Imagination"Ambrose quote from his "Exposition of the Christian Faith," ch. IV.31: http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf210.iv.iv.iii.v.htmlIncense altar painting from Aldobrandini Wedding Fresco found in Rome: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aldobrandini_WeddingSpecial Thanks to Our Patrons!:Brian BDan DAlex BJohn MWilsonCain DMannyMark H Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 13:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast According to the Gospel of Matthew, the magi bring gold, frankincense, and myrrh as expensive gifts to the young Jesus. We all know what gold is, but what is this frankincense and myrrh stuff? What did the ancients use it for?Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastBlog: www.religionforbreakfastFurther Reading:Dr. Sarah Bond's article: https://marquettehistorians.wordpress.com/2012/12/24/sweat-of-the-gods-frankincense-and-myrrh-in-antiquity/Dr. Susan Ashbrook Harvey: "Scenting Salvation: Ancient Christianity and the Olfactory Imagination"Ambrose quote from his "Exposition of the Christian Faith," ch. IV.31: http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf210.iv.iv.iii.v.htmlIncense altar painting from Aldobrandini Wedding Fresco found in Rome: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aldobrandini_WeddingSpecial Thanks to Our Patrons!:Brian BDan DAlex BJohn MWilsonCain DMannyMark H Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices According to the Gospel of Matthew, the magi bring gold, frankincense, and myrrh as expensive gifts to the young Jesus. We all know what gold is, but what is this frankincense and myrrh stuff? What did the ancients use it for?

Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Twitter: @andrewmarkhenry
Facebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast
Blog: www.religionforbreakfast

Further Reading:

Dr. Sarah Bond's article: https://marquettehistorians.wordpress.com/2012/12/24/sweat-of-the-gods-frankincense-and-myrrh-in-antiquity/

Dr. Susan Ashbrook Harvey: "Scenting Salvation: Ancient Christianity and the Olfactory Imagination"

Ambrose quote from his "Exposition of the Christian Faith," ch. IV.31: http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf210.iv.iv.iii.v.html

Incense altar painting from Aldobrandini Wedding Fresco found in Rome: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aldobrandini_Wedding


Special Thanks to Our Patrons!:
Brian B
Dan D
Alex B
John M
Wilson
Cain D
Manny
Mark H

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]]> 349 no What is the Western Wall? Join our Patreon community!: https://patreon.com/religionforbreakfastOne-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastCheck out my favorite religious studies books: https://www.amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast The Western Wall is one of the most iconic religious sites in the world. Tens of thousands of Jews travel there to pray. But what is the Western Wall?Twitter: @ andrewmarkhenryInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewmarkhenry/ Sources:Jodi Magness, "Archaeology of the Holy Land."Estimated visitors/per year: https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/750000-people-visit-Western-Wall-since-start-of-Passover-587868 Clashes with Women of the Wall: https://religionnews.com/2019/10/30/womens-group-brings-torahs-to-western-wall-faces-backlash-from-conservatives/https://www.timesofisrael.com/haredi-women-mass-at-kotel-for-standoff-with-feminist-group/Clearing of the Moroccan Quarter:Thomas Philip Abowd, "Colonial Jerusalem," p. 124-125Kotel Heritage Foundation: https://english.thekotel.org/Report on prayer note removal: https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Notes-to-be-removed-from-Western-Wall-602558Photo credits:Thumbnail: Photograph attributed to Daniel Majewski. This photograph is used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license. Changes were not made to the photograph: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Western_Wall,_Jerusalem,_Shavuot.JPG Women praying at the Wall: WikiCommons, Yochi RappeportWomen at the Wall, WikiCommons, Britchi Mirela, Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 12:53:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Join our Patreon community!: https://patreon.com/religionforbreakfastOne-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastCheck out my favorite religious studies books: https://www.amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast The Western Wall is one of the most iconic religious sites in the world. Tens of thousands of Jews travel there to pray. But what is the Western Wall?Twitter: @ andrewmarkhenryInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewmarkhenry/ Sources:Jodi Magness, "Archaeology of the Holy Land."Estimated visitors/per year: https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/750000-people-visit-Western-Wall-since-start-of-Passover-587868 Clashes with Women of the Wall: https://religionnews.com/2019/10/30/womens-group-brings-torahs-to-western-wall-faces-backlash-from-conservatives/https://www.timesofisrael.com/haredi-women-mass-at-kotel-for-standoff-with-feminist-group/Clearing of the Moroccan Quarter:Thomas Philip Abowd, "Colonial Jerusalem," p. 124-125Kotel Heritage Foundation: https://english.thekotel.org/Report on prayer note removal: https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Notes-to-be-removed-from-Western-Wall-602558Photo credits:Thumbnail: Photograph attributed to Daniel Majewski. This photograph is used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license. Changes were not made to the photograph: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Western_Wall,_Jerusalem,_Shavuot.JPG Women praying at the Wall: WikiCommons, Yochi RappeportWomen at the Wall, WikiCommons, Britchi Mirela, Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Join our Patreon community!: https://patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
One-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfast
Check out my favorite religious studies books: https://www.amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast

The Western Wall is one of the most iconic religious sites in the world. Tens of thousands of Jews travel there to pray. But what is the Western Wall?

Twitter: @ andrewmarkhenry
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewmarkhenry/

Sources:
Jodi Magness, "Archaeology of the Holy Land."

Estimated visitors/per year: https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/750000-people-visit-Western-Wall-since-start-of-Passover-587868

Clashes with Women of the Wall:
https://religionnews.com/2019/10/30/womens-group-brings-torahs-to-western-wall-faces-backlash-from-conservatives/
https://www.timesofisrael.com/haredi-women-mass-at-kotel-for-standoff-with-feminist-group/

Clearing of the Moroccan Quarter:
Thomas Philip Abowd, "Colonial Jerusalem," p. 124-125

Kotel Heritage Foundation: https://english.thekotel.org/

Report on prayer note removal: https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Notes-to-be-removed-from-Western-Wall-602558

Photo credits:
Thumbnail: Photograph attributed to Daniel Majewski. This photograph is used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license. Changes were not made to the photograph: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Western_Wall,_Jerusalem,_Shavuot.JPG

Women praying at the Wall: WikiCommons, Yochi Rappeport
Women at the Wall, WikiCommons, Britchi Mirela,

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]]> 560 no Vesak: The Most Important Buddhist Holiday? Subscribe to Sacred & Profane's newsletter here!: http://eepurl.com/gjbzuXVesak is celebrated by millions of Buddhists around the world. A day commemorating the birth, awakening, and death of the Buddha. Special thanks to @gunnertravel for his Singapore footage! Join our Patreon community!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastOne-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastSign-up for my mailing list to be notified of online classes: https://classes.religionforbreakfast.com/00:00 Intro2:08 Unknown Historical Origins of Vesak3:10 Vesak Rituals and Practices6:06 Buddhist Modernism and Vesak9:57 Growth of Vesak Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 12:45:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Subscribe to Sacred & Profane's newsletter here!: http://eepurl.com/gjbzuXVesak is celebrated by millions of Buddhists around the world. A day commemorating the birth, awakening, and death of the Buddha. Special thanks to @gunnertravel for his Singapore footage! Join our Patreon community!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastOne-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastSign-up for my mailing list to be notified of online classes: https://classes.religionforbreakfast.com/00:00 Intro2:08 Unknown Historical Origins of Vesak3:10 Vesak Rituals and Practices6:06 Buddhist Modernism and Vesak9:57 Growth of Vesak Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Subscribe to Sacred & Profane's newsletter here!: http://eepurl.com/gjbzuX

Vesak is celebrated by millions of Buddhists around the world. A day commemorating the birth, awakening, and death of the Buddha. Special thanks to @gunnertravel for his Singapore footage!

Join our Patreon community!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
One-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfast
Sign-up for my mailing list to be notified of online classes: https://classes.religionforbreakfast.com/

00:00 Intro
2:08 Unknown Historical Origins of Vesak
3:10 Vesak Rituals and Practices
6:06 Buddhist Modernism and Vesak
9:57 Growth of Vesak

Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters

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]]> 1076 no What is the Dome of the Rock? The Dome of the Rock is one of the most iconic buildings in the world and one of the most sacred buildings for Muslims today. But what is the Dome of the Rock? What is its history?Support the show on Patreon!www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastwww.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryCheck out my religious studies book recommendations at: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfastBibliography:Rina Avner, "The Dome of the Rock in Light of the Development of Concentric Martyria in Jerusalem: Architecture and Architectural Iconography," Jodi Magness, “The Archaeology of the Holy Land," Cambridge University Press, 2012.Oleg Grabar, "The Dome of the Rock," Harvard University Press, 2006. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 12:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast The Dome of the Rock is one of the most iconic buildings in the world and one of the most sacred buildings for Muslims today. But what is the Dome of the Rock? What is its history?Support the show on Patreon!www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastwww.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryCheck out my religious studies book recommendations at: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfastBibliography:Rina Avner, "The Dome of the Rock in Light of the Development of Concentric Martyria in Jerusalem: Architecture and Architectural Iconography," Jodi Magness, “The Archaeology of the Holy Land," Cambridge University Press, 2012.Oleg Grabar, "The Dome of the Rock," Harvard University Press, 2006. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The Dome of the Rock is one of the most iconic buildings in the world and one of the most sacred buildings for Muslims today. But what is the Dome of the Rock? What is its history?

Support the show on Patreon!
www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast
Twitter: @andrewmarkhenry

Check out my religious studies book recommendations at: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast

Bibliography:
Rina Avner, "The Dome of the Rock in Light of the Development of Concentric Martyria in Jerusalem: Architecture and Architectural Iconography,"

Jodi Magness, “The Archaeology of the Holy Land," Cambridge University Press, 2012.

Oleg Grabar, "The Dome of the Rock," Harvard University Press, 2006.

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]]> 805 no What is the Difference Between Theology and Religious Studies? Theology and Religious Studies...do you know the difference?Twitter: @andrewmarkhenryBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastDesign: Chris Maghintay http://www.chrismaghintay.com/Animation: EC Henry www.echenry.comMusic: Kevin MacLeod www.incompetech.comAttributions:Amish picture: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Amish#/media/File:2006-07-29_-_07_-_Road_Trip_-_Day_06_-_United_States_-_Wyoming_-_Yellowstone_National_Park_-_Waiting_4888671147.jpgHuckabee photo: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mike_Huckabee#/media/File:Gov-Huckabee-001.jpgReligion population graphic: http://www.pewforum.org/2015/05/12/americas-changing-religious-landscape/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 12:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Theology and Religious Studies...do you know the difference?Twitter: @andrewmarkhenryBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastDesign: Chris Maghintay http://www.chrismaghintay.com/Animation: EC Henry www.echenry.comMusic: Kevin MacLeod www.incompetech.comAttributions:Amish picture: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Amish#/media/File:2006-07-29_-_07_-_Road_Trip_-_Day_06_-_United_States_-_Wyoming_-_Yellowstone_National_Park_-_Waiting_4888671147.jpgHuckabee photo: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mike_Huckabee#/media/File:Gov-Huckabee-001.jpgReligion population graphic: http://www.pewforum.org/2015/05/12/americas-changing-religious-landscape/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Theology and Religious Studies...do you know the difference?

Twitter: @andrewmarkhenry
Blog: www.religionforbreakfast.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast

Design: Chris Maghintay http://www.chrismaghintay.com/
Animation: EC Henry www.echenry.com
Music: Kevin MacLeod www.incompetech.com

Attributions:
Amish picture: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Amish#/media/File:2006-07-29_-_07_-_Road_Trip_-_Day_06_-_United_States_-_Wyoming_-_Yellowstone_National_Park_-_Waiting_4888671147.jpg

Huckabee photo: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mike_Huckabee#/media/File:Gov-Huckabee-001.jpg

Religion population graphic: http://www.pewforum.org/2015/05/12/americas-changing-religious-landscape/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 569 no History of Halloween: Pagan or Christian? Halloween was not always a holiday of candy, costumes, and parties. Its history stretches back almost two thousand years. But what is this history? And what extent can we call Halloween a Christian holiday...if at all?Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comThanks to our Patrons on Patreon!!:Brian B.Daniel D.Kalei W.Alex B.Mark H.Alice C. WilsonCain D.Bibliography and image credits:Rogers, Nicholas. Halloween: From Pagan Ritual to Party Night, 2002.Santino, Jack. Halloween and Other Festivals of Death and Life, 1994.Souling picture: https://archive.org/details/cheshiresheafbe01browgoogOengusso calendar: https://ia802604.us.archive.org/10/items/martyrologyofoen29oenguoft/martyrologyofoen29oenguoft.pdfHalloween Frolics painting: http://artuk.org/discover/artworks/halloween-frolics-189976Guy Fawkes Effigy pic: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:November_Effigies_(6833391028).jpgMost other images came from Stephen Reid. An artist from the early 20th century who specialized in paintings of Celtic mythology. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 11:47:30 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Halloween was not always a holiday of candy, costumes, and parties. Its history stretches back almost two thousand years. But what is this history? And what extent can we call Halloween a Christian holiday...if at all?Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comThanks to our Patrons on Patreon!!:Brian B.Daniel D.Kalei W.Alex B.Mark H.Alice C. WilsonCain D.Bibliography and image credits:Rogers, Nicholas. Halloween: From Pagan Ritual to Party Night, 2002.Santino, Jack. Halloween and Other Festivals of Death and Life, 1994.Souling picture: https://archive.org/details/cheshiresheafbe01browgoogOengusso calendar: https://ia802604.us.archive.org/10/items/martyrologyofoen29oenguoft/martyrologyofoen29oenguoft.pdfHalloween Frolics painting: http://artuk.org/discover/artworks/halloween-frolics-189976Guy Fawkes Effigy pic: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:November_Effigies_(6833391028).jpgMost other images came from Stephen Reid. An artist from the early 20th century who specialized in paintings of Celtic mythology. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Halloween was not always a holiday of candy, costumes, and parties. Its history stretches back almost two thousand years. But what is this history? And what extent can we call Halloween a Christian holiday...if at all?

Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Twitter: @andrewmarkhenry
Facebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast
Blog: www.religionforbreakfast.com

Thanks to our Patrons on Patreon!!:
Brian B.
Daniel D.
Kalei W.
Alex B.
Mark H.
Alice C.
Wilson
Cain D.

Bibliography and image credits:

Rogers, Nicholas. Halloween: From Pagan Ritual to Party Night, 2002.

Santino, Jack. Halloween and Other Festivals of Death and Life, 1994.

Souling picture: https://archive.org/details/cheshiresheafbe01browgoog

Oengusso calendar: https://ia802604.us.archive.org/10/items/martyrologyofoen29oenguoft/martyrologyofoen29oenguoft.pdf

Halloween Frolics painting: http://artuk.org/discover/artworks/halloween-frolics-189976

Guy Fawkes Effigy pic: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:November_Effigies_(6833391028).jpg

Most other images came from Stephen Reid. An artist from the early 20th century who specialized in paintings of Celtic mythology.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 646 no Why Fictional Magic Systems Feel So Fake Want to restore the planet’s ecosystems and see your impact in monthly videos? The first 100 people to join Planet Wild with my code RELIGION2 will get the first month for free on me: https://planetwild.com/r/religionforbreakfast/join/2If you want to get to know them better first, check out their mission supporting Brazil’s Xingu region: https://planetwild.com/r/religionforbreakfast/m29/2Thumbnail by @ECHenry 00:00 Intro1:24 Part 1: Magic is Mundane8:39 Part 2: Magic as a Profession?14:10 Part 3: Magic as Energy?22:08 Part 4: Good vs. Evil27:47 Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 11:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Want to restore the planet’s ecosystems and see your impact in monthly videos? The first 100 people to join Planet Wild with my code RELIGION2 will get the first month for free on me: https://planetwild.com/r/religionforbreakfast/join/2If you want to get to know them better first, check out their mission supporting Brazil’s Xingu region: https://planetwild.com/r/religionforbreakfast/m29/2Thumbnail by @ECHenry 00:00 Intro1:24 Part 1: Magic is Mundane8:39 Part 2: Magic as a Profession?14:10 Part 3: Magic as Energy?22:08 Part 4: Good vs. Evil27:47 Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Want to restore the planet’s ecosystems and see your impact in monthly videos? The first 100 people to join Planet Wild with my code RELIGION2 will get the first month for free on me: https://planetwild.com/r/religionforbreakfast/join/2
If you want to get to know them better first, check out their mission supporting Brazil’s Xingu region: https://planetwild.com/r/religionforbreakfast/m29/2

Thumbnail by @ECHenry


00:00 Intro
1:24 Part 1: Magic is Mundane
8:39 Part 2: Magic as a Profession?
14:10 Part 3: Magic as Energy?
22:08 Part 4: Good vs. Evil
27:47 Conclusion

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]]> 2306 no What is Ritual? "Ritual." We all think we know what it means...right? Ritual, though, is a lot more complicated than you think. Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comThanks to our Patreon patrons!:Brian BDan DAlex BJohn MWilsonCain DMannyMark HImage Attributions:Fasting Buddha: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Fasting_Buddha#/media/File:Siddhartha_Gautama_meditating.PNGhttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Prayer_in_art#/media/File:Teodor_Axentowicz,_Anachoreta.jpgwedding: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Marriage#/media/File:%22The_Moldavian_wedding%22_(the_end_of_60th_years)._(6149079487).jpgOrthodox Eucharist: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Eucharist#/media/File:%D0%9F%D1%80%D0%B8%D1%87%D0%B0%D1%89%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%B5_%D0%B2%D0%B5%D1%80%D1%83%D1%8E%D1%89%D0%B8%D1%85_(1801436812).jpgEucharist portions: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Communion_Baptist.jpgArmy priest: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Eucharist#/media/File:US_Navy_041024-N-6495K-028_Chaplain_Lt._John_Burnette_prays_over_the_Blood_and_Body_of_Christ_during_Sunday_Roman_Catholic_Mass_aboard_the_Nimitz-class_aircraft_carrier_USS_Harry_S._Truman_(CVN_75).jpgAltar pic: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Eucharist#/media/File:StJamesAltar.jpg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 11:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast "Ritual." We all think we know what it means...right? Ritual, though, is a lot more complicated than you think. Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comThanks to our Patreon patrons!:Brian BDan DAlex BJohn MWilsonCain DMannyMark HImage Attributions:Fasting Buddha: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Fasting_Buddha#/media/File:Siddhartha_Gautama_meditating.PNGhttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Prayer_in_art#/media/File:Teodor_Axentowicz,_Anachoreta.jpgwedding: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Marriage#/media/File:%22The_Moldavian_wedding%22_(the_end_of_60th_years)._(6149079487).jpgOrthodox Eucharist: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Eucharist#/media/File:%D0%9F%D1%80%D0%B8%D1%87%D0%B0%D1%89%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%B5_%D0%B2%D0%B5%D1%80%D1%83%D1%8E%D1%89%D0%B8%D1%85_(1801436812).jpgEucharist portions: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Communion_Baptist.jpgArmy priest: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Eucharist#/media/File:US_Navy_041024-N-6495K-028_Chaplain_Lt._John_Burnette_prays_over_the_Blood_and_Body_of_Christ_during_Sunday_Roman_Catholic_Mass_aboard_the_Nimitz-class_aircraft_carrier_USS_Harry_S._Truman_(CVN_75).jpgAltar pic: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Eucharist#/media/File:StJamesAltar.jpg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices "Ritual." We all think we know what it means...right? Ritual, though, is a lot more complicated than you think.

Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Twitter: @andrewmarkhenry
Facebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast
Blog: www.religionforbreakfast.com

Thanks to our Patreon patrons!:
Brian B
Dan D
Alex B
John M
Wilson
Cain D
Manny
Mark H

Image Attributions:
Fasting Buddha: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Fasting_Buddha#/media/File:Siddhartha_Gautama_meditating.PNG

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Prayer_in_art#/media/File:Teodor_Axentowicz,_Anachoreta.jpg

wedding: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Marriage#/media/File:%22The_Moldavian_wedding%22_(the_end_of_60th_years)._(6149079487).jpg

Orthodox Eucharist: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Eucharist#/media/File:%D0%9F%D1%80%D0%B8%D1%87%D0%B0%D1%89%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%B5_%D0%B2%D0%B5%D1%80%D1%83%D1%8E%D1%89%D0%B8%D1%85_(1801436812).jpg

Eucharist portions: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Communion_Baptist.jpg

Army priest: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Eucharist#/media/File:US_Navy_041024-N-6495K-028_Chaplain_Lt._John_Burnette_prays_over_the_Blood_and_Body_of_Christ_during_Sunday_Roman_Catholic_Mass_aboard_the_Nimitz-class_aircraft_carrier_USS_Harry_S._Truman_(CVN_75).jpg

Altar pic: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Eucharist#/media/File:StJamesAltar.jpg

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]]> 556 no Does the Bible Really Say Give 10% of Your Money? | Tithing Explained Send cash directly to families in need, no strings attached: https://www.givedirectly.org/religion The opinions expressed in this video are mine and written by me. They are not the opinions of the charity GiveDirectly, who sponsored this video to spread the word about their work.00:00 What is Tithing?3:57 Tithing in the Ancient Near East9:23 Voluntary Tithes in Hebrew Bible10:49 Obligatory Tithes in Hebrew Bible17:45 Harmonization of the Tithe Laws19:52 GiveDirectly Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 10:50:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Send cash directly to families in need, no strings attached: https://www.givedirectly.org/religion The opinions expressed in this video are mine and written by me. They are not the opinions of the charity GiveDirectly, who sponsored this video to spread the word about their work.00:00 What is Tithing?3:57 Tithing in the Ancient Near East9:23 Voluntary Tithes in Hebrew Bible10:49 Obligatory Tithes in Hebrew Bible17:45 Harmonization of the Tithe Laws19:52 GiveDirectly Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Send cash directly to families in need, no strings attached: https://www.givedirectly.org/religion

The opinions expressed in this video are mine and written by me. They are not the opinions of the charity GiveDirectly, who sponsored this video to spread the word about their work.

00:00 What is Tithing?
3:57 Tithing in the Ancient Near East
9:23 Voluntary Tithes in Hebrew Bible
10:49 Obligatory Tithes in Hebrew Bible
17:45 Harmonization of the Tithe Laws
19:52 GiveDirectly

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]]> 1748 no The Gen Z “Religious Revival” Isn’t Real With my link, you can get 50% off of Nebula. It’s just $30/year, or $2,5/month, at https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast Watch Lindsay Ellis' "The Macabre World of Bodycam YouTube:" https://nebula.tv/videos/lindsayellis-bodycam-youtube?ref=religionforbreakfastHeadlines claim Gen Z is leading a religious revival—but major surveys show something very different. This video breaks down the data, the myths, and why America is experiencing a plateau, not a comeback.Religion for Breakfast videos take a lot of research and collaboration. Patreon support helps fund editors, scholars, and future episodes. Support us here: https://www.patreon.com/c/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 10:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast With my link, you can get 50% off of Nebula. It’s just $30/year, or $2,5/month, at https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast Watch Lindsay Ellis' "The Macabre World of Bodycam YouTube:" https://nebula.tv/videos/lindsayellis-bodycam-youtube?ref=religionforbreakfastHeadlines claim Gen Z is leading a religious revival—but major surveys show something very different. This video breaks down the data, the myths, and why America is experiencing a plateau, not a comeback.Religion for Breakfast videos take a lot of research and collaboration. Patreon support helps fund editors, scholars, and future episodes. Support us here: https://www.patreon.com/c/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices With my link, you can get 50% off of Nebula. It’s just $30/year, or $2,5/month, at https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast
Watch Lindsay Ellis' "The Macabre World of Bodycam YouTube:" https://nebula.tv/videos/lindsayellis-bodycam-youtube?ref=religionforbreakfast

Headlines claim Gen Z is leading a religious revival—but major surveys show something very different. This video breaks down the data, the myths, and why America is experiencing a plateau, not a comeback.

Religion for Breakfast videos take a lot of research and collaboration. Patreon support helps fund editors, scholars, and future episodes. Support us here: https://www.patreon.com/c/religionforbreakfast

Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 911 no 3 Famous People Who Majored in Religion A bachelors degree in Religious Studies. Is it a useful degree? Maybe, maybe not. But these three famous people majored in it!Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comThanks so much to our Patreon Patrons!:Brian B.Daniel D.Kalei W.Alex B.John M.WilsonCain D.MannyMark H.Alice C. Bibliography:Good news for Humanities majors: http://www.aacu.org/leap/liberal-education-nation-blog/new-reports-offer-good-news-arts-and-humanitiesHumanities median salary: https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2014/10/17/positive-reports-humanities-earnings-art-school-job-prospectsRashida Jones Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tgM6ixi1hcJustin Vernon Interview: http://www.cc.com/video-clips/gds7n9/the-colbert-report-justin-vernonInterview with Vernon's Professor: http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/on-wisconsin-in-eau-claire-justin-vernon-s-roots-run/article_3d3bad28-60aa-11e1-9172-001871e3ce6c.htmlCrashcourse: https://www.youtube.com/user/crashcourseJohn Green Interview: http://www.goodreads.com/interviews/show/828.John_GreenJohn Green commencement address: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AriZhzeHbA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 10:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast A bachelors degree in Religious Studies. Is it a useful degree? Maybe, maybe not. But these three famous people majored in it!Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comThanks so much to our Patreon Patrons!:Brian B.Daniel D.Kalei W.Alex B.John M.WilsonCain D.MannyMark H.Alice C. Bibliography:Good news for Humanities majors: http://www.aacu.org/leap/liberal-education-nation-blog/new-reports-offer-good-news-arts-and-humanitiesHumanities median salary: https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2014/10/17/positive-reports-humanities-earnings-art-school-job-prospectsRashida Jones Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tgM6ixi1hcJustin Vernon Interview: http://www.cc.com/video-clips/gds7n9/the-colbert-report-justin-vernonInterview with Vernon's Professor: http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/on-wisconsin-in-eau-claire-justin-vernon-s-roots-run/article_3d3bad28-60aa-11e1-9172-001871e3ce6c.htmlCrashcourse: https://www.youtube.com/user/crashcourseJohn Green Interview: http://www.goodreads.com/interviews/show/828.John_GreenJohn Green commencement address: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AriZhzeHbA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices A bachelors degree in Religious Studies. Is it a useful degree? Maybe, maybe not. But these three famous people majored in it!

Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Facebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast
Twitter: @andrewmarkhenry
Blog: www.religionforbreakfast.com

Thanks so much to our Patreon Patrons!:
Brian B.
Daniel D.
Kalei W.
Alex B.
John M.
Wilson
Cain D.
Manny
Mark H.
Alice C.

Bibliography:

Good news for Humanities majors: http://www.aacu.org/leap/liberal-education-nation-blog/new-reports-offer-good-news-arts-and-humanities

Humanities median salary: https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2014/10/17/positive-reports-humanities-earnings-art-school-job-prospects

Rashida Jones Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tgM6ixi1hc

Justin Vernon Interview: http://www.cc.com/video-clips/gds7n9/the-colbert-report-justin-vernon

Interview with Vernon's Professor: http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/on-wisconsin-in-eau-claire-justin-vernon-s-roots-run/article_3d3bad28-60aa-11e1-9172-001871e3ce6c.html

Crashcourse: https://www.youtube.com/user/crashcourse

John Green Interview: http://www.goodreads.com/interviews/show/828.John_Green

John Green commencement address: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AriZhzeHbA

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]]> 310 no Why Psychedelics Feel So Religious | Entheogens Explained Register for Ethnobotany and the Invisible Reality of the Blackfeet: https://www.religiondepartment.com/offers/BWG42LUy/checkoutReligion for Breakfast videos take a lot of research and collaboration. Patreon support helps fund editors, scholars, and future episodes. Support us here: https://www.patreon.com/c/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and ReutersDiscover why psychedelics so often spark mystical experiences. This video dives into research on entheogens, exploring awe, unity, and powerful altered states of consciousness.This video was made possible through the support of grant #TRT-2021-10499 from the John Templeton Foundation managed by the Center for Mind and Culture. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the John Templeton Foundation or the Center forMind and Culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 09:52:30 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Register for Ethnobotany and the Invisible Reality of the Blackfeet: https://www.religiondepartment.com/offers/BWG42LUy/checkoutReligion for Breakfast videos take a lot of research and collaboration. Patreon support helps fund editors, scholars, and future episodes. Support us here: https://www.patreon.com/c/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and ReutersDiscover why psychedelics so often spark mystical experiences. This video dives into research on entheogens, exploring awe, unity, and powerful altered states of consciousness.This video was made possible through the support of grant #TRT-2021-10499 from the John Templeton Foundation managed by the Center for Mind and Culture. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the John Templeton Foundation or the Center forMind and Culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Register for Ethnobotany and the Invisible Reality of the Blackfeet: https://www.religiondepartment.com/offers/BWG42LUy/checkout

Religion for Breakfast videos take a lot of research and collaboration. Patreon support helps fund editors, scholars, and future episodes. Support us here: https://www.patreon.com/c/religionforbreakfast

Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters

Discover why psychedelics so often spark mystical experiences. This video dives into research on entheogens, exploring awe, unity, and powerful altered states of consciousness.

This video was made possible through the support of grant
#TRT-2021-10499 from the John Templeton Foundation
managed by the Center for Mind and Culture. The
opinions expressed in this publication are those
of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views
of the John Templeton Foundation or the Center for
Mind and Culture.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1501 no Did Christianity Steal the Egyptian Ankh? Join our Patreon community!: https://patreon.com/religionforbreakfastOne-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastCheck out my favorite religious studies books: https://www.amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast The Egyptian hieroglyphic ankh looks kind of similar to the Christian cross. This has lead some conspiracy theorists to argue that Christians copied the ankh for their own religious symbol: the cross. This his basically false, BUT there is a very interesting exception: the crux ansata...a Christian cross that syncretizes with the Egyptian ankh. What does this tell us about early Christianity?Follow me on Twitter: @andrewmarkhenryBibliography:David Frankfurter, "Syncretism and the Holy Man in Late Antique Egypt," Journal of Early Christian Studies, Volume 11, Number 3, 2003.Kim Bowes, "Christianization and the Rural Home," Journal of Early Christian Studies, 15 (2), 143-170.Roy Kotansky, "The Magic 'Crucifixion Gem in the British Museum," Greek, Roman, and Byzantine Studies 57 (2017), 631-659.Photograph Attributions:Temple of Horus at Edfou, Egypt. Attributed to David Broad:https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Temple_of_Horus_at_Edfou,_Egypt_-_panoramio_(1).jpgAnkh hematite gem. 15th century BCE. From Thebes, Sheikh Abd el-Qurna, Tomb of Hatnefer and Ramose:https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cowroid_Inscribed_with_an_Ankh_MET_36.3.48_EGDP021440.jpgFaience ankh, from Meroe. Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology, London. Attributed to Shukir Muhammed Amin:https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Faience_ankh_showing_the_cartouches_and_epithets_of_Aspelta._Votive_offering._From_Meroe,_modern-day_Sudan._The_Petrie_Museum_of_Egyptian_Archaeology,_London.jpgTemple of Seti I, Abydos, Egypt. Attributed to Bernard Dupont:https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Painted_Relief_of_Seti_I_receiving_the_sign_of_life_from_Thot_..._(36316065400).jpg Ankh Amulet:https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Amulet_with_ankhs_MET_22.1.281.jpg1981 - 1640 BCE, From Memphite Region, Tomb 954, Burial 954LAlexamenos graffito: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Alexamenos_graffito.PNGhttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Military_and_religious_life_in_the_Middle_Ages_and_at_the_period_of_the_Renaissance_(1870)_(14784757102).jpgJesus Crucifixion mosaic, Attributed to Jordiferrerhttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2016_Santuario_di_Santa_Rita_(Roccaporena)_13.jpgCross GGNC grave marker, attributed to BrokenSphere / Wikimedia Commonshttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cross_GGNC_grave_marker_engraving_2.JPGCodex Glazier, attribution Morgan Library and Museum, New York:https://www.themorgan.org/manuscript/77061Late Antique Dedicatory Cross from the Walters Museum,https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Byzantine_-_Votive_or_Dedicatory_Cross_-_Walters_57630.jpgEgyptian Gem, Photo attributed to Chris Faraone, © Trustees of the British Museum. http://www2.szepmuveszeti.hu/talismans/cbd/137?lang1=default&description1=Horus&mdesc=false&lang2=default&multiple_cond=andBritish Museum Ankh Amulet: © Trustees of the British Museumhttps://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details.aspx?objectid=116250&partid=1&searchtext=+%09faience+amulet+in+the+shape+of+an+ankh&page=1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 09:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Join our Patreon community!: https://patreon.com/religionforbreakfastOne-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastCheck out my favorite religious studies books: https://www.amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast The Egyptian hieroglyphic ankh looks kind of similar to the Christian cross. This has lead some conspiracy theorists to argue that Christians copied the ankh for their own religious symbol: the cross. This his basically false, BUT there is a very interesting exception: the crux ansata...a Christian cross that syncretizes with the Egyptian ankh. What does this tell us about early Christianity?Follow me on Twitter: @andrewmarkhenryBibliography:David Frankfurter, "Syncretism and the Holy Man in Late Antique Egypt," Journal of Early Christian Studies, Volume 11, Number 3, 2003.Kim Bowes, "Christianization and the Rural Home," Journal of Early Christian Studies, 15 (2), 143-170.Roy Kotansky, "The Magic 'Crucifixion Gem in the British Museum," Greek, Roman, and Byzantine Studies 57 (2017), 631-659.Photograph Attributions:Temple of Horus at Edfou, Egypt. Attributed to David Broad:https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Temple_of_Horus_at_Edfou,_Egypt_-_panoramio_(1).jpgAnkh hematite gem. 15th century BCE. From Thebes, Sheikh Abd el-Qurna, Tomb of Hatnefer and Ramose:https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cowroid_Inscribed_with_an_Ankh_MET_36.3.48_EGDP021440.jpgFaience ankh, from Meroe. Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology, London. Attributed to Shukir Muhammed Amin:https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Faience_ankh_showing_the_cartouches_and_epithets_of_Aspelta._Votive_offering._From_Meroe,_modern-day_Sudan._The_Petrie_Museum_of_Egyptian_Archaeology,_London.jpgTemple of Seti I, Abydos, Egypt. Attributed to Bernard Dupont:https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Painted_Relief_of_Seti_I_receiving_the_sign_of_life_from_Thot_..._(36316065400).jpg Ankh Amulet:https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Amulet_with_ankhs_MET_22.1.281.jpg1981 - 1640 BCE, From Memphite Region, Tomb 954, Burial 954LAlexamenos graffito: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Alexamenos_graffito.PNGhttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Military_and_religious_life_in_the_Middle_Ages_and_at_the_period_of_the_Renaissance_(1870)_(14784757102).jpgJesus Crucifixion mosaic, Attributed to Jordiferrerhttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2016_Santuario_di_Santa_Rita_(Roccaporena)_13.jpgCross GGNC grave marker, attributed to BrokenSphere / Wikimedia Commonshttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cross_GGNC_grave_marker_engraving_2.JPGCodex Glazier, attribution Morgan Library and Museum, New York:https://www.themorgan.org/manuscript/77061Late Antique Dedicatory Cross from the Walters Museum,https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Byzantine_-_Votive_or_Dedicatory_Cross_-_Walters_57630.jpgEgyptian Gem, Photo attributed to Chris Faraone, © Trustees of the British Museum. http://www2.szepmuveszeti.hu/talismans/cbd/137?lang1=default&description1=Horus&mdesc=false&lang2=default&multiple_cond=andBritish Museum Ankh Amulet: © Trustees of the British Museumhttps://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details.aspx?objectid=116250&partid=1&searchtext=+%09faience+amulet+in+the+shape+of+an+ankh&page=1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Join our Patreon community!: https://patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
One-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfast
Check out my favorite religious studies books: https://www.amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast

The Egyptian hieroglyphic ankh looks kind of similar to the Christian cross. This has lead some conspiracy theorists to argue that Christians copied the ankh for their own religious symbol: the cross. This his basically false, BUT there is a very interesting exception: the crux ansata...a Christian cross that syncretizes with the Egyptian ankh. What does this tell us about early Christianity?

Follow me on Twitter: @andrewmarkhenry

Bibliography:
David Frankfurter, "Syncretism and the Holy Man in Late Antique Egypt," Journal of Early Christian Studies, Volume 11, Number 3, 2003.

Kim Bowes, "Christianization and the Rural Home," Journal of Early Christian Studies, 15 (2), 143-170.

Roy Kotansky, "The Magic 'Crucifixion Gem in the British Museum," Greek, Roman, and Byzantine Studies 57 (2017), 631-659.

Photograph Attributions:
Temple of Horus at Edfou, Egypt. Attributed to David Broad:
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Temple_of_Horus_at_Edfou,_Egypt_-_panoramio_(1).jpg

Ankh hematite gem. 15th century BCE. From Thebes, Sheikh Abd el-Qurna, Tomb of Hatnefer and Ramose:
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cowroid_Inscribed_with_an_Ankh_MET_36.3.48_EGDP021440.jpg

Faience ankh, from Meroe. Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology, London. Attributed to Shukir Muhammed Amin:

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Faience_ankh_showing_the_cartouches_and_epithets_of_Aspelta._Votive_offering._From_Meroe,_modern-day_Sudan._The_Petrie_Museum_of_Egyptian_Archaeology,_London.jpg

Temple of Seti I, Abydos, Egypt. Attributed to Bernard Dupont:
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Painted_Relief_of_Seti_I_receiving_the_sign_of_life_from_Thot_..._(36316065400).jpg

Ankh Amulet:
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Amulet_with_ankhs_MET_22.1.281.jpg
1981 - 1640 BCE, From Memphite Region, Tomb 954, Burial 954L

Alexamenos graffito:
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Alexamenos_graffito.PNG

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Military_and_religious_life_in_the_Middle_Ages_and_at_the_period_of_the_Renaissance_(1870)_(14784757102).jpg

Jesus Crucifixion mosaic, Attributed to Jordiferrer
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2016_Santuario_di_Santa_Rita_(Roccaporena)_13.jpg

Cross GGNC grave marker, attributed to BrokenSphere / Wikimedia Commons
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cross_GGNC_grave_marker_engraving_2.JPG

Codex Glazier, attribution Morgan Library and Museum, New York:
https://www.themorgan.org/manuscript/77061

Late Antique Dedicatory Cross from the Walters Museum,
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Byzantine_-_Votive_or_Dedicatory_Cross_-_Walters_57630.jpg

Egyptian Gem, Photo attributed to Chris Faraone, © Trustees of the British Museum. http://www2.szepmuveszeti.hu/talismans/cbd/137?lang1=default&description1=Horus&mdesc=false&lang2=default&multiple_cond=and

British Museum Ankh Amulet: © Trustees of the British Museum
https://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details.aspx?objectid=116250&partid=1&searchtext=+%09faience+amulet+in+the+shape+of+an+ankh&page=1

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]]> 564 no The Greco-Roman Origins of the Eucharist Compare news coverage. Spot media bias. Avoid algorithms. Try Ground News today and get 40% off your subscription by going to https://ground.news/religionforbreakfastJoin our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 09:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Compare news coverage. Spot media bias. Avoid algorithms. Try Ground News today and get 40% off your subscription by going to https://ground.news/religionforbreakfastJoin our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Compare news coverage. Spot media bias. Avoid algorithms. Try Ground News today and get 40% off your subscription by going to https://ground.news/religionforbreakfast

Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters

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]]> 2433 no Agnostics Spiritually Struggle More Than Atheists—But Feel Better About God Want to restore the planet’s ecosystems and see your impact in monthly videos? The first 100 people to join Planet Wild with my code RELIGION4 will get the first month for free on me: https://planetwild.com/r/religionforbreakfast/join/4 If you want to get to know them better first, check out their mission creating the world's longest wildlife corridor: https://planetwild.com/r/religionforbreakfast/m37/4A new psychology of religion study finds agnostics struggle more with doubt, meaning, and morality than atheists, but also feel more drawn to God. As it turns out, nonbelief has a lot to do with emotions.00:00 Differences Between Agnostics and Atheists4:42 Spiritual Struggle Explained6:30 Exline Study's Methods 7:54 Exline Study's Results12:14 Broader Implications About Non-Religion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 08:55:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Want to restore the planet’s ecosystems and see your impact in monthly videos? The first 100 people to join Planet Wild with my code RELIGION4 will get the first month for free on me: https://planetwild.com/r/religionforbreakfast/join/4 If you want to get to know them better first, check out their mission creating the world's longest wildlife corridor: https://planetwild.com/r/religionforbreakfast/m37/4A new psychology of religion study finds agnostics struggle more with doubt, meaning, and morality than atheists, but also feel more drawn to God. As it turns out, nonbelief has a lot to do with emotions.00:00 Differences Between Agnostics and Atheists4:42 Spiritual Struggle Explained6:30 Exline Study's Methods 7:54 Exline Study's Results12:14 Broader Implications About Non-Religion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Want to restore the planet’s ecosystems and see your impact in monthly videos? The first 100 people to join Planet Wild with my code RELIGION4 will get the first month for free on me: https://planetwild.com/r/religionforbreakfast/join/4 If you want to get to know them better first, check out their mission creating the world's longest wildlife corridor: https://planetwild.com/r/religionforbreakfast/m37/4

A new psychology of religion study finds agnostics struggle more with doubt, meaning, and morality than atheists, but also feel more drawn to God. As it turns out, nonbelief has a lot to do with emotions.

00:00 Differences Between Agnostics and Atheists
4:42 Spiritual Struggle Explained
6:30 Exline Study's Methods
7:54 Exline Study's Results
12:14 Broader Implications About Non-Religion

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]]> 1269 no The Gospel of Philip Explained (and why Jesus kisses Mary Magdalene) With my link, you can get 50% off of Nebula. It’s just $30/year, or $2,5/month, at https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast Get Lifetime memberships!: https://go.nebula.tv/lifetime?ref=religionforbreakfast Was Jesus secretly kissing Mary Magdalene? This video dives into the Gospel of Philip, its infamous “kiss” passage, Valentinian theology, and how baptism, anointing, and the “bridal chamber” were meant to turn Christians into Christs.00:00 Jesus kisses Mary Magdalene?1:18 Discovery, Date, Place of Origin4:04 A Brief Intro to Valentinianism 6:31 Christians Becoming Christs7:13 The Two Births of Christ11:04 Protology, Modeling vs. Begetting, a New Adam16:47 Baptism and Chrismation20:10 The Bridal Chamber Explained24:47 Mary Magdalene in the G.Phil33:58 Nebula is awesome! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 08:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast With my link, you can get 50% off of Nebula. It’s just $30/year, or $2,5/month, at https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast Get Lifetime memberships!: https://go.nebula.tv/lifetime?ref=religionforbreakfast Was Jesus secretly kissing Mary Magdalene? This video dives into the Gospel of Philip, its infamous “kiss” passage, Valentinian theology, and how baptism, anointing, and the “bridal chamber” were meant to turn Christians into Christs.00:00 Jesus kisses Mary Magdalene?1:18 Discovery, Date, Place of Origin4:04 A Brief Intro to Valentinianism 6:31 Christians Becoming Christs7:13 The Two Births of Christ11:04 Protology, Modeling vs. Begetting, a New Adam16:47 Baptism and Chrismation20:10 The Bridal Chamber Explained24:47 Mary Magdalene in the G.Phil33:58 Nebula is awesome! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices With my link, you can get 50% off of Nebula. It’s just $30/year, or $2,5/month, at https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast
Get Lifetime memberships!: https://go.nebula.tv/lifetime?ref=religionforbreakfast

Was Jesus secretly kissing Mary Magdalene? This video dives into the Gospel of Philip, its infamous “kiss” passage, Valentinian theology, and how baptism, anointing, and the “bridal chamber” were meant to turn Christians into Christs.

00:00 Jesus kisses Mary Magdalene?
1:18 Discovery, Date, Place of Origin
4:04 A Brief Intro to Valentinianism
6:31 Christians Becoming Christs
7:13 The Two Births of Christ
11:04 Protology, Modeling vs. Begetting, a New Adam
16:47 Baptism and Chrismation
20:10 The Bridal Chamber Explained
24:47 Mary Magdalene in the G.Phil
33:58 Nebula is awesome!

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]]> 2515 no Is the Gospel of Jesus' Wife a Forgery? Gospel of Jesus' Wife. Authentic or Forged?Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/religionforb...Blog: www.religionforbreakfast.comAll images are public domain.Royalty-free Music: Kevin Macleod, incompetech.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 08:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Gospel of Jesus' Wife. Authentic or Forged?Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/religionforb...Blog: www.religionforbreakfast.comAll images are public domain.Royalty-free Music: Kevin Macleod, incompetech.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Gospel of Jesus' Wife. Authentic or Forged?

Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Twitter: @andrewmarkhenry
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/religionforb...
Blog: www.religionforbreakfast.com

All images are public domain.
Royalty-free Music: Kevin Macleod, incompetech.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 828 no How to Make an Ancient Curse Tablet Ever wanted to curse your neighbor as the ancient Romans did? Watch to find out how!Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastwww.religionforbreakfast.comwww.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryAttributions:Music: Kevin MacLeod, www.incompetech.comJerusalem curse tablet: Robert Walter DanielCharakteres graphic: http://blog.charakteres.com/the-charakteres-projectNailed Defixio: http://archaeologicalmuseum.jhu.edu/the-collection/object-stories/a-roman-lead-curse-tablet/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 07:57:30 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Ever wanted to curse your neighbor as the ancient Romans did? Watch to find out how!Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastwww.religionforbreakfast.comwww.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryAttributions:Music: Kevin MacLeod, www.incompetech.comJerusalem curse tablet: Robert Walter DanielCharakteres graphic: http://blog.charakteres.com/the-charakteres-projectNailed Defixio: http://archaeologicalmuseum.jhu.edu/the-collection/object-stories/a-roman-lead-curse-tablet/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Ever wanted to curse your neighbor as the ancient Romans did? Watch to find out how!

Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
www.religionforbreakfast.com
www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast
Twitter: @andrewmarkhenry

Attributions:
Music: Kevin MacLeod, www.incompetech.com
Jerusalem curse tablet: Robert Walter Daniel
Charakteres graphic: http://blog.charakteres.com/the-charakteres-project
Nailed Defixio: http://archaeologicalmuseum.jhu.edu/the-collection/object-stories/a-roman-lead-curse-tablet/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 403 no Dagon: The "Philistine Fish-God" That Everyone Gets Wrong Watch my Nebula video on the Temple of Ramesses III here!: https://nebula.tv/videos/religionforbreakfast-sacred-spaces-inside-the-temple-of-ramesses-iii?ref=religionforbreakfastGet Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast If you try to Google Dagon, chances are you'll see some sort of "fish" god. And if you look him up in the Bible, you'll learn that he was a Philistine god. But, these two claims are actually wrong. He wasn't a Philistine god, nor was he a fish god.Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and ReutersThumbnail art by @hotcyder00:00 Dagon, the Philistine fish god?1:19 Philistine Religion Explained5:31 Dagon Explained7:40 Did the Philistines really worship Dagon?9:28 Was Dagon a fish god?11:57 Check out my Nebula Plus series Sacred Spaces! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 07:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Watch my Nebula video on the Temple of Ramesses III here!: https://nebula.tv/videos/religionforbreakfast-sacred-spaces-inside-the-temple-of-ramesses-iii?ref=religionforbreakfastGet Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast If you try to Google Dagon, chances are you'll see some sort of "fish" god. And if you look him up in the Bible, you'll learn that he was a Philistine god. But, these two claims are actually wrong. He wasn't a Philistine god, nor was he a fish god.Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and ReutersThumbnail art by @hotcyder00:00 Dagon, the Philistine fish god?1:19 Philistine Religion Explained5:31 Dagon Explained7:40 Did the Philistines really worship Dagon?9:28 Was Dagon a fish god?11:57 Check out my Nebula Plus series Sacred Spaces! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Watch my Nebula video on the Temple of Ramesses III here!: https://nebula.tv/videos/religionforbreakfast-sacred-spaces-inside-the-temple-of-ramesses-iii?ref=religionforbreakfast
Get Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast

If you try to Google Dagon, chances are you'll see some sort of "fish" god. And if you look him up in the Bible, you'll learn that he was a Philistine god. But, these two claims are actually wrong. He wasn't a Philistine god, nor was he a fish god.

Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters
Thumbnail art by @hotcyder

00:00 Dagon, the Philistine fish god?
1:19 Philistine Religion Explained
5:31 Dagon Explained
7:40 Did the Philistines really worship Dagon?
9:28 Was Dagon a fish god?
11:57 Check out my Nebula Plus series Sacred Spaces!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1159 no Exploring Qumran: The Dead Sea Scrolls Community Qumran is a small settlement on the west shore of the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea Scrolls were found nearby. The archaeology of this settlement sheds light on the Jewish community that lived here and how they were connected to the Dead Sea Scrolls. All of the footage that you see comes from my trip there in Spring 2018.Support the show on Patreon!www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastpaypal.me/religionforbreakfastCheck out my religious studies book suggestions at:http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfastBibliography:Most of my data came from Jodi Magness' "The archaeology of Qumran and the Dead Sea Scrolls," 2002.Photo Attributions:Qumran Dining Room: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Qumran_refectoire_locus_77.jpgScriptorium: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Qumran_L30_scriptorium.jpg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 07:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Qumran is a small settlement on the west shore of the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea Scrolls were found nearby. The archaeology of this settlement sheds light on the Jewish community that lived here and how they were connected to the Dead Sea Scrolls. All of the footage that you see comes from my trip there in Spring 2018.Support the show on Patreon!www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastpaypal.me/religionforbreakfastCheck out my religious studies book suggestions at:http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfastBibliography:Most of my data came from Jodi Magness' "The archaeology of Qumran and the Dead Sea Scrolls," 2002.Photo Attributions:Qumran Dining Room: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Qumran_refectoire_locus_77.jpgScriptorium: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Qumran_L30_scriptorium.jpg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Qumran is a small settlement on the west shore of the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea Scrolls were found nearby. The archaeology of this settlement sheds light on the Jewish community that lived here and how they were connected to the Dead Sea Scrolls. All of the footage that you see comes from my trip there in Spring 2018.

Support the show on Patreon!
www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
paypal.me/religionforbreakfast

Check out my religious studies book suggestions at:
http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast

Bibliography:
Most of my data came from Jodi Magness' "The archaeology of Qumran and the Dead Sea Scrolls," 2002.

Photo Attributions:
Qumran Dining Room: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Qumran_refectoire_locus_77.jpg

Scriptorium: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Qumran_L30_scriptorium.jpg

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 512 no Why Religions Survive When Prophecies Fail Get Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast Watch QAnon Bonus Video: https://nebula.tv/videos/religionforbreakfast-why-people-still-believe-in-qanon?ref=religionforbreakfast Get Lifetime memberships!: https://go.nebula.tv/lifetime?ref=religionforbreakfast Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and ReutersWhen prophecies fail, religious movements don't always collapse. They adapt. From TikTok’s Rapture predictions to 19th-century millenarian movements, this video explores why religious groups often grow stronger after being proven wrong, and how communities survive disappointment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 07:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Get Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast Watch QAnon Bonus Video: https://nebula.tv/videos/religionforbreakfast-why-people-still-believe-in-qanon?ref=religionforbreakfast Get Lifetime memberships!: https://go.nebula.tv/lifetime?ref=religionforbreakfast Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and ReutersWhen prophecies fail, religious movements don't always collapse. They adapt. From TikTok’s Rapture predictions to 19th-century millenarian movements, this video explores why religious groups often grow stronger after being proven wrong, and how communities survive disappointment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Get Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast
Watch QAnon Bonus Video: https://nebula.tv/videos/religionforbreakfast-why-people-still-believe-in-qanon?ref=religionforbreakfast
Get Lifetime memberships!: https://go.nebula.tv/lifetime?ref=religionforbreakfast

Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters

When prophecies fail, religious movements don't always collapse. They adapt. From TikTok’s Rapture predictions to 19th-century millenarian movements, this video explores why religious groups often grow stronger after being proven wrong, and how communities survive disappointment.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1751 no The Ancient Egyptians Believed in Invisibility Spells An example of a magical text from the 5th century CE. What can it tell us about the beliefs and practices of ancient individuals living in Greco-Roman Egypt?Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryImages/Videos Bibliography:Cicero: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Marcus_Tullius_Cicero#/media/File:Cicero_-_Musei_Capitolini.JPGExperiment: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Chemistry_experiments#/media/File:Universidad_San_Pedro_practica_de_Qu%C3%ADmica_I.jpgAntikythera Mechanism Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4eUibFQKJqIBending Visible Light Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtKBzwKfP8E Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 06:02:30 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast An example of a magical text from the 5th century CE. What can it tell us about the beliefs and practices of ancient individuals living in Greco-Roman Egypt?Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryImages/Videos Bibliography:Cicero: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Marcus_Tullius_Cicero#/media/File:Cicero_-_Musei_Capitolini.JPGExperiment: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Chemistry_experiments#/media/File:Universidad_San_Pedro_practica_de_Qu%C3%ADmica_I.jpgAntikythera Mechanism Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4eUibFQKJqIBending Visible Light Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtKBzwKfP8E Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices An example of a magical text from the 5th century CE. What can it tell us about the beliefs and practices of ancient individuals living in Greco-Roman Egypt?

Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Facebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast
Blog: www.religionforbreakfast.com
Twitter: @andrewmarkhenry


Images/Videos Bibliography:

Cicero: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Marcus_Tullius_Cicero#/media/File:Cicero_-_Musei_Capitolini.JPG

Experiment: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Chemistry_experiments#/media/File:Universidad_San_Pedro_practica_de_Qu%C3%ADmica_I.jpg

Antikythera Mechanism Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4eUibFQKJqI

Bending Visible Light Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtKBzwKfP8E

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 551 no Pilgrimage or Tourism at the Baha'i Gardens? Akko and Haifa are the two holiest cities for the Baha'i Faith. The Baha'i Gardens, located on the slopes of Mt. Carmel in Haifa, Israel, have become a major tourist site in recent years. Baha'i pilgrims also travel there to pray and meditate at the Shrine of the Báb located in the gardens. Why are these two cities holy to the Baha'is? What is the significance of pilgrimage here?Become a member of our Patreon community!: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastOne time donations can be sent to: paypal.me/religionforbreakfastFor religious studies book recommendations, see: https://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 06:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Akko and Haifa are the two holiest cities for the Baha'i Faith. The Baha'i Gardens, located on the slopes of Mt. Carmel in Haifa, Israel, have become a major tourist site in recent years. Baha'i pilgrims also travel there to pray and meditate at the Shrine of the Báb located in the gardens. Why are these two cities holy to the Baha'is? What is the significance of pilgrimage here?Become a member of our Patreon community!: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastOne time donations can be sent to: paypal.me/religionforbreakfastFor religious studies book recommendations, see: https://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Akko and Haifa are the two holiest cities for the Baha'i Faith. The Baha'i Gardens, located on the slopes of Mt. Carmel in Haifa, Israel, have become a major tourist site in recent years. Baha'i pilgrims also travel there to pray and meditate at the Shrine of the Báb located in the gardens. Why are these two cities holy to the Baha'is? What is the significance of pilgrimage here?

Become a member of our Patreon community!: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast

One time donations can be sent to: paypal.me/religionforbreakfast

For religious studies book recommendations, see: https://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast

Twitter: @andrewmarkhenry
Facebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 494 no Göbekli Tepe: Prehistoric Evidence for Animism? Go to https://nordvpn.com/rfb to get a 2-year plan plus 4 additional months with a HUGE discount. It’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee!Join our Patreon community!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastOne-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastSign-up for my classes list to be notified of online classes: https://classes.religionforbreakfast.com/Bibliography:Dušan Boric, "Theater of Predation: Beneath the Skin of Göbekli Tepe Images," 2013Oliver Dietrich, "Shamanism at Early Neolithic Göbekli Tepe," Praehistorische Zeitschrift, 2023.O. Dietrich, Notroff, Walter, and L. Dietrich, "Markers of 'Psycho-Cultural' Change," in "Handbook of Cognitive Archaeology Psychology in Prehistory," 2020.Anne Porter, "Beer, Beasts, and Bodies: Shedding Boundaries in Bounded Spaces," Routledge Companion to Ecstatic Experience in the Ancient World, 2021.Gesualdo Busacca, "Places of Encounter," 2017.Anna Fagan, "Hungry Architecture," dainst.blog, Dec 18, 2017.Nerissa Russell and Kevin McGowan, "Dance of the Cranes: Crane Symbolism at Çatalhöyük and beyond," 2003.Hodder and Meskell, "A Curious and Sometimes a Trifle Macabre Artistry," Current Anthropology, Vol. 52, No. 2 (April 2011).00:00 Introduction1:39 Animal iconography overview4:00 Animism Explained6:59 Neolithic Animal Personhood11:00 Predatory, Male, Aggressive IconographySelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 06:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Go to https://nordvpn.com/rfb to get a 2-year plan plus 4 additional months with a HUGE discount. It’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee!Join our Patreon community!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastOne-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastSign-up for my classes list to be notified of online classes: https://classes.religionforbreakfast.com/Bibliography:Dušan Boric, "Theater of Predation: Beneath the Skin of Göbekli Tepe Images," 2013Oliver Dietrich, "Shamanism at Early Neolithic Göbekli Tepe," Praehistorische Zeitschrift, 2023.O. Dietrich, Notroff, Walter, and L. Dietrich, "Markers of 'Psycho-Cultural' Change," in "Handbook of Cognitive Archaeology Psychology in Prehistory," 2020.Anne Porter, "Beer, Beasts, and Bodies: Shedding Boundaries in Bounded Spaces," Routledge Companion to Ecstatic Experience in the Ancient World, 2021.Gesualdo Busacca, "Places of Encounter," 2017.Anna Fagan, "Hungry Architecture," dainst.blog, Dec 18, 2017.Nerissa Russell and Kevin McGowan, "Dance of the Cranes: Crane Symbolism at Çatalhöyük and beyond," 2003.Hodder and Meskell, "A Curious and Sometimes a Trifle Macabre Artistry," Current Anthropology, Vol. 52, No. 2 (April 2011).00:00 Introduction1:39 Animal iconography overview4:00 Animism Explained6:59 Neolithic Animal Personhood11:00 Predatory, Male, Aggressive IconographySelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Go to https://nordvpn.com/rfb to get a 2-year plan plus 4 additional months with a HUGE discount. It’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee!

Join our Patreon community!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
One-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfast
Sign-up for my classes list to be notified of online classes: https://classes.religionforbreakfast.com/

Bibliography:
Dušan Boric, "Theater of Predation: Beneath the Skin of Göbekli Tepe Images," 2013
Oliver Dietrich, "Shamanism at Early Neolithic Göbekli Tepe," Praehistorische Zeitschrift, 2023.
O. Dietrich, Notroff, Walter, and L. Dietrich, "Markers of 'Psycho-Cultural' Change," in "Handbook of Cognitive Archaeology Psychology in Prehistory," 2020.
Anne Porter, "Beer, Beasts, and Bodies: Shedding Boundaries in Bounded Spaces," Routledge Companion to Ecstatic Experience in the Ancient World, 2021.
Gesualdo Busacca, "Places of Encounter," 2017.
Anna Fagan, "Hungry Architecture," dainst.blog, Dec 18, 2017.
Nerissa Russell and Kevin McGowan, "Dance of the Cranes: Crane Symbolism at Çatalhöyük and beyond," 2003.
Hodder and Meskell, "A Curious and Sometimes a Trifle Macabre Artistry," Current Anthropology, Vol. 52, No. 2 (April 2011).

00:00 Introduction
1:39 Animal iconography overview
4:00 Animism Explained
6:59 Neolithic Animal Personhood
11:00 Predatory, Male, Aggressive Iconography

Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1296 no How to Elect a Pope | Papal Conclave Explained Join our online guest lecture: Environmental Catastrophe, The Fall of Rome, and the Rise of Christianity with Dr. Travis Proctor!: https://www.religiondepartment.com/environmental-catastropheWhat happens when a pope dies? Who picks the next one—and how? From locked doors to smoke signals, discover the secretive process behind the papal conclave.Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 05:05:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Join our online guest lecture: Environmental Catastrophe, The Fall of Rome, and the Rise of Christianity with Dr. Travis Proctor!: https://www.religiondepartment.com/environmental-catastropheWhat happens when a pope dies? Who picks the next one—and how? From locked doors to smoke signals, discover the secretive process behind the papal conclave.Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Join our online guest lecture: Environmental Catastrophe, The Fall of Rome, and the Rise of Christianity with Dr. Travis Proctor!: https://www.religiondepartment.com/environmental-catastrophe

What happens when a pope dies? Who picks the next one—and how? From locked doors to smoke signals, discover the secretive process behind the papal conclave.

Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters

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]]> 789 no Computer Modeling Religious Violence This is the 2nd part of my interview with Dr. Connor Wood talking about the Modeling Religion Project. Please check out the first half here!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPUFBCtlz_APatreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comMusic: Kevin MacLeod, www.incompetech.comLinks to this research!: Science On Religion Blog: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/scienceonreligion/Connor Wood Huffington Post: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/connor-wood/how-can-computer-models-h_b_9358258.htmlInstitute for the Bio-Cultural Study of Religion: https://www.ibcsr.org/Jenn Lindsay: http://jennlindsay.com/Thanks so much to Religion for Breakfast Patreon supporters!:Brian B.John M.Alex B.Cain D.MannyMark H.Dan D. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 05:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast This is the 2nd part of my interview with Dr. Connor Wood talking about the Modeling Religion Project. Please check out the first half here!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPUFBCtlz_APatreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comMusic: Kevin MacLeod, www.incompetech.comLinks to this research!: Science On Religion Blog: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/scienceonreligion/Connor Wood Huffington Post: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/connor-wood/how-can-computer-models-h_b_9358258.htmlInstitute for the Bio-Cultural Study of Religion: https://www.ibcsr.org/Jenn Lindsay: http://jennlindsay.com/Thanks so much to Religion for Breakfast Patreon supporters!:Brian B.John M.Alex B.Cain D.MannyMark H.Dan D. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is the 2nd part of my interview with Dr. Connor Wood talking about the Modeling Religion Project. Please check out the first half here!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPUFBCtlz_A

Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Twitter: @andrewmarkhenry
Facebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast
Blog: www.religionforbreakfast.com
Music: Kevin MacLeod, www.incompetech.com


Links to this research!:

Science On Religion Blog: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/scienceonreligion/

Connor Wood Huffington Post: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/connor-wood/how-can-computer-models-h_b_9358258.html

Institute for the Bio-Cultural Study of Religion: https://www.ibcsr.org/

Jenn Lindsay: http://jennlindsay.com/


Thanks so much to Religion for Breakfast Patreon supporters!:
Brian B.
John M.
Alex B.
Cain D.
Manny
Mark H.
Dan D.

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]]> 488 no 3 Things Everyone Should Know About Religion Religious Literacy can be summarized in three key assumptions about religion. It is not simply learning every detail about world religions. Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comMusic: Kevin MacLeod. www.incompetech.comHarvard Religious Literacy Project: http://rlp.hds.harvard.edu/Religious Literacy Online Class: https://www.edx.org/xseries/world-religions-through-scripturesSpecial Thanks to Our Patreon Supporters!:Brian B.John M.Alex B.Cain D.MannyMark H.Dan D.Andrew S. Photo Attributions and sources:Heterodox beliefs among American Protestants: http://www.pewforum.org/2009/12/09/many-americans-mix-multiple-faiths/Sunnis and Shia map: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shia%E2%80%93Sunni_relations#/media/File:Madhhab_Map3.pngGanges Aarti pic: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ganges#/media/File:Ganga_Aarti_at_Varanasi_ghats.jpgBathing in Ganges: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ganges#/media/File:Ganga_Dashara,_at_Haridwar.jpg1971 Convention: http://www.sbc.net/resolutions/year/1971 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 05:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Religious Literacy can be summarized in three key assumptions about religion. It is not simply learning every detail about world religions. Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comMusic: Kevin MacLeod. www.incompetech.comHarvard Religious Literacy Project: http://rlp.hds.harvard.edu/Religious Literacy Online Class: https://www.edx.org/xseries/world-religions-through-scripturesSpecial Thanks to Our Patreon Supporters!:Brian B.John M.Alex B.Cain D.MannyMark H.Dan D.Andrew S. Photo Attributions and sources:Heterodox beliefs among American Protestants: http://www.pewforum.org/2009/12/09/many-americans-mix-multiple-faiths/Sunnis and Shia map: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shia%E2%80%93Sunni_relations#/media/File:Madhhab_Map3.pngGanges Aarti pic: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ganges#/media/File:Ganga_Aarti_at_Varanasi_ghats.jpgBathing in Ganges: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ganges#/media/File:Ganga_Dashara,_at_Haridwar.jpg1971 Convention: http://www.sbc.net/resolutions/year/1971 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Religious Literacy can be summarized in three key assumptions about religion. It is not simply learning every detail about world religions.

Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Twitter: @andrewmarkhenry
Facebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast
Blog: www.religionforbreakfast.com

Music: Kevin MacLeod. www.incompetech.com

Harvard Religious Literacy Project: http://rlp.hds.harvard.edu/
Religious Literacy Online Class: https://www.edx.org/xseries/world-religions-through-scriptures

Special Thanks to Our Patreon Supporters!:
Brian B.
John M.
Alex B.
Cain D.
Manny
Mark H.
Dan D.
Andrew S.

Photo Attributions and sources:

Heterodox beliefs among American Protestants: http://www.pewforum.org/2009/12/09/many-americans-mix-multiple-faiths/

Sunnis and Shia map: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shia%E2%80%93Sunni_relations#/media/File:Madhhab_Map3.png

Ganges Aarti pic: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ganges#/media/File:Ganga_Aarti_at_Varanasi_ghats.jpg

Bathing in Ganges: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ganges#/media/File:Ganga_Dashara,_at_Haridwar.jpg

1971 Convention: http://www.sbc.net/resolutions/year/1971

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]]> 525 no The Pre-Biblical Origins of Noah's Flood Get a free copy of the 80,000 Hours in-depth career guide: https://80000hours.org/rfbSpecial thanks to the writer of this episode Paul Davidson. Check out his blog "Is that in the Bible?": https://wp.me/p4jfyy-jKFJoin our Patreon community to vote on the next episode in this series! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastOne-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfast00:00 Introduction2:11 Sumerian Flood Story3:47 Atrahasis Epic5:12 Epic of Gilgamesh6:58 Genesis and Noah's Flood8:58 Comparing the Arks15:47 Comparing Major Themes 20:42 Sponsor: 80,000 HoursSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 04:07:30 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Get a free copy of the 80,000 Hours in-depth career guide: https://80000hours.org/rfbSpecial thanks to the writer of this episode Paul Davidson. Check out his blog "Is that in the Bible?": https://wp.me/p4jfyy-jKFJoin our Patreon community to vote on the next episode in this series! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastOne-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfast00:00 Introduction2:11 Sumerian Flood Story3:47 Atrahasis Epic5:12 Epic of Gilgamesh6:58 Genesis and Noah's Flood8:58 Comparing the Arks15:47 Comparing Major Themes 20:42 Sponsor: 80,000 HoursSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Get a free copy of the 80,000 Hours in-depth career guide: https://80000hours.org/rfb

Special thanks to the writer of this episode Paul Davidson. Check out his blog "Is that in the Bible?": https://wp.me/p4jfyy-jKF

Join our Patreon community to vote on the next episode in this series! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
One-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfast

00:00 Introduction
2:11 Sumerian Flood Story
3:47 Atrahasis Epic
5:12 Epic of Gilgamesh
6:58 Genesis and Noah's Flood
8:58 Comparing the Arks
15:47 Comparing Major Themes
20:42 Sponsor: 80,000 Hours

Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1753 no Who Are the 144,000 in the Book of Revelation? Get Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfastGet Lifetime Access to Nebula here: https://go.nebula.tv/lifetime?ref=religionforbreakfast Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and ReutersA mysterious group of 144,000 people, sealed on the forehead, appear in the Book of Revelation. But who are these people?Thumbnail by @ECHenry​ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 04:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Get Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfastGet Lifetime Access to Nebula here: https://go.nebula.tv/lifetime?ref=religionforbreakfast Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and ReutersA mysterious group of 144,000 people, sealed on the forehead, appear in the Book of Revelation. But who are these people?Thumbnail by @ECHenry​ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Get Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast
Get Lifetime Access to Nebula here: https://go.nebula.tv/lifetime?ref=religionforbreakfast

Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters

A mysterious group of 144,000 people, sealed on the forehead, appear in the Book of Revelation. But who are these people?

Thumbnail by @ECHenry​

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1699 no Why Are Congregations So Divided? Join our Patreon community!: https://patreon.com/religionforbreakfastOne-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastCheck out my favorite religious studies books: https://www.amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast FULL INTERVIEW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTK_a-VaHHs&feature=youtu.beWhether we're talking about race or economic class, most religious congregations in the United States are super homogeneous. This reflects the sociological principle called "homophily," or in simpler terms, "birds of a feather flock together." But why is this? Why are religious congregations so divided?Special thanks to Dr. Tricia Bruce for co-writing this episode. You can find her on Twitter: @TriciaCBruce or her website: triciabruce.com. Also check out her book "Parish and Place: Making Room for Diversity in the American Catholic Church."This video was brought to you, in part, by support from Sacred Writes: Public Scholarship on Religion, funded by the Henry R. Luce Foundation and hosted by Northeastern University: https://www.sacred-writes.org/aboutCheck out my favorite religious studies books: https://www.amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast Follow me on Twitter: @andrewmarkhenryShout out to the awesome work of Sacred Writes at Northeastern University: https://www.sacred-writes.org/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 04:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Join our Patreon community!: https://patreon.com/religionforbreakfastOne-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastCheck out my favorite religious studies books: https://www.amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast FULL INTERVIEW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTK_a-VaHHs&feature=youtu.beWhether we're talking about race or economic class, most religious congregations in the United States are super homogeneous. This reflects the sociological principle called "homophily," or in simpler terms, "birds of a feather flock together." But why is this? Why are religious congregations so divided?Special thanks to Dr. Tricia Bruce for co-writing this episode. You can find her on Twitter: @TriciaCBruce or her website: triciabruce.com. Also check out her book "Parish and Place: Making Room for Diversity in the American Catholic Church."This video was brought to you, in part, by support from Sacred Writes: Public Scholarship on Religion, funded by the Henry R. Luce Foundation and hosted by Northeastern University: https://www.sacred-writes.org/aboutCheck out my favorite religious studies books: https://www.amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast Follow me on Twitter: @andrewmarkhenryShout out to the awesome work of Sacred Writes at Northeastern University: https://www.sacred-writes.org/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Join our Patreon community!: https://patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
One-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfast
Check out my favorite religious studies books: https://www.amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast

FULL INTERVIEW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTK_a-VaHHs&feature=youtu.be
Whether we're talking about race or economic class, most religious congregations in the United States are super homogeneous. This reflects the sociological principle called "homophily," or in simpler terms, "birds of a feather flock together." But why is this? Why are religious congregations so divided?

Special thanks to Dr. Tricia Bruce for co-writing this episode. You can find her on Twitter: @TriciaCBruce or her website: triciabruce.com. Also check out her book "Parish and Place: Making Room for Diversity in the American Catholic Church."

This video was brought to you, in part, by support from Sacred Writes: Public Scholarship on Religion, funded by the Henry R. Luce Foundation and hosted by Northeastern University:
https://www.sacred-writes.org/about

Check out my favorite religious studies books: https://www.amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast
Follow me on Twitter: @andrewmarkhenry

Shout out to the awesome work of Sacred Writes at Northeastern University: https://www.sacred-writes.org/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1142 no Why Baseball Players Are So Superstitious Get Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfastWatch Becoming Human here: https://nebula.tv/videos/realscience-how-burial-marks-the-start-of-human-culture?ref=religionforbreakfastBaseball players do a lot of rituals...and anthropologists of religion have noticed. Some call it superstition, but are there other reasons why athletes might ritualize so many of their behaviors?Join our Patreon community!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastOne-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastSign-up for my classes list to be notified of online classes: https://classes.religionforbreakfast.com/Thumbnail art by @hotcyder Bibliography:George Gmelch, "Baseball Magic," Society 8(8) June 1971Michael Jackson, "Existential Anthropology," 2005.Xygalatas, "Ritual: How Seemingly Senseless Acts Make Life Worth Living," 2022.Stanley Tambiah, "The Magical Power of Words," Man, New Series, Vol. 3, No 2 (Jun., 1968), 175-208Stanley Tambiah, "Form and Meaning of Magical Acts: A Point of View,"00:002:08 Malinowski's uncertainty theory of magic4:13 Pre-Performance Routines 8:06 Empirical Studies of Sports Magic11:35 Is it Superstition?Select images courtesy of Getty Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 03:53:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Get Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfastWatch Becoming Human here: https://nebula.tv/videos/realscience-how-burial-marks-the-start-of-human-culture?ref=religionforbreakfastBaseball players do a lot of rituals...and anthropologists of religion have noticed. Some call it superstition, but are there other reasons why athletes might ritualize so many of their behaviors?Join our Patreon community!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastOne-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastSign-up for my classes list to be notified of online classes: https://classes.religionforbreakfast.com/Thumbnail art by @hotcyder Bibliography:George Gmelch, "Baseball Magic," Society 8(8) June 1971Michael Jackson, "Existential Anthropology," 2005.Xygalatas, "Ritual: How Seemingly Senseless Acts Make Life Worth Living," 2022.Stanley Tambiah, "The Magical Power of Words," Man, New Series, Vol. 3, No 2 (Jun., 1968), 175-208Stanley Tambiah, "Form and Meaning of Magical Acts: A Point of View,"00:002:08 Malinowski's uncertainty theory of magic4:13 Pre-Performance Routines 8:06 Empirical Studies of Sports Magic11:35 Is it Superstition?Select images courtesy of Getty Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Get Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast

Watch Becoming Human here: https://nebula.tv/videos/realscience-how-burial-marks-the-start-of-human-culture?ref=religionforbreakfast

Baseball players do a lot of rituals...and anthropologists of religion have noticed. Some call it superstition, but are there other reasons why athletes might ritualize so many of their behaviors?

Join our Patreon community!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
One-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfast
Sign-up for my classes list to be notified of online classes: https://classes.religionforbreakfast.com/

Thumbnail art by @hotcyder

Bibliography:
George Gmelch, "Baseball Magic," Society 8(8) June 1971
Michael Jackson, "Existential Anthropology," 2005.
Xygalatas, "Ritual: How Seemingly Senseless Acts Make Life Worth Living," 2022.
Stanley Tambiah, "The Magical Power of Words," Man, New Series, Vol. 3, No 2 (Jun., 1968), 175-208
Stanley Tambiah, "Form and Meaning of Magical Acts: A Point of View,"

00:00
2:08 Malinowski's uncertainty theory of magic
4:13 Pre-Performance Routines
8:06 Empirical Studies of Sports Magic
11:35 Is it Superstition?

Select images courtesy of Getty

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1260 no Do Dreams Explain the Origin of Religion? Register for our seminar American Paranormal!: https://www.religiondepartment.com/offers/zhS22t4k/checkoutJoin our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and ReutersDo dreams explain the origins of religion? From biblical visions to Tibetan dream yoga, anthropologists, psychologists, and neuroscientists have long debated how our nightly visions shape gods, spirits, and sacred traditions.This video was made possible through the support of grant #TRT-2021-10499 from the John Templeton Foundation managed by the Center for Mind and Culture. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the John Templeton Foundation or the Center forMind and Culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 03:10:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Register for our seminar American Paranormal!: https://www.religiondepartment.com/offers/zhS22t4k/checkoutJoin our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and ReutersDo dreams explain the origins of religion? From biblical visions to Tibetan dream yoga, anthropologists, psychologists, and neuroscientists have long debated how our nightly visions shape gods, spirits, and sacred traditions.This video was made possible through the support of grant #TRT-2021-10499 from the John Templeton Foundation managed by the Center for Mind and Culture. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the John Templeton Foundation or the Center forMind and Culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Register for our seminar American Paranormal!: https://www.religiondepartment.com/offers/zhS22t4k/checkout

Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters

Do dreams explain the origins of religion? From biblical visions to Tibetan dream yoga, anthropologists, psychologists, and neuroscientists have long debated how our nightly visions shape gods, spirits, and sacred traditions.

This video was made possible through the support of grant
#TRT-2021-10499 from the John Templeton Foundation
managed by the Center for Mind and Culture. The
opinions expressed in this publication are those
of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views
of the John Templeton Foundation or the Center for
Mind and Culture.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1579 no Can A Robot Be a Priest? A Japanese company has programmed a popular robot, Pepper, to perform Buddhist funeral rites. But will society ever accept artificial intelligence as religious authorities and ritual specialists?BECOME A PATRON!: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastFACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastTWITTER: @andrewmarkhenryAndrew's religious studies book recommendations: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfastBibliography:Dr. Ian Reader, Buddhism in Crisis?: Institutional Decline in Modern Japan: https://journals.equinoxpub.com/index.php/TEST/article/viewFile/upload/pdfNippon News Network clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOQa3PIg3PcCremation statistics from National Funeral Directors Association: http://www.nfda.org/news/statistics27,000 Buddhist temples shutting down from The Guardian's reporting: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/nov/06/zen-no-more-japan-shuns-its-buddhist-traditions-as-temples-close)Buddhist b-reel footage from:EC Henry: www.youtube.com/echenryJenn Lindsay: https://www.youtube.com/user/jenniferslindsayPhoto Attributions:Pepper stock image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pepper_the_Robot.jpgPepper looking quizzical: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pepper-robot-near-harajuku-may8-2016.jpg Self-Driving Car from Steve Jurvetson: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Google%27s_Lexus_RX_450h_Self-Driving_Car.jpg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 03:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast A Japanese company has programmed a popular robot, Pepper, to perform Buddhist funeral rites. But will society ever accept artificial intelligence as religious authorities and ritual specialists?BECOME A PATRON!: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastFACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastTWITTER: @andrewmarkhenryAndrew's religious studies book recommendations: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfastBibliography:Dr. Ian Reader, Buddhism in Crisis?: Institutional Decline in Modern Japan: https://journals.equinoxpub.com/index.php/TEST/article/viewFile/upload/pdfNippon News Network clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOQa3PIg3PcCremation statistics from National Funeral Directors Association: http://www.nfda.org/news/statistics27,000 Buddhist temples shutting down from The Guardian's reporting: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/nov/06/zen-no-more-japan-shuns-its-buddhist-traditions-as-temples-close)Buddhist b-reel footage from:EC Henry: www.youtube.com/echenryJenn Lindsay: https://www.youtube.com/user/jenniferslindsayPhoto Attributions:Pepper stock image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pepper_the_Robot.jpgPepper looking quizzical: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pepper-robot-near-harajuku-may8-2016.jpg Self-Driving Car from Steve Jurvetson: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Google%27s_Lexus_RX_450h_Self-Driving_Car.jpg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices A Japanese company has programmed a popular robot, Pepper, to perform Buddhist funeral rites. But will society ever accept artificial intelligence as religious authorities and ritual specialists?

BECOME A PATRON!: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast
TWITTER: @andrewmarkhenry

Andrew's religious studies book recommendations: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast

Bibliography:
Dr. Ian Reader, Buddhism in Crisis?: Institutional Decline in Modern Japan: https://journals.equinoxpub.com/index.php/TEST/article/viewFile/upload/pdf

Nippon News Network clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOQa3PIg3Pc

Cremation statistics from National Funeral Directors Association: http://www.nfda.org/news/statistics

27,000 Buddhist temples shutting down from The Guardian's reporting: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/nov/06/zen-no-more-japan-shuns-its-buddhist-traditions-as-temples-close)

Buddhist b-reel footage from:
EC Henry: www.youtube.com/echenry
Jenn Lindsay: https://www.youtube.com/user/jenniferslindsay

Photo Attributions:
Pepper stock image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pepper_the_Robot.jpg

Pepper looking quizzical: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pepper-robot-near-harajuku-may8-2016.jpg

Self-Driving Car from Steve Jurvetson: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Google%27s_Lexus_RX_450h_Self-Driving_Car.jpg

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 368 no Coptic Christianity Explained Want to learn Coptic? Join our 8-week Intro to Coptic course and start reading the Gospel of Thomas: https://www.religiondepartment.com/copticSpecial thanks to the Archangel Michael Coptic Orthodox Church Macon, GA for the Port Said icon footage. For the original footage, check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUjqmUGxbfo&ab_channel=ArchangelMichaelCopticOrthodoxChuchMacon%2CGACoptic Orthodox Christianity is one of the oldest branches of Christianity, tracing its roots to first-century Egypt. This video explores its history, theology, saints, and unique traditions.Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 03:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Want to learn Coptic? Join our 8-week Intro to Coptic course and start reading the Gospel of Thomas: https://www.religiondepartment.com/copticSpecial thanks to the Archangel Michael Coptic Orthodox Church Macon, GA for the Port Said icon footage. For the original footage, check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUjqmUGxbfo&ab_channel=ArchangelMichaelCopticOrthodoxChuchMacon%2CGACoptic Orthodox Christianity is one of the oldest branches of Christianity, tracing its roots to first-century Egypt. This video explores its history, theology, saints, and unique traditions.Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Want to learn Coptic? Join our 8-week Intro to Coptic course and start reading the Gospel of Thomas: https://www.religiondepartment.com/coptic

Special thanks to the Archangel Michael Coptic Orthodox Church Macon, GA for the Port Said icon footage. For the original footage, check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUjqmUGxbfo&ab_channel=ArchangelMichaelCopticOrthodoxChuchMacon%2CGA

Coptic Orthodox Christianity is one of the oldest branches of Christianity, tracing its roots to first-century Egypt. This video explores its history, theology, saints, and unique traditions.

Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2788 no Was the Gospel of John Changed to Suppress Mary Magdalene? Mary Magdalene has a ton of conspiracy theories swirling around her. Most are pure speculation. But a recent study by a Duke University New Testament PhD student, Elizabeth Schrader, argues that the copiers of the Gospel of John may have diminished the role of Mary Magdalene. Full interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PThZ6XEp4qw&feature=youtu.beSupport the show!:https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfasthttps://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastCheck out my favorite religious studies books: https://www.amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast Follow me on Twitter!: @andrewmarkhenryFollow Elizabeth Schrader too!: @libbieschrader Study:Elizabeth Schrader, "Was Martha of Bethany Added to the Fourth Gospel in the Second Century?" Harvard Theological Review 110 (2017) 360-392 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 02:12:30 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Mary Magdalene has a ton of conspiracy theories swirling around her. Most are pure speculation. But a recent study by a Duke University New Testament PhD student, Elizabeth Schrader, argues that the copiers of the Gospel of John may have diminished the role of Mary Magdalene. Full interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PThZ6XEp4qw&feature=youtu.beSupport the show!:https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfasthttps://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastCheck out my favorite religious studies books: https://www.amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast Follow me on Twitter!: @andrewmarkhenryFollow Elizabeth Schrader too!: @libbieschrader Study:Elizabeth Schrader, "Was Martha of Bethany Added to the Fourth Gospel in the Second Century?" Harvard Theological Review 110 (2017) 360-392 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mary Magdalene has a ton of conspiracy theories swirling around her. Most are pure speculation. But a recent study by a Duke University New Testament PhD student, Elizabeth Schrader, argues that the copiers of the Gospel of John may have diminished the role of Mary Magdalene.

Full interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PThZ6XEp4qw&feature=youtu.be

Support the show!:
https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfast

Check out my favorite religious studies books: https://www.amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast

Follow me on Twitter!: @andrewmarkhenry
Follow Elizabeth Schrader too!: @libbieschrader

Study:
Elizabeth Schrader, "Was Martha of Bethany Added to the Fourth Gospel in the Second Century?" Harvard Theological Review 110 (2017) 360-392

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]]> 864 no The Ancient Greeks Who Converted to Buddhism Get Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast Watch Archaeology Quest here!: https://nebula.tv/videos/realscience-pottery?ref=religionforbreakfast Join our Patreon community!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastOne-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastSign-up for my mailing list to be notified of online classes: https://classes.religionforbreakfast.com/Greece is very far away from the heartland of early Buddhism in India and parts of Afghanistan and Pakistan. But thanks to Alexander the Great, Hellenistic and Buddhist cultures came into contact in the 4th century BCE, creating a cultural synthesis known as Greco-Buddhism.00:00 A Greco-Bactrian Buddhist Inscription1:41 The Hellenistic "Far East"4:10 Pyrrho: A Buddhist for Greece?7:42 Ashoka and his Dharma Conquest10:23 King Menander: The Most Famous Greek Buddhist13:26 Greco-Buddhist Art of Gandhara15:23 Syncretism?16:44 Nebula! Indie creators being awesomeThumbnail art by @hotcyderSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 02:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Get Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast Watch Archaeology Quest here!: https://nebula.tv/videos/realscience-pottery?ref=religionforbreakfast Join our Patreon community!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastOne-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastSign-up for my mailing list to be notified of online classes: https://classes.religionforbreakfast.com/Greece is very far away from the heartland of early Buddhism in India and parts of Afghanistan and Pakistan. But thanks to Alexander the Great, Hellenistic and Buddhist cultures came into contact in the 4th century BCE, creating a cultural synthesis known as Greco-Buddhism.00:00 A Greco-Bactrian Buddhist Inscription1:41 The Hellenistic "Far East"4:10 Pyrrho: A Buddhist for Greece?7:42 Ashoka and his Dharma Conquest10:23 King Menander: The Most Famous Greek Buddhist13:26 Greco-Buddhist Art of Gandhara15:23 Syncretism?16:44 Nebula! Indie creators being awesomeThumbnail art by @hotcyderSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Get Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast
Watch Archaeology Quest here!: https://nebula.tv/videos/realscience-pottery?ref=religionforbreakfast

Join our Patreon community!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
One-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfast
Sign-up for my mailing list to be notified of online classes: https://classes.religionforbreakfast.com/

Greece is very far away from the heartland of early Buddhism in India and parts of Afghanistan and Pakistan. But thanks to Alexander the Great, Hellenistic and Buddhist cultures came into contact in the 4th century BCE, creating a cultural synthesis known as Greco-Buddhism.

00:00 A Greco-Bactrian Buddhist Inscription
1:41 The Hellenistic "Far East"
4:10 Pyrrho: A Buddhist for Greece?
7:42 Ashoka and his Dharma Conquest
10:23 King Menander: The Most Famous Greek Buddhist
13:26 Greco-Buddhist Art of Gandhara
15:23 Syncretism?
16:44 Nebula! Indie creators being awesome

Thumbnail art by @hotcyder
Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1495 no Do Journalists Understand Religion? I recently attended Harvard Divinity School's "Symposium on Religious Literacy and Journalism." Scholars and journalists gathered together to brainstorm how to better prepare journalists when it comes to covering topics about religion. The general feeling was that newsrooms just do not give enough resources to covering religion accurately. What is your experience?Twitter: @andrewmarkhenryPatreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comFacebook. www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastThank you to our Patrons!:Christian G.Brian B.Daniel D.Tuuli H.Kalei W.Alex B.Mark H.WilsonCainLaurie Goodstein's keynote address: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEeraojpFrYJeff Sharlet's article on Trump: http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/17/magazine/donald-trump-american-preacher.htmlReligion Dispatches: http://religiondispatches.org/Religion News Service: http://religionnews.com/The Revealer: https://wp.nyu.edu/therevealer/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 02:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast I recently attended Harvard Divinity School's "Symposium on Religious Literacy and Journalism." Scholars and journalists gathered together to brainstorm how to better prepare journalists when it comes to covering topics about religion. The general feeling was that newsrooms just do not give enough resources to covering religion accurately. What is your experience?Twitter: @andrewmarkhenryPatreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comFacebook. www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastThank you to our Patrons!:Christian G.Brian B.Daniel D.Tuuli H.Kalei W.Alex B.Mark H.WilsonCainLaurie Goodstein's keynote address: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEeraojpFrYJeff Sharlet's article on Trump: http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/17/magazine/donald-trump-american-preacher.htmlReligion Dispatches: http://religiondispatches.org/Religion News Service: http://religionnews.com/The Revealer: https://wp.nyu.edu/therevealer/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices I recently attended Harvard Divinity School's "Symposium on Religious Literacy and Journalism." Scholars and journalists gathered together to brainstorm how to better prepare journalists when it comes to covering topics about religion. The general feeling was that newsrooms just do not give enough resources to covering religion accurately. What is your experience?

Twitter: @andrewmarkhenry
Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Blog: www.religionforbreakfast.com
Facebook. www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast

Thank you to our Patrons!:
Christian G.
Brian B.
Daniel D.
Tuuli H.
Kalei W.
Alex B.
Mark H.
Wilson
Cain

Laurie Goodstein's keynote address: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEeraojpFrY

Jeff Sharlet's article on Trump: http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/17/magazine/donald-trump-american-preacher.html

Religion Dispatches: http://religiondispatches.org/

Religion News Service: http://religionnews.com/

The Revealer: https://wp.nyu.edu/therevealer/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 347 no Doom-Bringing Solar Eclipses in the World's Religions Register for my class on the Book of Revelation!: https://religionforbreakfast.eventbrite.com/Mailing list for future class announcements: https://classes.religionforbreakfast.com/Solar eclipses are cool, but for most of human history in many religions, they were viewed as extremely dangerous.Join our Patreon community!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastOne-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastSign-up for my mailing list to be notified of online classes: https://classes.religionforbreakfast.com/Bibliography:Lange and McLeish, "Eclipse and Revelation: Total Solar Eclipses in Science, History, Literature, and the Arts," Oxford University Press: 2024.Littmann, Espenak, Willcox, "Totality: Eclipses of the Sun," 3rd edition, 2009.Dowd and Milbrath, "Cosmology, Calendars, and Horizon-Based Astronomy in Ancient Mesoamerica," University of Colorado: 2015.Milbrath, "Eclipse Imagery in Mexica Sculpture of Central Mexico," Vistas in Astronomy, Vol. 39, 479-502: 1995.Emil Khalisi, "Eclipses in the Aztec Codices," 2020.Ross, "Eclipses and the Precipitation of Conflict: Deciphering the Signal to Attack," in The Religious Aspects of War in the Ancient Near East, Greece, and Rome." 2016.Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 01:15:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Register for my class on the Book of Revelation!: https://religionforbreakfast.eventbrite.com/Mailing list for future class announcements: https://classes.religionforbreakfast.com/Solar eclipses are cool, but for most of human history in many religions, they were viewed as extremely dangerous.Join our Patreon community!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastOne-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastSign-up for my mailing list to be notified of online classes: https://classes.religionforbreakfast.com/Bibliography:Lange and McLeish, "Eclipse and Revelation: Total Solar Eclipses in Science, History, Literature, and the Arts," Oxford University Press: 2024.Littmann, Espenak, Willcox, "Totality: Eclipses of the Sun," 3rd edition, 2009.Dowd and Milbrath, "Cosmology, Calendars, and Horizon-Based Astronomy in Ancient Mesoamerica," University of Colorado: 2015.Milbrath, "Eclipse Imagery in Mexica Sculpture of Central Mexico," Vistas in Astronomy, Vol. 39, 479-502: 1995.Emil Khalisi, "Eclipses in the Aztec Codices," 2020.Ross, "Eclipses and the Precipitation of Conflict: Deciphering the Signal to Attack," in The Religious Aspects of War in the Ancient Near East, Greece, and Rome." 2016.Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Register for my class on the Book of Revelation!: https://religionforbreakfast.eventbrite.com/
Mailing list for future class announcements: https://classes.religionforbreakfast.com/

Solar eclipses are cool, but for most of human history in many religions, they were viewed as extremely dangerous.

Join our Patreon community!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
One-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfast
Sign-up for my mailing list to be notified of online classes: https://classes.religionforbreakfast.com/

Bibliography:
Lange and McLeish, "Eclipse and Revelation: Total Solar Eclipses in Science, History, Literature, and the Arts," Oxford University Press: 2024.
Littmann, Espenak, Willcox, "Totality: Eclipses of the Sun," 3rd edition, 2009.
Dowd and Milbrath, "Cosmology, Calendars, and Horizon-Based Astronomy in Ancient Mesoamerica," University of Colorado: 2015.
Milbrath, "Eclipse Imagery in Mexica Sculpture of Central Mexico," Vistas in Astronomy, Vol. 39, 479-502: 1995.
Emil Khalisi, "Eclipses in the Aztec Codices," 2020.
Ross, "Eclipses and the Precipitation of Conflict: Deciphering the Signal to Attack," in The Religious Aspects of War in the Ancient Near East, Greece, and Rome." 2016.

Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters.

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]]> 1098 no I'm in Jerusalem! [2018 Channel Update] I'm in Jerusalem! We passed 10,000 subscribers! Here's to 2018, and here's to religious studies!Oh, and my videos keep getting demonetized. If you'd like to support the show to offset this problem, head on over to: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast and donate. Even a dollar a month can really add up to make this channel sustainable.Andrew's religious studies book recommendations: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 01:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast I'm in Jerusalem! We passed 10,000 subscribers! Here's to 2018, and here's to religious studies!Oh, and my videos keep getting demonetized. If you'd like to support the show to offset this problem, head on over to: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast and donate. Even a dollar a month can really add up to make this channel sustainable.Andrew's religious studies book recommendations: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices I'm in Jerusalem! We passed 10,000 subscribers! Here's to 2018, and here's to religious studies!

Oh, and my videos keep getting demonetized. If you'd like to support the show to offset this problem, head on over to: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast and donate. Even a dollar a month can really add up to make this channel sustainable.

Andrew's religious studies book recommendations: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 219 no 6000 subscribers! (and channel update) We have passed 6000 subscribers and are growing more every day! Thank you so much everyone for supporting Religion for Breakfast. Religious literacy is needed more than ever in this day and age, and I hope, in some small way, RFB can help. All summer I have been working at the Newseum Institute's Religious Freedom Center developing educational material for religious studies teachers. Part of this project involved creating videos on a variety of religious studies topics. So stay tuned in the coming months, and you will see some new videos in this different format. I hope you like them!Twitter: @andrewmarkhenryblog: www.religionforbreakfast.comFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastPatreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 01:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast We have passed 6000 subscribers and are growing more every day! Thank you so much everyone for supporting Religion for Breakfast. Religious literacy is needed more than ever in this day and age, and I hope, in some small way, RFB can help. All summer I have been working at the Newseum Institute's Religious Freedom Center developing educational material for religious studies teachers. Part of this project involved creating videos on a variety of religious studies topics. So stay tuned in the coming months, and you will see some new videos in this different format. I hope you like them!Twitter: @andrewmarkhenryblog: www.religionforbreakfast.comFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastPatreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices We have passed 6000 subscribers and are growing more every day! Thank you so much everyone for supporting Religion for Breakfast. Religious literacy is needed more than ever in this day and age, and I hope, in some small way, RFB can help.

All summer I have been working at the Newseum Institute's Religious Freedom Center developing educational material for religious studies teachers. Part of this project involved creating videos on a variety of religious studies topics. So stay tuned in the coming months, and you will see some new videos in this different format. I hope you like them!

Twitter: @andrewmarkhenry
blog: www.religionforbreakfast.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast
Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 186 no What The Mandalorian Gets Right About Real-World Religions Join our live lecture on the mythology of Star Wars: https://www.religiondepartment.com/theherojourneyThe Children of the Watch from The Mandalorian follow rules that look surprisingly familiar to scholars of religion: costly rituals, strict group boundaries, fictive kinship, and lifelong commitments. Why do strict communities like this persist across generations?00:00 Mandalorians Introduced5:09 Strict Church Theory8:55 Costly Signaling Theory14:08 Credibility Enhancing Displays19:49 Fictive Kinship Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:17:30 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Join our live lecture on the mythology of Star Wars: https://www.religiondepartment.com/theherojourneyThe Children of the Watch from The Mandalorian follow rules that look surprisingly familiar to scholars of religion: costly rituals, strict group boundaries, fictive kinship, and lifelong commitments. Why do strict communities like this persist across generations?00:00 Mandalorians Introduced5:09 Strict Church Theory8:55 Costly Signaling Theory14:08 Credibility Enhancing Displays19:49 Fictive Kinship Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Join our live lecture on the mythology of Star Wars: https://www.religiondepartment.com/theherojourney

The Children of the Watch from The Mandalorian follow rules that look surprisingly familiar to scholars of religion: costly rituals, strict group boundaries, fictive kinship, and lifelong commitments. Why do strict communities like this persist across generations?

00:00 Mandalorians Introduced
5:09 Strict Church Theory
8:55 Costly Signaling Theory
14:08 Credibility Enhancing Displays
19:49 Fictive Kinship

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1968 no The Most Famous Extrabiblical Reference to Jesus: Authentic or Not? (Interview w/ Dr. Tom Schmidt) Live Webinar: "What Did Jesus Wear? A deep dive into ancient Jewish dress with ancient clothing expert Dr. Katie Turner. Register here: https://www.religiondepartment.com/jesus-wearTo read Josephus and Jesus, get the open access book here: https://academic.oup.com/book/60034?login=falseDr. Tom Schmidt joins me to discuss his new book arguing that the famous Testimonium Flavianum, Josephus’ passage about Jesus, is authentic. We explore how ancient Christians read the text, new stylometric evidence, and what Josephus knew about Jesus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Live Webinar: "What Did Jesus Wear? A deep dive into ancient Jewish dress with ancient clothing expert Dr. Katie Turner. Register here: https://www.religiondepartment.com/jesus-wearTo read Josephus and Jesus, get the open access book here: https://academic.oup.com/book/60034?login=falseDr. Tom Schmidt joins me to discuss his new book arguing that the famous Testimonium Flavianum, Josephus’ passage about Jesus, is authentic. We explore how ancient Christians read the text, new stylometric evidence, and what Josephus knew about Jesus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Live Webinar: "What Did Jesus Wear? A deep dive into ancient Jewish dress with ancient clothing expert Dr. Katie Turner. Register here: https://www.religiondepartment.com/jesus-wear

To read Josephus and Jesus, get the open access book here: https://academic.oup.com/book/60034?login=false

Dr. Tom Schmidt joins me to discuss his new book arguing that the famous Testimonium Flavianum, Josephus’ passage about Jesus, is authentic. We explore how ancient Christians read the text, new stylometric evidence, and what Josephus knew about Jesus.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3566 no How to Become Immortal According to Daoism (in 5 not-so-easy steps) With my link, you can get 50% off of Nebula. It’s just $30/year, or $2,5/month, at https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast Watch SarahZ's "Three Dead Girls I Love": https://nebula.tv/videos/sarahz-three-dead-girls-i-love?ref=religionforbreakfastDaoist texts describe a path to transcendence through diet, celibacy, breathwork, and alchemy. From grain avoidance to mercury elixirs, how did Daoists try to live forever—and what did “immortality” really mean?Religion for Breakfast videos take a lot of research and collaboration. Patreon support helps fund editors, scholars, and future episodes. Support us here: https://www.patreon.com/c/religionforbreakfast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 17 Sep 2026 23:20:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast With my link, you can get 50% off of Nebula. It’s just $30/year, or $2,5/month, at https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast Watch SarahZ's "Three Dead Girls I Love": https://nebula.tv/videos/sarahz-three-dead-girls-i-love?ref=religionforbreakfastDaoist texts describe a path to transcendence through diet, celibacy, breathwork, and alchemy. From grain avoidance to mercury elixirs, how did Daoists try to live forever—and what did “immortality” really mean?Religion for Breakfast videos take a lot of research and collaboration. Patreon support helps fund editors, scholars, and future episodes. Support us here: https://www.patreon.com/c/religionforbreakfast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices With my link, you can get 50% off of Nebula. It’s just $30/year, or $2,5/month, at https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast
Watch SarahZ's "Three Dead Girls I Love": https://nebula.tv/videos/sarahz-three-dead-girls-i-love?ref=religionforbreakfast

Daoist texts describe a path to transcendence through diet, celibacy, breathwork, and alchemy. From grain avoidance to mercury elixirs, how did Daoists try to live forever—and what did “immortality” really mean?

Religion for Breakfast videos take a lot of research and collaboration. Patreon support helps fund editors, scholars, and future episodes. Support us here: https://www.patreon.com/c/religionforbreakfast

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2084 no What Is the Best Bible Translation? Register for our online Koine Greek class here!: https://religiondepartment.com/Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastThumbnail art by @ECHenry Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images 00:00 Setting the parameters of the question3:01 Which languages are being translated?3:58 How manuscript traditions affect translation13:20 Translation philosophy21:31 Case Study: NRSV29:12 Case Study: ESV33:54 Case Study: NIV38:15 Case Study: NAB42:29 Case Study: JPS Tanakh48:20 Case Study: KJV51:48 Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 17 Sep 2026 23:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Register for our online Koine Greek class here!: https://religiondepartment.com/Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastThumbnail art by @ECHenry Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images 00:00 Setting the parameters of the question3:01 Which languages are being translated?3:58 How manuscript traditions affect translation13:20 Translation philosophy21:31 Case Study: NRSV29:12 Case Study: ESV33:54 Case Study: NIV38:15 Case Study: NAB42:29 Case Study: JPS Tanakh48:20 Case Study: KJV51:48 Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Register for our online Koine Greek class here!: https://religiondepartment.com/

Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast

Thumbnail art by @ECHenry
Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images

00:00 Setting the parameters of the question
3:01 Which languages are being translated?
3:58 How manuscript traditions affect translation
13:20 Translation philosophy
21:31 Case Study: NRSV
29:12 Case Study: ESV
33:54 Case Study: NIV
38:15 Case Study: NAB
42:29 Case Study: JPS Tanakh
48:20 Case Study: KJV
51:48 Conclusion

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]]> 3711 no Gospel of Judas: What Does It Really Say? The Gospel of Judas caused a huge stir when National Geographic published it back in 2006. But to this day, misconceptions about this text abound. Who wrote this text? And what does it really say?Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comAndrew's religious studies book recommendations: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfastThanks to our Patreon patrons!:Brian BDan DAlex BJohn MWilsonCain DMannyMark HPlease check out National Geographic's website on the Gospel of Judas!: http://www.nationalgeographic.com/lostgospel/index.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 17 Sep 2026 22:22:30 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast The Gospel of Judas caused a huge stir when National Geographic published it back in 2006. But to this day, misconceptions about this text abound. Who wrote this text? And what does it really say?Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comAndrew's religious studies book recommendations: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfastThanks to our Patreon patrons!:Brian BDan DAlex BJohn MWilsonCain DMannyMark HPlease check out National Geographic's website on the Gospel of Judas!: http://www.nationalgeographic.com/lostgospel/index.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The Gospel of Judas caused a huge stir when National Geographic published it back in 2006. But to this day, misconceptions about this text abound. Who wrote this text? And what does it really say?

Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Twitter: @andrewmarkhenry
Facebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast
Blog: www.religionforbreakfast.com

Andrew's religious studies book recommendations: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast

Thanks to our Patreon patrons!:
Brian B
Dan D
Alex B
John M
Wilson
Cain D
Manny
Mark H

Please check out National Geographic's website on the Gospel of Judas!: http://www.nationalgeographic.com/lostgospel/index.html

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 848 no Announcing New Series Announcing three new series! "Varieties of Early Christianity," "Magic/Science/Religion," and "Religion 101." www.religionforbreakfast.com@andrewmarkhenry Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 17 Sep 2026 22:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Announcing three new series! "Varieties of Early Christianity," "Magic/Science/Religion," and "Religion 101." www.religionforbreakfast.com@andrewmarkhenry Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Announcing three new series! "Varieties of Early Christianity," "Magic/Science/Religion," and "Religion 101."
www.religionforbreakfast.com
@andrewmarkhenry

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 281 no The Pre-Christian Origins of Baptism Baptism is one of the most well-known rituals in Christianity. But what are the origins of this ritual? Did John the Baptist invent it himself?Support the show on Patreon!:www.patreon.com/religionfobreakfastwww.religionfobreakfast.comwww.facebook.com/religionforbreakfasthttps://www.instagram.com/andrewmarkhenry/Bibliography:Jonathan Klawans, "Impurity and Sin in Ancient Judaism," Oxford University Press, 2000Brook W.R. Pearson, "Baptism and Initiation in the Cult of Isis and Sarapis," in "Baptism, the New Testament, and the Church: Historical and Contemporary Studies in Honour of R.E.O White."Jodi Magness, "Stone and Dung, Oil and Spit: Jewish Daily Life in the Time of Jesus," Eerdmans, 2011. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 17 Sep 2026 21:25:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Baptism is one of the most well-known rituals in Christianity. But what are the origins of this ritual? Did John the Baptist invent it himself?Support the show on Patreon!:www.patreon.com/religionfobreakfastwww.religionfobreakfast.comwww.facebook.com/religionforbreakfasthttps://www.instagram.com/andrewmarkhenry/Bibliography:Jonathan Klawans, "Impurity and Sin in Ancient Judaism," Oxford University Press, 2000Brook W.R. Pearson, "Baptism and Initiation in the Cult of Isis and Sarapis," in "Baptism, the New Testament, and the Church: Historical and Contemporary Studies in Honour of R.E.O White."Jodi Magness, "Stone and Dung, Oil and Spit: Jewish Daily Life in the Time of Jesus," Eerdmans, 2011. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Baptism is one of the most well-known rituals in Christianity. But what are the origins of this ritual? Did John the Baptist invent it himself?

Support the show on Patreon!:
www.patreon.com/religionfobreakfast
www.religionfobreakfast.com
www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast
https://www.instagram.com/andrewmarkhenry/

Bibliography:
Jonathan Klawans, "Impurity and Sin in Ancient Judaism," Oxford University Press, 2000

Brook W.R. Pearson, "Baptism and Initiation in the Cult of Isis and Sarapis," in "Baptism, the New Testament, and the Church: Historical and Contemporary Studies in Honour of R.E.O White."

Jodi Magness, "Stone and Dung, Oil and Spit: Jewish Daily Life in the Time of Jesus," Eerdmans, 2011.

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]]> 465 no Americans Exaggerate How Often They Go to Church Compare news coverage. Spot media bias. Avoid algorithms. Try Ground News today and get 40% off your subscription by going to https://ground.news/religionforbreakfastNew research using smartphone location data reveals a massive gap between how often Americans say they attend religious services and how often they actually do. Are surveys wrong? Are memories fuzzy? Here's what the data really shows about religion in America.The article: Devin Pope, BFI Working Paper·May 8, 2024, "Religious Worship Attendance in America: Evidence from Cellphone Data," https://bfi.uchicago.edu/working-paper/religious-worship-attendance-in-america-evidence-from-cellphone-data/Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters00:00 Intro00:43 Problems with self-reported surveys2:20 How the Smartphone Study Worked5:12 The Results Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 17 Sep 2026 21:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Compare news coverage. Spot media bias. Avoid algorithms. Try Ground News today and get 40% off your subscription by going to https://ground.news/religionforbreakfastNew research using smartphone location data reveals a massive gap between how often Americans say they attend religious services and how often they actually do. Are surveys wrong? Are memories fuzzy? Here's what the data really shows about religion in America.The article: Devin Pope, BFI Working Paper·May 8, 2024, "Religious Worship Attendance in America: Evidence from Cellphone Data," https://bfi.uchicago.edu/working-paper/religious-worship-attendance-in-america-evidence-from-cellphone-data/Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters00:00 Intro00:43 Problems with self-reported surveys2:20 How the Smartphone Study Worked5:12 The Results Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Compare news coverage. Spot media bias. Avoid algorithms. Try Ground News today and get 40% off your subscription by going to https://ground.news/religionforbreakfast

New research using smartphone location data reveals a massive gap between how often Americans say they attend religious services and how often they actually do. Are surveys wrong? Are memories fuzzy? Here's what the data really shows about religion in America.

The article: Devin Pope, BFI Working Paper·May 8, 2024, "Religious Worship Attendance in America: Evidence from Cellphone Data," https://bfi.uchicago.edu/working-paper/religious-worship-attendance-in-america-evidence-from-cellphone-data/


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00:00 Intro
00:43 Problems with self-reported surveys
2:20 How the Smartphone Study Worked
5:12 The Results

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]]> 1071 no Grimoires Explained: Manuals of Magic Register for our online class "What Does It Mean To Be a Witch?" https://religionforbreakfast.eventbrite.com/In this video, we explore the history of grimoires, manuals of magic, that shaped magical practices from ancient Egypt to modern witchcraft. Discover how these spellbooks and magical textbooks held esoteric knowledge and influenced occult traditions for centuries.Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters00:00 Intro and Basics1:56 Grimoires as Elite Texts6:31 The Magic of Writing11:12 The Democratization of Grimoires and Contemporary Witchcraft16:25 The Dematerialization of the Grimoire Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 17 Sep 2026 20:27:30 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Register for our online class "What Does It Mean To Be a Witch?" https://religionforbreakfast.eventbrite.com/In this video, we explore the history of grimoires, manuals of magic, that shaped magical practices from ancient Egypt to modern witchcraft. Discover how these spellbooks and magical textbooks held esoteric knowledge and influenced occult traditions for centuries.Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters00:00 Intro and Basics1:56 Grimoires as Elite Texts6:31 The Magic of Writing11:12 The Democratization of Grimoires and Contemporary Witchcraft16:25 The Dematerialization of the Grimoire Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Register for our online class "What Does It Mean To Be a Witch?" https://religionforbreakfast.eventbrite.com/

In this video, we explore the history of grimoires, manuals of magic, that shaped magical practices from ancient Egypt to modern witchcraft. Discover how these spellbooks and magical textbooks held esoteric knowledge and influenced occult traditions for centuries.

Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters

00:00 Intro and Basics
1:56 Grimoires as Elite Texts
6:31 The Magic of Writing
11:12 The Democratization of Grimoires and Contemporary Witchcraft
16:25 The Dematerialization of the Grimoire

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]]> 1504 no Why the Amish Are Basically Immune to Allergies Compare news coverage. Spot media bias. Avoid algorithms. Try Ground News today and get 40% off your subscription by going to https://ground.news/religionforbreakfastJoin our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and ReutersWhy do Amish kids have some of the lowest allergy rates ever recorded? Scientists discovered surprising clues in their barns, dust, and way of life, revealing how religion, farming, and community shape health. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 17 Sep 2026 20:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Compare news coverage. Spot media bias. Avoid algorithms. Try Ground News today and get 40% off your subscription by going to https://ground.news/religionforbreakfastJoin our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and ReutersWhy do Amish kids have some of the lowest allergy rates ever recorded? Scientists discovered surprising clues in their barns, dust, and way of life, revealing how religion, farming, and community shape health. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Compare news coverage. Spot media bias. Avoid algorithms. Try Ground News today and get 40% off your subscription by going to https://ground.news/religionforbreakfast

Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters

Why do Amish kids have some of the lowest allergy rates ever recorded? Scientists discovered surprising clues in their barns, dust, and way of life, revealing how religion, farming, and community shape health.

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]]> 1089 no Americans Are Religious About America Join our Patreon community!: https://patreon.com/religionforbreakfastOne-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastCheck out my favorite religious studies books: https://www.amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast American Civil Religion Episode 1: "Americans Are Religious About America."This episode is an introduction to American Civil Religion. It launches a 5-part series on the topic. Basically, American Civil Religion is when Americans are religious about America. The series argues that Americans are being religious when they create and curate American identity and ideals. Stay tuned for future episodes. Follow me on Twitter at: @andrewmarkhenrySpecial thanks to the Foundation for Religious Literacy for sponsoring this series: https://tfrl.org/Thanks to Dr. David McConeghy for researching and writing this episode! Follow him on Twitter at: @dmcconeghyReferenced videos:Coca-Cola is a Religion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTVC2uVGEL0&t=118sWhat is Religion?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5KHDR8jdbAImage credits:National Anthem protest: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._national_anthem_protests_(2016%E2%80%93present)#/media/File:Oakland_Raiders_National_Anthem_Kneeling_(37444579735).jpg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 17 Sep 2026 19:30:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Join our Patreon community!: https://patreon.com/religionforbreakfastOne-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastCheck out my favorite religious studies books: https://www.amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast American Civil Religion Episode 1: "Americans Are Religious About America."This episode is an introduction to American Civil Religion. It launches a 5-part series on the topic. Basically, American Civil Religion is when Americans are religious about America. The series argues that Americans are being religious when they create and curate American identity and ideals. Stay tuned for future episodes. Follow me on Twitter at: @andrewmarkhenrySpecial thanks to the Foundation for Religious Literacy for sponsoring this series: https://tfrl.org/Thanks to Dr. David McConeghy for researching and writing this episode! Follow him on Twitter at: @dmcconeghyReferenced videos:Coca-Cola is a Religion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTVC2uVGEL0&t=118sWhat is Religion?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5KHDR8jdbAImage credits:National Anthem protest: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._national_anthem_protests_(2016%E2%80%93present)#/media/File:Oakland_Raiders_National_Anthem_Kneeling_(37444579735).jpg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Join our Patreon community!: https://patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
One-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfast
Check out my favorite religious studies books: https://www.amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast

American Civil Religion Episode 1: "Americans Are Religious About America."
This episode is an introduction to American Civil Religion. It launches a 5-part series on the topic. Basically, American Civil Religion is when Americans are religious about America. The series argues that Americans are being religious when they create and curate American identity and ideals. Stay tuned for future episodes.

Follow me on Twitter at: @andrewmarkhenry
Special thanks to the Foundation for Religious Literacy for sponsoring this series: https://tfrl.org/

Thanks to Dr. David McConeghy for researching and writing this episode! Follow him on Twitter at: @dmcconeghy

Referenced videos:
Coca-Cola is a Religion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTVC2uVGEL0&t=118s

What is Religion?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5KHDR8jdbA

Image credits:
National Anthem protest: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._national_anthem_protests_(2016%E2%80%93present)#/media/File:Oakland_Raiders_National_Anthem_Kneeling_(37444579735).jpg

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]]> 690 no Sunni or Shia? | Who Are the Alevis? Compare news coverage. Spot media bias. Avoid algorithms. Try Ground News today and get 40% off your subscription by going to https://ground.news/religionforbreakfastAlevism is a mystical Islamic tradition in Turkey that don't fit neatly into Sunni nor Shi‘a categories. This video explores its Sufi-inspired rituals, sacred music, and why defining Alevism within Islam remains so complex.Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 17 Sep 2026 19:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Compare news coverage. Spot media bias. Avoid algorithms. Try Ground News today and get 40% off your subscription by going to https://ground.news/religionforbreakfastAlevism is a mystical Islamic tradition in Turkey that don't fit neatly into Sunni nor Shi‘a categories. This video explores its Sufi-inspired rituals, sacred music, and why defining Alevism within Islam remains so complex.Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Compare news coverage. Spot media bias. Avoid algorithms. Try Ground News today and get 40% off your subscription by going to https://ground.news/religionforbreakfast

Alevism is a mystical Islamic tradition in Turkey that don't fit neatly into Sunni nor Shi‘a categories. This video explores its Sufi-inspired rituals, sacred music, and why defining Alevism within Islam remains so complex.

Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters

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]]> 3287 no Is Jediism a Religion? Join our Patreon community!: https://patreon.com/religionforbreakfastOne-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastCheck out my favorite religious studies books: https://www.amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast Jediism came to prominence in 2001 during the UK census when a bunch of people claimed to be "Jedi" as their religion. But there also is a real-world movement of people calling themselves Jediists, followers of Jediism. How should religious studies scholars study this movement? Is it a religion?Follow me on Twitter: @ andrewmarkhenryInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewmarkhenry/2nd channel: @andrewmarkhenry Bibliography:Adam Possamai and Murray Lee, “Hyper-real religions: Fear, anxiety and late-modern religious innovation,”Adam Possamai, "Handbook of Hyper-real Religions," 2012.Carole Cusack, "Invented Religions: Imagination, Fiction, and Faith," Ashgate: 2010. Henry Jenkins, “Quentin Tarantino’s Star Wars?: Digital Cinema, Media Convergence, and Participatory Culture,” 2013. Debra McCormick, “From Jesus Christ to Jedi Knight—validity and viability of new religious movements in late modernity. In Proceedings Social Change in the 21st Century Conference 2006, Queensland University of Technology. Zoe Alderton, “Snapewives and Snapeism: A Fiction-Based Religion within the Harry Potter Fandom,” Religions, 2014 5(1), 219-267.https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/5/1/219Church of Jediism basics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zzvJD5J9lQ&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR1PuPqF9ciAEHFqbors75Aj70TbDxmmQWXinsWLz9UhO6gk-NCjpBo0OsYUK Charity Commission Report: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/578931/Temple_of_the_Jedi_Order_FINAL_DECISION.pdfPhoto attributions:Kathleen Kennedy photograph: Attributed to Gage Skidmore https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathleen_Kennedy_(producer)#/media/File:Kathleen_Kennedy_by_Gage_Skidmore.jpg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 17 Sep 2026 18:53:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Join our Patreon community!: https://patreon.com/religionforbreakfastOne-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastCheck out my favorite religious studies books: https://www.amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast Jediism came to prominence in 2001 during the UK census when a bunch of people claimed to be "Jedi" as their religion. But there also is a real-world movement of people calling themselves Jediists, followers of Jediism. How should religious studies scholars study this movement? Is it a religion?Follow me on Twitter: @ andrewmarkhenryInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewmarkhenry/2nd channel: @andrewmarkhenry Bibliography:Adam Possamai and Murray Lee, “Hyper-real religions: Fear, anxiety and late-modern religious innovation,”Adam Possamai, "Handbook of Hyper-real Religions," 2012.Carole Cusack, "Invented Religions: Imagination, Fiction, and Faith," Ashgate: 2010. Henry Jenkins, “Quentin Tarantino’s Star Wars?: Digital Cinema, Media Convergence, and Participatory Culture,” 2013. Debra McCormick, “From Jesus Christ to Jedi Knight—validity and viability of new religious movements in late modernity. In Proceedings Social Change in the 21st Century Conference 2006, Queensland University of Technology. Zoe Alderton, “Snapewives and Snapeism: A Fiction-Based Religion within the Harry Potter Fandom,” Religions, 2014 5(1), 219-267.https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/5/1/219Church of Jediism basics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zzvJD5J9lQ&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR1PuPqF9ciAEHFqbors75Aj70TbDxmmQWXinsWLz9UhO6gk-NCjpBo0OsYUK Charity Commission Report: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/578931/Temple_of_the_Jedi_Order_FINAL_DECISION.pdfPhoto attributions:Kathleen Kennedy photograph: Attributed to Gage Skidmore https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathleen_Kennedy_(producer)#/media/File:Kathleen_Kennedy_by_Gage_Skidmore.jpg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Join our Patreon community!: https://patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
One-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfast
Check out my favorite religious studies books: https://www.amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast

Jediism came to prominence in 2001 during the UK census when a bunch of people claimed to be "Jedi" as their religion. But there also is a real-world movement of people calling themselves Jediists, followers of Jediism. How should religious studies scholars study this movement? Is it a religion?

Follow me on Twitter: @ andrewmarkhenry
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewmarkhenry/
2nd channel: @andrewmarkhenry

Bibliography:
Adam Possamai and Murray Lee, “Hyper-real religions: Fear, anxiety and late-modern religious innovation,”

Adam Possamai, "Handbook of Hyper-real Religions," 2012.

Carole Cusack, "Invented Religions: Imagination, Fiction, and Faith," Ashgate: 2010.

Henry Jenkins, “Quentin Tarantino’s Star Wars?: Digital Cinema, Media Convergence, and Participatory Culture,” 2013.

Debra McCormick, “From Jesus Christ to Jedi Knight—validity and viability of new religious movements in late modernity. In Proceedings Social Change in the 21st Century Conference 2006, Queensland University of Technology.

Zoe Alderton, “Snapewives and Snapeism: A Fiction-Based Religion within the Harry Potter Fandom,” Religions, 2014 5(1), 219-267.
https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/5/1/219

Church of Jediism basics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zzvJD5J9lQ&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR1PuPqF9ciAEHFqbors75Aj70TbDxmmQWXinsWLz9UhO6gk-NCjpBo0OsY

UK Charity Commission Report: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/578931/Temple_of_the_Jedi_Order_FINAL_DECISION.pdf


Photo attributions:
Kathleen Kennedy photograph: Attributed to Gage Skidmore https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathleen_Kennedy_(producer)#/media/File:Kathleen_Kennedy_by_Gage_Skidmore.jpg

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]]> 621 no Religion for Breakfast Patreon Trailer www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastReligion for Breakfast believes everyone should know a little bit more about religion. It touches every aspect of human civilization—our art, politics, history, and culture. It has inspired some of our most ethereal music. It has motivated some of our greatest leaders. And, yes, it has also sparked some of our biggest wars and social injustices. But for something that is so important to human history, how much do we really know about religion? In order to navigate the pluralism and complexity of the 21st-century religious landscape, Religion for Breakfast strives to boost our religious literacy by producing high-quality educational videos on a variety of religious studies topics. Our topics range from ancient Christianity to modern religious theory, though we hope to expand our offerings as the channel grows. We handle each topic with the utmost respect, recognizing that discussions about religion often evoke powerful emotions and opinions. This, however, proves the vital importance of religious literacy. If we care so much about this topic, we better know something about it! To that end, we invite you to pledge financial support for Religion for Breakfast. With your help, we can raise the level of conversation about religion on YouTube! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 17 Sep 2026 18:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastReligion for Breakfast believes everyone should know a little bit more about religion. It touches every aspect of human civilization—our art, politics, history, and culture. It has inspired some of our most ethereal music. It has motivated some of our greatest leaders. And, yes, it has also sparked some of our biggest wars and social injustices. But for something that is so important to human history, how much do we really know about religion? In order to navigate the pluralism and complexity of the 21st-century religious landscape, Religion for Breakfast strives to boost our religious literacy by producing high-quality educational videos on a variety of religious studies topics. Our topics range from ancient Christianity to modern religious theory, though we hope to expand our offerings as the channel grows. We handle each topic with the utmost respect, recognizing that discussions about religion often evoke powerful emotions and opinions. This, however, proves the vital importance of religious literacy. If we care so much about this topic, we better know something about it! To that end, we invite you to pledge financial support for Religion for Breakfast. With your help, we can raise the level of conversation about religion on YouTube! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast

Religion for Breakfast believes everyone should know a little bit more about religion. It touches every aspect of human civilization—our art, politics, history, and culture. It has inspired some of our most ethereal music. It has motivated some of our greatest leaders. And, yes, it has also sparked some of our biggest wars and social injustices. But for something that is so important to human history, how much do we really know about religion?

In order to navigate the pluralism and complexity of the 21st-century religious landscape, Religion for Breakfast strives to boost our religious literacy by producing high-quality educational videos on a variety of religious studies topics. Our topics range from ancient Christianity to modern religious theory, though we hope to expand our offerings as the channel grows.

We handle each topic with the utmost respect, recognizing that discussions about religion often evoke powerful emotions and opinions. This, however, proves the vital importance of religious literacy. If we care so much about this topic, we better know something about it! To that end, we invite you to pledge financial support for Religion for Breakfast. With your help, we can raise the level of conversation about religion on YouTube!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 226 no Which Part of the Brain Makes People Religious? Register for our lecture Quantum Mysticism: When Quantum Physics Meets Spirituality: https://religionforbreakfast.eventbrite.com/Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and ReutersThumbnail art by @hotcyderThis video was made possible through the support of grant #TRT-2021-10499 from the John Templeton Foundation managed by the Center for Mind and Culture. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the John Templeton Foundation or the Center forMind and Culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 17 Sep 2026 17:32:30 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Register for our lecture Quantum Mysticism: When Quantum Physics Meets Spirituality: https://religionforbreakfast.eventbrite.com/Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and ReutersThumbnail art by @hotcyderThis video was made possible through the support of grant #TRT-2021-10499 from the John Templeton Foundation managed by the Center for Mind and Culture. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the John Templeton Foundation or the Center forMind and Culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Register for our lecture Quantum Mysticism: When Quantum Physics Meets Spirituality: https://religionforbreakfast.eventbrite.com/

Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters
Thumbnail art by @hotcyder

This video was made possible through the support of grant
#TRT-2021-10499 from the John Templeton Foundation
managed by the Center for Mind and Culture. The
opinions expressed in this publication are those
of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views
of the John Templeton Foundation or the Center for
Mind and Culture.

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]]> 1195 no The Origins of Infant Baptism Watch my Josephus interview with Dr. Tom Schmidt!: https://nebula.tv/videos/religionforbreakfast-did-josephus-really-write-about-jesus-interview-w-dr-tom-schmidt?ref=religionforbreakfast Get Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfastWas early Christian baptism always full immersion for adults? Or did infant baptism and pouring water evolve earlier than we thought?Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters00:00 Intro1:22 Origins of Baptism4:22 Adult-Full-Immersion-With-Exceptions Model6:36 Earliest Evidence for Infant Baptism10:43 1st or 2nd century evidence?18:51 Archaeological Evidence for Diversity of Practice23:37 The Influence of Original Sin Theology26:56 Nebula is seriously awesome, you should check it out Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 17 Sep 2026 17:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Watch my Josephus interview with Dr. Tom Schmidt!: https://nebula.tv/videos/religionforbreakfast-did-josephus-really-write-about-jesus-interview-w-dr-tom-schmidt?ref=religionforbreakfast Get Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfastWas early Christian baptism always full immersion for adults? Or did infant baptism and pouring water evolve earlier than we thought?Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters00:00 Intro1:22 Origins of Baptism4:22 Adult-Full-Immersion-With-Exceptions Model6:36 Earliest Evidence for Infant Baptism10:43 1st or 2nd century evidence?18:51 Archaeological Evidence for Diversity of Practice23:37 The Influence of Original Sin Theology26:56 Nebula is seriously awesome, you should check it out Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Watch my Josephus interview with Dr. Tom Schmidt!: https://nebula.tv/videos/religionforbreakfast-did-josephus-really-write-about-jesus-interview-w-dr-tom-schmidt?ref=religionforbreakfast
Get Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast

Was early Christian baptism always full immersion for adults? Or did infant baptism and pouring water evolve earlier than we thought?

Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters

00:00 Intro
1:22 Origins of Baptism
4:22 Adult-Full-Immersion-With-Exceptions Model
6:36 Earliest Evidence for Infant Baptism
10:43 1st or 2nd century evidence?
18:51 Archaeological Evidence for Diversity of Practice
23:37 The Influence of Original Sin Theology
26:56 Nebula is seriously awesome, you should check it out

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]]> 2131 no What is Satanism? Satanism is a widely misunderstood tradition. Misconceptions about it are influenced, in part, by a moral panic that swept through the US in the 1980s and 1990s. But what really is Satanism? Twitter: @andrewmarkhenryFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastPatreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewmarkhenry/Bibliography:Jenny Reichert and James Richardson, “Decline of a Moral Panic: A social psychological and socio-legal Examination of the Current Status of Satanism,” Nova Religio 16:2 (2012) 47-63.Jesper Aargaard Petersen, "Contemporary Religious Satanism: A Critical Anthology," Ashgate Publishing, 2009.David Frankfurter, "Evil Incarnate," Princeton University Press, 2008.Geraldo Rivera, "Devil Worship," NBC SpecialShort article on Rivera's special: https://io9.gizmodo.com/5829171/when-geraldo-rivera-took-on-satanism-and-a-very-confused-ozzy-osbourneExcellent Vox article on the history of the Satanic panic: https://www.vox.com/2016/10/30/13413864/satanic-panic-ritual-abuse-history-explained Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 17 Sep 2026 16:35:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Satanism is a widely misunderstood tradition. Misconceptions about it are influenced, in part, by a moral panic that swept through the US in the 1980s and 1990s. But what really is Satanism? Twitter: @andrewmarkhenryFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastPatreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewmarkhenry/Bibliography:Jenny Reichert and James Richardson, “Decline of a Moral Panic: A social psychological and socio-legal Examination of the Current Status of Satanism,” Nova Religio 16:2 (2012) 47-63.Jesper Aargaard Petersen, "Contemporary Religious Satanism: A Critical Anthology," Ashgate Publishing, 2009.David Frankfurter, "Evil Incarnate," Princeton University Press, 2008.Geraldo Rivera, "Devil Worship," NBC SpecialShort article on Rivera's special: https://io9.gizmodo.com/5829171/when-geraldo-rivera-took-on-satanism-and-a-very-confused-ozzy-osbourneExcellent Vox article on the history of the Satanic panic: https://www.vox.com/2016/10/30/13413864/satanic-panic-ritual-abuse-history-explained Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Satanism is a widely misunderstood tradition. Misconceptions about it are influenced, in part, by a moral panic that swept through the US in the 1980s and 1990s. But what really is Satanism?

Twitter: @andrewmarkhenry
Facebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast
Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewmarkhenry/

Bibliography:

Jenny Reichert and James Richardson, “Decline of a Moral Panic: A social psychological and socio-legal Examination of the Current Status of Satanism,” Nova Religio 16:2 (2012) 47-63.

Jesper Aargaard Petersen, "Contemporary Religious Satanism: A Critical Anthology," Ashgate Publishing, 2009.

David Frankfurter, "Evil Incarnate," Princeton University Press, 2008.

Geraldo Rivera, "Devil Worship," NBC Special

Short article on Rivera's special: https://io9.gizmodo.com/5829171/when-geraldo-rivera-took-on-satanism-and-a-very-confused-ozzy-osbourne

Excellent Vox article on the history of the Satanic panic: https://www.vox.com/2016/10/30/13413864/satanic-panic-ritual-abuse-history-explained

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]]> 631 no The Druids: What Do We Really Know? The Druids. The mysterious Celtic religious specialists of ancient Ireland, Britain, and Northern Europe. But who were they really? What historical evidence corroborates their existence?Become a member of our Patreon community!: https://patreon.com/religionforbreakfastDonate to the show at: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastCheck out my favorite religious studies books: https://www.amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast Follow me on:Twitter @andrewmarkhenrywww.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastBibliography:Andrew Fitzpatrick, “Druids: Towards an Archaeology,” Communities and Connections: Essays in Honor of Barry Cunliffe, 287Anthony King and Graham Soffe, "Internal Organization and Deposition at the Iron Age Temple on Hayling Island (Hampshire), https://sites.google.com/site/tixxys/theromantemple/the-temple-in-depth Barry Cunliffe, "Druids: A Very Short Introduction," Oxford University Press, 2010.British Museum Celtic Spoons: https://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details/collection_image_gallery.aspx?partid=1&assetid=791976001&objectid=828993https://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details.aspx?objectId=829014&partId=1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 17 Sep 2026 16:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast The Druids. The mysterious Celtic religious specialists of ancient Ireland, Britain, and Northern Europe. But who were they really? What historical evidence corroborates their existence?Become a member of our Patreon community!: https://patreon.com/religionforbreakfastDonate to the show at: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastCheck out my favorite religious studies books: https://www.amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast Follow me on:Twitter @andrewmarkhenrywww.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastBibliography:Andrew Fitzpatrick, “Druids: Towards an Archaeology,” Communities and Connections: Essays in Honor of Barry Cunliffe, 287Anthony King and Graham Soffe, "Internal Organization and Deposition at the Iron Age Temple on Hayling Island (Hampshire), https://sites.google.com/site/tixxys/theromantemple/the-temple-in-depth Barry Cunliffe, "Druids: A Very Short Introduction," Oxford University Press, 2010.British Museum Celtic Spoons: https://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details/collection_image_gallery.aspx?partid=1&assetid=791976001&objectid=828993https://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details.aspx?objectId=829014&partId=1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The Druids. The mysterious Celtic religious specialists of ancient Ireland, Britain, and Northern Europe. But who were they really? What historical evidence corroborates their existence?

Become a member of our Patreon community!: https://patreon.com/religionforbreakfast

Donate to the show at: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfast

Check out my favorite religious studies books: https://www.amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast

Follow me on:
Twitter @andrewmarkhenry
www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast

Bibliography:
Andrew Fitzpatrick, “Druids: Towards an Archaeology,” Communities and Connections: Essays in Honor of Barry Cunliffe, 287

Anthony King and Graham Soffe, "Internal Organization and Deposition at the Iron Age Temple on Hayling Island (Hampshire), https://sites.google.com/site/tixxys/theromantemple/the-temple-in-depth

Barry Cunliffe, "Druids: A Very Short Introduction," Oxford University Press, 2010.

British Museum Celtic Spoons: https://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details/collection_image_gallery.aspx?partid=1&assetid=791976001&objectid=828993

https://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details.aspx?objectId=829014&partId=1

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]]> 882 no Would Jesus Vote Republican or Democrat? Compare news coverage. Spot media bias. Avoid algorithms. Try Ground News today and get 40% off your subscription by going to https://ground.news/religionforbreakfast.How would Jesus vote on political issues today? It's an impossible question to answer, but how you answer the question probably depends on your own political ideology.Join our Patreon community!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastOne-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastSign-up for my mailing list to be notified of online classes: https://classes.religionforbreakfast.com/Thumbnail art by @hotcyderSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 17 Sep 2026 15:37:30 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Compare news coverage. Spot media bias. Avoid algorithms. Try Ground News today and get 40% off your subscription by going to https://ground.news/religionforbreakfast.How would Jesus vote on political issues today? It's an impossible question to answer, but how you answer the question probably depends on your own political ideology.Join our Patreon community!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastOne-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastSign-up for my mailing list to be notified of online classes: https://classes.religionforbreakfast.com/Thumbnail art by @hotcyderSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Compare news coverage. Spot media bias. Avoid algorithms. Try Ground News today and get 40% off your subscription by going to https://ground.news/religionforbreakfast.

How would Jesus vote on political issues today? It's an impossible question to answer, but how you answer the question probably depends on your own political ideology.

Join our Patreon community!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
One-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfast
Sign-up for my mailing list to be notified of online classes: https://classes.religionforbreakfast.com/

Thumbnail art by @hotcyder
Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters.

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]]> 888 no Did Early Christians Think Jesus Was a Ghost? | ft. Travis Proctor Join Dr. Travis Proctor’s guided reading, walking through ancient resurrection accounts, including lesser-known texts like the Gospel of Peter!:https://www.religiondepartment.com/resurrectionIf you enjoyed this conversation, check out Dr. Travis Proctor’s work at www.traviswproctor.comwhere he’s launching a new blog this summer on The Haunted Bible.Did early Christians think Jesus was a ghost? I talk with scholar Travis Proctor about resurrection narratives, ancient ideas of bodies and spirits, and why the story of Jesus sometimes resembles ancient ghost stories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 17 Sep 2026 15:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Join Dr. Travis Proctor’s guided reading, walking through ancient resurrection accounts, including lesser-known texts like the Gospel of Peter!:https://www.religiondepartment.com/resurrectionIf you enjoyed this conversation, check out Dr. Travis Proctor’s work at www.traviswproctor.comwhere he’s launching a new blog this summer on The Haunted Bible.Did early Christians think Jesus was a ghost? I talk with scholar Travis Proctor about resurrection narratives, ancient ideas of bodies and spirits, and why the story of Jesus sometimes resembles ancient ghost stories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Join Dr. Travis Proctor’s guided reading, walking through ancient resurrection accounts, including lesser-known texts like the Gospel of Peter!:
https://www.religiondepartment.com/resurrection

If you enjoyed this conversation, check out Dr. Travis Proctor’s work at www.traviswproctor.com
where he’s launching a new blog this summer on The Haunted Bible.

Did early Christians think Jesus was a ghost? I talk with scholar Travis Proctor about resurrection narratives, ancient ideas of bodies and spirits, and why the story of Jesus sometimes resembles ancient ghost stories.

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]]> 3162 no 1000 Subscribers! We made it to 1000! Thank you everyone! You all make Religion For Breakfast what it is, and I appreciate your support so much. ~Andrew Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 17 Sep 2026 14:40:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast We made it to 1000! Thank you everyone! You all make Religion For Breakfast what it is, and I appreciate your support so much. ~Andrew Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices We made it to 1000! Thank you everyone! You all make Religion For Breakfast what it is, and I appreciate your support so much.

~Andrew

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]]> 182 no What is Zen Buddhism? Use code RFBINCOGNI at the link below to get an exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan: https://incogni.com/rfbincogni.Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters00:00 Intro1:42 The Legendary Origins2:26 Bodhidharma and Buddha-nature5:58 A Special Transmission Outside of Scriptures9:22 Lineage10:13 Sudden Awakening14:45 Zazen explained17:04 Chan moves to Japan22:38 Zen Buddhism goes abroad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 17 Sep 2026 14:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Use code RFBINCOGNI at the link below to get an exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan: https://incogni.com/rfbincogni.Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters00:00 Intro1:42 The Legendary Origins2:26 Bodhidharma and Buddha-nature5:58 A Special Transmission Outside of Scriptures9:22 Lineage10:13 Sudden Awakening14:45 Zazen explained17:04 Chan moves to Japan22:38 Zen Buddhism goes abroad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Use code RFBINCOGNI at the link below to get an exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan: https://incogni.com/rfbincogni.

Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters

00:00 Intro
1:42 The Legendary Origins
2:26 Bodhidharma and Buddha-nature
5:58 A Special Transmission Outside of Scriptures
9:22 Lineage
10:13 Sudden Awakening
14:45 Zazen explained
17:04 Chan moves to Japan
22:38 Zen Buddhism goes abroad

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]]> 1992 no Exorcism: Ancient Medical Practice? The ancients blamed all sorts of medical problems on demons: headaches? stomach pain? eye infection? They would say a demon caused it. But why associated demons with medicine?This show is funded by generous supporters on Patreon. Please consider donating at www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryAndrew's religious studies book recommendations: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 17 Sep 2026 13:42:30 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast The ancients blamed all sorts of medical problems on demons: headaches? stomach pain? eye infection? They would say a demon caused it. But why associated demons with medicine?This show is funded by generous supporters on Patreon. Please consider donating at www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryAndrew's religious studies book recommendations: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The ancients blamed all sorts of medical problems on demons: headaches? stomach pain? eye infection? They would say a demon caused it. But why associated demons with medicine?

This show is funded by generous supporters on Patreon. Please consider donating at www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast

Facebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast
Twitter: @andrewmarkhenry

Andrew's religious studies book recommendations: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast

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]]> 478 no Mars Hill Sermon Explained on Mars Hill In Acts 17, St. Paul famously stands on Mars Hill, or the Areopagus, to speak to a Greek crowd about Jesus. What is the historical context of this passage? Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comMusic: Kevin MacLeod http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 17 Sep 2026 13:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast In Acts 17, St. Paul famously stands on Mars Hill, or the Areopagus, to speak to a Greek crowd about Jesus. What is the historical context of this passage? Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comMusic: Kevin MacLeod http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In Acts 17, St. Paul famously stands on Mars Hill, or the Areopagus, to speak to a Greek crowd about Jesus. What is the historical context of this passage?

Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Twitter: @andrewmarkhenry
Facebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast
Blog: www.religionforbreakfast.com
Music: Kevin MacLeod
http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/

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]]> 306 no The Origins of Animal Sacrifice Animal sacrifice. It is one of humanity's oldest rituals. But how old? When did this ritual originate?Part 2: Ancient Greek Sacrifice: Why did they do it? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CuzOezP5ifI&lc=Ugx66NXtqNP2ZSZLWhx4AaABAgTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastAndrew's religious studies book recommendations: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfastRIP Dr. Jonathan Z. Smith. This episode was filmed before I was made aware of his death on Dec. 30th, 2017. His death is a loss to the entire discipline of religious studies, and we are indebted to his scholarship. The video that almost made me faint. Don't watch if you can't handle it. Watch it if you want to experience one of the most widespread rituals in human history: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwwKnkpB0rU&t=28sPhotograph attributions:Homolovi II ruins: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:HOMOLOVI_II.jpgMachu Picchu: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:80_-_Machu_Picchu_-_Juin_2009_-_edit.2.jpgReindeer herd: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Reindeer_Herd_on_Ikpek_Beach_(7726663570).jpgReconstruction of auroch hunt cave painting: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:A_reconstruction_of_the_aurochs_hunting_scene_in_the_mural..jpgFour horned altar: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0f/Tel_Be%27er_Sheva%2C_Altar_01.jpgGreco Roman sacrifice: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_ancient_Rome#/media/File:Stockholm_-_Antikengalerie_Opferszene.jpgBibliographyWalter Burkert, Homo Necans: The Anthropology of Ancient Greek Sacrificial Ritual and Myth. See especially p. 14 for the discussion of the mammoth skulls. https://books.google.com/books?id=pNGOeAh1780C&pg=PA14&lpg=PA14&dq=27+mammoth+skulls+circle&source=bl&ots=e7qOlg-aJY&sig=LonvXzvdDt0x_GCEe6c-k3ZIsKg&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjWwL3ysprRAhXCWCYKHQDrBZcQ6AEIPDAF#v=onepage&q=27%20mammoth%20skulls%20circle&f=falseJonathan Z. Smith, "The Domesticated Sacrifice," in Relation Religion: Essays in the Study of Religion. For an extensive discussion of the lamb burial at Catalhoyuk, see N. Russell and B.S. During, "Worthy is the Lamb: A Double Burial at Neolithic Catalhoyuk," Paleorient, vol. 32/1, p. 73-84. The reconstruction of the burial that I show comes from page 79 and is by John Gordon Swogger. I claim that my use of the image falls under Fair Use. https://www.academia.edu/151744/Worthy_is_the_lamb_A_double_burial_at_Neolithic_%C3%87atalh%C3%B6y%C3%BCk_Turkey_Nerissa Russell, Social Zooarchaeology: Humans and Animals in Prehistory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 17 Sep 2026 12:45:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Animal sacrifice. It is one of humanity's oldest rituals. But how old? When did this ritual originate?Part 2: Ancient Greek Sacrifice: Why did they do it? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CuzOezP5ifI&lc=Ugx66NXtqNP2ZSZLWhx4AaABAgTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastAndrew's religious studies book recommendations: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfastRIP Dr. Jonathan Z. Smith. This episode was filmed before I was made aware of his death on Dec. 30th, 2017. His death is a loss to the entire discipline of religious studies, and we are indebted to his scholarship. The video that almost made me faint. Don't watch if you can't handle it. Watch it if you want to experience one of the most widespread rituals in human history: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwwKnkpB0rU&t=28sPhotograph attributions:Homolovi II ruins: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:HOMOLOVI_II.jpgMachu Picchu: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:80_-_Machu_Picchu_-_Juin_2009_-_edit.2.jpgReindeer herd: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Reindeer_Herd_on_Ikpek_Beach_(7726663570).jpgReconstruction of auroch hunt cave painting: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:A_reconstruction_of_the_aurochs_hunting_scene_in_the_mural..jpgFour horned altar: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0f/Tel_Be%27er_Sheva%2C_Altar_01.jpgGreco Roman sacrifice: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_ancient_Rome#/media/File:Stockholm_-_Antikengalerie_Opferszene.jpgBibliographyWalter Burkert, Homo Necans: The Anthropology of Ancient Greek Sacrificial Ritual and Myth. See especially p. 14 for the discussion of the mammoth skulls. https://books.google.com/books?id=pNGOeAh1780C&pg=PA14&lpg=PA14&dq=27+mammoth+skulls+circle&source=bl&ots=e7qOlg-aJY&sig=LonvXzvdDt0x_GCEe6c-k3ZIsKg&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjWwL3ysprRAhXCWCYKHQDrBZcQ6AEIPDAF#v=onepage&q=27%20mammoth%20skulls%20circle&f=falseJonathan Z. Smith, "The Domesticated Sacrifice," in Relation Religion: Essays in the Study of Religion. For an extensive discussion of the lamb burial at Catalhoyuk, see N. Russell and B.S. During, "Worthy is the Lamb: A Double Burial at Neolithic Catalhoyuk," Paleorient, vol. 32/1, p. 73-84. The reconstruction of the burial that I show comes from page 79 and is by John Gordon Swogger. I claim that my use of the image falls under Fair Use. https://www.academia.edu/151744/Worthy_is_the_lamb_A_double_burial_at_Neolithic_%C3%87atalh%C3%B6y%C3%BCk_Turkey_Nerissa Russell, Social Zooarchaeology: Humans and Animals in Prehistory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Animal sacrifice. It is one of humanity's oldest rituals. But how old? When did this ritual originate?

Part 2: Ancient Greek Sacrifice: Why did they do it? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CuzOezP5ifI&lc=Ugx66NXtqNP2ZSZLWhx4AaABAg

Twitter: @andrewmarkhenry
Facebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast

Andrew's religious studies book recommendations: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast

RIP Dr. Jonathan Z. Smith. This episode was filmed before I was made aware of his death on Dec. 30th, 2017. His death is a loss to the entire discipline of religious studies, and we are indebted to his scholarship.

The video that almost made me faint. Don't watch if you can't handle it. Watch it if you want to experience one of the most widespread rituals in human history: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwwKnkpB0rU&t=28s

Photograph attributions:
Homolovi II ruins: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:HOMOLOVI_II.jpg

Machu Picchu: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:80_-_Machu_Picchu_-_Juin_2009_-_edit.2.jpg

Reindeer herd: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Reindeer_Herd_on_Ikpek_Beach_(7726663570).jpg

Reconstruction of auroch hunt cave painting: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:A_reconstruction_of_the_aurochs_hunting_scene_in_the_mural..jpg

Four horned altar: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0f/Tel_Be%27er_Sheva%2C_Altar_01.jpg

Greco Roman sacrifice: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_ancient_Rome#/media/File:Stockholm_-_Antikengalerie_Opferszene.jpg


Bibliography
Walter Burkert, Homo Necans: The Anthropology of Ancient Greek Sacrificial Ritual and Myth. See especially p. 14 for the discussion of the mammoth skulls. https://books.google.com/books?id=pNGOeAh1780C&pg=PA14&lpg=PA14&dq=27+mammoth+skulls+circle&source=bl&ots=e7qOlg-aJY&sig=LonvXzvdDt0x_GCEe6c-k3ZIsKg&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjWwL3ysprRAhXCWCYKHQDrBZcQ6AEIPDAF#v=onepage&q=27%20mammoth%20skulls%20circle&f=false

Jonathan Z. Smith, "The Domesticated Sacrifice," in Relation Religion: Essays in the Study of Religion.

For an extensive discussion of the lamb burial at Catalhoyuk, see N. Russell and B.S. During, "Worthy is the Lamb: A Double Burial at Neolithic Catalhoyuk," Paleorient, vol. 32/1, p. 73-84. The reconstruction of the burial that I show comes from page 79 and is by John Gordon Swogger. I claim that my use of the image falls under Fair Use. https://www.academia.edu/151744/Worthy_is_the_lamb_A_double_burial_at_Neolithic_%C3%87atalh%C3%B6y%C3%BCk_Turkey_

Nerissa Russell, Social Zooarchaeology: Humans and Animals in Prehistory

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]]> 572 no Who Were the Last Pagans of Europe? If Europe's "last pagans" sparked your curiosity, join other curious learners for an 8-week seminar exploring modern Pagan traditions with scholar Thorn Mooney: https://www.religiondepartment.com/contemporarypaganismEurope was supposedly Christian by the Middle Ages, but the reality is more complicated. From the Sámi in Fennoscandia to the Baltic countryside, sacred groves, sacrifices, and animist traditions survived into the modern era.00:00 Intro1:43 Who are these people groups?4:22 Unchristianized society, Christianization, creolization, syncretism14:48 Case Study: Estonian Paganism25:31 Why the slow Christianization in Estonia? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 17 Sep 2026 12:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast If Europe's "last pagans" sparked your curiosity, join other curious learners for an 8-week seminar exploring modern Pagan traditions with scholar Thorn Mooney: https://www.religiondepartment.com/contemporarypaganismEurope was supposedly Christian by the Middle Ages, but the reality is more complicated. From the Sámi in Fennoscandia to the Baltic countryside, sacred groves, sacrifices, and animist traditions survived into the modern era.00:00 Intro1:43 Who are these people groups?4:22 Unchristianized society, Christianization, creolization, syncretism14:48 Case Study: Estonian Paganism25:31 Why the slow Christianization in Estonia? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices If Europe's "last pagans" sparked your curiosity, join other curious learners for an 8-week seminar exploring modern Pagan traditions with scholar Thorn Mooney: https://www.religiondepartment.com/contemporarypaganism

Europe was supposedly Christian by the Middle Ages, but the reality is more complicated. From the Sámi in Fennoscandia to the Baltic countryside, sacred groves, sacrifices, and animist traditions survived into the modern era.

00:00 Intro
1:43 Who are these people groups?
4:22 Unchristianized society, Christianization, creolization, syncretism
14:48 Case Study: Estonian Paganism
25:31 Why the slow Christianization in Estonia?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 2216 no Holi Explained | The Hindu Festival of Colors Use code RFBINCOGNI at the link below to get an exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan: https://incogni.com/rfbincogni.Holi, the Hindu festival of colors, celebrates love, spring, and the victory of good over evil. But its meaning is deeper than just throwing bright powders.Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 17 Sep 2026 11:47:30 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Use code RFBINCOGNI at the link below to get an exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan: https://incogni.com/rfbincogni.Holi, the Hindu festival of colors, celebrates love, spring, and the victory of good over evil. But its meaning is deeper than just throwing bright powders.Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Use code RFBINCOGNI at the link below to get an exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan: https://incogni.com/rfbincogni.

Holi, the Hindu festival of colors, celebrates love, spring, and the victory of good over evil. But its meaning is deeper than just throwing bright powders.

Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters

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]]> 1365 no What is Atheism? Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastThis video was made possible through the support of Grant 61928 from the John Templeton Foundation managed by The Queen’s University of Belfast. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the John Templeton Foundation or The Queen’s University of Belfast. Production Team:Producers: Andrew Aghapour, Andrew HenryWriters: Rachel Carbonara, Andrew Henry, Evan StewartConsultant Scholar: Hugh TurpinEditor: Lachlan DavisProduction Assistant: Casey A'HearnThumbnail art by @hotcyder Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters00:00 Intro1:25 Complicating the basic definition6:20 Diversity of atheism and nonreligion8:03 Atheism as a worldview and identity11:59 More on Atheism as a social identity15:34 Patreon plug Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 17 Sep 2026 11:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastThis video was made possible through the support of Grant 61928 from the John Templeton Foundation managed by The Queen’s University of Belfast. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the John Templeton Foundation or The Queen’s University of Belfast. Production Team:Producers: Andrew Aghapour, Andrew HenryWriters: Rachel Carbonara, Andrew Henry, Evan StewartConsultant Scholar: Hugh TurpinEditor: Lachlan DavisProduction Assistant: Casey A'HearnThumbnail art by @hotcyder Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters00:00 Intro1:25 Complicating the basic definition6:20 Diversity of atheism and nonreligion8:03 Atheism as a worldview and identity11:59 More on Atheism as a social identity15:34 Patreon plug Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast

This video was made possible through the support of Grant 61928 from the John Templeton Foundation managed by The Queen’s University of Belfast. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the John Templeton Foundation or The Queen’s University of Belfast.

Production Team:
Producers: Andrew Aghapour, Andrew Henry
Writers: Rachel Carbonara, Andrew Henry, Evan Stewart
Consultant Scholar: Hugh Turpin
Editor: Lachlan Davis
Production Assistant: Casey A'Hearn


Thumbnail art by @hotcyder
Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters

00:00 Intro
1:25 Complicating the basic definition
6:20 Diversity of atheism and nonreligion
8:03 Atheism as a worldview and identity
11:59 More on Atheism as a social identity
15:34 Patreon plug

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]]> 1488 no How Japanese Religion Influenced Pokémon Most people know that Pokémon is a Japanese video game, but did you know that many Pokémon designs were influenced by Japanese religion, mythology, and folklore? If you look closely, you can see Shintoism and Buddhism throughout the entire franchise. This show is funded by generous fans like you! Check out our Patreon campaign if you would like to support us too: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast One-time donations can be sent to: paypal.me/religionforbreakfastFollow me on Twitter @andrewmarkhenryFacebook at: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastBibliography: Karen Ann Smyers (1999). The Fox and the Jewel: Shared and Private Meanings in Contemporary Japanese Inari Worship. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press.Michael Dylan Foster, "The Book of Yokai: Mysterious Creatures of Japanese Folklore, " 2015Michael Dylan Foster, "Pandemonium and Parade: Japanese Monsters and the Culture of Yokai," 2009Helen Hardacre, "Shinto: A History," 2017Most photographs and video from Japan was shot by my brother EC Henry. Check out his channel at https://www.youtube.com/echenry Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 17 Sep 2026 10:50:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Most people know that Pokémon is a Japanese video game, but did you know that many Pokémon designs were influenced by Japanese religion, mythology, and folklore? If you look closely, you can see Shintoism and Buddhism throughout the entire franchise. This show is funded by generous fans like you! Check out our Patreon campaign if you would like to support us too: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast One-time donations can be sent to: paypal.me/religionforbreakfastFollow me on Twitter @andrewmarkhenryFacebook at: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastBibliography: Karen Ann Smyers (1999). The Fox and the Jewel: Shared and Private Meanings in Contemporary Japanese Inari Worship. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press.Michael Dylan Foster, "The Book of Yokai: Mysterious Creatures of Japanese Folklore, " 2015Michael Dylan Foster, "Pandemonium and Parade: Japanese Monsters and the Culture of Yokai," 2009Helen Hardacre, "Shinto: A History," 2017Most photographs and video from Japan was shot by my brother EC Henry. Check out his channel at https://www.youtube.com/echenry Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Most people know that Pokémon is a Japanese video game, but did you know that many Pokémon designs were influenced by Japanese religion, mythology, and folklore? If you look closely, you can see Shintoism and Buddhism throughout the entire franchise.

This show is funded by generous fans like you! Check out our Patreon campaign if you would like to support us too: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast

One-time donations can be sent to: paypal.me/religionforbreakfast

Follow me on Twitter @andrewmarkhenry
Facebook at: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast

Bibliography:
Karen Ann Smyers (1999). The Fox and the Jewel: Shared and Private Meanings in Contemporary Japanese Inari Worship. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press.

Michael Dylan Foster, "The Book of Yokai: Mysterious Creatures of Japanese Folklore, " 2015

Michael Dylan Foster, "Pandemonium and Parade: Japanese Monsters and the Culture of Yokai," 2009

Helen Hardacre, "Shinto: A History," 2017

Most photographs and video from Japan was shot by my brother EC Henry. Check out his channel at https://www.youtube.com/echenry

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 550 no The Didache | Another Book That Almost Made It Into the Bible? Use code RFBINCOGNI at the link below to get an exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan: https://incogni.com/rfbincogni.Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and ReutersThe Didache is one of the most ancient Christian texts...possibly even predating some of the books in the New Testament! It gives us an unparalleled glimpse into the social dynamics of early Christian churches. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 17 Sep 2026 10:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Use code RFBINCOGNI at the link below to get an exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan: https://incogni.com/rfbincogni.Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and ReutersThe Didache is one of the most ancient Christian texts...possibly even predating some of the books in the New Testament! It gives us an unparalleled glimpse into the social dynamics of early Christian churches. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Use code RFBINCOGNI at the link below to get an exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan: https://incogni.com/rfbincogni.

Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters

The Didache is one of the most ancient Christian texts...possibly even predating some of the books in the New Testament! It gives us an unparalleled glimpse into the social dynamics of early Christian churches.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1392 no What is Diwali? Get Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfastWatch Cogito here: https://nebula.tv/videos/cogito-yt-what-is-hinduism?ref=religionforbreakfastJoin our Patreon community!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastOne-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastSign-up for my classes list to be notified of online classes: https://classes.religionforbreakfast.com/Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is the festival of lights. It is celebrated mostly by Hindus, but many Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists recognize Diwali as well. The festival symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.00:00 The Basics: When and what?2:49 Day 1: Dhanteras3:18 Day 2: Choti Diwali / Naraka Chaturdashi4:17 Day 3: Lakshmi Puja5:44 Day 4: Govardhan Puja / Annakut / Bali Pratipada7:37 Day 5: Bhai Dooj7:47 Diversity of Practice9:49 Diwali Outside of Hinduism10:26 Origins and Mythological Narratives12:35 Diwali Outside of IndiaSelect images courtesy of Getty Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 17 Sep 2026 09:53:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Get Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfastWatch Cogito here: https://nebula.tv/videos/cogito-yt-what-is-hinduism?ref=religionforbreakfastJoin our Patreon community!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastOne-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastSign-up for my classes list to be notified of online classes: https://classes.religionforbreakfast.com/Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is the festival of lights. It is celebrated mostly by Hindus, but many Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists recognize Diwali as well. The festival symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.00:00 The Basics: When and what?2:49 Day 1: Dhanteras3:18 Day 2: Choti Diwali / Naraka Chaturdashi4:17 Day 3: Lakshmi Puja5:44 Day 4: Govardhan Puja / Annakut / Bali Pratipada7:37 Day 5: Bhai Dooj7:47 Diversity of Practice9:49 Diwali Outside of Hinduism10:26 Origins and Mythological Narratives12:35 Diwali Outside of IndiaSelect images courtesy of Getty Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Get Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast

Watch Cogito here: https://nebula.tv/videos/cogito-yt-what-is-hinduism?ref=religionforbreakfast

Join our Patreon community!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
One-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfast
Sign-up for my classes list to be notified of online classes: https://classes.religionforbreakfast.com/

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is the festival of lights. It is celebrated mostly by Hindus, but many Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists recognize Diwali as well. The festival symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.

00:00 The Basics: When and what?
2:49 Day 1: Dhanteras
3:18 Day 2: Choti Diwali / Naraka Chaturdashi
4:17 Day 3: Lakshmi Puja
5:44 Day 4: Govardhan Puja / Annakut / Bali Pratipada
7:37 Day 5: Bhai Dooj
7:47 Diversity of Practice
9:49 Diwali Outside of Hinduism
10:26 Origins and Mythological Narratives
12:35 Diwali Outside of India

Select images courtesy of Getty

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1224 no Who Is Satan in Islam? | Iblis Explained Watch my interview with Dr. Ali Olomi on Nebula!: https://nebula.tv/videos/religionforbreakfast-what-are-jinn-interview-with-dr-ali-olomi?ref=religionforbreakfast Get Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast In Islam, Satan isn’t a fallen angel—but a jinn named Iblīs. This video explores his story in the Qurʾān, his role as tempter and adversary, and how scholars and mystics have interpreted him for over 1,400 years. Who is the Devil in Islam?Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters00:00 Intro to Iblis the Adversary3:48 The Quranic Story of Iblis8:07 What is Iblis?12:42 Later Mystical and Philosophical Interpretations14:49 Folklore16:32 Nebula is awesome Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 17 Sep 2026 09:52:30 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Watch my interview with Dr. Ali Olomi on Nebula!: https://nebula.tv/videos/religionforbreakfast-what-are-jinn-interview-with-dr-ali-olomi?ref=religionforbreakfast Get Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast In Islam, Satan isn’t a fallen angel—but a jinn named Iblīs. This video explores his story in the Qurʾān, his role as tempter and adversary, and how scholars and mystics have interpreted him for over 1,400 years. Who is the Devil in Islam?Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters00:00 Intro to Iblis the Adversary3:48 The Quranic Story of Iblis8:07 What is Iblis?12:42 Later Mystical and Philosophical Interpretations14:49 Folklore16:32 Nebula is awesome Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Watch my interview with Dr. Ali Olomi on Nebula!: https://nebula.tv/videos/religionforbreakfast-what-are-jinn-interview-with-dr-ali-olomi?ref=religionforbreakfast
Get Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast

In Islam, Satan isn’t a fallen angel—but a jinn named Iblīs. This video explores his story in the Qurʾān, his role as tempter and adversary, and how scholars and mystics have interpreted him for over 1,400 years. Who is the Devil in Islam?

Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters

00:00 Intro to Iblis the Adversary
3:48 The Quranic Story of Iblis
8:07 What is Iblis?
12:42 Later Mystical and Philosophical Interpretations
14:49 Folklore
16:32 Nebula is awesome

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1484 no Why is Christmas on December 25th? Everyone assumes that early Church authorities chose December 25th for Christmas to coincide with the already popular Roman holiday of Saturnalia. This may have some basis in reality, but there is another theory: That Christians believed Jesus was conceived and died on the same day (sometime in March or April). When you calculate 9 months forward from that purported day of conception, you get December 25th or January 6th. For more reading, see: http://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/biblical-topics/new-testament/how-december-25-became-christmas/Twitter: @andrewmarkhenryBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comMusic: Kevin MacLeod incompetech.comGraphic Design: Chris Maghintay, http://www.chrismaghintay.com/Animation: EC Henry, www.echenry.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 17 Sep 2026 09:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Everyone assumes that early Church authorities chose December 25th for Christmas to coincide with the already popular Roman holiday of Saturnalia. This may have some basis in reality, but there is another theory: That Christians believed Jesus was conceived and died on the same day (sometime in March or April). When you calculate 9 months forward from that purported day of conception, you get December 25th or January 6th. For more reading, see: http://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/biblical-topics/new-testament/how-december-25-became-christmas/Twitter: @andrewmarkhenryBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comMusic: Kevin MacLeod incompetech.comGraphic Design: Chris Maghintay, http://www.chrismaghintay.com/Animation: EC Henry, www.echenry.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Everyone assumes that early Church authorities chose December 25th for Christmas to coincide with the already popular Roman holiday of Saturnalia. This may have some basis in reality, but there is another theory: That Christians believed Jesus was conceived and died on the same day (sometime in March or April). When you calculate 9 months forward from that purported day of conception, you get December 25th or January 6th.

For more reading, see: http://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/biblical-topics/new-testament/how-december-25-became-christmas/

Twitter: @andrewmarkhenry
Blog: www.religionforbreakfast.com

Music: Kevin MacLeod incompetech.com
Graphic Design: Chris Maghintay, http://www.chrismaghintay.com/
Animation: EC Henry, www.echenry.com

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]]> 699 no Korean Shamanism Explained Get Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfastKorean Shamanism (Musok) is a dynamic religious tradition rooted in spirit mediation, ritual healing, and ancestral veneration.Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters00:00 Basic overview1:25 What is Shamanism?5:46 Shamanic Deities Explained7:38 Who are the shamans?12:40 Shamanism in Korea's religious landscape14:25 Why the stigma?18:26 Korean Shamanism in the 21st c.21:37 Sign up for Nebula! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 17 Sep 2026 08:55:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Get Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfastKorean Shamanism (Musok) is a dynamic religious tradition rooted in spirit mediation, ritual healing, and ancestral veneration.Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters00:00 Basic overview1:25 What is Shamanism?5:46 Shamanic Deities Explained7:38 Who are the shamans?12:40 Shamanism in Korea's religious landscape14:25 Why the stigma?18:26 Korean Shamanism in the 21st c.21:37 Sign up for Nebula! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Get Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast

Korean Shamanism (Musok) is a dynamic religious tradition rooted in spirit mediation, ritual healing, and ancestral veneration.

Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters

00:00 Basic overview
1:25 What is Shamanism?
5:46 Shamanic Deities Explained
7:38 Who are the shamans?
12:40 Shamanism in Korea's religious landscape
14:25 Why the stigma?
18:26 Korean Shamanism in the 21st c.
21:37 Sign up for Nebula!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1812 no Why did the Romans Persecute Christians? It is common knowledge that the Romans killed Christians in the first few centuries of the new religion's history. But we don't often ask why. What was it about Christianity that made the Romans want to persecute it?Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.com Music: Kevin MacLeodFurther Reading:Beard, Mary. Religions of Rome. (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1998).Moss, Candida. The Myth of Persecution. (HarperCollins, 2013). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 17 Sep 2026 08:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast It is common knowledge that the Romans killed Christians in the first few centuries of the new religion's history. But we don't often ask why. What was it about Christianity that made the Romans want to persecute it?Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.com Music: Kevin MacLeodFurther Reading:Beard, Mary. Religions of Rome. (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1998).Moss, Candida. The Myth of Persecution. (HarperCollins, 2013). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices It is common knowledge that the Romans killed Christians in the first few centuries of the new religion's history. But we don't often ask why. What was it about Christianity that made the Romans want to persecute it?

Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Twitter: @andrewmarkhenry
Blog: www.religionforbreakfast.com
Music: Kevin MacLeod

Further Reading:
Beard, Mary. Religions of Rome. (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1998).
Moss, Candida. The Myth of Persecution. (HarperCollins, 2013).

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 663 no Does Humanity Still Believe in Magic? As far as science and technology goes, the 21st century is an exciting time to be alive. We are curing more and more diseases. We are developing better and better space travel. Some see these advances as evidence that religion and magic are losing their influence on society. Magic especially has been viewed as a debunked "proto-science" with little credibility in modernity. But sociological data suggests that many humans still practice and believe in magic. Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewmarkhenry/Check out the Myth of Disenchantment here: https://amzn.to/2sTnwDxI have collated more of my favorite books here: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfastSources:Jason Josephson-Storm, "The Myth of Disenchantment"The Atlantic, "The New Age of Astrology,”: https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2018/01/the-new-age-of-astrology/550034/WBUR, For Millenials, Astrology is on the Rise: http://www.wbur.org/onpoint/2018/01/18/for-millennials-astrology-is-on-the-risePew Research, Is God Dead?: http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2016/04/07/is-god-dead-no-but-belief-has-declined-slightly/ Psychic Service Industry research: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ibisworld-industry-market-research-the-us-psychic-services-industry-is-expected-to-earn-revenue-of-21-billion-in-2016-300383816.htmlhttp://www.businessinsider.com/professionals-turn-to-psychics-in-uncertain-economy-2013-11Images:Alchemical writings: https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?search=newton+alchemy&title=Special:Search&go=Go&searchToken=83va3mytrl3rl1kz1jdm8fo1f#/media/File:Isaac_Newton_alchemical_manuscript_page_AQ17_(2).jpgSeance image: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spiritualism#/media/File:Helen_Duncan_fake_ectoplasm.jpg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 17 Sep 2026 07:57:30 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast As far as science and technology goes, the 21st century is an exciting time to be alive. We are curing more and more diseases. We are developing better and better space travel. Some see these advances as evidence that religion and magic are losing their influence on society. Magic especially has been viewed as a debunked "proto-science" with little credibility in modernity. But sociological data suggests that many humans still practice and believe in magic. Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewmarkhenry/Check out the Myth of Disenchantment here: https://amzn.to/2sTnwDxI have collated more of my favorite books here: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfastSources:Jason Josephson-Storm, "The Myth of Disenchantment"The Atlantic, "The New Age of Astrology,”: https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2018/01/the-new-age-of-astrology/550034/WBUR, For Millenials, Astrology is on the Rise: http://www.wbur.org/onpoint/2018/01/18/for-millennials-astrology-is-on-the-risePew Research, Is God Dead?: http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2016/04/07/is-god-dead-no-but-belief-has-declined-slightly/ Psychic Service Industry research: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ibisworld-industry-market-research-the-us-psychic-services-industry-is-expected-to-earn-revenue-of-21-billion-in-2016-300383816.htmlhttp://www.businessinsider.com/professionals-turn-to-psychics-in-uncertain-economy-2013-11Images:Alchemical writings: https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?search=newton+alchemy&title=Special:Search&go=Go&searchToken=83va3mytrl3rl1kz1jdm8fo1f#/media/File:Isaac_Newton_alchemical_manuscript_page_AQ17_(2).jpgSeance image: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spiritualism#/media/File:Helen_Duncan_fake_ectoplasm.jpg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices As far as science and technology goes, the 21st century is an exciting time to be alive. We are curing more and more diseases. We are developing better and better space travel. Some see these advances as evidence that religion and magic are losing their influence on society. Magic especially has been viewed as a debunked "proto-science" with little credibility in modernity. But sociological data suggests that many humans still practice and believe in magic.

Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Facebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast
Twitter: @andrewmarkhenry
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewmarkhenry/

Check out the Myth of Disenchantment here: https://amzn.to/2sTnwDx

I have collated more of my favorite books here: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast

Sources:

Jason Josephson-Storm, "The Myth of Disenchantment"

The Atlantic, "The New Age of Astrology,”: https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2018/01/the-new-age-of-astrology/550034/

WBUR, For Millenials, Astrology is on the Rise: http://www.wbur.org/onpoint/2018/01/18/for-millennials-astrology-is-on-the-rise

Pew Research, Is God Dead?: http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2016/04/07/is-god-dead-no-but-belief-has-declined-slightly/

Psychic Service Industry research: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ibisworld-industry-market-research-the-us-psychic-services-industry-is-expected-to-earn-revenue-of-21-billion-in-2016-300383816.html

http://www.businessinsider.com/professionals-turn-to-psychics-in-uncertain-economy-2013-11

Images:

Alchemical writings: https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?search=newton+alchemy&title=Special:Search&go=Go&searchToken=83va3mytrl3rl1kz1jdm8fo1f#/media/File:Isaac_Newton_alchemical_manuscript_page_AQ17_(2).jpg


Seance image: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spiritualism#/media/File:Helen_Duncan_fake_ectoplasm.jpg

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 693 no The Egyptian Goddess that Rome Adopted Watch Dr. Angela Puca's video here! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIv8px318gw&ab_channel=Angela%27sSymposiumSupport us on Patreon!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastThumbnail art by @hotcyder Bibliography:Birgitte Bøgh, "Beyond Nock: From Adhesion to Conversion in the Mystery Cults," History of Religions, Vol. 54, No. 3 (Feb 2015), 260-287.John Kloppenborg, "Rethinking Nock on Conversion," in "Celebrating Arthur Darby Nock," 2021.Giulia Gasparro, "The Hellenistic face of Isis: Cosmic and Saviour Goddess," in "Nile into Tiber" edited by Bricault et. al. 2007.Molly Swetnam-Burland, "Egyptian objects, Roman contexts: A taste for aegyptiaca in Italy," in "Nile into Tiber" edited by Bricault et. al. 2007.Jaime Alvar, "Romanising Oriental Gods," Brill: 2008.Jan Bremmer, "Initiation into the Mysteries of the Ancient World," De Gruyter: 2014.00:00 Intro1:14 Goddess Isis in Egypt2:30 Intro to Mystery Cults4:24 The Mystery Cult of Isis6:08 Isis: A Cosmic and Savior God8:55 Isaic Rituals12:45 Conversion and Mystery Cults16:17 Patreon PitchSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 17 Sep 2026 07:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Watch Dr. Angela Puca's video here! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIv8px318gw&ab_channel=Angela%27sSymposiumSupport us on Patreon!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastThumbnail art by @hotcyder Bibliography:Birgitte Bøgh, "Beyond Nock: From Adhesion to Conversion in the Mystery Cults," History of Religions, Vol. 54, No. 3 (Feb 2015), 260-287.John Kloppenborg, "Rethinking Nock on Conversion," in "Celebrating Arthur Darby Nock," 2021.Giulia Gasparro, "The Hellenistic face of Isis: Cosmic and Saviour Goddess," in "Nile into Tiber" edited by Bricault et. al. 2007.Molly Swetnam-Burland, "Egyptian objects, Roman contexts: A taste for aegyptiaca in Italy," in "Nile into Tiber" edited by Bricault et. al. 2007.Jaime Alvar, "Romanising Oriental Gods," Brill: 2008.Jan Bremmer, "Initiation into the Mysteries of the Ancient World," De Gruyter: 2014.00:00 Intro1:14 Goddess Isis in Egypt2:30 Intro to Mystery Cults4:24 The Mystery Cult of Isis6:08 Isis: A Cosmic and Savior God8:55 Isaic Rituals12:45 Conversion and Mystery Cults16:17 Patreon PitchSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Watch Dr. Angela Puca's video here! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIv8px318gw&ab_channel=Angela%27sSymposium

Support us on Patreon!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast

Thumbnail art by @hotcyder

Bibliography:
Birgitte Bøgh, "Beyond Nock: From Adhesion to Conversion in the Mystery Cults," History of Religions, Vol. 54, No. 3 (Feb 2015), 260-287.
John Kloppenborg, "Rethinking Nock on Conversion," in "Celebrating Arthur Darby Nock," 2021.
Giulia Gasparro, "The Hellenistic face of Isis: Cosmic and Saviour Goddess," in "Nile into Tiber" edited by Bricault et. al. 2007.
Molly Swetnam-Burland, "Egyptian objects, Roman contexts: A taste for aegyptiaca in Italy," in "Nile into Tiber" edited by Bricault et. al. 2007.
Jaime Alvar, "Romanising Oriental Gods," Brill: 2008.
Jan Bremmer, "Initiation into the Mysteries of the Ancient World," De Gruyter: 2014.

00:00 Intro
1:14 Goddess Isis in Egypt
2:30 Intro to Mystery Cults
4:24 The Mystery Cult of Isis
6:08 Isis: A Cosmic and Savior God
8:55 Isaic Rituals
12:45 Conversion and Mystery Cults
16:17 Patreon Pitch

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]]> 1569 no How I Became a Religious Studies Researcher Inspired by Simon Clark's call for his subscribers to post "How I Became a Researcher" videos, I'm posting a short biographical sketch of my journey from a history Bachelors student to a religious studies PhD candidate. Hope you enjoy!Support the show over at https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast Simon Clark's Vid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOhyZ8FYCmw&t=165sCuneiform Digital Library Initiative: http://cdli.ucla.edu/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 17 Sep 2026 07:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Inspired by Simon Clark's call for his subscribers to post "How I Became a Researcher" videos, I'm posting a short biographical sketch of my journey from a history Bachelors student to a religious studies PhD candidate. Hope you enjoy!Support the show over at https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast Simon Clark's Vid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOhyZ8FYCmw&t=165sCuneiform Digital Library Initiative: http://cdli.ucla.edu/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Inspired by Simon Clark's call for his subscribers to post "How I Became a Researcher" videos, I'm posting a short biographical sketch of my journey from a history Bachelors student to a religious studies PhD candidate. Hope you enjoy!

Support the show over at https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast

Simon Clark's Vid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOhyZ8FYCmw&t=165s

Cuneiform Digital Library Initiative: http://cdli.ucla.edu/

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]]> 599 no Jerusalem Syndrome: Real or Not? Lots of people have heard of Jerusalem Syndrome...the phenomenon of tourists suddenly having religiously-themed psychotic episodes upon visiting Jerusalem. But is this a real mental condition?Support the show on Patreon!: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastFollow on Twitter: @andrewmarkhenryFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastInsta: https://www.instagram.com/andrewmarkhenry/Sources:Louise Howard (ed.), Kalian and Witztum, "Comments on Jerusalem Syndrome." British Journal of Psychiatry (2000) 176Moshe Kalian and Eliezer Witztum, “Jerusalem Syndrome as reflected in the pilgrimage and biographies of four extraordinary women from the 14th century to the end of the second millennium.” Mental Health, Religion and Culture, Vol. 5, No. 1, 2002. Yair Bar-El et. al. “Jerusalem Syndrome,” British Journal of Psychiatry, (2000), 176, 86-90.Samson episode: http://www.nytimes.com/1992/05/13/world/what-makes-samson-run-amok-he-s-manic-in-jerusalem.htmlMoshe Kalian and Eliezer Witztum, "The management of Pilgrims with Malevolent Behavior in a Holy Space: A study of Jerusalem Syndrome,” chapter 8 in Maria Leppakari et. al. (eds.) Pilgrimage and Tourism to Holy Cities: Ideological and Management Perspectives 2017 Tourist Figures: http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/More-tourists-visit-Israel-in-2017-thaa-ever-before-522665 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 17 Sep 2026 06:02:30 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Lots of people have heard of Jerusalem Syndrome...the phenomenon of tourists suddenly having religiously-themed psychotic episodes upon visiting Jerusalem. But is this a real mental condition?Support the show on Patreon!: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastFollow on Twitter: @andrewmarkhenryFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastInsta: https://www.instagram.com/andrewmarkhenry/Sources:Louise Howard (ed.), Kalian and Witztum, "Comments on Jerusalem Syndrome." British Journal of Psychiatry (2000) 176Moshe Kalian and Eliezer Witztum, “Jerusalem Syndrome as reflected in the pilgrimage and biographies of four extraordinary women from the 14th century to the end of the second millennium.” Mental Health, Religion and Culture, Vol. 5, No. 1, 2002. Yair Bar-El et. al. “Jerusalem Syndrome,” British Journal of Psychiatry, (2000), 176, 86-90.Samson episode: http://www.nytimes.com/1992/05/13/world/what-makes-samson-run-amok-he-s-manic-in-jerusalem.htmlMoshe Kalian and Eliezer Witztum, "The management of Pilgrims with Malevolent Behavior in a Holy Space: A study of Jerusalem Syndrome,” chapter 8 in Maria Leppakari et. al. (eds.) Pilgrimage and Tourism to Holy Cities: Ideological and Management Perspectives 2017 Tourist Figures: http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/More-tourists-visit-Israel-in-2017-thaa-ever-before-522665 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Lots of people have heard of Jerusalem Syndrome...the phenomenon of tourists suddenly having religiously-themed psychotic episodes upon visiting Jerusalem. But is this a real mental condition?

Support the show on Patreon!: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Follow on Twitter: @andrewmarkhenry
Facebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/andrewmarkhenry/

Sources:
Louise Howard (ed.), Kalian and Witztum, "Comments on Jerusalem Syndrome." British Journal of Psychiatry (2000) 176

Moshe Kalian and Eliezer Witztum, “Jerusalem Syndrome as reflected in the pilgrimage and biographies of four extraordinary women from the 14th century to the end of the second millennium.” Mental Health, Religion and Culture, Vol. 5, No. 1, 2002.

Yair Bar-El et. al. “Jerusalem Syndrome,” British Journal of Psychiatry, (2000), 176, 86-90.

Samson episode: http://www.nytimes.com/1992/05/13/world/what-makes-samson-run-amok-he-s-manic-in-jerusalem.html

Moshe Kalian and Eliezer Witztum, "The management of Pilgrims with Malevolent Behavior in a Holy Space: A study of Jerusalem Syndrome,” chapter 8 in Maria Leppakari et. al. (eds.) Pilgrimage and Tourism to Holy Cities: Ideological and Management Perspectives

2017 Tourist Figures: http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/More-tourists-visit-Israel-in-2017-thaa-ever-before-522665

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 333 no The Dalai Lama Explained: The Last Lama? The Dalai Lama, the spiritual and [formerly] political leader of the Tibetan people. But what even is the Dalai Lama? And if he gets his way, will he be the last one?Check out Step Back History's video "What do Buddhists Believe?" for an overview!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8m8ur_tE1oBecome a member of our Patreon community!: https://patreon.com/religionforbreakfastYou can also donate to the show at: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastFor religious studies book recommendations, see: https://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfastFollow me on:Twitter @andrewmarkhenrywww.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastBibliography:BBC: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-30510018NYT Magazine: https://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/06/magazine/the-last-dalai-lama.htmlIntroduction to Tibetan Buddhism: https://books.google.com/books?id=cy980CH84mEC&printsec=frontcover&dq=intro+to+tibetan+buddhism&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiH0bCb0svgAhWDZd8KHfbCDX0QuwUILTAA#v=onepage&q=reincarnation&f=falseDalai Lama's address on his reincarnation: https://www.dalailama.com/messages/retirement-and-reincarnation/reincarnation Chinese Government Spokesperson on the Dalai Lama's succession: https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/xwfw_665399/s2510_665401/t1465639.shtml Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 17 Sep 2026 06:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast The Dalai Lama, the spiritual and [formerly] political leader of the Tibetan people. But what even is the Dalai Lama? And if he gets his way, will he be the last one?Check out Step Back History's video "What do Buddhists Believe?" for an overview!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8m8ur_tE1oBecome a member of our Patreon community!: https://patreon.com/religionforbreakfastYou can also donate to the show at: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastFor religious studies book recommendations, see: https://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfastFollow me on:Twitter @andrewmarkhenrywww.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastBibliography:BBC: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-30510018NYT Magazine: https://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/06/magazine/the-last-dalai-lama.htmlIntroduction to Tibetan Buddhism: https://books.google.com/books?id=cy980CH84mEC&printsec=frontcover&dq=intro+to+tibetan+buddhism&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiH0bCb0svgAhWDZd8KHfbCDX0QuwUILTAA#v=onepage&q=reincarnation&f=falseDalai Lama's address on his reincarnation: https://www.dalailama.com/messages/retirement-and-reincarnation/reincarnation Chinese Government Spokesperson on the Dalai Lama's succession: https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/xwfw_665399/s2510_665401/t1465639.shtml Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The Dalai Lama, the spiritual and [formerly] political leader of the Tibetan people. But what even is the Dalai Lama? And if he gets his way, will he be the last one?

Check out Step Back History's video "What do Buddhists Believe?" for an overview!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8m8ur_tE1o

Become a member of our Patreon community!: https://patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
You can also donate to the show at: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfast
For religious studies book recommendations, see: https://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast

Follow me on:
Twitter @andrewmarkhenry
www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast

Bibliography:
BBC: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-30510018
NYT Magazine: https://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/06/magazine/the-last-dalai-lama.html
Introduction to Tibetan Buddhism: https://books.google.com/books?id=cy980CH84mEC&printsec=frontcover&dq=intro+to+tibetan+buddhism&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiH0bCb0svgAhWDZd8KHfbCDX0QuwUILTAA#v=onepage&q=reincarnation&f=false

Dalai Lama's address on his reincarnation: https://www.dalailama.com/messages/retirement-and-reincarnation/reincarnation

Chinese Government Spokesperson on the Dalai Lama's succession: https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/xwfw_665399/s2510_665401/t1465639.shtml

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 578 no What is the Hagia Sophia? Join our Patreon community!: https://patreon.com/religionforbreakfastOne-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastThe Hagia Sophia is a super famous building in Istanbul. Officially, at least according to the Turkish government, it is a museum. But it was originally built as a church and then was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453. So what is it? Church, mosque, or museum?Follow me on Twitter at: @andrewmarkhenryI'm a current fellow with the Foundation for Religious Literacy, a nonsectarian philanthropic organization dedicated to the academic study of religion. They are supporting my work on Religion for Breakfast during 2019-2020. Check out their work here: https://tfrl.org/Thumbnail photo credit: Arild VågenSources: Erdogan and converting back to mosque: https://www.apnews.com/9d7a4644abb04b9788c1ba37ec71c4ac ; https://www.reuters.com/article/us-turkey-election-museum/turkeys-erdogan-says-he-plans-to-change-hagia-sophias-title-from-museum-to-mosque-idUSKCN1RA1ZBStructural integrity of Hagia Sophia including Rob Ousterhout and Stephen Kelley quotes: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/a-monumental-struggle-to-preserve-hagia-sophia-92038218/Bissera Pentcheva, Hagia Sophia: Sound, Space, and Spirit in Byzantium (Pennsylvania State University Press, 2017)Eve Avdoulos, "Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia: Challenges of Managing Sacred Places" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 17 Sep 2026 05:05:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Join our Patreon community!: https://patreon.com/religionforbreakfastOne-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastThe Hagia Sophia is a super famous building in Istanbul. Officially, at least according to the Turkish government, it is a museum. But it was originally built as a church and then was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453. So what is it? Church, mosque, or museum?Follow me on Twitter at: @andrewmarkhenryI'm a current fellow with the Foundation for Religious Literacy, a nonsectarian philanthropic organization dedicated to the academic study of religion. They are supporting my work on Religion for Breakfast during 2019-2020. Check out their work here: https://tfrl.org/Thumbnail photo credit: Arild VågenSources: Erdogan and converting back to mosque: https://www.apnews.com/9d7a4644abb04b9788c1ba37ec71c4ac ; https://www.reuters.com/article/us-turkey-election-museum/turkeys-erdogan-says-he-plans-to-change-hagia-sophias-title-from-museum-to-mosque-idUSKCN1RA1ZBStructural integrity of Hagia Sophia including Rob Ousterhout and Stephen Kelley quotes: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/a-monumental-struggle-to-preserve-hagia-sophia-92038218/Bissera Pentcheva, Hagia Sophia: Sound, Space, and Spirit in Byzantium (Pennsylvania State University Press, 2017)Eve Avdoulos, "Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia: Challenges of Managing Sacred Places" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Join our Patreon community!: https://patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
One-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfast

The Hagia Sophia is a super famous building in Istanbul. Officially, at least according to the Turkish government, it is a museum. But it was originally built as a church and then was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453. So what is it? Church, mosque, or museum?

Follow me on Twitter at: @andrewmarkhenry

I'm a current fellow with the Foundation for Religious Literacy, a nonsectarian philanthropic organization dedicated to the academic study of religion. They are supporting my work on Religion for Breakfast during 2019-2020. Check out their work here: https://tfrl.org/

Thumbnail photo credit: Arild Vågen

Sources:
Erdogan and converting back to mosque: https://www.apnews.com/9d7a4644abb04b9788c1ba37ec71c4ac ; https://www.reuters.com/article/us-turkey-election-museum/turkeys-erdogan-says-he-plans-to-change-hagia-sophias-title-from-museum-to-mosque-idUSKCN1RA1ZB

Structural integrity of Hagia Sophia including Rob Ousterhout and Stephen Kelley quotes: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/a-monumental-struggle-to-preserve-hagia-sophia-92038218/

Bissera Pentcheva, Hagia Sophia: Sound, Space, and Spirit in Byzantium (Pennsylvania State University Press, 2017)

Eve Avdoulos, "Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia: Challenges of Managing Sacred Places"

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 624 no RFB: 2016 in Review! A lot has changed with Religion for Breakfast over the past 12 months. We are four times larger, our videos have been viewed over 100,000 times, and we continue to grow every day! Thank you everyone for supporting us! Thanks especially to our Patreon Patrons who have kept the channel afloat financially!~AndrewMy article on the Bulletin for the Study of Religion: http://bulletin.equinoxpub.com/2016/09/the-state-of-religious-studies-education-on-youtube/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 17 Sep 2026 05:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast A lot has changed with Religion for Breakfast over the past 12 months. We are four times larger, our videos have been viewed over 100,000 times, and we continue to grow every day! Thank you everyone for supporting us! Thanks especially to our Patreon Patrons who have kept the channel afloat financially!~AndrewMy article on the Bulletin for the Study of Religion: http://bulletin.equinoxpub.com/2016/09/the-state-of-religious-studies-education-on-youtube/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices A lot has changed with Religion for Breakfast over the past 12 months. We are four times larger, our videos have been viewed over 100,000 times, and we continue to grow every day! Thank you everyone for supporting us! Thanks especially to our Patreon Patrons who have kept the channel afloat financially!

~Andrew

My article on the Bulletin for the Study of Religion: http://bulletin.equinoxpub.com/2016/09/the-state-of-religious-studies-education-on-youtube/

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]]> 578 no Why Strict Religions Succeed Across cultures, religious communities that expect more from their members thrive (or religious communities in which members face greater consequences for leaving). Meanwhile, lenient religious groups struggle to maintain membership. Why is this? Wouldn't you assume most people would want to join the easiest religion? Recent research suggests that strict religions are sociologically and psychologically predisposed to succeed.Support Religion for Breakfast!:https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastpaypal.me/religionforbreakfastMy religious studies book recommendations: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfastFollow me on Twitter @andrewmarkhenrySources and Bibliography:Connor Wood, "Ritual Well-Being: Toward a Social Signaling Model of Religion and Mental Health," Religion, Brain, and Behavior, 7:3, 223-243, 2017.L. Iannaccone. “Why Strict churches are Strong,” American Journal of Sociology, 99 (5), 1180-1211. W. Irons (2011). “Religion as a Hard-to-Fake Sign of Commitment. In Evolution and the Capacity for Commitment, 290-309.D.M. Kelley (1972). Why Conservative Churches are Growing. New York: Harper and BrownMontserrat Soler, “Costly Signaling, ritual and cooperation: Evidence from Candomblé, an Afro-Brazilian Religion,” Evolution and Human Behavior, Volume 33, Issue 4, July 2012, 346-356. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.evolhumbehav.2011.11.004 / https://www.montclair.edu/profilepages/media/3203/user/Soler2012.pdfSosis and Ruffle (2004). Ideology, religion, and the evolution of cooperation: Field Experiments on Israeli Kibbutzim. Research in Economic Anthropology, 23, 89-117.W.J. Wildman and Sosis (2011). “Stability Groups with Costly Beliefs and Practices.” Journal of Artificial Societies and Social Simulation, 14 (3) 1-25. http://jasss.soc.surrey.ac.uk/14/3/6.htmlDimitris Xygatlatas, “Extreme Rituals Promote Prosociality,” Psychological Science, 24(8), 1602-1605, 2013.http://journals.sagepub.com.ezproxy.bu.edu/doi/10.1177/0956797612472910Vox article: “Mainline Churches are emptying. The political effects could be huge”: https://www.vox.com/the-big-idea/2017/7/14/15959682/evangelical-mainline-voting-patterns-trumpDefinition of Strict Church Theory: http://www.thearda.com/rrh/bestpracticescenter/theories/theory14.aspConnor Wood blog post: “Why is Liberal Protestantism Dying Anyway?": http://www.patheos.com/blogs/scienceonreligion/2013/07/why-is-liberal-protestantism-dying-anyway/Another Connor Wood blog post: “Religion Builds Self Control and Excludes Outsiders Simultaneously," http://www.patheos.com/blogs/scienceonreligion/2016/08/religion-builds-self-control-and-excludes-outsiders-simultaneously/UCC Stats: http://uccfiles.com/pdf/Summary-Stats-1955-2013.pdfComputer modeling: http://www.bu.edu/today/2017/what-computer-modeling-can-tell-us-about-religion/PC USA stats: https://www.firstthings.com/article/2008/08/001-the-death-of-protestant-america-a-political-theory-of-the-protestant-mainlinePCA stats: http://www.pcaac.org/resources/pca-statistics-five-year-summary/Amish stats: https://www.citylab.com/equity/2012/08/exploding-amish-population-bubble/2795/LDS stats: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Church_of_Jesus_Christ_of_Latter-day_Saints_membership_historyPicture Attribution:Amish buggy: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Amish_country.jpgBuggy and Car:https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Passing_Room_(8711992857).jpgCandomblé Priestesses: Antonio Milena, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candombl%C3%A9_Ketu#/media/File:Iyalorixas_da_Bahia-m%C3%A3e_Olga.jpeg Candomblé: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0b/Caetit%C3%A9_baianas.jpg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 17 Sep 2026 04:07:30 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Across cultures, religious communities that expect more from their members thrive (or religious communities in which members face greater consequences for leaving). Meanwhile, lenient religious groups struggle to maintain membership. Why is this? Wouldn't you assume most people would want to join the easiest religion? Recent research suggests that strict religions are sociologically and psychologically predisposed to succeed.Support Religion for Breakfast!:https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastpaypal.me/religionforbreakfastMy religious studies book recommendations: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfastFollow me on Twitter @andrewmarkhenrySources and Bibliography:Connor Wood, "Ritual Well-Being: Toward a Social Signaling Model of Religion and Mental Health," Religion, Brain, and Behavior, 7:3, 223-243, 2017.L. Iannaccone. “Why Strict churches are Strong,” American Journal of Sociology, 99 (5), 1180-1211. W. Irons (2011). “Religion as a Hard-to-Fake Sign of Commitment. In Evolution and the Capacity for Commitment, 290-309.D.M. Kelley (1972). Why Conservative Churches are Growing. New York: Harper and BrownMontserrat Soler, “Costly Signaling, ritual and cooperation: Evidence from Candomblé, an Afro-Brazilian Religion,” Evolution and Human Behavior, Volume 33, Issue 4, July 2012, 346-356. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.evolhumbehav.2011.11.004 / https://www.montclair.edu/profilepages/media/3203/user/Soler2012.pdfSosis and Ruffle (2004). Ideology, religion, and the evolution of cooperation: Field Experiments on Israeli Kibbutzim. Research in Economic Anthropology, 23, 89-117.W.J. Wildman and Sosis (2011). “Stability Groups with Costly Beliefs and Practices.” Journal of Artificial Societies and Social Simulation, 14 (3) 1-25. http://jasss.soc.surrey.ac.uk/14/3/6.htmlDimitris Xygatlatas, “Extreme Rituals Promote Prosociality,” Psychological Science, 24(8), 1602-1605, 2013.http://journals.sagepub.com.ezproxy.bu.edu/doi/10.1177/0956797612472910Vox article: “Mainline Churches are emptying. The political effects could be huge”: https://www.vox.com/the-big-idea/2017/7/14/15959682/evangelical-mainline-voting-patterns-trumpDefinition of Strict Church Theory: http://www.thearda.com/rrh/bestpracticescenter/theories/theory14.aspConnor Wood blog post: “Why is Liberal Protestantism Dying Anyway?": http://www.patheos.com/blogs/scienceonreligion/2013/07/why-is-liberal-protestantism-dying-anyway/Another Connor Wood blog post: “Religion Builds Self Control and Excludes Outsiders Simultaneously," http://www.patheos.com/blogs/scienceonreligion/2016/08/religion-builds-self-control-and-excludes-outsiders-simultaneously/UCC Stats: http://uccfiles.com/pdf/Summary-Stats-1955-2013.pdfComputer modeling: http://www.bu.edu/today/2017/what-computer-modeling-can-tell-us-about-religion/PC USA stats: https://www.firstthings.com/article/2008/08/001-the-death-of-protestant-america-a-political-theory-of-the-protestant-mainlinePCA stats: http://www.pcaac.org/resources/pca-statistics-five-year-summary/Amish stats: https://www.citylab.com/equity/2012/08/exploding-amish-population-bubble/2795/LDS stats: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Church_of_Jesus_Christ_of_Latter-day_Saints_membership_historyPicture Attribution:Amish buggy: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Amish_country.jpgBuggy and Car:https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Passing_Room_(8711992857).jpgCandomblé Priestesses: Antonio Milena, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candombl%C3%A9_Ketu#/media/File:Iyalorixas_da_Bahia-m%C3%A3e_Olga.jpeg Candomblé: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0b/Caetit%C3%A9_baianas.jpg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Across cultures, religious communities that expect more from their members thrive (or religious communities in which members face greater consequences for leaving). Meanwhile, lenient religious groups struggle to maintain membership. Why is this? Wouldn't you assume most people would want to join the easiest religion? Recent research suggests that strict religions are sociologically and psychologically predisposed to succeed.

Support Religion for Breakfast!:
https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
paypal.me/religionforbreakfast

My religious studies book recommendations: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast

Follow me on Twitter @andrewmarkhenry

Sources and Bibliography:

Connor Wood, "Ritual Well-Being: Toward a Social Signaling Model of Religion and Mental Health," Religion, Brain, and Behavior, 7:3, 223-243, 2017.

L. Iannaccone. “Why Strict churches are Strong,” American Journal of Sociology, 99 (5), 1180-1211.

W. Irons (2011). “Religion as a Hard-to-Fake Sign of Commitment. In Evolution and the Capacity for Commitment, 290-309.

D.M. Kelley (1972). Why Conservative Churches are Growing. New York: Harper and Brown

Montserrat Soler, “Costly Signaling, ritual and cooperation: Evidence from Candomblé, an Afro-Brazilian Religion,” Evolution and Human Behavior, Volume 33, Issue 4, July 2012, 346-356. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.evolhumbehav.2011.11.004 / https://www.montclair.edu/profilepages/media/3203/user/Soler2012.pdf

Sosis and Ruffle (2004). Ideology, religion, and the evolution of cooperation: Field Experiments on Israeli Kibbutzim. Research in Economic Anthropology, 23, 89-117.

W.J. Wildman and Sosis (2011). “Stability Groups with Costly Beliefs and Practices.” Journal of Artificial Societies and Social Simulation, 14 (3) 1-25. http://jasss.soc.surrey.ac.uk/14/3/6.html

Dimitris Xygatlatas, “Extreme Rituals Promote Prosociality,” Psychological Science, 24(8), 1602-1605, 2013.
http://journals.sagepub.com.ezproxy.bu.edu/doi/10.1177/0956797612472910

Vox article: “Mainline Churches are emptying. The political effects could be huge”: https://www.vox.com/the-big-idea/2017/7/14/15959682/evangelical-mainline-voting-patterns-trump

Definition of Strict Church Theory: http://www.thearda.com/rrh/bestpracticescenter/theories/theory14.asp

Connor Wood blog post: “Why is Liberal Protestantism Dying Anyway?": http://www.patheos.com/blogs/scienceonreligion/2013/07/why-is-liberal-protestantism-dying-anyway/

Another Connor Wood blog post: “Religion Builds Self Control and Excludes Outsiders Simultaneously," http://www.patheos.com/blogs/scienceonreligion/2016/08/religion-builds-self-control-and-excludes-outsiders-simultaneously/


UCC Stats: http://uccfiles.com/pdf/Summary-Stats-1955-2013.pdf

Computer modeling: http://www.bu.edu/today/2017/what-computer-modeling-can-tell-us-about-religion/

PC USA stats: https://www.firstthings.com/article/2008/08/001-the-death-of-protestant-america-a-political-theory-of-the-protestant-mainline

PCA stats: http://www.pcaac.org/resources/pca-statistics-five-year-summary/

Amish stats: https://www.citylab.com/equity/2012/08/exploding-amish-population-bubble/2795/

LDS stats: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Church_of_Jesus_Christ_of_Latter-day_Saints_membership_history

Picture Attribution:

Amish buggy: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Amish_country.jpg

Buggy and Car:
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Passing_Room_(8711992857).jpg

Candomblé Priestesses:
Antonio Milena, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candombl%C3%A9_Ketu#/media/File:Iyalorixas_da_Bahia-m%C3%A3e_Olga.jpeg

Candomblé: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0b/Caetit%C3%A9_baianas.jpg

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]]> 601 no Where Did Ancient Christians Meet? www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastMy twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewmarkhenryMy facebook: https://www.facebook.com/religionforb...Blog: http://religionforbreakfast.com/Royalty-free Music by Kevin MacLeod: incompetech.comImages from Priene, Ephesus are my own.Dura Church images from Wikipedia users Udimu and Heretiq covered under Creative Common license Attribution CC BY.All other images are in public domain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 17 Sep 2026 04:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastMy twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewmarkhenryMy facebook: https://www.facebook.com/religionforb...Blog: http://religionforbreakfast.com/Royalty-free Music by Kevin MacLeod: incompetech.comImages from Priene, Ephesus are my own.Dura Church images from Wikipedia users Udimu and Heretiq covered under Creative Common license Attribution CC BY.All other images are in public domain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
My twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewmarkhenry
My facebook: https://www.facebook.com/religionforb...
Blog: http://religionforbreakfast.com/

Royalty-free Music by Kevin MacLeod: incompetech.com
Images from Priene, Ephesus are my own.
Dura Church images from Wikipedia users Udimu and Heretiq covered under Creative Common license Attribution CC BY.
All other images are in public domain.

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]]> 663 no Why AI Feels Spiritually Dangerous | ft. Jared Henderson Support Religion for Breakfast on Patreon! It's the best way to keep the channel going. We recently grew from 700 to 800 patrons, and the goal is 1,000 in 2026. Join us and help make it happen: http://patreon.com/religionforbreakfastCheck out Jared's channel @_jared Philosopher Jared Henderson joins me to explore AI, attention, and the future of human thought. We discuss the post-literate age, synthetic relationships, and whether technology is reshaping what it means to be human. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 17 Sep 2026 03:10:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Support Religion for Breakfast on Patreon! It's the best way to keep the channel going. We recently grew from 700 to 800 patrons, and the goal is 1,000 in 2026. Join us and help make it happen: http://patreon.com/religionforbreakfastCheck out Jared's channel @_jared Philosopher Jared Henderson joins me to explore AI, attention, and the future of human thought. We discuss the post-literate age, synthetic relationships, and whether technology is reshaping what it means to be human. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support Religion for Breakfast on Patreon! It's the best way to keep the channel going. We recently grew from 700 to 800 patrons, and the goal is 1,000 in 2026. Join us and help make it happen: http://patreon.com/religionforbreakfast

Check out Jared's channel @_jared

Philosopher Jared Henderson joins me to explore AI, attention, and the future of human thought. We discuss the post-literate age, synthetic relationships, and whether technology is reshaping what it means to be human.

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]]> 4524 no The Gnostic Gospels: Were They Illegal? A common theory is that the Nag Hammadi Library, a collection of Gnostic texts, were an illegal stash of books hidden from Orthodox Christian authorities. But recent scholarship has called this theory into question. Were the Gnostic Gospels legal?Support us on Patreon!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastOr Paypal: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastCheck out my favorite religious studies books: https://www.amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast Follow me on Twitter: @andrewmarkhenryBibliography: Mark Goodacre: https://www.academia.edu/26053912/How_reliable_is_the_story_of_the_Nag_Hammadi_discoveryNicola Denzey Lewis and Justine Ariel Blount: https://www.academia.edu/8105963/_Rethinking_the_Origins_of_the_Nag_Hammadi_Library_Brent Nongbri, "The Nag Hammadi Discovery Story," https://brentnongbri.com/2018/08/20/the-nag-hammadi-discovery-story/Tony Burke, "What Do We Talk About When We Talk About the Nag Hammadi Library?" http://www.tonyburke.ca/wp-content/uploads/What-Do-We-Talk-About.pdfLundhaug and Jenott, The Monastic Origins of the Nag Hammadi CodicesPhoto credits:Amulet: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jasper_intaglio-_Harpocrates_seated_on_lotus_in_papyrus_boat_MET_DP280467.jpgCoptic Magical Text: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Coptic_magical_text_599v_apis.jpgBook of the Dead: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Imhotep%27s_Book_of_the_Dead.jpgByzantine Amuletic Armband: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Byzantine_-_Amuletic_Armband_with_Holy_Rider,_Saints,_and_Magical_Symbols_-_Walters_542657.jpgCodex II: http://ccdl.libraries.claremont.edu/cdm/singleitem/collection/nha/id/1381Codex V Interior: http://ccdl.libraries.claremont.edu/cdm/singleitem/collection/nha/id/1997/rec/1Gospel of Thomas manuscript: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:El_Evangelio_de_Tom%C3%A1s-Gospel_of_Thomas-_Codex_II_Manuscritos_de_Nag_Hammadi-The_Nag_Hammadi_manuscripts.png Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 17 Sep 2026 03:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast A common theory is that the Nag Hammadi Library, a collection of Gnostic texts, were an illegal stash of books hidden from Orthodox Christian authorities. But recent scholarship has called this theory into question. Were the Gnostic Gospels legal?Support us on Patreon!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastOr Paypal: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastCheck out my favorite religious studies books: https://www.amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast Follow me on Twitter: @andrewmarkhenryBibliography: Mark Goodacre: https://www.academia.edu/26053912/How_reliable_is_the_story_of_the_Nag_Hammadi_discoveryNicola Denzey Lewis and Justine Ariel Blount: https://www.academia.edu/8105963/_Rethinking_the_Origins_of_the_Nag_Hammadi_Library_Brent Nongbri, "The Nag Hammadi Discovery Story," https://brentnongbri.com/2018/08/20/the-nag-hammadi-discovery-story/Tony Burke, "What Do We Talk About When We Talk About the Nag Hammadi Library?" http://www.tonyburke.ca/wp-content/uploads/What-Do-We-Talk-About.pdfLundhaug and Jenott, The Monastic Origins of the Nag Hammadi CodicesPhoto credits:Amulet: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jasper_intaglio-_Harpocrates_seated_on_lotus_in_papyrus_boat_MET_DP280467.jpgCoptic Magical Text: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Coptic_magical_text_599v_apis.jpgBook of the Dead: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Imhotep%27s_Book_of_the_Dead.jpgByzantine Amuletic Armband: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Byzantine_-_Amuletic_Armband_with_Holy_Rider,_Saints,_and_Magical_Symbols_-_Walters_542657.jpgCodex II: http://ccdl.libraries.claremont.edu/cdm/singleitem/collection/nha/id/1381Codex V Interior: http://ccdl.libraries.claremont.edu/cdm/singleitem/collection/nha/id/1997/rec/1Gospel of Thomas manuscript: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:El_Evangelio_de_Tom%C3%A1s-Gospel_of_Thomas-_Codex_II_Manuscritos_de_Nag_Hammadi-The_Nag_Hammadi_manuscripts.png Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices A common theory is that the Nag Hammadi Library, a collection of Gnostic texts, were an illegal stash of books hidden from Orthodox Christian authorities. But recent scholarship has called this theory into question. Were the Gnostic Gospels legal?

Support us on Patreon!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Or Paypal: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfast

Check out my favorite religious studies books: https://www.amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast
Follow me on Twitter: @andrewmarkhenry

Bibliography:

Mark Goodacre: https://www.academia.edu/26053912/How_reliable_is_the_story_of_the_Nag_Hammadi_discovery

Nicola Denzey Lewis and Justine Ariel Blount: https://www.academia.edu/8105963/_Rethinking_the_Origins_of_the_Nag_Hammadi_Library_

Brent Nongbri, "The Nag Hammadi Discovery Story," https://brentnongbri.com/2018/08/20/the-nag-hammadi-discovery-story/

Tony Burke, "What Do We Talk About When We Talk About the Nag Hammadi Library?" http://www.tonyburke.ca/wp-content/uploads/What-Do-We-Talk-About.pdf

Lundhaug and Jenott, The Monastic Origins of the Nag Hammadi Codices

Photo credits:

Amulet: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jasper_intaglio-_Harpocrates_seated_on_lotus_in_papyrus_boat_MET_DP280467.jpg

Coptic Magical Text: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Coptic_magical_text_599v_apis.jpg

Book of the Dead: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Imhotep%27s_Book_of_the_Dead.jpg

Byzantine Amuletic Armband: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Byzantine_-_Amuletic_Armband_with_Holy_Rider,_Saints,_and_Magical_Symbols_-_Walters_542657.jpg

Codex II: http://ccdl.libraries.claremont.edu/cdm/singleitem/collection/nha/id/1381

Codex V Interior: http://ccdl.libraries.claremont.edu/cdm/singleitem/collection/nha/id/1997/rec/1

Gospel of Thomas manuscript: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:El_Evangelio_de_Tom%C3%A1s-Gospel_of_Thomas-_Codex_II_Manuscritos_de_Nag_Hammadi-The_Nag_Hammadi_manuscripts.png

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]]> 632 no Colbert On Religion I've watched a lot of Stephen Colbert over the years. When you watch enough of one TV show, you start to notice patterns. For Colbert, I noticed he talks about religion a lot...at least more than other late night TV shows. What can we learn about this?Twitter: @andrewmarkhenryBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastPatreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastAndrew's religious studies book recommendations: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfastSpecial Thanks to our Patrons on Patreon!:Christian G.Brian B.Daniel D.Cedric V.Tuuli H.Kalei W.Alex B.Adil A.Mason A.Mark H.Alice C.WilsonCain D.Pew Research Religious Knowledge Survey: http://www.pewforum.org/2010/09/28/u-s-religious-knowledge-survey/Video Bibliography: Excellent interview with John Mulaney on Catholicism: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxlwLr4b4E0Awkward Maher Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqAco8a7vEEGeek out over Catholicism: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIIxYLyUTC8Gets all up in your faith/Dalai Lama discussion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLWYXCOf4AcFaux Monk Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDQhrqnb3CYPope-pologies: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpTlS2vcWwMColbert’s favorite bible verse: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1jXPhsz26gFencing with Ibtihaj Muhammad: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xs8O-MFu4yUStraight up asks Strahen if he is religious: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMV2A2OqIq0Asks Ruffalo if he is Catholic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSvNDlJVfTwExcellent interview with Andrew Garfield about Silence, faith, Jesuits, and epistemological certainty: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fi3V4OzrkaA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 17 Sep 2026 02:12:30 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast I've watched a lot of Stephen Colbert over the years. When you watch enough of one TV show, you start to notice patterns. For Colbert, I noticed he talks about religion a lot...at least more than other late night TV shows. What can we learn about this?Twitter: @andrewmarkhenryBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastPatreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastAndrew's religious studies book recommendations: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfastSpecial Thanks to our Patrons on Patreon!:Christian G.Brian B.Daniel D.Cedric V.Tuuli H.Kalei W.Alex B.Adil A.Mason A.Mark H.Alice C.WilsonCain D.Pew Research Religious Knowledge Survey: http://www.pewforum.org/2010/09/28/u-s-religious-knowledge-survey/Video Bibliography: Excellent interview with John Mulaney on Catholicism: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxlwLr4b4E0Awkward Maher Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqAco8a7vEEGeek out over Catholicism: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIIxYLyUTC8Gets all up in your faith/Dalai Lama discussion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLWYXCOf4AcFaux Monk Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDQhrqnb3CYPope-pologies: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpTlS2vcWwMColbert’s favorite bible verse: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1jXPhsz26gFencing with Ibtihaj Muhammad: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xs8O-MFu4yUStraight up asks Strahen if he is religious: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMV2A2OqIq0Asks Ruffalo if he is Catholic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSvNDlJVfTwExcellent interview with Andrew Garfield about Silence, faith, Jesuits, and epistemological certainty: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fi3V4OzrkaA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices I've watched a lot of Stephen Colbert over the years. When you watch enough of one TV show, you start to notice patterns. For Colbert, I noticed he talks about religion a lot...at least more than other late night TV shows. What can we learn about this?

Twitter: @andrewmarkhenry
Blog: www.religionforbreakfast.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast
Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast

Andrew's religious studies book recommendations: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast

Special Thanks to our Patrons on Patreon!:
Christian G.
Brian B.
Daniel D.
Cedric V.
Tuuli H.
Kalei W.
Alex B.
Adil A.
Mason A.
Mark H.
Alice C.
Wilson
Cain D.

Pew Research Religious Knowledge Survey: http://www.pewforum.org/2010/09/28/u-s-religious-knowledge-survey/

Video Bibliography:
Excellent interview with John Mulaney on Catholicism: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxlwLr4b4E0

Awkward Maher Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqAco8a7vEE

Geek out over Catholicism: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIIxYLyUTC8

Gets all up in your faith/Dalai Lama discussion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLWYXCOf4Ac

Faux Monk Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDQhrqnb3CY

Pope-pologies: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpTlS2vcWwM

Colbert’s favorite bible verse: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1jXPhsz26g

Fencing with Ibtihaj Muhammad: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xs8O-MFu4yU

Straight up asks Strahen if he is religious: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMV2A2OqIq0

Asks Ruffalo if he is Catholic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSvNDlJVfTw

Excellent interview with Andrew Garfield about Silence, faith, Jesuits, and epistemological certainty: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fi3V4OzrkaA

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 524 no Who Was Allah Before Islam? We’re doing a guided read of Attar’s Conference of the Birds Join us here: https://www.religiondepartment.com/conferenceofthebirdsDid Arabs believe in Allah before Islam? Ancient inscriptions, poetry, and the Qur’an suggest a surprising answer. Explore the evidence for a pre-Islamic creator god known as Allah.Religion for Breakfast videos take a lot of research and collaboration. Patreon support helps fund editors, scholars, and future episodes. Support us here: https://www.patreon.com/c/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters00:00 Polytheists Believe in Allah?2:39 What does Allah Mean?6:55 Who was Pre-Islamic Allah?13:51 Pre-Islamic Arabic Poetry16:22 Mushrikin: Pagan Monotheists?22:01 The Religion Department Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 17 Sep 2026 02:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast We’re doing a guided read of Attar’s Conference of the Birds Join us here: https://www.religiondepartment.com/conferenceofthebirdsDid Arabs believe in Allah before Islam? Ancient inscriptions, poetry, and the Qur’an suggest a surprising answer. Explore the evidence for a pre-Islamic creator god known as Allah.Religion for Breakfast videos take a lot of research and collaboration. Patreon support helps fund editors, scholars, and future episodes. Support us here: https://www.patreon.com/c/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters00:00 Polytheists Believe in Allah?2:39 What does Allah Mean?6:55 Who was Pre-Islamic Allah?13:51 Pre-Islamic Arabic Poetry16:22 Mushrikin: Pagan Monotheists?22:01 The Religion Department Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices We’re doing a guided read of Attar’s Conference of the Birds Join us here: https://www.religiondepartment.com/conferenceofthebirds

Did Arabs believe in Allah before Islam? Ancient inscriptions, poetry, and the Qur’an suggest a surprising answer. Explore the evidence for a pre-Islamic creator god known as Allah.

Religion for Breakfast videos take a lot of research and collaboration. Patreon support helps fund editors, scholars, and future episodes. Support us here: https://www.patreon.com/c/religionforbreakfast

Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters

00:00 Polytheists Believe in Allah?
2:39 What does Allah Mean?
6:55 Who was Pre-Islamic Allah?
13:51 Pre-Islamic Arabic Poetry
16:22 Mushrikin: Pagan Monotheists?
22:01 The Religion Department

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]]> 1812 no QandA #1: Theology, Teaching Religion, and the Demiurge Answering some of your questions from the comments! If you have any questions about religious studies feel free to comment or tweet at me @andrewmarkhenry! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 17 Sep 2026 01:15:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Answering some of your questions from the comments! If you have any questions about religious studies feel free to comment or tweet at me @andrewmarkhenry! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Answering some of your questions from the comments! If you have any questions about religious studies feel free to comment or tweet at me @andrewmarkhenry!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 376 no Confucius Has Living Descendants? With my link, you can get 50% off of Nebula. It’s just $30/year, or $2,5/month, at https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast Watch Lindsay Ellis' "The Macabre World of Bodycam YouTube:" https://nebula.tv/videos/lindsayellis-bodycam-youtube?ref=religionforbreakfast Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and ReutersConfucius (possibly) has living descendants, and he is (also possibly) the patriarch of the longest documented family line in history. This video explores how that lineage survived 2,500 years of Chinese history, and why genealogy became a powerful political institution. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 17 Sep 2026 01:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast With my link, you can get 50% off of Nebula. It’s just $30/year, or $2,5/month, at https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast Watch Lindsay Ellis' "The Macabre World of Bodycam YouTube:" https://nebula.tv/videos/lindsayellis-bodycam-youtube?ref=religionforbreakfast Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and ReutersConfucius (possibly) has living descendants, and he is (also possibly) the patriarch of the longest documented family line in history. This video explores how that lineage survived 2,500 years of Chinese history, and why genealogy became a powerful political institution. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices With my link, you can get 50% off of Nebula. It’s just $30/year, or $2,5/month, at https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast
Watch Lindsay Ellis' "The Macabre World of Bodycam YouTube:" https://nebula.tv/videos/lindsayellis-bodycam-youtube?ref=religionforbreakfast

Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters

Confucius (possibly) has living descendants, and he is (also possibly) the patriarch of the longest documented family line in history. This video explores how that lineage survived 2,500 years of Chinese history, and why genealogy became a powerful political institution.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1470 no Saturnalia Explained Join our Patreon community!: https://patreon.com/religionforbreakfastOne-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastCheck out my favorite religious studies books: https://www.amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast What is Saturnalia? You may have heard of this Roman holiday, but the details are scant and fragmentary from Roman sources. This video explains what we know about Saturnalia and whether or not it influenced the institution of Christmas. Follow me on Twitter: @andrewmarkhenry Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastPRIMARY SOURCES:Chronographia anni 354 Seneca, "Moral Letters"Lucian, "Saturnalia"Athenaeus, "The Learned Banqueters"Plutarch, "Moralia"Macrobius, "Saturnalia"MartialSuetonius, "Augustus" and "Vespasian"Pliny, "Letters," 4Historia Augusta, Life of Verus, 7Justinus"Collection of Memorable Things"Epictetus, "Discourses"Catullus 14Hippolytus, "Chronograph" and "Commentary on Daniel"Julius Africanus, "Chronograph"Augustine "On the Trinity"On Solstices and EquinoxesSECONDARY SOURCES:Andrew McGowan, "How December 25 Became Christmas," https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/people-cultures-in-the-bible/jesus-historical-jesus/how-december-25-became-christmas/C. Philipp E. Nothaft, "Early Christian Chronology and the Origins of the Christmas Date: In Defense of the 'Calculation Theory,'" QL 94 (2013), 247-265.Thomas Schmidt, “Calculating December 25 as the Birth of Jesus in Hippolytus’ Canon and Chronicon,” Vigiliae Christian 69 (2015) 542-563: https://tcschmidtblog.files.wordpress.com/2015/11/schmidt-calculating-december-25-as-the-birth-of-jesus-in-hippolytus1.pdfFanny Dolansky, "Celebrating the Saturnalia: Religious Ritual and Roman Domestic Life,” Chapter 29 in A Companion to Families in the Greek and Roman Worlds," 2010.Gaston Halsberghe, Cult of Sol Invictus, Brill 2015. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 17 Sep 2026 00:53:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Join our Patreon community!: https://patreon.com/religionforbreakfastOne-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastCheck out my favorite religious studies books: https://www.amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast What is Saturnalia? You may have heard of this Roman holiday, but the details are scant and fragmentary from Roman sources. This video explains what we know about Saturnalia and whether or not it influenced the institution of Christmas. Follow me on Twitter: @andrewmarkhenry Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastPRIMARY SOURCES:Chronographia anni 354 Seneca, "Moral Letters"Lucian, "Saturnalia"Athenaeus, "The Learned Banqueters"Plutarch, "Moralia"Macrobius, "Saturnalia"MartialSuetonius, "Augustus" and "Vespasian"Pliny, "Letters," 4Historia Augusta, Life of Verus, 7Justinus"Collection of Memorable Things"Epictetus, "Discourses"Catullus 14Hippolytus, "Chronograph" and "Commentary on Daniel"Julius Africanus, "Chronograph"Augustine "On the Trinity"On Solstices and EquinoxesSECONDARY SOURCES:Andrew McGowan, "How December 25 Became Christmas," https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/people-cultures-in-the-bible/jesus-historical-jesus/how-december-25-became-christmas/C. Philipp E. Nothaft, "Early Christian Chronology and the Origins of the Christmas Date: In Defense of the 'Calculation Theory,'" QL 94 (2013), 247-265.Thomas Schmidt, “Calculating December 25 as the Birth of Jesus in Hippolytus’ Canon and Chronicon,” Vigiliae Christian 69 (2015) 542-563: https://tcschmidtblog.files.wordpress.com/2015/11/schmidt-calculating-december-25-as-the-birth-of-jesus-in-hippolytus1.pdfFanny Dolansky, "Celebrating the Saturnalia: Religious Ritual and Roman Domestic Life,” Chapter 29 in A Companion to Families in the Greek and Roman Worlds," 2010.Gaston Halsberghe, Cult of Sol Invictus, Brill 2015. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Join our Patreon community!: https://patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
One-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfast
Check out my favorite religious studies books: https://www.amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast

What is Saturnalia? You may have heard of this Roman holiday, but the details are scant and fragmentary from Roman sources. This video explains what we know about Saturnalia and whether or not it influenced the institution of Christmas.

Follow me on Twitter: @andrewmarkhenry
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast


PRIMARY SOURCES:
Chronographia anni 354
Seneca, "Moral Letters"
Lucian, "Saturnalia"
Athenaeus, "The Learned Banqueters"
Plutarch, "Moralia"
Macrobius, "Saturnalia"
Martial
Suetonius, "Augustus" and "Vespasian"
Pliny, "Letters," 4
Historia Augusta, Life of Verus, 7
Justinus
"Collection of Memorable Things"
Epictetus, "Discourses"
Catullus 14
Hippolytus, "Chronograph" and "Commentary on Daniel"
Julius Africanus, "Chronograph"
Augustine "On the Trinity"
On Solstices and Equinoxes

SECONDARY SOURCES:

Andrew McGowan, "How December 25 Became Christmas," https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/people-cultures-in-the-bible/jesus-historical-jesus/how-december-25-became-christmas/

C. Philipp E. Nothaft, "Early Christian Chronology and the Origins of the Christmas Date: In Defense of the 'Calculation Theory,'" QL 94 (2013), 247-265.

Thomas Schmidt, “Calculating December 25 as the Birth of Jesus in Hippolytus’ Canon and Chronicon,” Vigiliae Christian 69 (2015) 542-563: https://tcschmidtblog.files.wordpress.com/2015/11/schmidt-calculating-december-25-as-the-birth-of-jesus-in-hippolytus1.pdf

Fanny Dolansky, "Celebrating the Saturnalia: Religious Ritual and Roman Domestic Life,” Chapter 29 in A Companion to Families in the Greek and Roman Worlds," 2010.

Gaston Halsberghe, Cult of Sol Invictus, Brill 2015.

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]]> 1094 no How Star Wars Explains the New Testament Canon The development of the New Testament canon was fraught with debates. But it is hard to imagine why the formation of a canon caused so much controversy. Looking at modern fandoms, we can catch a glimpse at what is at stake when you institute a canon of authoritative sources. This video is adapted from an old blogpost that I published in 2013: http://religionforbreakfast.com/2013/12/29/how-early-christian-canon-resembles-star-wars-fandom/Twitter: @andrewmarkhenryFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastwww.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastAndrew's religious studies book recommendations: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast Bibliography:David Brakke, "Canon Formation and Social Conflict in Fourth-Century Egypt: Athanasius of Alexandria's Thirty-Ninth Festal Letter," The Harvard Theological Review, Vol. 87, No. 4, 395-419.Krista Dalton, "Using Harry Potter to Construct a Canon," Ancient Jew Review, http://www.ancientjewreview.com/articles/2017/7/31/using-harry-potter-to-construct-a-canonCredits:Hyperspace jump from CNCcamon1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5W3afhgOlYMusic by Kevin MacLeod: www.incompetech.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 17 Sep 2026 00:17:30 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast The development of the New Testament canon was fraught with debates. But it is hard to imagine why the formation of a canon caused so much controversy. Looking at modern fandoms, we can catch a glimpse at what is at stake when you institute a canon of authoritative sources. This video is adapted from an old blogpost that I published in 2013: http://religionforbreakfast.com/2013/12/29/how-early-christian-canon-resembles-star-wars-fandom/Twitter: @andrewmarkhenryFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastwww.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastAndrew's religious studies book recommendations: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast Bibliography:David Brakke, "Canon Formation and Social Conflict in Fourth-Century Egypt: Athanasius of Alexandria's Thirty-Ninth Festal Letter," The Harvard Theological Review, Vol. 87, No. 4, 395-419.Krista Dalton, "Using Harry Potter to Construct a Canon," Ancient Jew Review, http://www.ancientjewreview.com/articles/2017/7/31/using-harry-potter-to-construct-a-canonCredits:Hyperspace jump from CNCcamon1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5W3afhgOlYMusic by Kevin MacLeod: www.incompetech.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The development of the New Testament canon was fraught with debates. But it is hard to imagine why the formation of a canon caused so much controversy. Looking at modern fandoms, we can catch a glimpse at what is at stake when you institute a canon of authoritative sources.

This video is adapted from an old blogpost that I published in 2013: http://religionforbreakfast.com/2013/12/29/how-early-christian-canon-resembles-star-wars-fandom/

Twitter: @andrewmarkhenry
Facebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast
www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast

Andrew's religious studies book recommendations: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast

Bibliography:
David Brakke, "Canon Formation and Social Conflict in Fourth-Century Egypt: Athanasius of Alexandria's Thirty-Ninth Festal Letter," The Harvard Theological Review, Vol. 87, No. 4, 395-419.

Krista Dalton, "Using Harry Potter to Construct a Canon," Ancient Jew Review, http://www.ancientjewreview.com/articles/2017/7/31/using-harry-potter-to-construct-a-canon

Credits:
Hyperspace jump from CNCcamon1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5W3afhgOlY

Music by Kevin MacLeod: www.incompetech.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 583 no Are Animals Religious? Register for our 8-week seminar, Religion and Science!: https://www.religiondepartment.com/offers/iQaLcZhh/checkout?coupon_code=CLASSMATESAre humans the only religious species? New research on chimpanzees, elephants, and other animals challenges our assumptions about awe, grief, ritual, and the emotional roots of religion.Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and ReutersThis video was made possible through the support of grant #TRT-2021-10499 from the John Templeton Foundation managed by the Center for Mind and Culture. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the John Templeton Foundation or the Center forMind and Culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 17 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Register for our 8-week seminar, Religion and Science!: https://www.religiondepartment.com/offers/iQaLcZhh/checkout?coupon_code=CLASSMATESAre humans the only religious species? New research on chimpanzees, elephants, and other animals challenges our assumptions about awe, grief, ritual, and the emotional roots of religion.Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and ReutersThis video was made possible through the support of grant #TRT-2021-10499 from the John Templeton Foundation managed by the Center for Mind and Culture. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the John Templeton Foundation or the Center forMind and Culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Register for our 8-week seminar, Religion and Science!: https://www.religiondepartment.com/offers/iQaLcZhh/checkout?coupon_code=CLASSMATES

Are humans the only religious species? New research on chimpanzees, elephants, and other animals challenges our assumptions about awe, grief, ritual, and the emotional roots of religion.

Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters

This video was made possible through the support of grant
#TRT-2021-10499 from the John Templeton Foundation
managed by the Center for Mind and Culture. The
opinions expressed in this publication are those
of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views
of the John Templeton Foundation or the Center for
Mind and Culture.

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]]> 1537 no Sikhs and Muslims: Bullied at US Schools? Religious bullying is a common occurrence at schools in the US. What are some examples, and what can we do about it?Special thanks to Alice Chan for collaboration on this video. Check out her resource page at: https://alicechan.org/rb/Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastSpecial Thanks to our Patreon patrons!:BrianDanAlexJohnWilsonCainMarkAliceBibliography:Article on anti-Muslim bullying: http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/05/18/anti-muslim-school-bullying-sometimes-it-s-even-the-teachers-doing-it.htmlBullied atheist student article: http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2013/09/bullied-for-not-believing-in-god/279095/"Hero not a Snitch:" https://nobullying.com/if-you-report-bullying-you-are-a-hero-not-a-snitch/The Daily Show on Sikhs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RskvZgc_s9gThe Sikh Coalition Bullying Report: http://www.sikhcoalition.org/endschoolbullyingCenter for American and Islamic Relations Bullying Report: https://www.cair.com/press-center/press-releases/12296-cair-ca-survey-almost-half-of-calif-muslim-students-report-bullying.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 16 Sep 2026 23:20:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Religious bullying is a common occurrence at schools in the US. What are some examples, and what can we do about it?Special thanks to Alice Chan for collaboration on this video. Check out her resource page at: https://alicechan.org/rb/Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastSpecial Thanks to our Patreon patrons!:BrianDanAlexJohnWilsonCainMarkAliceBibliography:Article on anti-Muslim bullying: http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/05/18/anti-muslim-school-bullying-sometimes-it-s-even-the-teachers-doing-it.htmlBullied atheist student article: http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2013/09/bullied-for-not-believing-in-god/279095/"Hero not a Snitch:" https://nobullying.com/if-you-report-bullying-you-are-a-hero-not-a-snitch/The Daily Show on Sikhs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RskvZgc_s9gThe Sikh Coalition Bullying Report: http://www.sikhcoalition.org/endschoolbullyingCenter for American and Islamic Relations Bullying Report: https://www.cair.com/press-center/press-releases/12296-cair-ca-survey-almost-half-of-calif-muslim-students-report-bullying.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Religious bullying is a common occurrence at schools in the US. What are some examples, and what can we do about it?

Special thanks to Alice Chan for collaboration on this video. Check out her resource page at: https://alicechan.org/rb/

Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Twitter: @andrewmarkhenry
Blog: www.religionforbreakfast.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast

Special Thanks to our Patreon patrons!:
Brian
Dan
Alex
John
Wilson
Cain
Mark
Alice

Bibliography:
Article on anti-Muslim bullying: http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/05/18/anti-muslim-school-bullying-sometimes-it-s-even-the-teachers-doing-it.html

Bullied atheist student article: http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2013/09/bullied-for-not-believing-in-god/279095/

"Hero not a Snitch:" https://nobullying.com/if-you-report-bullying-you-are-a-hero-not-a-snitch/

The Daily Show on Sikhs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RskvZgc_s9g

The Sikh Coalition Bullying Report: http://www.sikhcoalition.org/endschoolbullying

Center for American and Islamic Relations Bullying Report: https://www.cair.com/press-center/press-releases/12296-cair-ca-survey-almost-half-of-calif-muslim-students-report-bullying.html

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]]> 401 no The Most Misunderstood Parable of Jesus Compare news coverage. Spot media bias. Avoid algorithms. Try Ground News today and get 40% off your subscription by going to https://ground.news/religionforbreakfast.The Parable of the Good Samaritan is one of the most famous parables of Jesus. But people have been misinterpreting it for centuries. Join our Patreon community!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastOne-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastSign-up for my mailing list to be notified of online classes: https://classes.religionforbreakfast.com/00:00 The Traditional Interpretation2:16 Intro to Samaritan Israelites3:20 Ethnic Hostility is Exaggerated5:44 Evidence from the Mishnah9:13 Samaritan Woman at the Well11:45 Addressing the Polemicists 14:20 Race-Science and the Traditional Interpretation16:55 Rethinking Luke 10Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 16 Sep 2026 23:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Compare news coverage. Spot media bias. Avoid algorithms. Try Ground News today and get 40% off your subscription by going to https://ground.news/religionforbreakfast.The Parable of the Good Samaritan is one of the most famous parables of Jesus. But people have been misinterpreting it for centuries. Join our Patreon community!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastOne-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastSign-up for my mailing list to be notified of online classes: https://classes.religionforbreakfast.com/00:00 The Traditional Interpretation2:16 Intro to Samaritan Israelites3:20 Ethnic Hostility is Exaggerated5:44 Evidence from the Mishnah9:13 Samaritan Woman at the Well11:45 Addressing the Polemicists 14:20 Race-Science and the Traditional Interpretation16:55 Rethinking Luke 10Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Compare news coverage. Spot media bias. Avoid algorithms. Try Ground News today and get 40% off your subscription by going to https://ground.news/religionforbreakfast.

The Parable of the Good Samaritan is one of the most famous parables of Jesus. But people have been misinterpreting it for centuries.

Join our Patreon community!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
One-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfast
Sign-up for my mailing list to be notified of online classes: https://classes.religionforbreakfast.com/

00:00 The Traditional Interpretation
2:16 Intro to Samaritan Israelites
3:20 Ethnic Hostility is Exaggerated
5:44 Evidence from the Mishnah
9:13 Samaritan Woman at the Well
11:45 Addressing the Polemicists
14:20 Race-Science and the Traditional Interpretation
16:55 Rethinking Luke 10

Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters

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]]> 1794 no Marian Apparitions Explained: The Mysterious Appearances of the Virgin Mary Compare news coverage. Spot media bias. Avoid algorithms. Try Ground News today and get 40% off your subscription by going to https://ground.news/religionforbreakfastFrom Fatima to Lourdes to Medjugorje, people across centuries have reported seeing the Virgin Mary appear out of nowhere. This video explores the history, mystery, and meaning of Marian apparitions.Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 16 Sep 2026 22:22:30 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Compare news coverage. Spot media bias. Avoid algorithms. Try Ground News today and get 40% off your subscription by going to https://ground.news/religionforbreakfastFrom Fatima to Lourdes to Medjugorje, people across centuries have reported seeing the Virgin Mary appear out of nowhere. This video explores the history, mystery, and meaning of Marian apparitions.Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Compare news coverage. Spot media bias. Avoid algorithms. Try Ground News today and get 40% off your subscription by going to https://ground.news/religionforbreakfast

From Fatima to Lourdes to Medjugorje, people across centuries have reported seeing the Virgin Mary appear out of nowhere. This video explores the history, mystery, and meaning of Marian apparitions.

Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
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]]> 2294 no Can Your Religion Predict Your Politics? A recent study analyzed 130,000 religious leaders in the United States, mostly from Christian and Jewish denominations. The researchers compared their voting registration with their denominations, trying to find trends in each denomination. Some denominations swing hard in one direction (Democrat or Republican) while other denominations seem more evenly split. Sources:New York Times Article: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/06/12/upshot/the-politics-of-americas-religious-leaders.htmlActual academic article: http://www.eitanhersh.com/uploads/7/9/7/5/7975685/hersh_malina_draft_061117.pdfTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryBlog: www.religionforbreakfastPatreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastFacebook. www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastMusic: Broke for Free, "My Luck"Thanks to our patrons on Patreon!:Brian BCassandra CDaniel DDerek KKalei WQuinn NRende DRoee SMegan BTuuli HAlex BJohn MDaniel HEsther BThe_Lich_QueenAdil AMason AMannyMark HAlice CWilsonCain D Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 16 Sep 2026 22:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast A recent study analyzed 130,000 religious leaders in the United States, mostly from Christian and Jewish denominations. The researchers compared their voting registration with their denominations, trying to find trends in each denomination. Some denominations swing hard in one direction (Democrat or Republican) while other denominations seem more evenly split. Sources:New York Times Article: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/06/12/upshot/the-politics-of-americas-religious-leaders.htmlActual academic article: http://www.eitanhersh.com/uploads/7/9/7/5/7975685/hersh_malina_draft_061117.pdfTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryBlog: www.religionforbreakfastPatreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastFacebook. www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastMusic: Broke for Free, "My Luck"Thanks to our patrons on Patreon!:Brian BCassandra CDaniel DDerek KKalei WQuinn NRende DRoee SMegan BTuuli HAlex BJohn MDaniel HEsther BThe_Lich_QueenAdil AMason AMannyMark HAlice CWilsonCain D Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices A recent study analyzed 130,000 religious leaders in the United States, mostly from Christian and Jewish denominations. The researchers compared their voting registration with their denominations, trying to find trends in each denomination. Some denominations swing hard in one direction (Democrat or Republican) while other denominations seem more evenly split.

Sources:
New York Times Article: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/06/12/upshot/the-politics-of-americas-religious-leaders.html

Actual academic article: http://www.eitanhersh.com/uploads/7/9/7/5/7975685/hersh_malina_draft_061117.pdf

Twitter: @andrewmarkhenry
Blog: www.religionforbreakfast
Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Facebook. www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast

Music: Broke for Free, "My Luck"

Thanks to our patrons on Patreon!:
Brian B
Cassandra C
Daniel D
Derek K
Kalei W
Quinn N
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Esther B
The_Lich_Queen
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Manny
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Wilson
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]]> 284 no Who Wrote the Dead Sea Scrolls? Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastMy twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewmarkhenryMy facebook: https://www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastBlog: http://religionforbreakfast.com/Extras: http://www.deadseascrolls.org.il/http://orion.mscc.huji.ac.il/Royalty-free Music by Kevin MacLeod: incompetech.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 16 Sep 2026 21:25:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastMy twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewmarkhenryMy facebook: https://www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastBlog: http://religionforbreakfast.com/Extras: http://www.deadseascrolls.org.il/http://orion.mscc.huji.ac.il/Royalty-free Music by Kevin MacLeod: incompetech.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
My twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewmarkhenry
My facebook: https://www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast
Blog: http://religionforbreakfast.com/

Extras: http://www.deadseascrolls.org.il/
http://orion.mscc.huji.ac.il/

Royalty-free Music by Kevin MacLeod: incompetech.com

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]]> 538 no What Everyone Gets Wrong About Elves in Iceland Compare news coverage. Spot media bias. Avoid algorithms. Try Ground News today and get 40% off your subscription by going to https://ground.news/religionforbreakfastJoin our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and ReutersOld Norse elves aren’t Legolas or Keebler. From Norse gods to tourist gimmicks, this video uncovers how Iceland’s “hidden people” became a global obsession. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 16 Sep 2026 21:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Compare news coverage. Spot media bias. Avoid algorithms. Try Ground News today and get 40% off your subscription by going to https://ground.news/religionforbreakfastJoin our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and ReutersOld Norse elves aren’t Legolas or Keebler. From Norse gods to tourist gimmicks, this video uncovers how Iceland’s “hidden people” became a global obsession. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Compare news coverage. Spot media bias. Avoid algorithms. Try Ground News today and get 40% off your subscription by going to https://ground.news/religionforbreakfast

Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
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Old Norse elves aren’t Legolas or Keebler. From Norse gods to tourist gimmicks, this video uncovers how Iceland’s “hidden people” became a global obsession.

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]]> 1470 no The Prophet Idrīs: The Islamic Enoch? Register for our Coptic class!: https://www.religiondepartment.com/copticFew prophets in Islam are as mysterious as Idrīs. In this video, we explore his identity, tracing how Muslims connected Idrīs with Enoch and Hermes Trismegistus, and why this ancient figure became a bridge between prophecy and esotericism.Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 16 Sep 2026 20:27:30 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Register for our Coptic class!: https://www.religiondepartment.com/copticFew prophets in Islam are as mysterious as Idrīs. In this video, we explore his identity, tracing how Muslims connected Idrīs with Enoch and Hermes Trismegistus, and why this ancient figure became a bridge between prophecy and esotericism.Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Register for our Coptic class!: https://www.religiondepartment.com/coptic

Few prophets in Islam are as mysterious as Idrīs. In this video, we explore his identity, tracing how Muslims connected Idrīs with Enoch and Hermes Trismegistus, and why this ancient figure became a bridge between prophecy and esotericism.

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]]> 1277 no The Real Reasons Why People Become Atheists Register for our online class "Messianic Impulses: A Psychedelic Model of Revolutionary Consciousness" https://religionforbreakfast.eventbrite.com/Production Team:Producers: Andrew Aghapour, Andrew HenryWriters: Will GervaisConsultant Scholar: Hugh TurpinEditor: Lachlan DavisProduction Assistant: Casey A'HearnJoin our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastThumbnail art by @hotcyder Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and ReutersScholars have identified the primary reason why theists become atheists: Credibility Enhancing Displays, or CREDs for short. CREDs are behaviors that people use to demonstrate their genuine commitment to a belief, value, or principle. These displays make the beliefs seem more credible and trustworthy to others, thereby enhancing the likelihood that observers will adopt similar beliefs or practices. Basically, if your co-religionists are not "practicing what they preach," there is a higher likelihood a theist will become an atheist.This video was made possible through the support of Grant 61928 from the John Templeton Foundation managed by The Queen’s University of Belfast. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the John Templeton Foundation or The Queen’s University of Belfast. 00:00 Is rationality a cause of atheism?4:06 The Three Other Pathways to Atheism4:51 Mentalizing6:39 Motivation / Apatheism8:29 inCREDulous Atheism Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 16 Sep 2026 20:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Register for our online class "Messianic Impulses: A Psychedelic Model of Revolutionary Consciousness" https://religionforbreakfast.eventbrite.com/Production Team:Producers: Andrew Aghapour, Andrew HenryWriters: Will GervaisConsultant Scholar: Hugh TurpinEditor: Lachlan DavisProduction Assistant: Casey A'HearnJoin our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastThumbnail art by @hotcyder Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and ReutersScholars have identified the primary reason why theists become atheists: Credibility Enhancing Displays, or CREDs for short. CREDs are behaviors that people use to demonstrate their genuine commitment to a belief, value, or principle. These displays make the beliefs seem more credible and trustworthy to others, thereby enhancing the likelihood that observers will adopt similar beliefs or practices. Basically, if your co-religionists are not "practicing what they preach," there is a higher likelihood a theist will become an atheist.This video was made possible through the support of Grant 61928 from the John Templeton Foundation managed by The Queen’s University of Belfast. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the John Templeton Foundation or The Queen’s University of Belfast. 00:00 Is rationality a cause of atheism?4:06 The Three Other Pathways to Atheism4:51 Mentalizing6:39 Motivation / Apatheism8:29 inCREDulous Atheism Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Register for our online class "Messianic Impulses: A Psychedelic Model of Revolutionary Consciousness" https://religionforbreakfast.eventbrite.com/

Production Team:
Producers: Andrew Aghapour, Andrew Henry
Writers: Will Gervais
Consultant Scholar: Hugh Turpin
Editor: Lachlan Davis
Production Assistant: Casey A'Hearn

Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast

Thumbnail art by @hotcyder
Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters

Scholars have identified the primary reason why theists become atheists: Credibility Enhancing Displays, or CREDs for short. CREDs are behaviors that people use to demonstrate their genuine commitment to a belief, value, or principle. These displays make the beliefs seem more credible and trustworthy to others, thereby enhancing the likelihood that observers will adopt similar beliefs or practices. Basically, if your co-religionists are not "practicing what they preach," there is a higher likelihood a theist will become an atheist.

This video was made possible through the support
of Grant 61928 from the John Templeton Foundation
managed by The Queen’s University of Belfast. The
opinions expressed in this publication are those of
the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views
of the John Templeton Foundation or The Queen’s
University of Belfast.

00:00 Is rationality a cause of atheism?
4:06 The Three Other Pathways to Atheism
4:51 Mentalizing
6:39 Motivation / Apatheism
8:29 inCREDulous Atheism

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]]> 1225 no Artemis of Ephesus: The "Mother" Goddess Everyone Gets Wrong Join me in Turkey for our first RFB tour!: View itinerary here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inlxDgsWLmE&ab_channel=AndrewMarkHenry Register here: https://religionforbreakfast.com/ Why does Artemis of Ephesus look so different from the Greek huntress we know? Her statue’s unusual imagery has puzzled scholars for centuries. In this video, we explore the history, symbolism, and religious significance of Ephesian Artemis.Thumbnail design by @hotcyder Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters00:00 Artemis the Huntress? Or the Ephesian?1:43 Ephesus and the Artemision9:53 The Story of Ephesian Artemis11:18 Analysis of Her Imagery17:15 Artemis in the New Testament20:37 Announcing RFB Ephesus Tour! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 16 Sep 2026 19:30:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Join me in Turkey for our first RFB tour!: View itinerary here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inlxDgsWLmE&ab_channel=AndrewMarkHenry Register here: https://religionforbreakfast.com/ Why does Artemis of Ephesus look so different from the Greek huntress we know? Her statue’s unusual imagery has puzzled scholars for centuries. In this video, we explore the history, symbolism, and religious significance of Ephesian Artemis.Thumbnail design by @hotcyder Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters00:00 Artemis the Huntress? Or the Ephesian?1:43 Ephesus and the Artemision9:53 The Story of Ephesian Artemis11:18 Analysis of Her Imagery17:15 Artemis in the New Testament20:37 Announcing RFB Ephesus Tour! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Join me in Turkey for our first RFB tour!: View itinerary here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inlxDgsWLmE&ab_channel=AndrewMarkHenry
Register here: https://religionforbreakfast.com/

Why does Artemis of Ephesus look so different from the Greek huntress we know? Her statue’s unusual imagery has puzzled scholars for centuries. In this video, we explore the history, symbolism, and religious significance of Ephesian Artemis.

Thumbnail design by @hotcyder
Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters

00:00 Artemis the Huntress? Or the Ephesian?
1:43 Ephesus and the Artemision
9:53 The Story of Ephesian Artemis
11:18 Analysis of Her Imagery
17:15 Artemis in the New Testament
20:37 Announcing RFB Ephesus Tour!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1903 no War Makes Us More Religious Watch the full interview here!: https://youtu.be/s_M2odFfxno Support us on Patreon!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastFollow me on Twitter: @andrewmarkhenrySpecial thanks to the Center for Mind and Culture for the chance to meet Dr. Joe Henrich and talk about this research! Check out their website and research at: https://mindandculture.org/ Bibliography:Michael Jackson citation at 4:37 - 4:47: Citation from Existential Anthropology, p. 94Joseph Henrich, Michal Bauer, Alessandra Cassar, Julie Chytilova, Benjamin Grant Purzycki, "War Increases Religiosity," Nature: Human Behavior, 2019Vail et. al., "A TMT Management Analysis of the Psychological Functions of Religion," Personality and Social Psychology Review, 2010, 84-94.Jonas, E. & Fischer, P. ‘TMT and religion: evidence that intrinsic religiousness mitigates worldview defense following mortality salience. J. Pers. Soc. Psychol. 91, 553-567 (2006)Martin Lang, "Effects of Anxiety on Spontaneous Ritualized Behavior," Current Biology, July 2015.Richard Sosis and Handwerker, "Psalms and Coping with Uncertainty," American Anthropologist," March 2011.Gelfand, M. J. et al. Differences between tight and loose cultures: a 33-nation study. Science 332, 1100–1104 (2011)Harvey Whitehouse et. al., "Brothers in Arms," Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the USA, 2014.Zachary Rothschild et. al. "Does Peace Have a Prayer? The effect of mortality salience, compassionate values, and religious fundamentalism on hostility toward out-groups," Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, June 2009. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 16 Sep 2026 19:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Watch the full interview here!: https://youtu.be/s_M2odFfxno Support us on Patreon!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastFollow me on Twitter: @andrewmarkhenrySpecial thanks to the Center for Mind and Culture for the chance to meet Dr. Joe Henrich and talk about this research! Check out their website and research at: https://mindandculture.org/ Bibliography:Michael Jackson citation at 4:37 - 4:47: Citation from Existential Anthropology, p. 94Joseph Henrich, Michal Bauer, Alessandra Cassar, Julie Chytilova, Benjamin Grant Purzycki, "War Increases Religiosity," Nature: Human Behavior, 2019Vail et. al., "A TMT Management Analysis of the Psychological Functions of Religion," Personality and Social Psychology Review, 2010, 84-94.Jonas, E. & Fischer, P. ‘TMT and religion: evidence that intrinsic religiousness mitigates worldview defense following mortality salience. J. Pers. Soc. Psychol. 91, 553-567 (2006)Martin Lang, "Effects of Anxiety on Spontaneous Ritualized Behavior," Current Biology, July 2015.Richard Sosis and Handwerker, "Psalms and Coping with Uncertainty," American Anthropologist," March 2011.Gelfand, M. J. et al. Differences between tight and loose cultures: a 33-nation study. Science 332, 1100–1104 (2011)Harvey Whitehouse et. al., "Brothers in Arms," Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the USA, 2014.Zachary Rothschild et. al. "Does Peace Have a Prayer? The effect of mortality salience, compassionate values, and religious fundamentalism on hostility toward out-groups," Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, June 2009. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Watch the full interview here!: https://youtu.be/s_M2odFfxno

Support us on Patreon!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Follow me on Twitter: @andrewmarkhenry

Special thanks to the Center for Mind and Culture for the chance to meet Dr. Joe Henrich and talk about this research! Check out their website and research at: https://mindandculture.org/

Bibliography:
Michael Jackson citation at 4:37 - 4:47: Citation from Existential Anthropology, p. 94

Joseph Henrich, Michal Bauer, Alessandra Cassar, Julie Chytilova, Benjamin Grant Purzycki, "War Increases Religiosity," Nature: Human Behavior, 2019

Vail et. al., "A TMT Management Analysis of the Psychological Functions of Religion," Personality and Social Psychology Review, 2010, 84-94.

Jonas, E. & Fischer, P. ‘TMT and religion: evidence that intrinsic religiousness mitigates worldview defense following mortality salience. J. Pers. Soc. Psychol. 91, 553-567 (2006)

Martin Lang, "Effects of Anxiety on Spontaneous Ritualized Behavior," Current Biology, July 2015.

Richard Sosis and Handwerker, "Psalms and Coping with Uncertainty," American Anthropologist," March 2011.

Gelfand, M. J. et al. Differences between tight and loose cultures: a 33-nation study. Science 332, 1100–1104 (2011)

Harvey Whitehouse et. al., "Brothers in Arms," Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the USA, 2014.

Zachary Rothschild et. al. "Does Peace Have a Prayer? The effect of mortality salience, compassionate values, and religious fundamentalism on hostility toward out-groups," Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, June 2009.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 784 no John Green on Religion Don’t miss a lecture—sign up for email updates!: https://www.religiondepartment.com/subscribeWatch Crash Course: Religions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O77IFewBxcg&list=PL8dPuuaLjXtNDV8GjzfScxgEe4OgIlh3c&ab_channel=CrashCourseAndrew Henry sits down with John Green to talk about religion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 16 Sep 2026 18:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Don’t miss a lecture—sign up for email updates!: https://www.religiondepartment.com/subscribeWatch Crash Course: Religions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O77IFewBxcg&list=PL8dPuuaLjXtNDV8GjzfScxgEe4OgIlh3c&ab_channel=CrashCourseAndrew Henry sits down with John Green to talk about religion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Don’t miss a lecture—sign up for email updates!: https://www.religiondepartment.com/subscribe
Watch Crash Course: Religions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O77IFewBxcg&list=PL8dPuuaLjXtNDV8GjzfScxgEe4OgIlh3c&ab_channel=CrashCourse

Andrew Henry sits down with John Green to talk about religion.

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]]> 2791 no The Gods of Pre-Islamic Arabia With my link, you can get 50% off of Nebula. It’s just $30/year, or $2,5/month, at https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast Watch SarahZ's "Three Dead Girls I Love": https://nebula.tv/videos/sarahz-three-dead-girls-i-love?ref=religionforbreakfastThumbnail design by ⁨ @ECHenry Religion for Breakfast videos take a lot of research and collaboration. Patreon support helps fund editors, scholars, and future episodes. Support us here: https://www.patreon.com/c/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and ReutersBefore Islam, Arabs worshipped many gods. Using newly deciphered ancient desert inscriptions, we explore the forgotten religious world of pre-Islamic Arabia: The goddess Allāt, sacrifice, pilgrimage, fate, magic, and the everyday prayers of ordinary people.00:00 Intro to Safaitic Inscriptions3:44 The Goddess Allat (also Rodaw and Dushara)8:35 The Gods On Humanity's Side (Shams, Ba'al Samin, the Gadds)15:07 Ritual Practice (prayer, pilgrimage, sacrifice, magic)25:45 Fate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 16 Sep 2026 17:32:30 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast With my link, you can get 50% off of Nebula. It’s just $30/year, or $2,5/month, at https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast Watch SarahZ's "Three Dead Girls I Love": https://nebula.tv/videos/sarahz-three-dead-girls-i-love?ref=religionforbreakfastThumbnail design by ⁨ @ECHenry Religion for Breakfast videos take a lot of research and collaboration. Patreon support helps fund editors, scholars, and future episodes. Support us here: https://www.patreon.com/c/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and ReutersBefore Islam, Arabs worshipped many gods. Using newly deciphered ancient desert inscriptions, we explore the forgotten religious world of pre-Islamic Arabia: The goddess Allāt, sacrifice, pilgrimage, fate, magic, and the everyday prayers of ordinary people.00:00 Intro to Safaitic Inscriptions3:44 The Goddess Allat (also Rodaw and Dushara)8:35 The Gods On Humanity's Side (Shams, Ba'al Samin, the Gadds)15:07 Ritual Practice (prayer, pilgrimage, sacrifice, magic)25:45 Fate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices With my link, you can get 50% off of Nebula. It’s just $30/year, or $2,5/month, at https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast
Watch SarahZ's "Three Dead Girls I Love": https://nebula.tv/videos/sarahz-three-dead-girls-i-love?ref=religionforbreakfast

Thumbnail design by ⁨ @ECHenry

Religion for Breakfast videos take a lot of research and collaboration. Patreon support helps fund editors, scholars, and future episodes. Support us here: https://www.patreon.com/c/religionforbreakfast

Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters

Before Islam, Arabs worshipped many gods. Using newly deciphered ancient desert inscriptions, we explore the forgotten religious world of pre-Islamic Arabia: The goddess Allāt, sacrifice, pilgrimage, fate, magic, and the everyday prayers of ordinary people.

00:00 Intro to Safaitic Inscriptions
3:44 The Goddess Allat (also Rodaw and Dushara)
8:35 The Gods On Humanity's Side (Shams, Ba'al Samin, the Gadds)
15:07 Ritual Practice (prayer, pilgrimage, sacrifice, magic)
25:45 Fate

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]]> 2258 no Is There Any Difference Between a Cult and a Religion? You've heard the term "cult" before. It conjures images of authoritarian leaders and sheep-like followers. Many people claim that some religious groups are not religions at all...but rather..."cults." But is there any real difference between a "cult" and a "religion?"Check out Ground Up Religion!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSXrzv0LYzE&t=259sTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastPatreon: patreon.com/religionforbreakfastAndrew's religious studies book recommendations: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfastHere are some articles to get you started for further research:https://aeon.co/essays/theres-no-sharp-distinction-between-cult-and-regular-religionhttp://religiondispatches.org/culting-from-waco-to-fundamentalist-mormons/https://storify.com/s0s0str1s/not-a-believe-rhttp://jonestown.sdsu.edu/?page_id=30774Photo Attributions:Artemis of Ephesus: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Artemis_of_Ephesus_MAN_Napoli_Inv6278.jpgJapan mormon temple: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Sapporo_Japan_Temple#/media/File:Sapporo_LDS_Temple_1.jpgBrazil mormon temple: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Campinas_Brazil_Temple#/media/File:Templo_M%C3%B3rmon_-_panoramio_(4).jpgSpanish mormon temple: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Madrid_Spain_Temple#/media/File:000079_-_Madrid_(2287529869).jpgChurch of St. Symeon: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_Saint_Simeon_Stylites#/media/File:Church_of_Saint_Simeon_Stylites_17.jpgHasidic family: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hasidic_Family_Scene_-_Borough_Park_-_Hasidic_District_-_Brooklyn_-_New_York.jpgAmish family: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Amish#/media/File:Amish_-_On_the_way_to_school_by_Gadjoboy-crop.jpgAmish buggy: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amish#/media/File:Lancaster_County_Amish_03.jpgSpecial Thanks to our Patrons on Patreon!: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 16 Sep 2026 17:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast You've heard the term "cult" before. It conjures images of authoritarian leaders and sheep-like followers. Many people claim that some religious groups are not religions at all...but rather..."cults." But is there any real difference between a "cult" and a "religion?"Check out Ground Up Religion!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSXrzv0LYzE&t=259sTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastPatreon: patreon.com/religionforbreakfastAndrew's religious studies book recommendations: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfastHere are some articles to get you started for further research:https://aeon.co/essays/theres-no-sharp-distinction-between-cult-and-regular-religionhttp://religiondispatches.org/culting-from-waco-to-fundamentalist-mormons/https://storify.com/s0s0str1s/not-a-believe-rhttp://jonestown.sdsu.edu/?page_id=30774Photo Attributions:Artemis of Ephesus: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Artemis_of_Ephesus_MAN_Napoli_Inv6278.jpgJapan mormon temple: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Sapporo_Japan_Temple#/media/File:Sapporo_LDS_Temple_1.jpgBrazil mormon temple: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Campinas_Brazil_Temple#/media/File:Templo_M%C3%B3rmon_-_panoramio_(4).jpgSpanish mormon temple: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Madrid_Spain_Temple#/media/File:000079_-_Madrid_(2287529869).jpgChurch of St. Symeon: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_Saint_Simeon_Stylites#/media/File:Church_of_Saint_Simeon_Stylites_17.jpgHasidic family: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hasidic_Family_Scene_-_Borough_Park_-_Hasidic_District_-_Brooklyn_-_New_York.jpgAmish family: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Amish#/media/File:Amish_-_On_the_way_to_school_by_Gadjoboy-crop.jpgAmish buggy: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amish#/media/File:Lancaster_County_Amish_03.jpgSpecial Thanks to our Patrons on Patreon!: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices You've heard the term "cult" before. It conjures images of authoritarian leaders and sheep-like followers. Many people claim that some religious groups are not religions at all...but rather..."cults." But is there any real difference between a "cult" and a "religion?"

Check out Ground Up Religion!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSXrzv0LYzE&t=259s

Twitter: @andrewmarkhenry
Facebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast
Patreon: patreon.com/religionforbreakfast

Andrew's religious studies book recommendations: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast

Here are some articles to get you started for further research:
https://aeon.co/essays/theres-no-sharp-distinction-between-cult-and-regular-religion

http://religiondispatches.org/culting-from-waco-to-fundamentalist-mormons/

https://storify.com/s0s0str1s/not-a-believe-r

http://jonestown.sdsu.edu/?page_id=30774



Photo Attributions:

Artemis of Ephesus: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Artemis_of_Ephesus_MAN_Napoli_Inv6278.jpg

Japan mormon temple: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Sapporo_Japan_Temple#/media/File:Sapporo_LDS_Temple_1.jpg

Brazil mormon temple: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Campinas_Brazil_Temple#/media/File:Templo_M%C3%B3rmon_-_panoramio_(4).jpg

Spanish mormon temple: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Madrid_Spain_Temple#/media/File:000079_-_Madrid_(2287529869).jpg

Church of St. Symeon: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_Saint_Simeon_Stylites#/media/File:Church_of_Saint_Simeon_Stylites_17.jpg

Hasidic family: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hasidic_Family_Scene_-_Borough_Park_-_Hasidic_District_-_Brooklyn_-_New_York.jpg

Amish family: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Amish#/media/File:Amish_-_On_the_way_to_school_by_Gadjoboy-crop.jpg

Amish buggy: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amish#/media/File:Lancaster_County_Amish_03.jpg


Special Thanks to our Patrons on Patreon!:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 568 no The History of Hell Hell is well-known in popular culture and is a widespread belief among Christian communities today. But where did this doctrine come from? Jewish apocalyptic literature from the 2nd Temple period reveals the idea was evolving even before the rise of Christianity.Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast/Twitter: @andrewmarkhenryReligious studies book recommendations: https://www.amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfastBibliography:Pope John Paul II quote, General Audience July 28, 1999: http://w2.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/audiences/1999/documents/hf_jp-ii_aud_28071999.html John Collins, "The apocalyptic imagination: an introduction to jewish apocalyptic literature."John Collins, “Apocalpyticism in the Dead Sea Scrolls”Kim Papaioannou, “The Geography of Hell in the Teaching of Jesus, Gehenna, Hades, the Abyss…"Aristotle Papanikolaou, Elixabeth Prodromou (eds.), "Thinking Through Faith: New Perspectives from Orthodox Christian Scholars," p. 195Photo attributions:Valley of Hinnom, author Deror Avi: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gehenna#/media/File:Valley_of_Hinom_PA180090.JPG Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 16 Sep 2026 16:35:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Hell is well-known in popular culture and is a widespread belief among Christian communities today. But where did this doctrine come from? Jewish apocalyptic literature from the 2nd Temple period reveals the idea was evolving even before the rise of Christianity.Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast/Twitter: @andrewmarkhenryReligious studies book recommendations: https://www.amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfastBibliography:Pope John Paul II quote, General Audience July 28, 1999: http://w2.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/audiences/1999/documents/hf_jp-ii_aud_28071999.html John Collins, "The apocalyptic imagination: an introduction to jewish apocalyptic literature."John Collins, “Apocalpyticism in the Dead Sea Scrolls”Kim Papaioannou, “The Geography of Hell in the Teaching of Jesus, Gehenna, Hades, the Abyss…"Aristotle Papanikolaou, Elixabeth Prodromou (eds.), "Thinking Through Faith: New Perspectives from Orthodox Christian Scholars," p. 195Photo attributions:Valley of Hinnom, author Deror Avi: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gehenna#/media/File:Valley_of_Hinom_PA180090.JPG Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Hell is well-known in popular culture and is a widespread belief among Christian communities today. But where did this doctrine come from? Jewish apocalyptic literature from the 2nd Temple period reveals the idea was evolving even before the rise of Christianity.

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast/
Twitter: @andrewmarkhenry

Religious studies book recommendations: https://www.amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast

Bibliography:
Pope John Paul II quote, General Audience July 28, 1999: http://w2.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/audiences/1999/documents/hf_jp-ii_aud_28071999.html

John Collins, "The apocalyptic imagination: an introduction to jewish apocalyptic literature."

John Collins, “Apocalpyticism in the Dead Sea Scrolls”

Kim Papaioannou, “The Geography of Hell in the Teaching of Jesus, Gehenna, Hades, the Abyss…"

Aristotle Papanikolaou, Elixabeth Prodromou (eds.), "Thinking Through Faith: New Perspectives from Orthodox Christian Scholars," p. 195

Photo attributions:
Valley of Hinnom, author Deror Avi: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gehenna#/media/File:Valley_of_Hinom_PA180090.JPG

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]]> 795 no Why Does the Number 7 Appear Everywhere in Religion?" Support us on Patreon!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastThe number seven appears everywhere in the Bible...and a bunch of religious traditions too. Why is the number seven sacred?Bibliography:Arvid Kapelrud, "The Number Seven in Ugaritic Texts," Vetus Testamentum, Vol. 18 (Oct 1968), 494-499.Denise Flanders, "The Rhetorical Use of Numbers in the Deuteronomistic History," 2022.Denise Flanders, "Saul has Killed His Thousands, David His Ten Thousands," dissertation, 2019.James Pritchard (ed.), "Ancient Near Eastern Texts Relating to the Old Testament," Third Edition with Supplement, 1969R.A. Kraft, "Philo's Treatment of the Number Seven in On Creation," in "Exploring the Scripturesque, (2009), p. 217-236.Botterweck et. all. (ed.), "Theological Dictionary of the Old Testament," Vol. 14. Laki, "On the Origin of the Sexagesimal Sytem," Journal of the Washington Academy of Sciences, Vol. 59, No 1/3 (Jan - March 1969). Kazuo Muroi, "The Origin of the Mystical Number Seven in Mesopotamian Culture"Adela Harbro Collins, "Cosmology and eschatology in jewish and Christian Apocalypticism," 1966.Bendt Alster, "Early Dynastic Proverbs and other Contributions to the Study of Literary Texts from Abu Salabikh," Archiv für Orientforschunb (1991/1992), 1 - 51.Leonid Zhmud, "From Number Symbolism to Arithmology," Zahlen- und Buchstabensysteme im Dienste religiöser Bildung. L. Schimmelpfennig (ed.).Tübingen: Seraphim, 2019. P. 25-45.Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images00:00 Why so many 7s?00:24 Near Eastern Context5:03 Later Development of Sacred 75:59 Cross-cultural phenomenon?7:18 Origin theories10:46 Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 16 Sep 2026 16:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Support us on Patreon!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastThe number seven appears everywhere in the Bible...and a bunch of religious traditions too. Why is the number seven sacred?Bibliography:Arvid Kapelrud, "The Number Seven in Ugaritic Texts," Vetus Testamentum, Vol. 18 (Oct 1968), 494-499.Denise Flanders, "The Rhetorical Use of Numbers in the Deuteronomistic History," 2022.Denise Flanders, "Saul has Killed His Thousands, David His Ten Thousands," dissertation, 2019.James Pritchard (ed.), "Ancient Near Eastern Texts Relating to the Old Testament," Third Edition with Supplement, 1969R.A. Kraft, "Philo's Treatment of the Number Seven in On Creation," in "Exploring the Scripturesque, (2009), p. 217-236.Botterweck et. all. (ed.), "Theological Dictionary of the Old Testament," Vol. 14. Laki, "On the Origin of the Sexagesimal Sytem," Journal of the Washington Academy of Sciences, Vol. 59, No 1/3 (Jan - March 1969). Kazuo Muroi, "The Origin of the Mystical Number Seven in Mesopotamian Culture"Adela Harbro Collins, "Cosmology and eschatology in jewish and Christian Apocalypticism," 1966.Bendt Alster, "Early Dynastic Proverbs and other Contributions to the Study of Literary Texts from Abu Salabikh," Archiv für Orientforschunb (1991/1992), 1 - 51.Leonid Zhmud, "From Number Symbolism to Arithmology," Zahlen- und Buchstabensysteme im Dienste religiöser Bildung. L. Schimmelpfennig (ed.).Tübingen: Seraphim, 2019. P. 25-45.Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images00:00 Why so many 7s?00:24 Near Eastern Context5:03 Later Development of Sacred 75:59 Cross-cultural phenomenon?7:18 Origin theories10:46 Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support us on Patreon!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast

The number seven appears everywhere in the Bible...and a bunch of religious traditions too. Why is the number seven sacred?

Bibliography:
Arvid Kapelrud, "The Number Seven in Ugaritic Texts," Vetus Testamentum, Vol. 18 (Oct 1968), 494-499.
Denise Flanders, "The Rhetorical Use of Numbers in the Deuteronomistic History," 2022.
Denise Flanders, "Saul has Killed His Thousands, David His Ten Thousands," dissertation, 2019.
James Pritchard (ed.), "Ancient Near Eastern Texts Relating to the Old Testament," Third Edition with Supplement, 1969
R.A. Kraft, "Philo's Treatment of the Number Seven in On Creation," in "Exploring the Scripturesque, (2009), p. 217-236.
Botterweck et. all. (ed.), "Theological Dictionary of the Old Testament," Vol. 14.
Laki, "On the Origin of the Sexagesimal Sytem," Journal of the Washington Academy of Sciences, Vol. 59, No 1/3 (Jan - March 1969).
Kazuo Muroi, "The Origin of the Mystical Number Seven in Mesopotamian Culture"
Adela Harbro Collins, "Cosmology and eschatology in jewish and Christian Apocalypticism," 1966.
Bendt Alster, "Early Dynastic Proverbs and other Contributions to the Study of Literary Texts from Abu Salabikh," Archiv für Orientforschunb (1991/1992), 1 - 51.
Leonid Zhmud, "From Number Symbolism to Arithmology," Zahlen- und Buchstabensysteme im Dienste religiöser Bildung. L. Schimmelpfennig (ed.).Tübingen: Seraphim, 2019. P. 25-45.

Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images


00:00 Why so many 7s?
00:24 Near Eastern Context
5:03 Later Development of Sacred 7
5:59 Cross-cultural phenomenon?
7:18 Origin theories
10:46 Patreon

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]]> 991 no The Very Recent Origins of the Christmas Tree Ground News Holiday Sale: Compare news coverage. Spot media bias. Join Ground News today to get 40% off unlimited access: https://ground.news/religionforbreakfast. Sale ends December 31.It's often alleged that the Christmas tree originated from some sort of pagan practice. But the evidence points to a much later date during the Medieval period in Europe. Join our Patreon community!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastOne-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastSign-up for my classes list to be notified of online classes: https://classes.religionforbreakfast.com/Thumbnail art by @hotcyder Bibliography:László Lukács, Geschichte und Verbreitung des Christbaumes in Europa (PhD dissertation)László Lukács, “Christbaum der Irrungen,” Ungarn-Jahrbuch 32 (2014/2016)László Lukács, “Der Christbaum in den oberrheinischen Städten des 16./17. Jahrhunderts,” Acta Ethnographica Hungarica, 2/2014.Timothy Larson (ed.), The Oxford Handbook of Christmas, (Oxford University Press, 2020), David Bertaina, “Trees and Decorations,” in Joe Perry, Christmas in Germany: A Cultural History, (UNC CHapel Hill Press, 2010), 265 - 276.Peter Gainsford, “Concerning Yule,” December 18, 2018, http://kiwihellenist.blogspot.com/2018/12/concerning-yule.htmlSelect images courtesy of Getty Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 16 Sep 2026 15:53:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Ground News Holiday Sale: Compare news coverage. Spot media bias. Join Ground News today to get 40% off unlimited access: https://ground.news/religionforbreakfast. Sale ends December 31.It's often alleged that the Christmas tree originated from some sort of pagan practice. But the evidence points to a much later date during the Medieval period in Europe. Join our Patreon community!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastOne-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastSign-up for my classes list to be notified of online classes: https://classes.religionforbreakfast.com/Thumbnail art by @hotcyder Bibliography:László Lukács, Geschichte und Verbreitung des Christbaumes in Europa (PhD dissertation)László Lukács, “Christbaum der Irrungen,” Ungarn-Jahrbuch 32 (2014/2016)László Lukács, “Der Christbaum in den oberrheinischen Städten des 16./17. Jahrhunderts,” Acta Ethnographica Hungarica, 2/2014.Timothy Larson (ed.), The Oxford Handbook of Christmas, (Oxford University Press, 2020), David Bertaina, “Trees and Decorations,” in Joe Perry, Christmas in Germany: A Cultural History, (UNC CHapel Hill Press, 2010), 265 - 276.Peter Gainsford, “Concerning Yule,” December 18, 2018, http://kiwihellenist.blogspot.com/2018/12/concerning-yule.htmlSelect images courtesy of Getty Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Ground News Holiday Sale: Compare news coverage. Spot media bias. Join Ground News today to get 40% off unlimited access: https://ground.news/religionforbreakfast. Sale ends December 31.

It's often alleged that the Christmas tree originated from some sort of pagan practice. But the evidence points to a much later date during the Medieval period in Europe.

Join our Patreon community!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
One-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfast
Sign-up for my classes list to be notified of online classes: https://classes.religionforbreakfast.com/

Thumbnail art by @hotcyder

Bibliography:
László Lukács, Geschichte und Verbreitung des Christbaumes in Europa (PhD dissertation)

László Lukács, “Christbaum der Irrungen,” Ungarn-Jahrbuch 32 (2014/2016)

László Lukács, “Der Christbaum in den oberrheinischen Städten des 16./17. Jahrhunderts,” Acta Ethnographica Hungarica, 2/2014.

Timothy Larson (ed.), The Oxford Handbook of Christmas, (Oxford University Press, 2020),

David Bertaina, “Trees and Decorations,” in Joe Perry, Christmas in Germany: A Cultural History, (UNC CHapel Hill Press, 2010), 265 - 276.

Peter Gainsford, “Concerning Yule,” December 18, 2018, http://kiwihellenist.blogspot.com/2018/12/concerning-yule.html

Select images courtesy of Getty

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]]> 1280 no The Rise of Atheist Churches? Join our Patreon community!: https://patreon.com/religionforbreakfastOne-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastAs religiously unaffiliated people become a larger and larger portion of the US population, scholars are noticing a rise in atheist/humanist/agnostic gatherings that mirror some of the characteristics of Christian churches (i.e. meeting on Sundays, participating in collective rituals such as singing). What can we learn about these gatherings? Can we call this a godless form of religiosity?Full interviews:Anthony Pinn: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=faRdcfrFEBc&feature=youtu.beHouston Oasis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4OrJ6SIrEY&feature=youtu.beThis video was supported, in part, by Sacred Writes: Public Scholarship on Religion, funded by the Henry R. Luce Foundation and hosted by Northeastern University. They paid for my travel to Rice University.Follow me on Twitter @andrewmarkhenrySource on the US population of Nones: https://religionnews.com/2019/03/21/nones-now-as-big-as-evangelicals-catholics-in-the-us/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 16 Sep 2026 15:37:30 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Join our Patreon community!: https://patreon.com/religionforbreakfastOne-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastAs religiously unaffiliated people become a larger and larger portion of the US population, scholars are noticing a rise in atheist/humanist/agnostic gatherings that mirror some of the characteristics of Christian churches (i.e. meeting on Sundays, participating in collective rituals such as singing). What can we learn about these gatherings? Can we call this a godless form of religiosity?Full interviews:Anthony Pinn: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=faRdcfrFEBc&feature=youtu.beHouston Oasis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4OrJ6SIrEY&feature=youtu.beThis video was supported, in part, by Sacred Writes: Public Scholarship on Religion, funded by the Henry R. Luce Foundation and hosted by Northeastern University. They paid for my travel to Rice University.Follow me on Twitter @andrewmarkhenrySource on the US population of Nones: https://religionnews.com/2019/03/21/nones-now-as-big-as-evangelicals-catholics-in-the-us/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Join our Patreon community!: https://patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
One-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfast

As religiously unaffiliated people become a larger and larger portion of the US population, scholars are noticing a rise in atheist/humanist/agnostic gatherings that mirror some of the characteristics of Christian churches (i.e. meeting on Sundays, participating in collective rituals such as singing). What can we learn about these gatherings? Can we call this a godless form of religiosity?

Full interviews:
Anthony Pinn: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=faRdcfrFEBc&feature=youtu.be
Houston Oasis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4OrJ6SIrEY&feature=youtu.be

This video was supported, in part, by Sacred Writes: Public Scholarship on Religion, funded by the Henry R. Luce Foundation and hosted by Northeastern University. They paid for my travel to Rice University.

Follow me on Twitter @andrewmarkhenry


Source on the US population of Nones: https://religionnews.com/2019/03/21/nones-now-as-big-as-evangelicals-catholics-in-the-us/

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]]> 872 no This Is Not The Buddha (yet) Watch my tour of the Red Basilica on Nebula!: https://nebula.tv/videos/religionforbreakfast-sacred-spaces-inside-the-red-basilica-a-roman-temple-to-the-egyptian-gods?ref=religionforbreakfast Get Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfastJoin our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and ReutersHe’s not the Buddha—but he might be a Buddha someday. Meet Budai: a 10th-century Chinese monk turned laughing folk hero, Zen trickster, and future Buddha in disguise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 16 Sep 2026 15:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Watch my tour of the Red Basilica on Nebula!: https://nebula.tv/videos/religionforbreakfast-sacred-spaces-inside-the-red-basilica-a-roman-temple-to-the-egyptian-gods?ref=religionforbreakfast Get Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfastJoin our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and ReutersHe’s not the Buddha—but he might be a Buddha someday. Meet Budai: a 10th-century Chinese monk turned laughing folk hero, Zen trickster, and future Buddha in disguise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Watch my tour of the Red Basilica on Nebula!: https://nebula.tv/videos/religionforbreakfast-sacred-spaces-inside-the-red-basilica-a-roman-temple-to-the-egyptian-gods?ref=religionforbreakfast
Get Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast

Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters

He’s not the Buddha—but he might be a Buddha someday. Meet Budai: a 10th-century Chinese monk turned laughing folk hero, Zen trickster, and future Buddha in disguise.

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]]> 1126 no How Did the New Testament Form? Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastMy twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewmarkhenryMy facebook: https://www.facebook.com/religionforb...Blog: http://religionforbreakfast.com/Royalty-free Music by Kevin MacLeod: incompetech.comAll images are in public domain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 16 Sep 2026 14:40:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastMy twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewmarkhenryMy facebook: https://www.facebook.com/religionforb...Blog: http://religionforbreakfast.com/Royalty-free Music by Kevin MacLeod: incompetech.comAll images are in public domain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
My twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewmarkhenry
My facebook: https://www.facebook.com/religionforb...
Blog: http://religionforbreakfast.com/

Royalty-free Music by Kevin MacLeod: incompetech.com
All images are in public domain

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]]> 608 no The Siege of Masada: What Really Happened? Masada is one of the most famous archaeological sites in Israel. It is best known from a dramatic episode described by Josephus in his account The Jewish War when the Judean rebels in the First Jewish Revolt made an epic last stand against the Tenth Roman Legion. But what really happened at Masada? And does the archaeological record support Josephus' account?www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastwww.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenrySources: Josephus' account: https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/religion/maps/primary/josephusmasada.htmlJodi Magness, Archaeology of the Holy Land.Gwyn Davies, “Under Siege: The Roman Field Works at Masada,” Bulletin of the American Schools of Oriental Research, No. 362 (May 2011), 65-83For more on the skeletons found at Masada, see: https://jamestabor.com/masada-mysteries-what-do-we-know-about-the-bones/Photo Credits:IDF Soldiers: http://bobointexas.blogspot.com/2011/06/masada-and-dead-sea.htmlMasada at night, Avinoam Michaeli https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:PikiWiki_Israel_10447_Masada_Sound_and_Light_show.jpgCredit: Andrew Shivahttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Aerial_view_of_Masada_(Israel)_06.jpgBen-Yair Ostracon: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Masada,_Ben_Yair%27s_ostracon.jpgSiege Ramp: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:IL-masada-rampe.jpgSiege tower: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helepolis#/media/File:Helepolis.pngNorthern palace complex: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Israel-2013-Masada-Aerial_01.JPGPalace terraces: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:PikiWiki_Israel_10475_Herod_palace_at_Masada.jpg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 16 Sep 2026 14:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Masada is one of the most famous archaeological sites in Israel. It is best known from a dramatic episode described by Josephus in his account The Jewish War when the Judean rebels in the First Jewish Revolt made an epic last stand against the Tenth Roman Legion. But what really happened at Masada? And does the archaeological record support Josephus' account?www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastwww.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenrySources: Josephus' account: https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/religion/maps/primary/josephusmasada.htmlJodi Magness, Archaeology of the Holy Land.Gwyn Davies, “Under Siege: The Roman Field Works at Masada,” Bulletin of the American Schools of Oriental Research, No. 362 (May 2011), 65-83For more on the skeletons found at Masada, see: https://jamestabor.com/masada-mysteries-what-do-we-know-about-the-bones/Photo Credits:IDF Soldiers: http://bobointexas.blogspot.com/2011/06/masada-and-dead-sea.htmlMasada at night, Avinoam Michaeli https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:PikiWiki_Israel_10447_Masada_Sound_and_Light_show.jpgCredit: Andrew Shivahttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Aerial_view_of_Masada_(Israel)_06.jpgBen-Yair Ostracon: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Masada,_Ben_Yair%27s_ostracon.jpgSiege Ramp: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:IL-masada-rampe.jpgSiege tower: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helepolis#/media/File:Helepolis.pngNorthern palace complex: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Israel-2013-Masada-Aerial_01.JPGPalace terraces: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:PikiWiki_Israel_10475_Herod_palace_at_Masada.jpg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Masada is one of the most famous archaeological sites in Israel. It is best known from a dramatic episode described by Josephus in his account The Jewish War when the Judean rebels in the First Jewish Revolt made an epic last stand against the Tenth Roman Legion. But what really happened at Masada? And does the archaeological record support Josephus' account?

www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast
Twitter: @andrewmarkhenry


Sources:

Josephus' account: https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/religion/maps/primary/josephusmasada.html

Jodi Magness, Archaeology of the Holy Land.

Gwyn Davies, “Under Siege: The Roman Field Works at Masada,” Bulletin of the American Schools of Oriental Research, No. 362 (May 2011), 65-83

For more on the skeletons found at Masada, see: https://jamestabor.com/masada-mysteries-what-do-we-know-about-the-bones/


Photo Credits:

IDF Soldiers: http://bobointexas.blogspot.com/2011/06/masada-and-dead-sea.html

Masada at night, Avinoam Michaeli https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:PikiWiki_Israel_10447_Masada_Sound_and_Light_show.jpg

Credit: Andrew Shiva
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Aerial_view_of_Masada_(Israel)_06.jpg

Ben-Yair Ostracon: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Masada,_Ben_Yair%27s_ostracon.jpg

Siege Ramp: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:IL-masada-rampe.jpg
Siege tower: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helepolis#/media/File:Helepolis.png

Northern palace complex: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Israel-2013-Masada-Aerial_01.JPG
Palace terraces: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:PikiWiki_Israel_10475_Herod_palace_at_Masada.jpg

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]]> 677 no How Did the Nicene Creed Form? How Did the Nicene Creed Form? This famous statement of Christian orthodoxy is recited all over the world today. But it was actually composed in the 4th century during a theological controversy. What was this controversy? And what can it tell us about early Christianity?Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastMusic: Kevin MacLeod, incompetech.comShout out to my Patreon patrons! You guys are awesome!:Brian B.John M.Alex B.Cain D.MannyMark H.Image attributions:Catholic Mass: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Catholic-Mass-1968.jpgAnglicans: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Justin_Welby#/media/File:Justin_Welby_and_Kim_Geun-Sang_at_Seoul_Cathedral.JPGHoly Spirit Stainglass: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_Spirit#/media/File:Rom,_Vatikan,_Basilika_St._Peter,_Die_Taube_des_Heiligen_Geistes_(Cathedra_Petri,_Bernini).jpgEmperor Constantine Bust: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Gaius_Flavius_Valerius_Constantinus#/media/File:Rome-Capitole-StatueConstantin.jpgHilderic Coin: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vandals#/media/File:Vandal_Kingdom_Hilderic_Denarius.jpgGoths being Christianized: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goths#/media/File:Bischof_Ulfilas_erkl%C3%A4rt_den_Goten_das_Evangelium.jpg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 16 Sep 2026 13:42:30 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast How Did the Nicene Creed Form? This famous statement of Christian orthodoxy is recited all over the world today. But it was actually composed in the 4th century during a theological controversy. What was this controversy? And what can it tell us about early Christianity?Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastMusic: Kevin MacLeod, incompetech.comShout out to my Patreon patrons! You guys are awesome!:Brian B.John M.Alex B.Cain D.MannyMark H.Image attributions:Catholic Mass: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Catholic-Mass-1968.jpgAnglicans: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Justin_Welby#/media/File:Justin_Welby_and_Kim_Geun-Sang_at_Seoul_Cathedral.JPGHoly Spirit Stainglass: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_Spirit#/media/File:Rom,_Vatikan,_Basilika_St._Peter,_Die_Taube_des_Heiligen_Geistes_(Cathedra_Petri,_Bernini).jpgEmperor Constantine Bust: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Gaius_Flavius_Valerius_Constantinus#/media/File:Rome-Capitole-StatueConstantin.jpgHilderic Coin: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vandals#/media/File:Vandal_Kingdom_Hilderic_Denarius.jpgGoths being Christianized: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goths#/media/File:Bischof_Ulfilas_erkl%C3%A4rt_den_Goten_das_Evangelium.jpg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices How Did the Nicene Creed Form? This famous statement of Christian orthodoxy is recited all over the world today. But it was actually composed in the 4th century during a theological controversy. What was this controversy? And what can it tell us about early Christianity?

Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Twitter: @andrewmarkhenry
Blog: www.religionforbreakfast.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast
Music: Kevin MacLeod, incompetech.com

Shout out to my Patreon patrons! You guys are awesome!:
Brian B.
John M.
Alex B.
Cain D.
Manny
Mark H.

Image attributions:

Catholic Mass: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Catholic-Mass-1968.jpg

Anglicans: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Justin_Welby#/media/File:Justin_Welby_and_Kim_Geun-Sang_at_Seoul_Cathedral.JPG

Holy Spirit Stainglass: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_Spirit#/media/File:Rom,_Vatikan,_Basilika_St._Peter,_Die_Taube_des_Heiligen_Geistes_(Cathedra_Petri,_Bernini).jpg

Emperor Constantine Bust: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Gaius_Flavius_Valerius_Constantinus#/media/File:Rome-Capitole-StatueConstantin.jpg

Hilderic Coin: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vandals#/media/File:Vandal_Kingdom_Hilderic_Denarius.jpg

Goths being Christianized: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goths#/media/File:Bischof_Ulfilas_erkl%C3%A4rt_den_Goten_das_Evangelium.jpg

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]]> 619 no The 3 Wise Men: Ancient Magicians? "Wise men" or "Magi?" What did this mean for the inhabitants of the ancient Mediterranean?Twitter: @andrewmarkhenryFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comAnimation: EC Henry http://echenry.com/Graphic Design: Chris Maghintay http://www.chrismaghintay.com/Music: Kevin MacLeod http://incompetech.com/Sources and Media Attributions Below!Full translation of Bisotun Inscription: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Full_translation_of_the_Behistun_InscriptionDivination Kit Bibliography: http://www2.szepmuveszeti.hu/talismans/cbd/1851?related=bibliography&rid=2017Magi mosaic: Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo in Ravenna: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Magi_(1).jpgSanta Maria mosaic in Trastevere: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:San.Maria.Trastevere.jpgBisotun Inscription: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/90/IranBisotunDareiosRelief2.jpg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 16 Sep 2026 13:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast "Wise men" or "Magi?" What did this mean for the inhabitants of the ancient Mediterranean?Twitter: @andrewmarkhenryFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comAnimation: EC Henry http://echenry.com/Graphic Design: Chris Maghintay http://www.chrismaghintay.com/Music: Kevin MacLeod http://incompetech.com/Sources and Media Attributions Below!Full translation of Bisotun Inscription: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Full_translation_of_the_Behistun_InscriptionDivination Kit Bibliography: http://www2.szepmuveszeti.hu/talismans/cbd/1851?related=bibliography&rid=2017Magi mosaic: Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo in Ravenna: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Magi_(1).jpgSanta Maria mosaic in Trastevere: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:San.Maria.Trastevere.jpgBisotun Inscription: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/90/IranBisotunDareiosRelief2.jpg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices "Wise men" or "Magi?" What did this mean for the inhabitants of the ancient Mediterranean?

Twitter: @andrewmarkhenry
Facebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast
Blog: www.religionforbreakfast.com

Animation: EC Henry http://echenry.com/
Graphic Design: Chris Maghintay http://www.chrismaghintay.com/
Music: Kevin MacLeod http://incompetech.com/

Sources and Media Attributions Below!

Full translation of Bisotun Inscription: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Full_translation_of_the_Behistun_Inscription

Divination Kit Bibliography: http://www2.szepmuveszeti.hu/talismans/cbd/1851?related=bibliography&rid=2017

Magi mosaic: Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo in Ravenna: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Magi_(1).jpg

Santa Maria mosaic in Trastevere: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:San.Maria.Trastevere.jpg

Bisotun Inscription: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/90/IranBisotunDareiosRelief2.jpg

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]]> 526 no Using Computer Models to Study Religion? (feat. Dr. Connor Wood) How can computer models help in the academic study of religion? Today I sit down with Dr. Connor Wood with the Institute for the Bio-Cultural Study of Religion to find out. Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comMusic: Kevin MacLeod, www.incompetech.comLinks to this research!: Science On Religion Blog: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/scienceonreligion/Connor Wood Huffington Post: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/connor-wood/how-can-computer-models-h_b_9358258.htmlInstitute for the Bio-Cultural Study of Religion: https://www.ibcsr.org/Jenn Lindsay: http://jennlindsay.com/Thanks so much to Religion for Breakfast Patreon supporters!:Brian B.John M.Alex B.Cain D.MannyMark H.Dan D. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 16 Sep 2026 12:45:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast How can computer models help in the academic study of religion? Today I sit down with Dr. Connor Wood with the Institute for the Bio-Cultural Study of Religion to find out. Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comMusic: Kevin MacLeod, www.incompetech.comLinks to this research!: Science On Religion Blog: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/scienceonreligion/Connor Wood Huffington Post: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/connor-wood/how-can-computer-models-h_b_9358258.htmlInstitute for the Bio-Cultural Study of Religion: https://www.ibcsr.org/Jenn Lindsay: http://jennlindsay.com/Thanks so much to Religion for Breakfast Patreon supporters!:Brian B.John M.Alex B.Cain D.MannyMark H.Dan D. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices How can computer models help in the academic study of religion? Today I sit down with Dr. Connor Wood with the Institute for the Bio-Cultural Study of Religion to find out.
Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Twitter: @andrewmarkhenry
Facebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast
Blog: www.religionforbreakfast.com
Music: Kevin MacLeod, www.incompetech.com


Links to this research!:

Science On Religion Blog: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/scienceonreligion/

Connor Wood Huffington Post: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/connor-wood/how-can-computer-models-h_b_9358258.html

Institute for the Bio-Cultural Study of Religion: https://www.ibcsr.org/

Jenn Lindsay: http://jennlindsay.com/


Thanks so much to Religion for Breakfast Patreon supporters!:
Brian B.
John M.
Alex B.
Cain D.
Manny
Mark H.
Dan D.

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]]> 807 no Jesus in Islam | Interview with Dr. Gabriel Said Reynolds Check out Dr. Reynold's channel here: @ExploringtheQuranandtheBible Join his online class here: https://www.coursera.org/learn/sacred-texts-in-dialogue-exploring-the-bible-and-the-quranIn this interview with Dr. Gabriel Said Reynolds, we explore how Islam understands Jesus as a revered prophet with a unique role in Islamic theology. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 16 Sep 2026 12:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Check out Dr. Reynold's channel here: @ExploringtheQuranandtheBible Join his online class here: https://www.coursera.org/learn/sacred-texts-in-dialogue-exploring-the-bible-and-the-quranIn this interview with Dr. Gabriel Said Reynolds, we explore how Islam understands Jesus as a revered prophet with a unique role in Islamic theology. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Check out Dr. Reynold's channel here: @ExploringtheQuranandtheBible
Join his online class here: https://www.coursera.org/learn/sacred-texts-in-dialogue-exploring-the-bible-and-the-quran

In this interview with Dr. Gabriel Said Reynolds, we explore how Islam understands Jesus as a revered prophet with a unique role in Islamic theology.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 3070 no The Easter Bunny Is Not Pagan Watch my interview with John Green on Nebula!: https://nebula.tv/videos/religionforbreakfast-john-green-on-religion?ref=religionforbreakfastGet Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfastIs the Easter Bunny pagan? Probably not. It seems to have been invented by German-speaking Protestants sometime in the 1600s.Bibliography:Stephen Winick, "Ostara and the Hare: Not Ancient, but Not As Modern As Some Skeptics Think,"Library of Congress Blogs, April 28, 2016.Stephen Winick, On the Bunny Trail: In Search of the Easter Bunny, Library of Congress Blogs, March 22, 2016Thumbnail design by ⁨@hotcyder⁩ Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 16 Sep 2026 11:47:30 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Watch my interview with John Green on Nebula!: https://nebula.tv/videos/religionforbreakfast-john-green-on-religion?ref=religionforbreakfastGet Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfastIs the Easter Bunny pagan? Probably not. It seems to have been invented by German-speaking Protestants sometime in the 1600s.Bibliography:Stephen Winick, "Ostara and the Hare: Not Ancient, but Not As Modern As Some Skeptics Think,"Library of Congress Blogs, April 28, 2016.Stephen Winick, On the Bunny Trail: In Search of the Easter Bunny, Library of Congress Blogs, March 22, 2016Thumbnail design by ⁨@hotcyder⁩ Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Watch my interview with John Green on Nebula!: https://nebula.tv/videos/religionforbreakfast-john-green-on-religion?ref=religionforbreakfast
Get Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast


Is the Easter Bunny pagan? Probably not. It seems to have been invented by German-speaking Protestants sometime in the 1600s.

Bibliography:
Stephen Winick, "Ostara and the Hare: Not Ancient, but Not As Modern As Some Skeptics Think,"
Library of Congress Blogs, April 28, 2016.

Stephen Winick, On the Bunny Trail: In Search of the Easter Bunny, Library of Congress Blogs, March 22, 2016


Thumbnail design by ⁨@hotcyder⁩
Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1241 no Cult of Mithras Explained The Cult of Mithras was a thriving religion in the Roman Empire. But by the 5th century....it was gone. What do we know about the Cult of Mithras? And what was its relationship with Christianity?Twitter: @andrewmarkhenryBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastPatreon. https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastAndrew's religious studies book recommendations: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfastThanks to our Patreon patrons!:Dan DBrian BKalei WDerek KTuuli HAlex BMason AAdil AMark HAlice CWilsonCain DDanny HBibliography:Clauss, Manfred. The Roman Cult of Mithras.Beck, Roger. The Religion of the Mithras Cult in the Roman Empire. Sources debunking the "Christ/Mithras" myth can be found at The Tertullian Project: Tertullian Project: http://www.tertullian.org/rpearse/mithras/display.php?page=Mithras_and_Jesus#note12Incredible resource of every citation about Mithras in Greco-Roman literature: http://www.tertullian.org/rpearse/mithras/literary_sources.htmPhoto attributions:San Clemete Mithraeum: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c6/Mithraeum_San_Clemente_Rom.JPGOstia Mithraeum: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Mitreo_dei_Serpenti_(Ostia_Antica)#/media/File:Ostia_Antica_-_mitreo_dei_Serpenti_1050449.JPGMithraeum of Seven Spheres:https://www.flickr.com/photos/archer10/5150996098Baths of Caracalla: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baths_of_Caracalla#/media/File:Baths_of_Caracalla,_facing_Caldarium.jpgRock Born Mithras: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:MitraRisingfromtherockMNIR.JPGhttps://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7e/MC_-_Mithras_im_Fels.jpghttps://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/39/Mithra_as_a_child_-_3rd-4th_century_AD_-_Museo_Archeologico_-_Milan_2014.jpgMithras Fresco: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Tauroctony_-_Frescos#/media/File:Mitreo_Barberini.JPG7th Ostia Felicissimus Panel: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Ostia_Antica_(archaeological_site)#/media/File:7th_panel_Mitreo_di_Felicissimus_Ostia_Antica_2006-09-08.jpgSol and Mithras: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithraism#/media/File:Mithras_banquet_Louvre_Ma3441.jpgRitual Meal: http://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/ancient-cultures/ancient-israel/a-feast-for-the-senses-and-the-soul/Hawarte Picture: http://palmyra2010.blox.pl/html/1310721,262146,21.html?801805Aurelian Coin: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Radiate_of_Aurelian_(YORYM_2001_9658)_obverse.jpgSaarbrücken: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Mithrasgrotte_(Saarbr%C3%BCcken)#/media/File:Mithrasgrotte_Halberg_Saarbruecken.jpgSanta Prisca: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Santa_Prisca_Mithraeum.jpgCapua Mithraeum: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mithraeum_(mitreo),_Ancient_Capua_(14416247560).jpgCapua Fresco: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tauroctony_fresco_in_the_mithraeum_of_Capua,_2nd_century_(CIMRM_181),_Mithraeum_(mitreo),_Ancient_Capua_(14595393221).jpgDura-Europos House Church: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dura-Europos_church#/media/File:DuraEuropos-Church.jpgConstantine the Great bust: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constantine_the_Great#/media/File:0_Gaius_Flavius_Valerius_Constantinus_-_Palatino.JPG Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 16 Sep 2026 11:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast The Cult of Mithras was a thriving religion in the Roman Empire. But by the 5th century....it was gone. What do we know about the Cult of Mithras? And what was its relationship with Christianity?Twitter: @andrewmarkhenryBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastPatreon. https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastAndrew's religious studies book recommendations: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfastThanks to our Patreon patrons!:Dan DBrian BKalei WDerek KTuuli HAlex BMason AAdil AMark HAlice CWilsonCain DDanny HBibliography:Clauss, Manfred. The Roman Cult of Mithras.Beck, Roger. The Religion of the Mithras Cult in the Roman Empire. Sources debunking the "Christ/Mithras" myth can be found at The Tertullian Project: Tertullian Project: http://www.tertullian.org/rpearse/mithras/display.php?page=Mithras_and_Jesus#note12Incredible resource of every citation about Mithras in Greco-Roman literature: http://www.tertullian.org/rpearse/mithras/literary_sources.htmPhoto attributions:San Clemete Mithraeum: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c6/Mithraeum_San_Clemente_Rom.JPGOstia Mithraeum: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Mitreo_dei_Serpenti_(Ostia_Antica)#/media/File:Ostia_Antica_-_mitreo_dei_Serpenti_1050449.JPGMithraeum of Seven Spheres:https://www.flickr.com/photos/archer10/5150996098Baths of Caracalla: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baths_of_Caracalla#/media/File:Baths_of_Caracalla,_facing_Caldarium.jpgRock Born Mithras: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:MitraRisingfromtherockMNIR.JPGhttps://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7e/MC_-_Mithras_im_Fels.jpghttps://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/39/Mithra_as_a_child_-_3rd-4th_century_AD_-_Museo_Archeologico_-_Milan_2014.jpgMithras Fresco: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Tauroctony_-_Frescos#/media/File:Mitreo_Barberini.JPG7th Ostia Felicissimus Panel: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Ostia_Antica_(archaeological_site)#/media/File:7th_panel_Mitreo_di_Felicissimus_Ostia_Antica_2006-09-08.jpgSol and Mithras: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithraism#/media/File:Mithras_banquet_Louvre_Ma3441.jpgRitual Meal: http://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/ancient-cultures/ancient-israel/a-feast-for-the-senses-and-the-soul/Hawarte Picture: http://palmyra2010.blox.pl/html/1310721,262146,21.html?801805Aurelian Coin: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Radiate_of_Aurelian_(YORYM_2001_9658)_obverse.jpgSaarbrücken: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Mithrasgrotte_(Saarbr%C3%BCcken)#/media/File:Mithrasgrotte_Halberg_Saarbruecken.jpgSanta Prisca: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Santa_Prisca_Mithraeum.jpgCapua Mithraeum: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mithraeum_(mitreo),_Ancient_Capua_(14416247560).jpgCapua Fresco: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tauroctony_fresco_in_the_mithraeum_of_Capua,_2nd_century_(CIMRM_181),_Mithraeum_(mitreo),_Ancient_Capua_(14595393221).jpgDura-Europos House Church: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dura-Europos_church#/media/File:DuraEuropos-Church.jpgConstantine the Great bust: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constantine_the_Great#/media/File:0_Gaius_Flavius_Valerius_Constantinus_-_Palatino.JPG Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The Cult of Mithras was a thriving religion in the Roman Empire. But by the 5th century....it was gone. What do we know about the Cult of Mithras? And what was its relationship with Christianity?

Twitter: @andrewmarkhenry
Blog: www.religionforbreakfast.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast
Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast

Andrew's religious studies book recommendations: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast

Thanks to our Patreon patrons!:
Dan D
Brian B
Kalei W
Derek K
Tuuli H
Alex B
Mason A
Adil A
Mark H
Alice C
Wilson
Cain D
Danny H

Bibliography:

Clauss, Manfred. The Roman Cult of Mithras.

Beck, Roger. The Religion of the Mithras Cult in the Roman Empire.

Sources debunking the "Christ/Mithras" myth can be found at The Tertullian Project: Tertullian Project: http://www.tertullian.org/rpearse/mithras/display.php?page=Mithras_and_Jesus#note12

Incredible resource of every citation about Mithras in Greco-Roman literature: http://www.tertullian.org/rpearse/mithras/literary_sources.htm

Photo attributions:
San Clemete Mithraeum: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c6/Mithraeum_San_Clemente_Rom.JPG

Ostia Mithraeum: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Mitreo_dei_Serpenti_(Ostia_Antica)#/media/File:Ostia_Antica_-_mitreo_dei_Serpenti_1050449.JPG

Mithraeum of Seven Spheres:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/archer10/5150996098

Baths of Caracalla: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baths_of_Caracalla#/media/File:Baths_of_Caracalla,_facing_Caldarium.jpg

Rock Born Mithras: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:MitraRisingfromtherockMNIR.JPG
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7e/MC_-_Mithras_im_Fels.jpg

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/39/Mithra_as_a_child_-_3rd-4th_century_AD_-_Museo_Archeologico_-_Milan_2014.jpg

Mithras Fresco: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Tauroctony_-_Frescos#/media/File:Mitreo_Barberini.JPG

7th Ostia Felicissimus Panel: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Ostia_Antica_(archaeological_site)#/media/File:7th_panel_Mitreo_di_Felicissimus_Ostia_Antica_2006-09-08.jpg

Sol and Mithras: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithraism#/media/File:Mithras_banquet_Louvre_Ma3441.jpg

Ritual Meal: http://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/ancient-cultures/ancient-israel/a-feast-for-the-senses-and-the-soul/

Hawarte Picture: http://palmyra2010.blox.pl/html/1310721,262146,21.html?801805

Aurelian Coin: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Radiate_of_Aurelian_(YORYM_2001_9658)_obverse.jpg

Saarbrücken: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Mithrasgrotte_(Saarbr%C3%BCcken)#/media/File:Mithrasgrotte_Halberg_Saarbruecken.jpg

Santa Prisca: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Santa_Prisca_Mithraeum.jpg

Capua Mithraeum: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mithraeum_(mitreo),_Ancient_Capua_(14416247560).jpg

Capua Fresco: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tauroctony_fresco_in_the_mithraeum_of_Capua,_2nd_century_(CIMRM_181),_Mithraeum_(mitreo),_Ancient_Capua_(14595393221).jpg

Dura-Europos House Church: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dura-Europos_church#/media/File:DuraEuropos-Church.jpg

Constantine the Great bust: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constantine_the_Great#/media/File:0_Gaius_Flavius_Valerius_Constantinus_-_Palatino.JPG

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]]> 1437 no 100 Subscribers for Religious Literacy! 100 Subscribers for Religious Literacy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 16 Sep 2026 10:50:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast 100 Subscribers for Religious Literacy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices 100 Subscribers for Religious Literacy!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 212 no Intro to Islam (feat. Dr. Hussein Rashid) Islam is a complicated topic and a politically charged topic here in the 21st century. But it is important that we learn about the world's 2nd largest religion. In this video, we will discuss Islam from a nonsectarian perspective, exploring its internal diversity, how the religion changed over time, and how it is embedded in different areas of culture around the world. Twitter: @andrewmarkhenryFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastPatreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSpecial thanks to Dr. Hussein Rashid for help researching, writing, and co-hosting this episode. Follow him on Twitter at: @islamoyankeehttps://twitter.com/islamoyankeehttp://www.husseinrashid.com/This video was made for the online classes offered by the Religious Freedom Center. A nonsectarian, nonpartisan organization in Washington DC committed to improving religious literacy and religious liberty. Follow them at: @NewseumReligionhttp://www.religiousfreedomcenter.org/Educators, consider checking out their professional development modules. Short, self-paced, interactive courses focused on boosting your religious literacy education in the classroom: https://constitution2classroom.org/This video is brought to you in part by our supporters on Patreon. Thank you everyone for supporting this channel!: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastAndrew's religious studies book recommendations: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfastFurther Reading:Alexander Knysh, "Sufism: A New History of Islamic Mysticism."Edward Curtis, "The Practice of Islam in America: An Introduction."Malise Ruthven, "Islam: A Very Short Introduction."Reports on Sufi shrine and Islamic cultural heritage destruction:http://www.cnn.com/2012/07/12/world/africa/mali-shrines-destroyed/index.htmlhttp://time.com/3584585/saudi-arabia-bulldozes-over-its-heritage/http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=42756Farhad Daftary, The Isma’ilis: Their History and Doctrines https://books.google.com/books?id=cSO9zh61AGEC&printsec=frontcover&dq=seven+pillars+nizari&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjuoPWvqu3UAhWMVT4KHbN8BYkQuwUIOzAD#v=onepage&q=seven%20pilalrs&f=falseCarl Ernst, Tasawwuf, article for Encyclopedia of Islam, https://www.unc.edu/~cernst/pdf/tasawwuf.pdfKecia Ali: http://www.wbur.org/cognoscenti/2014/05/09/sultan-of-brunei-sharia-law-beverly-hills-hotel-kecia-aliKecia Ali: https://feminismandreligion.com/2014/05/27/whose-sharia-is-it-by-kecia-ali/Jerusha Lamptey: http://time.com/92534/boko-haram-not-my-shariah/Rise in Islamic Financial Institutions: http://www.cnbc.com/2016/12/02/under-the-radar-islamic-banks-rise-in-th.htmlMusic by Kevin MacLeod: https://incompetech.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 16 Sep 2026 10:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Islam is a complicated topic and a politically charged topic here in the 21st century. But it is important that we learn about the world's 2nd largest religion. In this video, we will discuss Islam from a nonsectarian perspective, exploring its internal diversity, how the religion changed over time, and how it is embedded in different areas of culture around the world. Twitter: @andrewmarkhenryFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastPatreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSpecial thanks to Dr. Hussein Rashid for help researching, writing, and co-hosting this episode. Follow him on Twitter at: @islamoyankeehttps://twitter.com/islamoyankeehttp://www.husseinrashid.com/This video was made for the online classes offered by the Religious Freedom Center. A nonsectarian, nonpartisan organization in Washington DC committed to improving religious literacy and religious liberty. Follow them at: @NewseumReligionhttp://www.religiousfreedomcenter.org/Educators, consider checking out their professional development modules. Short, self-paced, interactive courses focused on boosting your religious literacy education in the classroom: https://constitution2classroom.org/This video is brought to you in part by our supporters on Patreon. Thank you everyone for supporting this channel!: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastAndrew's religious studies book recommendations: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfastFurther Reading:Alexander Knysh, "Sufism: A New History of Islamic Mysticism."Edward Curtis, "The Practice of Islam in America: An Introduction."Malise Ruthven, "Islam: A Very Short Introduction."Reports on Sufi shrine and Islamic cultural heritage destruction:http://www.cnn.com/2012/07/12/world/africa/mali-shrines-destroyed/index.htmlhttp://time.com/3584585/saudi-arabia-bulldozes-over-its-heritage/http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=42756Farhad Daftary, The Isma’ilis: Their History and Doctrines https://books.google.com/books?id=cSO9zh61AGEC&printsec=frontcover&dq=seven+pillars+nizari&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjuoPWvqu3UAhWMVT4KHbN8BYkQuwUIOzAD#v=onepage&q=seven%20pilalrs&f=falseCarl Ernst, Tasawwuf, article for Encyclopedia of Islam, https://www.unc.edu/~cernst/pdf/tasawwuf.pdfKecia Ali: http://www.wbur.org/cognoscenti/2014/05/09/sultan-of-brunei-sharia-law-beverly-hills-hotel-kecia-aliKecia Ali: https://feminismandreligion.com/2014/05/27/whose-sharia-is-it-by-kecia-ali/Jerusha Lamptey: http://time.com/92534/boko-haram-not-my-shariah/Rise in Islamic Financial Institutions: http://www.cnbc.com/2016/12/02/under-the-radar-islamic-banks-rise-in-th.htmlMusic by Kevin MacLeod: https://incompetech.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Islam is a complicated topic and a politically charged topic here in the 21st century. But it is important that we learn about the world's 2nd largest religion. In this video, we will discuss Islam from a nonsectarian perspective, exploring its internal diversity, how the religion changed over time, and how it is embedded in different areas of culture around the world.

Twitter: @andrewmarkhenry
Facebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast
Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast

Special thanks to Dr. Hussein Rashid for help researching, writing, and co-hosting this episode. Follow him on Twitter at:
@islamoyankee
https://twitter.com/islamoyankee
http://www.husseinrashid.com/

This video was made for the online classes offered by the Religious Freedom Center. A nonsectarian, nonpartisan organization in Washington DC committed to improving religious literacy and religious liberty. Follow them at: @NewseumReligion
http://www.religiousfreedomcenter.org/

Educators, consider checking out their professional development modules. Short, self-paced, interactive courses focused on boosting your religious literacy education in the classroom: https://constitution2classroom.org/

This video is brought to you in part by our supporters on Patreon. Thank you everyone for supporting this channel!: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast

Andrew's religious studies book recommendations: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast

Further Reading:
Alexander Knysh, "Sufism: A New History of Islamic Mysticism."

Edward Curtis, "The Practice of Islam in America: An Introduction."

Malise Ruthven, "Islam: A Very Short Introduction."

Reports on Sufi shrine and Islamic cultural heritage destruction:
http://www.cnn.com/2012/07/12/world/africa/mali-shrines-destroyed/index.html
http://time.com/3584585/saudi-arabia-bulldozes-over-its-heritage/
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=42756

Farhad Daftary, The Isma’ilis: Their History and Doctrines https://books.google.com/books?id=cSO9zh61AGEC&printsec=frontcover&dq=seven+pillars+nizari&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjuoPWvqu3UAhWMVT4KHbN8BYkQuwUIOzAD#v=onepage&q=seven%20pilalrs&f=false

Carl Ernst, Tasawwuf, article for Encyclopedia of Islam, https://www.unc.edu/~cernst/pdf/tasawwuf.pdf

Kecia Ali: http://www.wbur.org/cognoscenti/2014/05/09/sultan-of-brunei-sharia-law-beverly-hills-hotel-kecia-ali

Kecia Ali: https://feminismandreligion.com/2014/05/27/whose-sharia-is-it-by-kecia-ali/

Jerusha Lamptey: http://time.com/92534/boko-haram-not-my-shariah/

Rise in Islamic Financial Institutions: http://www.cnbc.com/2016/12/02/under-the-radar-islamic-banks-rise-in-th.html

Music by Kevin MacLeod: https://incompetech.com/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

]]> 1265 no What Are Gog and Magog? With my link, you can get 50% off of Nebula. It’s just $30/year, or $2,5/month, at https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast Watch RealLifeLore's "Mad Kings:" https://nebula.tv/madkings?ref=religionforbreakfastFor centuries, readers have tried to identify Gog and Magog...the mysterious enemies in the Book of Revelation. From the Ottoman Empire to the Soviet Union, interpreters keep mapping the prophecy onto new rivals. But who (or what) were Gog and Magog originally?00:00 Intro2:15 Gog Oracle in Ezekiel12:15 Gog and Magog in Later Jewish Texts16:30 Gog and Magog in Revelation18:17 Modern Prophetic Speculation24:21 Nebula really is great and will be a bulwark against AI slop Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 16 Sep 2026 09:52:30 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast With my link, you can get 50% off of Nebula. It’s just $30/year, or $2,5/month, at https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast Watch RealLifeLore's "Mad Kings:" https://nebula.tv/madkings?ref=religionforbreakfastFor centuries, readers have tried to identify Gog and Magog...the mysterious enemies in the Book of Revelation. From the Ottoman Empire to the Soviet Union, interpreters keep mapping the prophecy onto new rivals. But who (or what) were Gog and Magog originally?00:00 Intro2:15 Gog Oracle in Ezekiel12:15 Gog and Magog in Later Jewish Texts16:30 Gog and Magog in Revelation18:17 Modern Prophetic Speculation24:21 Nebula really is great and will be a bulwark against AI slop Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices With my link, you can get 50% off of Nebula. It’s just $30/year, or $2,5/month, at https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast
Watch RealLifeLore's "Mad Kings:" https://nebula.tv/madkings?ref=religionforbreakfast

For centuries, readers have tried to identify Gog and Magog...the mysterious enemies in the Book of Revelation. From the Ottoman Empire to the Soviet Union, interpreters keep mapping the prophecy onto new rivals. But who (or what) were Gog and Magog originally?

00:00 Intro
2:15 Gog Oracle in Ezekiel
12:15 Gog and Magog in Later Jewish Texts
16:30 Gog and Magog in Revelation
18:17 Modern Prophetic Speculation
24:21 Nebula really is great and will be a bulwark against AI slop

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]]> 1999 no The Amish Explained Use code RFBINCOGNI at the link below to get an exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan: https://incogni.com/rfbincogni.The Amish appear a lot in pop culture, but they're also frequently misrepresented and mythologized. So what do the Amish actually believe and practice?Join our Patreon community!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastOne-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastSign-up for my mailing list to be notified of online classes: https://classes.religionforbreakfast.com/00:00 Introduction00:54 Basic Overview3:16 Origins of the Amish8:49 Amish "Order," The Ordnung9:35 The Amish and Technology11:43 The Amish and Public Life14:47 Amish Culture and Rumspringa16:46 Amish Religious Practice17:29 High-Commitment Communities18:36 The Amish, Pop Culture, and "Bonnet Rippers"23:06 SponsorSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 16 Sep 2026 09:00:00 -0000 full ReligionForBreakfast Use code RFBINCOGNI at the link below to get an exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan: https://incogni.com/rfbincogni.The Amish appear a lot in pop culture, but they're also frequently misrepresented and mythologized. So what do the Amish actually believe and practice?Join our Patreon community!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastOne-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastSign-up for my mailing list to be notified of online classes: https://classes.religionforbreakfast.com/00:00 Introduction00:54 Basic Overview3:16 Origins of the Amish8:49 Amish "Order," The Ordnung9:35 The Amish and Technology11:43 The Amish and Public Life14:47 Amish Culture and Rumspringa16:46 Amish Religious Practice17:29 High-Commitment Communities18:36 The Amish, Pop Culture, and "Bonnet Rippers"23:06 SponsorSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Use code RFBINCOGNI at the link below to get an exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan: https://incogni.com/rfbincogni.

The Amish appear a lot in pop culture, but they're also frequently misrepresented and mythologized. So what do the Amish actually believe and practice?

Join our Patreon community!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast
One-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfast
Sign-up for my mailing list to be notified of online classes: https://classes.religionforbreakfast.com/

00:00 Introduction
00:54 Basic Overview
3:16 Origins of the Amish
8:49 Amish "Order," The Ordnung
9:35 The Amish and Technology
11:43 The Amish and Public Life
14:47 Amish Culture and Rumspringa
16:46 Amish Religious Practice
17:29 High-Commitment Communities
18:36 The Amish, Pop Culture, and "Bonnet Rippers"
23:06 Sponsor

Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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