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All Things Considered

BBC

Religious affairs programme, tackling the thornier issues of the day in a thought-provoking manner

Location:

Cardiff, United Kingdom

Networks:

BBC

Description:

Religious affairs programme, tackling the thornier issues of the day in a thought-provoking manner

Language:

English


Episodes

All Things Considered: In Search of St Patrick

3/17/2024
Delyth Liddell investigates the Welshman who was to become patron saint of Ireland.

Duration:00:30:00

All Things Considered: Women in the New Testament

3/14/2024
Jonathan Thomas and guests explore the roles of women in the New Testament.

Duration:00:30:00

Does Religious Broadcasting Matter?

3/3/2024
This week the Media Bill has been scrutinised and debated in the House of Lords. The aim is of the bill is to reform decades-old legislation for Public Service Broadcasters (including the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and S4C), but in its current form it will remove the requirement for specific genres of programmes on religion, arts and science. With religious programming already in decline, some groups are concerned that this will deal a serious blow to faith broadcasting. Others argue it’s a necessary step, giving broadcasters greater flexibility and reflecting a post-Christian Britain. What might happen if there isn’t a a requirement to make programmes about religion and belief? With a rapidly changing religious landscape in Britain, do current faith programmes meet audience needs? To what extent does religious broadcasting matter? Azim Ahmed is joined by four guests to explore the issues; Tony Stoller, Chair of the Sandford St. Martin Trust, Tim Pemberton, Head of Religion and Ethics for BBC Audio, Kathryn Riddick from Humanists UK and journalist and broadcaster Remona Aly.

Duration:00:27:43

Steve Chalke

2/25/2024
Two students from a school in Bristol were fatally stabbed last month – and the one person many journalists sought out for comment was a Baptist minister. Not because he knew them, but because he heads the academy trust that their school belongs to – along with 53 other schools across the country. Today's guest is Steve Chalke – activist and writer, broadcaster and social entrepreneur – founded the Oasis Trust nearly 40 years ago. Today it links churches and other community groups in challenging injustice and inequality. Its initiatives range from the big schools network to specialist neighbourhood debt advice, job training, mental health drop-ins for children and young people, and much more. It also works internationally in housing and education and healthcare. Steve Chalke has never shied away from controversy, not least among the evangelical Christians who nurtured him – he’s been outspoken in his defence of minority groups and some traditional ways of understandings the Bible.

Duration:00:27:50

Faith in a Time of Conflict

2/18/2024
It’s coming up to two years since Russia’s so-called ‘special operation’ against Ukraine led to one of the biggest conflicts on European soil since the end of WW2. Shocking as that was, it’s been followed by yet more global insecurity. In the Middle East, the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues; meanwhile, some commentators look nervously at China’s threatening position towards Taiwan. At home in Britain there have been dire warnings that we are living in a ‘pre-war era’; and further afield, the Doomsday Clock has been set to merely 90 seconds before midnight and a nuclear holocaust. For people of faith, making sense of the human propensity for violence has always been challenging. How can we justify pacificism in the face of evil? And contrariwise, how can we justify warfare when we claim to follow the command of Christ to love our enemies? And what does horrendous warfare do to your faith in God and in humanity? Rosa Hunt talks to four people who have had to think through some of these issues in great depth. In Lviv, Ukraine, Rev. Roman Zaviyskyy is a philosopher and theologian and president of the Ukrainian branch of the European Society of Catholic Theology; in Princetown, Ukrainian theologian Pavlo Smytsnyuk reflects on how life has changed over the last two years. In Israel Elena Volkova – originally from Russia and now and independent scholar after leaving her mother country - offers her perspective. And in Aldershot, retired soldier and lay minister Major General Tim Cross, who served during the Cold War and during peace keeping operations in the Balkans, offers his perspective.

Duration:00:27:36

Skanda Vale

2/11/2024
Azim Ahmed visits one of Wales' most fascinating religious communities, now celebrating 50 years since it was founded in a peaceful corner of Carmarthenshire, near the village of Llanpumpsaint. This monastery and temple complex is devoted to worship and to service to both animal and human lives. Boasting no fewer than three elephants, the Community of the Many Names of God was established back in 1973 by a former Sri Lankan florist based in London, Guru Sri Subramanium. The Guru came to Wales guided by a vision. From unpromising beginnings - he had spotted a derelict farm for sale in the small ads of the Farmers Weekly magazine - the Guru built up a temple complex that is nowadays home to some twenty permanent members, and many more lay people and devotees. Still guided by the late Guru's vision, Skanda Vale attracts many thousands of worshippers annually, and is home not only to a human community - it is also home to numerous animals, including no fewer than three elephants! https://www.skandavale.org/

Duration:00:27:42

A Sound Night's Sleep

1/21/2024
Sleep is said to be a gift from God, but what happens when you can't drift off at night, or you regularly wake up in the small hours? Rosa Hunt investigates the science and spiritual purpose of sleep. Roughly 1 in 3 people experience periodic bouts of insomnia, and there's no it can be deeply troubling, both mentally and physically. Rosa Hunt (who suffers herself from insomnia) investigates the fascinating science and spiritual purpose of sleep, and talks to a number of fellow insomniacs. Rev'd Belinda Huxtable-Goy has suffered from disturbed sleep as a legacy of her previous job as a nurse working night shifts in trauma and obstetrics. Rev'd Dr Emma Whittick has managed to overcome her sleep difficulties after a lifelong struggle to sleep at night, whilst Rev Jon Birch started his teens as a very good sleeper, only to end with a very disrupted sleep pattern whilst experiencing the pressures of student life. As for so many people, this only got worse with the pressures of parenthood and dealing with very young children. In the past sleep was deemed practically a waste of time, and even the Bible sometimes seems to equate sleep with laziness. But as scientific understanding gets ever deeper, we can appreciate that sleep performs a whole range of essential functions. Professor Mark Blagrove, a psychiatrist from Swansea University and no stranger himself to wakeful hours in the middle of the night, explains some of the science and the multiple functions of sleep. Presenter: Rosa Hunt Producer: Geoff Ballinger

Duration:00:27:42

Seasons and Spirituality

1/14/2024
We’re three weeks into January - Christmas seems a distant memory, the weather pattern this month has ranged from flooding to freezing cold temperatures, and there’s still a couple of months to go before the clocks go forward, when the days grow longer and lighter. And perhaps, for many us, those hope-filled new year’s resolutions are now long forgotten. For some, these factors all contribute to a decline in mood. So-called ‘Blue Monday’ falls this week. The label was reportedly coined by psychologist Cliff Arnall in 2004 when a holiday company asked him for a ‘scientific formula’ to calculate the most depressing day of the year. In fact, there’s nothing scientific about it, and the term ‘Blue Monday’ has been disputed over the years. But, does January really make the world feel different; or is the notion a myth, negatively conditioning the way we routinely view the first month of the new year? How deeply do the changing months and seasons affect the way we view and experience our daily lives, and our spirituality? To discuss these issues, Delyth Liddell is joined by Vishvapani Blomfield, a Buddhist writer, broadcaster and mindfulness teacher; Dr Simon Braybrook, a GP from Cardiff; and Sr Gemma Simmonds, director of the Religious Life Institute at the Margaret Beaufort Institute of Theology, and an ecumenical canon of the Church in Wales.

Duration:00:27:40

Dr Grahame Davies

1/7/2024
Roy Jenkins speaks to the Church in Wales' newly-appointed Director of Mission and Strategy, the poet and writer Grahame Davies. Before his recent appointment to the church of which he has been a lifelong member, Grahame served as deputy private secretary to King Charles III, where he worked behind the scenes helping with - among other things - the huge task of organising royal visits. Grahame talks about his faith journey - sometimes literally, when he reflects on a profound spiritual experience he had after visiting the island of Iona - and about the joy of hearing his own words sung and performed to millions of TV viewers around the world during the King's Coronation.

Duration:00:27:21

St Davids 900: highlights

12/31/2023
This year All Things Considered marked the 900th anniversary of St David's recognition by Pope Callixtus II as patron saint of Wales, when he declared that two pilgrimages to St Davids were worth one to Jerusalem. Across the seven weeks between St David's Day and Easter this year, All Things Considered and Celebration celebrated the life and impact of this man whose feast day we mark every year but about whom we know relatively little. During the course of the series programmes were made examining David's relationships with Pembrokeshire, Brittany, Rome and Jerusalem – following in the footsteps of the saint himself, and asking what this medieval figure might have to teach us today. Jonathan Thomas introduces highlights from the series.

Duration:00:27:36

Four Christmas Cards from Llandaff

12/24/2023
Delyth Liddell introduces four Christmas cards from Llandaff Diocese. Will and Jude Souter are from Urban Crofters church in Roath; Edwin Counsell is at St Illtud's in the Vale of Glamorgan; Mark and Ruth Greenaway-Robbins are at Margam Abbey; and Sarah Jones is from St John the Baptist in the centre of Cardiff.

Duration:00:27:56

Jesus, Mary and the Qur'an

12/17/2023
The birth of Jesus is an important even for both Muslims and Christians, but there are some key differences in how the nativity story is told. For any Christians expecting to hear about donkeys and asses, innkeepers and shepherds there's disappointment in store: these do not feature in the Islamic nativity story, although Mary and the Angel Gabriel do enjoy a key role! Azim Ahmed explores the Islamic traditions of Jesus, who is regarded not as the Son of God, but as an important prophet. For some critical scholars such as Professor Gabriel Said Reynolds the Islamic narrative derives from earlier Christian sources, sometimes from texts that were banned by the mainstream church. For Muslims such as Ahmad Thomson, however, the version contained within the Qur'an is the definitive one, revealed to the Prophet by the Angel Gabriel. Both traditions, however, are united in their belief in the virgin birth, and the eventual return of Jesus at the Second Coming. Rana Kahn, the Church in Wales' representative on interfaith matters, takes an even handed view of both the Biblical and the Quranic versions, whilst for Amanda Morris the story of Mary giving birth alone to Jesus is a story of immense emotional power. Producer: Geoff Ballinger

Duration:00:27:26

Universal Declaration of Human Rights @ 75

12/10/2023
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, signed on 10th December 1948, is seen by many to be a milestone document in human history. Drafted in the aftermath of the Second World War, it set out basic rights that belong to all of us regardless of race, religion, gender or politics. But has the declaration withstood the test of time? Roy Jenkins examines the issues with four people who have dedicated their working lives to fighting for human rights. Professor Sir Malcolm Evans, Principal of Regent’s Park College in Oxford and former Chair of the United Nations Subcommittee on the Prevention of Torture. Canon Paul Oestreicher, an Anglican priest and a Quaker, a CND vice-president and former Chair of Amnesty International UK. Yasmine Ahmed, UK Director of Human Rights Watch and Marissa Conway CEO of the United Nations Association in the UK.

Duration:00:28:40

AI Emerging 2/2: Robot Priest, Robot King?

11/19/2023
Rosa Hunt looks at the ethical and religious implications of AI's growing involvement in our lives. The second of two programmes looks at our relationship with AI in our religious lives. Might Artificial Intelligence become our priest - or even our King? Rosa talks to: Marius Dorobantu, a theologian specialising in the intersection of science and religion at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam; Zoe Kleinman, BBC News' technology correspondent; Jonas Summerlin, researcher at the University of Vienna in Austria who's recently mounted an AI-led church service; and John Lennox, Oxford mathmetician and Christian apologist who writes about the interface of science, philosophy and religion.

Duration:00:27:36

Spiritual Abuse

11/5/2023
The term 'spiritual abuse' is increasingly used in faith contexts, but what exactly is it, and how does it differ from other forms of abuse? Jonathan Thomas explores the issues. Jonathan hears the testimonies of those who have suffered abuse including Caroline Plant, founder of Replenished Life, a charity based in St David's that supports victims of spiritual abuse. Co-founder Simon Plant explains their personal motivation to establish the charity. Dr Lisa Oakley, Professor of Safeguarding and Knowledge Exchange at the University of Chester, and joint author of the book Exploring the Maze of Spiritual Abuse explains what makes spiritual abuse distinctive from other forms of abuse. The most recent allegations to hit the headlines about spiritual abuse have been against Mike Pilavachi, founder and figurehead of Soul Survivor in Watford. Over many years this church attracted tens of thousands of young worshippers through their annual Christian festivals. Allegations of 'inappropriate relationships' between Pilavachi and young male interns have come as a shock to the Evangelical Christian community. Megan Cornwell, Deputy Editor of Premier Christianity Magazine and host of podcast Soul Survivors examines the allegations. This autumn St David's Catholic Cathedral in Cardiff is hosting a week-long 'Loud Fence' initiative to provide a voice to those who have experienced abuse in faith based settings. During the week people are encouraged to tie brightly coloured ribbons and messages of support to railings to recognise survivors of abuse. Antonia Sobocki is the leader of the initiative in the UK. She explains why we need a radical change in the way we respond to survivors of abuse.

Duration:00:27:46

Trick or treat; harmless fun or seriously sinister?

10/29/2023
At the moment you can’t move in the shops for sales of Pumpkins, and all kinds of Hallowe'en outfits – such as masks, witches’ hats, and luminous skeletons. It’s being reported that spending on Hallowe’en is expected this year to surpass the billion pound mark. Come Hallowe'en there’ll be the trick or treat ring of the doorbell, and spooky parties serving foul-looking broth, witches’ fingers and graveyard chocolate cake. But as far as the church is concerned, there’s little or no engagement except perhaps for a so-called Light Party. Rosa Hunt takes a broader look at Hallowe'en. We hear about the history of bonfire celebrations on October 31st which stretch back to pre-Christian times; in Wales “Nos Calan Gaeaf” had both agricultural and spiritual significance. We ask why many in the church have little or nothing to do with Hallowe’en. As far as popular stories like the Harry Potter books or Philip Pullman’s 'His Dark Materials' are concerned, the church has sometimes been accused of keeping such fantastical story lines at arm’s length. We consider why. And amidst all the Hallowe’en trick & treating, can all the fun tip over into something more sinister? Rosa’s guests this week are: Sergeant Sue Carrington, a crime prevention police officer based in north Wales. Revd Dr Rob Beamish, a school chaplain and Baptist minister based in Colwyn Bay. Mandy Bayton, Director of Evangelism, Church in Wales. Twm Elias, Welsh author who has written a written a book about festivals during the year including “Nos Calan Gaeaf”. Revd Canon Dr Jason Bray, Vicar of St Giles’s Parish Church Wrexham and a Deliverance Minister.

Duration:00:27:41

Disney 100

10/22/2023
The shimmering opening chords of 'When You Wish Upon a Star' means just one thing in the minds of many – the start of a magical journey into a 'whole new world', with princesses, princes, tribal chiefs, fairy godmothers, magic carpets, talking snowmen and happy ever afters. This month marks the centenary of the founding of Disney. What began as a small animation studio in California has grown into a multi-billion-pound entertainment conglomerate with an enormous following. And today we take a closer look at Disney’s output, drawing mostly on the beloved animation films from across the years, as we explore what underpinned Walt Disney’s vision and values. Is this simply innocent entertainment, star dust and escapism; or a powerful vehicle for a moral message? Who is represented in its films and remakes? Does it really ‘make no difference who you are’ to be able follow the Disney dream? And with its streaming service and theme parks attracting millions each year, has the brand itself become something of a religion? Delyth's guests include: Mark Pinsky, a writer and journalist based in North Carolina in the USA, whose book about the 'Disney Gospel' examines how Disney films says more about faith and values that we might think; Neera Vyas, a Hindu teacher and writer based in Wrexham; Fourteen year old Lowri Moore who shares her inspiring story; And a cohort of young helpers who help guide us through their perceptions of Disney films.

Duration:00:27:47

Siôn Brynach

10/8/2023
Today's guest joins us 6 months into new role as CEO of Cytûn, Churches Together, Wales. He embarks on a key ecumenical role at a challenging time: fewer people in Wales consider themselves Christian, there's a slump in congregations and churches face a crossroads. But Siôn Brynach has put out a clarion call to the organisation to consider how ecumenicalism can serve Welsh Society. Ordained a Priest in 2022, and currently serving as a self-supporting associate priest at Christ Church, Roath Park Lake, Siôn Brynach has followed a huge range of career paths: politics in Plaid Cymru, communications and public affairs, at the Arts Council of Wales, Hanfod Cymru, the BBC and the Church in Wales. Recent years have been marked by trauma, from a prostate cancer diagnosis in 2018, to a horrific collision in 2020, which left his wife, Cathrin, with life-changing injuries. But Siôn Brynach’s faith has been his sustenance, and he now encourages those he serves to ‘look ahead’, to see what is possible. Jonathan Thomas speaks to Siôn about his life, work, and hopes for the future of the ecumenical movement in Wales.

Duration:00:27:55

AI Emerging 1/2: Robot Helper, Robot Friend?

9/24/2023
Rosa Hunt looks at the ethical and religious implications of AI's growing involvement in our lives. The first of two programmes looks at our relationship with AI in our daily lives. Artificial Intelligence might be our helper - can it ever be our friend? Rosa talks to: Zoe Kleinman, BBC News' technology correspondent; Hannah Rowlatt, RNIB Technology for Life coordinator for Wales; Myra Wilson, head of the intelligent robotics group at Aberystwyth University; and John Lennox, Oxford mathmetician and Christian apologist who writes about the interface of science, philosophy and religion.

Duration:00:27:43

RE: Time for a Rebrand

9/17/2023
This September as part of the new Curriculum for Wales, students across the country will be studying a new Religious Education syllabus. The rebranded 'Religion, Values and Ethics' curriculum is being rolled out on a gradual basis, and the first pupils will take a GCESE in the subject in 2025. Rebranding one of the oldest curriculum subjects is a significant step, and to discuss the issues Delyth Liddell is joined by four guests; Mary Stallard, lead bishop for Education in the Church in Wales, Kathy Riddick, Wales Humanists Coordinator, Jennifer Harding-Richards, RE Hub leader for Wales and Libby Jones from the St. Giles Centre in Wrexham. Together they discuss what is new and distinctive about this course, and how it marks a departure from the past. In Wales there's been a significant fall in students taking A-Level RE (748 entrants in 2023 compared to 1276 in 2019) and short courses GCSE entrants have decreased by 85% since 2010. Only 6 students have enrolled on a PGCE to teach Secondary RE this year. Can the new curriculum turn this rather gloomy picture around?

Duration:00:27:31