The Religion and American Life Podcast

”The Religion and American Life Podcast” is an initiative of the Boisi Center for Religion and American Public Life at Boston College. Dedicated to the Center’s mission, the podcast is committed to fostering rigorous, civil, and constructive conversations about religion in American public life in pursuit of the common good of a religiously diverse society. Seeking to produce meaningful exchanges that inform, challenge, and inspire, this podcast brings exceptional scholarship into dialogue with engaged citizenship and the creative arts through the voices of central figures who are in or who study closely the most important issues in religion and public life in the United States today.

Episodes

image of Keating Hall at Fordham University

A New Era of Jesuit University Leadership – A Conversation with the President of Fordham University, Tania Tetlow

In this episode of Religion and American Life, Mark Massa, S.J., interviews the first non-Jesuit and female President of Fordham University, Tania Tetlow. Join us as President Tetlow discusses the gifts and challenges of entering her leadership position, the benefits of a Jesuit education, and the unique obstacles and opportunities presented to Catholic universities in our political era.  

Posted: December 11, 2023

Credits:

Podcast Host: Mark Massa, S.J.

Music: • Bourree 4th Lute Suite; Exzel Music Publishing (freemusicpublicdomain.com); Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0; http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/.
• Double Violin Concerto 1st Movement; Exzel Music Publishing (freemusicpublicdomain.com); Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0; http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/.• Bourree 4th Lute Suite; Exzel Music Publishing (freemusicpublicdomain.com); Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0; http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/.• Double Violin Concerto 1st Movement; Exzel Music Publishing (freemusicpublicdomain.com); Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0; http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/.

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Barbie sign

Barbie and the Loss of Paradise - A Conversation with Theologian Cathleen Kaveny

The Barbie movie has taken the world by storm since its release in July 2023. The movie, directed by Greta Gerwig and starring Margo Robbie and Ryan Gosling, follows “stereotypical Barbie” as she moves through an existential crisis and toward self-discovery. Join Mark Massa, S.J. as he engages Dr. Cathleen Kaveny about the theological themes of the Barbie movie. 

The Boisi Center for Religion and American Public Life also hosted a panel with Dr. Kaveny and two other scholars on the theological themes of the Barbie movie. Find the recording of the event here

See also Dr. Kaveny’s article in the National Catholic Reporter that inspired the on-campus even and the podcast conversation.

Posted: December 5, 2023

Credits:

Podcast Host: Mark Massa, S.J.

Music: • Bourree 4th Lute Suite; Exzel Music Publishing (freemusicpublicdomain.com); Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0; http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/.
• Double Violin Concerto 1st Movement; Exzel Music Publishing (freemusicpublicdomain.com); Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0; http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/.• Bourree 4th Lute Suite; Exzel Music Publishing (freemusicpublicdomain.com); Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0; http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/.• Double Violin Concerto 1st Movement; Exzel Music Publishing (freemusicpublicdomain.com); Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0; http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/.

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Image of Stuart Hobb's artwork

Art as Spiritual Practice: An Interview with Stuart Hobbs

For people of faith, the attempt at teaching and understanding the divine is frequently done through the various media of art. Whether music, literature, poetry, or sculpture, these are grasps at the ultimately ungraspable. For the Lenten Season of 2023, Ohio artist Stuart Hobbs created a series of paintings for his parish, St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Columbus, Ohio. The installation is a series based on the Seven Last Words of Jesus. In this episode, Boisi Center director, Mark Massa, S.J., speaks with Hobbs about the installation and the relationship between art and spirituality.

For more information on the Seven Last Words installation, see http://ststephens-columbus.org/seven-last-words-of-jesus-a-lenten-art-show-in-the-sanctuary-beginning-ash-wednesday/.
And to learn more about the artist and see his other works, visit https://www.columbusmakesart.com/artist/8962-stuart-d-hobbs.

Posted: April 3, 2023

Credits:

Podcast Host: Mark Massa, S.J.

Music: • Bourree 4th Lute Suite; Exzel Music Publishing (freemusicpublicdomain.com); Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0; http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/.
• Double Violin Concerto 1st Movement; Exzel Music Publishing (freemusicpublicdomain.com); Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0; http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/.• Bourree 4th Lute Suite; Exzel Music Publishing (freemusicpublicdomain.com); Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0; http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/.• Double Violin Concerto 1st Movement; Exzel Music Publishing (freemusicpublicdomain.com); Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0; http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/.

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Image of protests

The Protests in Iran: An Interview with Natana Delong-Bas and Kristin Peterson

Posted: December 20, 2022

In September of 2022, Mahsa Amini was found dead after having been taken into custody by Iran's "morality police." This sparked national and global outrage, leading to large protests in the streets of Iran, pressure from the rest of the world on Iran's government and religious leaders, and what appeared to be the dissolution of the morality police. Join Mark Massa, S.J. as he discusses with Boston College professors Natana Delong-Bas and Kristin Peterson the circumstances of Amini's death, the solidaristic protests of Muslim women around the world, and what the future holds (or should hold) for Iran.

Credits:

Podcast Host: Mark Massa, S.J.

Music: • Bourree 4th Lute Suite; Exzel Music Publishing (freemusicpublicdomain.com); Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0; http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/.
• Double Violin Concerto 1st Movement; Exzel Music Publishing (freemusicpublicdomain.com); Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0; http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/.• Bourree 4th Lute Suite; Exzel Music Publishing (freemusicpublicdomain.com); Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0; http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/.• Double Violin Concerto 1st Movement; Exzel Music Publishing (freemusicpublicdomain.com); Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0; http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/.

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Image of Pew Research

The Future of American Religion: An Interview with Pew Research Center's Stephanie Kramer

Posted: December 2, 2022

In September of this year, the Pew Research Center published a study that indicated that religious switching is changing the face of American politics. The report concludes that if the trends continue as they are, Christianity in the United States will fall below 50%. And regardless whether this exact scenario continues or another one emerges, the report concludes that the Christian population in the US will continue to decline. Join Mark Massa, S.J. as he discusses with senior Pew researcher, Stephanie Kramer, the causes and consequences of this projection.

Credits:

Podcast Host: Mark Massa, S.J.

Music: • Bourree 4th Lute Suite; Exzel Music Publishing (freemusicpublicdomain.com); Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0; http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/.
• Double Violin Concerto 1st Movement; Exzel Music Publishing (freemusicpublicdomain.com); Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0; http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/.• Bourree 4th Lute Suite; Exzel Music Publishing (freemusicpublicdomain.com); Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0; http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/.• Double Violin Concerto 1st Movement; Exzel Music Publishing (freemusicpublicdomain.com); Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0; http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/.

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Image of door with conference title

Charting the 'Way Forward': An Interview with David Gibson, Mark Massa, S.J., and Michael Murphy

Posted: August 31, 2022

In March 2022, the Boisi Center, Fordham's Center on Religion and Culture and the Hank Center for the Catholic Intellectual Heritage at Loyola University Chicago hosted the conference, "Pope Francis, Vatican II, and the Way Forward." In attendance were cardinals, archbishops, bishops, academics, and Catholic journalists--all gathered to discuss some of the most pressing issues facing the American Church. Join R. Zachary Karanovich, the Boisi Center's graduate research assistant, as he discusses with David Gibson, Mark Massa, S.J., and Michael Murphy (the three centers' directors) the process and challenges in developing the conference, the insights and outcomes from the conference, and their hopes for the future of the conference.

Credits:

Podcast Host: R. Zachary Karanovich

Music: • Bourree 4th Lute Suite; Exzel Music Publishing (freemusicpublicdomain.com); Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0; http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/.
• Double Violin Concerto 1st Movement; Exzel Music Publishing (freemusicpublicdomain.com); Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0; http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/.• Bourree 4th Lute Suite; Exzel Music Publishing (freemusicpublicdomain.com); Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0; http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/.• Double Violin Concerto 1st Movement; Exzel Music Publishing (freemusicpublicdomain.com); Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0; http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/.

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Cathleen Kaveny headshot

The Consequences of Roe and the Leaked SCOTUS Opinion: An Interview with M. Cathleen Kaveny

Posted: May 31, 2022

In May 2022, a draft Supreme Court opinion authored by Justice Samuel Alito was leaked to the public. The opinion would overturn the holding in Roe v. Wade that afforded the constitutional right to an abortion within the umbrella right to privacy. If the leaked opinion is final, the impact on American society, women, Catholics, and the Supreme Court itself would be seismic. Join Mark Massa, S.J. as he discusses with M. Cathleen Kaveny the legal and religious consequences of the leaked opinion.

Credits:

Podcast Host: Mark Massa, S.J.

Music: • Bourree 4th Lute Suite; Exzel Music Publishing (freemusicpublicdomain.com); Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0; http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/.
• Double Violin Concerto 1st Movement; Exzel Music Publishing (freemusicpublicdomain.com); Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0; http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/.• Bourree 4th Lute Suite; Exzel Music Publishing (freemusicpublicdomain.com); Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0; http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/.• Double Violin Concerto 1st Movement; Exzel Music Publishing (freemusicpublicdomain.com); Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0; http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/.

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Image of Church with Pride flags

Gender, Sexuality, and the Church: An Interview with Rev. Dr. Kelly Brown Douglas and James Martin, S.J.

Posted: April 25, 2022

Historically, the Roman Catholic and Episcopal Churches have responded quite differently to the movements of the LGBTQ community and the voices of women. Yet, the concerns of both groups have been the same and persistent. The Rev. Dr. Kelly Brown Douglas and James Martin, S.J. have been powerful voices in the fight for these marginalized groups to be heard in their respective denominations. Join Mark Massa, S.J. as he discusses with Douglas and Martin the history, theology, ongoing challenges, and hopes for the LGBTQ community and women in these two branches of the Jesus Movement.

Credits:

Podcast Host: Mark Massa, S.J.

Music: 
• Bourree 4th Lute Suite; Exzel Music Publishing (freemusicpublicdomain.com); Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0; http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/.

• Double Violin Concerto 1st Movement; Exzel Music Publishing (freemusicpublicdomain.com); Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0; http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/.

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Charles Gallagher headshot

Boston's Catholic Nazis: An Interview with Charles Gallagher, S.J.

Posted: March 22, 2022

In his recently published book, Nazis of Copley Square, Charles Gallagher, S.J. tells the story of the Christian Front, a Catholic organization of men crusading to cleanse the United States from the perceived influence of Communism. It is a dark chapter of history that includes anti-Semitism, practiced marksmanship, and bomb-making--all under the unofficial umbrella of Catholicism--and the desire to install a "temporary dictatorship" in the U.S. Join Mark Massa, S.J. as he discusses the remarkable story with Gallagher as well as its lessons for our contemporary political moment.

Credits:

Podcast Host: Mark Massa, S.J.

Music: 
• Bourree 4th Lute Suite; Exzel Music Publishing (freemusicpublicdomain.com); Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0; http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/.

• Double Violin Concerto 1st Movement; Exzel Music Publishing (freemusicpublicdomain.com); Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0; http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/.

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People holding up Resign outside White House

The Famous Evangelical Editorial: An Interview with Mark Galli

Posted: February 15, 2022

Prior to his resignation as editor of Christianity Today, Mark Galli wrote a now-famous editorial calling for the end of Donald Trump's presidency: "Trump Should Be Removed from Office." As expected, the backlash from Evangelicals supportive of the president was fierce. But Galli stood by his decision. In this episode, Mark Massa, S.J. discusses with Galli the circumstances of and response to his editorial, the politics of Evangelicals, and Galli's own move to Roman Catholicism.  

Credits

Podcast Host: Mark Massa, S.J.
Podcast Production: John Sage and Boston College Media Technology Service
Music: Nova Wang (Boston College '21)

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