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Far Right; Tim Walz; Religious Comedy

A look at the ethical and religious issues of the week with William Crawley.

Misinformation, racist and anti-Muslim rhetoric over the past week, following the deaths of three children in Southport, has highlighted how social media has become an effective platform for far right extremism. What has also become clear is some of that extremism is wrapped in religious language and draws on themes and ideas from Christian heritage. Is this a cynical hijacking of Christianity or what some Christians really believe? William Crawley talks to Rev Dr Helen Paynter, co-editor of a forthcoming book "The Church, the Far Right and the Claim to Christianity."

An American theologian has been expelled from his church after he published a book in support of LGBTQ people. Thomas Oord gives his reaction to the decision by the Church of the Nazarene to cancel his teaching credentials and strip him of his church membership.

After much speculation, Kamala Harris has chosen Governor Tim Walz as her presidential running mate. He describes himself as a Minnesota Lutheran, So how might his personal Christian faith become an election issue. Jack Jenkins from the Religion News Service and author of "American Prophets: the religious roots of progressive politics and the ongoing fight for the soul of the country" explains.

Following a turbulent week in Bangladesh, the 大象传媒's correspondent Akbar Hossein explains why Hindus have been targeted during the unrest.

And religion has always provided a rich vein of material for comedians. So how do the comedians playing at this year's Edinburgh Festival Fringe balance sensitivity around their faith, with the need to land some gags?

Producers: Amanda Hancox, Rosie Dawson
Editor: Miriam Williamson

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44 minutes

Broadcast

  • Sun 11 Aug 2024 07:10

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