Beyond Belief

Twenty years ago, journalist Gary Wolf coined the term "New Atheism". He's noticed a movement, blossoming from the technical communities of Silicon Valley, that exhibited a new-found confidence in expounding the atheistic world view.
Giles speaks to Gary about the original meaning of the term, how it's changed over time and where we are now. He's joined by Prof Adam Rutherford, Dr Susan Blackmore and Dr Nick Spencer to discuss this moment in history and its impact on culture and religion.
Producer: Katharine Longworth

Martin Luther King said: "The church must be reminded that it is not the master or the servant of the state, but rather the conscience of the state". What happens when religious conscience and the law collide? In a socially diverse Britain, how should we understand peoples faith and religiosity in public life – as exceptionalism, privilege or as a human right?
This discussion includes faith based case law; the purpose of the Lords Spiritual; the assisted dying debate; plans to reform marriage law; and examples of religious dress in legal settings.
The panel is:
Professor Satvinder Juss, a turbaned Sikh barrister.
Professor Russell Sandberg, from Cardiff University's Centre for Law and Religion.
The Right Reverend Dr David Walker, Bishop of Manchester, who is one of the Lords Spiritual.
Beyond Belief is a BBC Audio North production for Radio 4.
Presenter: Mona Siddiqui
Producer: Katy Booth
Assistant Producer: Liberty Phelan
Editor: Tim Pemberton

Giles Fraser and the panel explore the strong language found in scripture as they examine those parts of sacred texts which shock and disgust modern audiences. They delve into stories of sex, violence, murder and revenge found in holy books and consider how faith communities grapple with these passages. A lively discussion about language, belief, free expression and the enduring power of sacred words, recorded at Contains Strong Language in MediaCity, Salford with a live audience.
The panel includes award winning poet, Zaffar Kunial, Professor Johanna Stiebert, Professor of Hebrew Bible at the University of Leeds and comedian and broadcaster Raul Kohli with readings from actor, Jason Done.
Producer: Katharine Longworth

Giles and the panel discuss holy facial hair, exploring how beards have been viewed across different faiths and what happens when growing a beard is either mandated or forbidden in a religious context.
Panelists include Jasvir Singh, Rabbi Jonathan Romain and author of Beard Theology, The Church Mouse.
Producer: Katharine Longworth

The Gospel According to Dylan. Sixty years ago, Bob Dylan was on stage at the Free Trade Hall in Manchester when a fan shouted "Judas!" from the audience. Giles is joined by Michael Gray, and writer, poet, philosopher, priest, and blues-singer, Malcolm Guite to discuss the spiritual side of Bob Dylan. He also speaks to Gospel legend, Regina McCrary about touring with Dylan at the height of his Christian period.
Producers: Katharine Longworth and Peter Everett