ReligionForBreakfast

Epizode

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  Why Fictional Religions Feel So Fake 12.10.2026 23min

  Compare news coverage. Spot media bias. Avoid algorithms. Try Ground News today and get 40% off your subscription by going to https://ground.news/religionforbreakfastUploaded 22-08-25Why 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  Is Religion Biologically Hardwired? 12.10.2026 13min

  Join our Patreon community!: https://patreon.com/religionforbreakfastOne-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastUploaded 05-04-19Religion 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., and Buhrmester, M. D. (2017). Religious actions speak louder than words: Exposure to credibility-enhancingdisplays predicts theism. Religion, Brain and Behavior, 7(1), 3–16.Willard, A. K., and 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  Come Explore Ancient Turkey With Me (Religion for Breakfast Tour 2026) 12.10.2026 4min

  Register for Tour: https://religionforbreakfast.com/Join Q and A Session: https://forms.gle/5avHs8je5ycAJ1kh9Uploaded 16-12-25Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  Apocalyptic A.I. - A New Religion? 12.10.2026 24min

  Go to https://brilliant.org/ReligionForBreakfast to get a 30-day free trial + the first 200 people will get 20% off their annual subscription.Uploaded 28-04-23Join 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/religionforbreakfastWhat happens when the lines between ancient prophecies and modern technology blur? In this video, we explore the striking similarities between religious apocalyptic literature and the predictions surrounding artificial intelligence and the Singularity. Discover how scholars like Robert Geraci and Beth Singler have identified the echoes of ancient apocalyptic narratives in the works of AI theorists like Ray Kurzweil and Hans Moravec.Further reading:Beth Singler, 2019 “An Ethnographic Discussion of Existential Hope and Despair in AI Apocalypticism”, in Zygon: Journal of Religion and Science, vol 54, issue 1; https://doi.org/10.1111/zygo.12494 Beth Singler, 2022 “Left Behind? Religion as a Vestige in ‘The Rapture of the Nerds’ and Other AI Singularity Literature”, in Science and Religion in Western Literature: Critical and Theological Studies, ed Michael Fuller, Routledge.Robert Geraci, 2010. Apocalyptic AI: Visions of Heaven in Robotics, Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality. New York: Oxford University Press.Robert Geraci, 2010. “Popular Appeal of Apocalyptic AI.” Zygon: Journal of Religion and Science 45(4): 1003-1020.Robert Geraci, 2008. “Apocalyptic AI: Religion and the Promise of Artificial Intelligence.” Journal of the American Academy of Religion 76(1): 138-166.00:00 Intro2:17 Part 1: Apocalypticism, not Doomerism7:55 Part 2: Divine Intervention10:24 Part 3: Alienated by Biology15:41 Part 4: Repent, the Singularity is at HandSelect footage and images courtesy of Getty Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  Why More Māori Are Rejecting Christianity 12.10.2026 17min

  Register for our online lecture with Dr. Sara Rahmani!: https://www.religiondepartment.com/offers/zsbQ2xsX/checkoutUploaded 18-03-25Atheism 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  Did Early Christians Think Jesus Was a Ghost? | ft. Travis Proctor 12.10.2026 52min

  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/resurrectionUploaded 30-03-26If 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  Why Is Christmas on December 25th? | Dr. Tom Schmidt 12.10.2026 1h 4min

  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/religionforbreakfastUploaded 22-12-25Read 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 and The Equinox15:34 "Cosmic Perfection": Linking Conception and 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 and Clement)34:12 How December 25th Spread and "Won"53:29 Other Holidays: Saturnalia, Kalends, and Brumalia56:44 Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  3 Famous People Who Majored in Religion 12.10.2026 5min

  A bachelors degree in Religious Studies. Is it a useful degree? Maybe, maybe not. But these three famous people majored in it!Uploaded 30-08-16Patreon: 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  Why Psychedelics Feel So Religious | Entheogens Explained 12.10.2026 23min

  Register for Ethnobotany and the Invisible Reality of the Blackfeet: https://www.religiondepartment.com/offers/BWG42LUy/checkoutUploaded 08-01-26Religion 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  Akhenaten: The First Monotheist? | Atenism 12.10.2026 36min

  Get Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfastUploaded 27-07-23Watch City Beautiful’s video on Cairo on Nebula!: https://nebula.tv/videos/citybeautiful-cairos-history-roman-fortress-to-modern-megacity?ref=religionforbreakfastJoin 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/religionforbreakfastAkhenaten was an Egyptian Pharaoh back in the 1300s BCE who upended the religious landscape of ancient Egypt. Within years of ascending the throne, he turned away from traditional Egyptian polytheism to the worship of a single god: The Aten. Was this an early form of monotheism?Select footage and images courtesy of Getty Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  Sabbateanism: The Rise and Fall of a Messiah 12.10.2026 20min

  Sign up for your FREE trial to The Great Courses Plus here: http://ow.ly/HfXH30rFSpoUploaded 13-05-21Special thanks to Seth Weprin for co-writing this episode. Thanks to Gavi from @Unpacked for reading an early draft. Join my online seminars on ancient religion: https://www.speakeasy.com/speaker/andrew-henryOr, join our Patreon community!: https://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/religionforbreakfast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  1000 Subscribers! 12.10.2026 3min

  We made it to 1000! Thank you everyone! You all make Religion For Breakfast what it is, and I appreciate your support so much. Uploaded 17-08-16~Andrew Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  Who were the Nephilim? 12.10.2026 17min

  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 Uploaded 18-01-24Join 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  What Is Religion? 12.10.2026 9min

  What is religion? The answer might not be as simple as you thought.Uploaded 12-01-16Twitter: @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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  The Greco-Roman Origins of the Eucharist 12.10.2026 38min

  Compare news coverage. Spot media bias. Avoid algorithms. Try Ground News today and get 40% off your subscription by going to https://ground.news/religionforbreakfastUploaded 17-04-25Join 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  500 Subscribers! 12.10.2026 4min

  500 subscribers! Thank you everyone!Uploaded 26-02-16Twitter: @andrewmarkhenryFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comPatreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  Gospel of Thomas: Why Is It Not In the Bible? 12.10.2026 10min

  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?Uploaded 02-08-16Andrew'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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  What is the Difference Between Theology and Religious Studies? 12.10.2026 9min

  Theology and Religious Studies...do you know the difference?Uploaded 16-02-16Twitter: @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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  Agnostics Spiritually Struggle More Than Atheists—But Feel Better About God 12.10.2026 19min

  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/m37/4Uploaded 23-04-26A 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  Why Ancient Christian Artists Gave Jesus a "Magic" Wand 12.10.2026 27min

  Compare news coverage. Spot media bias. Avoid algorithms. Try Ground News today and get 40% off your subscription by going to https://ground.news/religionforbreakfastUploaded 30-10-25Join 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices