ReligionForBreakfast

Episodet

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  How to Become Immortal According to Daoism (in 5 not-so-easy steps) 07.10.2026 34min

  With my link, you can get 50% off of Nebula. It’s just $30/year, or $2,5/month, at https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast Watch SarahZ's "Three Dead Girls I Love": https://nebula.tv/videos/sarahz-three-dead-girls-i-love?ref=religionforbreakfastUploaded 17-04-26Daoist texts describe a path to transcendence through diet, celibacy, breathwork, and alchemy. From grain avoidance to mercury elixirs, how did Daoists try to live forever—and what did “immortality” really mean?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/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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  Was America Founded as a Christian Nation? | ft. Dr. Brook Wilensky-Lanford 07.10.2026 48min

  Join Dr. Wilensky-Lanford for a FREE guided reading of A God-Shaped Nation this summer. Read the book alongside the author and a community of fellow nerds: https://www.religiondepartment.com/godshapednation Uploaded 23-06-26Was America founded as a Christian nation? Historian Brook Wilensky-Lanford on 500 years of religion in America, including Squanto's real story, Puritans executing Quakers, and who actually fought for church-state separation. 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 Dome of the Rock? 07.10.2026 13min

  The Dome of the Rock is one of the most iconic buildings in the world and one of the most sacred buildings for Muslims today. But what is the Dome of the Rock? What is its history?Uploaded 26-09-18Support the show on Patreon!www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastwww.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryCheck out my religious studies book recommendations at: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfastBibliography:Rina Avner, "The Dome of the Rock in Light of the Development of Concentric Martyria in Jerusalem: Architecture and Architectural Iconography," Jodi Magness, “The Archaeology of the Holy Land," Cambridge University Press, 2012.Oleg Grabar, "The Dome of the Rock," Harvard University Press, 2006. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  Jesús Malverde: The Patron Saint of Drug Cartels? 07.10.2026 17min

  Subscribe to Sacred and Profane's newsletter here!: http://eepurl.com/gjbzuXUploaded 22-04-24Jesús Malverde is a Catholic folk saint particularly popular in Mexico. He has a bad reputation of being a "narcosaint." But is it an unfair stereotype?Join our Patreon community!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastOne-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastSign-up for my mailing list to be notified of online classes: https://classes.religionforbreakfast.com/Thumbnail art by @hotcyderSelect 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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  History of Halloween: Pagan or Christian? 07.10.2026 10min

  Halloween was not always a holiday of candy, costumes, and parties. Its history stretches back almost two thousand years. But what is this history? And what extent can we call Halloween a Christian holiday...if at all?Uploaded 18-10-16Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comThanks to our Patrons on Patreon!!:Brian B.Daniel D.Kalei W.Alex B.Mark H.Alice C. WilsonCain D.Bibliography and image credits:Rogers, Nicholas. Halloween: From Pagan Ritual to Party Night, 2002.Santino, Jack. Halloween and Other Festivals of Death and Life, 1994.Souling picture: https://archive.org/details/cheshiresheafbe01browgoogOengusso calendar: https://ia802604.us.archive.org/10/items/martyrologyofoen29oenguoft/martyrologyofoen29oenguoft.pdfHalloween Frolics painting: http://artuk.org/discover/artworks/halloween-frolics-189976Guy Fawkes Effigy pic: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:November_Effigies_(6833391028).jpgMost other images came from Stephen Reid. An artist from the early 20th century who specialized in paintings of Celtic mythology. 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 Origins of the Jesus Fish 07.10.2026 21min

  Signup for your FREE trial to The Great Courses Plus here: http://ow.ly/ISdB30rsk4mUploaded 27-01-21This video includes a paid sponsorship from The Great Courses Plus.Join my 15-person online seminars here: https://www.speakeasy.com/speaker/andrew-henryBibliography:Guy Stroumsa, "The Early Christian Fish Symbol Reconsidered," 199-205 in Messiah and Christos: Studies in the Jewish Origins of Christianity, Tubingen: Mohr, 1992.Tuomas Rasimus, "Revisiting the Ichthys: A Suggestion Concerning the Origins of Christological Fish SymbolismLaurence Harold Kant, "The Interpretation of Religious Symbols in the Graeco-Roman World: A Case Study of Early Christian Fish Symbolism," PhD Dissertation, Yale University, 1993.MOREY, CHARLES R, "The Origin of the Fish Symbol," American journal of archaeology, 1909-01-01, Vol.13, p.57 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  Sunni or Shia? | Who Are the Alevis? 07.10.2026 54min

  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 31-07-25Alevism is a mystical Islamic tradition in Turkey that don't fit neatly into Sunni nor Shi‘a categories. This video explores its Sufi-inspired rituals, sacred music, and why defining Alevism within Islam remains so complex.Join 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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  Why Fictional Religions Feel So Fake 07.10.2026 25min

  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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  Come Explore Ancient Turkey With Me (Religion for Breakfast Tour 2026) 07.10.2026 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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  Why More Māori Are Rejecting Christianity 07.10.2026 19min

  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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  Why Is Christmas on December 25th? | Dr. Tom Schmidt 07.10.2026 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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  Why Psychedelics Feel So Religious | Entheogens Explained 07.10.2026 25min

  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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  1000 Subscribers! 07.10.2026 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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  What Is Religion? 07.10.2026 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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  500 Subscribers! 07.10.2026 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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  What is the Difference Between Theology and Religious Studies? 07.10.2026 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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  Why Ancient Christian Artists Gave Jesus a "Magic" Wand 07.10.2026 30min

  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
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  Is Coca-Cola a Religion? 07.10.2026 6min

  Religion is very difficult to define. The scholar Clifford Geertz offered his own definition, but ironically, this definition is broad enough to apply to even a soft drink brand: Coca Cola. But how could Coca-Cola be a religion?Uploaded 11-12-17www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastwww.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast@andrewmarkhenrywww.religionforbreakfast.comAndrew's religious studies book recommendations: http://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfastThanks to our patrons on Patreon!Sources:Mark Pendergrast, "For God, Country, and Coca Cola,"David Chidester, "The Church of Baseball, the Fetish of Coca-Cola, and the Potlatch of Rock n' Roll: Theoretical Models for the Study of Religion in American Popular Culture, Journal of the American Academy of Religion, Vol. 64, No. 4, (Winter, 1996), 743-765 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  Was the Gospel of John Changed to Suppress Mary Magdalene? 07.10.2026 14min

  Mary Magdalene has a ton of conspiracy theories swirling around her. Most are pure speculation. But a recent study by a Duke University New Testament PhD student, Elizabeth Schrader, argues that the copiers of the Gospel of John may have diminished the role of Mary Magdalene. Uploaded 22-07-19Full interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PThZ6XEp4qw&feature=youtu.beSupport the show!:https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfasthttps://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastCheck out my favorite religious studies books: https://www.amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfast Follow me on Twitter!: @andrewmarkhenryFollow Elizabeth Schrader too!: @libbieschrader Study:Elizabeth Schrader, "Was Martha of Bethany Added to the Fourth Gospel in the Second Century?" Harvard Theological Review 110 (2017) 360-392 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 "Mana" in Your Video Games? 07.10.2026 13min

  Join our Patreon community!: https://patreon.com/religionforbreakfastOne-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastCheck out my favorite religious studies books: https://www.amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfastIf you play League of Legends, World of Warcraft, or Magic the Gathering, you've probably heard about "mana." It is the magical power used by sorcerers, magicians, mages, and wizards. But what is mana, and how did it enter video gaming culture? Special thanks to one of our patrons, Esteban, for suggesting the video title!Bibliography:Alex Golub, “The History of Mana,” The Appendix, April 2014: http://theappendix.net/issues/2014/4/the-history-of-mana-how-an-austronesian-concept-became-a-video-game-mechanicJacques Waardenburg, Russell T. McCutcheon , "Classical Approaches to the Study of Religion: Aims, Methods, and Theories of Research. Introduction and Anthology,” (De Gruyter, 2017).Juliette Blevins, "Some Comparative Notes on Proto-Oceanic mana: Inside and Outside the Austronesian Family,” Oceanic Linguistics, Vol. 47, No. 2 (Dec., 2008), 253-274.Mana study by Office of Hawaiian Affairs: https://www.oha.org/manaMatt Tomlinson, "New Mana: Transformations of a Classic Concept in Pacific Languages and Cultures,” (ANU Press, 2016).Matt Tomlinson, “Retheorizing Mana: Bible Translation and Discourse of Loss in Fiji,” Oceania, Vol. 76, No. 2 (Jul., 2006), 173-185..Matthew Tomlinson, “In God’s Image: The Metaculture of Fijian Christianity,” (University of California Press, 2009).Wende Elizabeth Marshall, “Potent Mana: Lessons in Power and Healing,” (SUNY Press, 2011) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices