How did religion ever get started in the first place? We talked to renowned sociologist Robert Bellah shortly before he died. He said religion isn't about belief in God. Its origins go back to the rituals of our ancient ancestors, and ultimately to play.
Intelligent. Optimistic. Curious.
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The French satirical magazine, Charlie Hebdo, was presented with a Freedom on Expression award from the PEN American Center this week. Six high-profile writers boycotted the awards ceremony at PEN's big annual gala. Hundreds more protested, while others gave the magazine's editors a standing ovation. The chariman of the PEN World Voices Festival is Colm Toibin, the celebrated Irish novelist. Toibin shares his thoughs on the controversy.
Karen Armstrong talks with Anne Strainchamps about her tangled path back to God after leaving the convent.
James McBride won the National Book Award for "The Good Lord Bird," his novel about the abolitionist John Brown. He explains why he doesn't like most fictional portraits of slavery and how he tried to tell a different story.
We explore the fine art of creative collaboration and start with the music of John Lennon and Paul McCartney.
Linda Kauffman talks with Jim Fleming about artists who make deliberately provocative and sensational art. She feels it’s a good thing to challenge our beliefs about what can be seen.
Lendol Calder says being in debt is a good thing. He tells Steve Paulson that consumer credit drives the world economy.
If you think the American middle class has it bad, consider life in debt-ridden Italy or Greece. Best-selling financial writer Michael Lewis portrays the downfall of several European countries with his usual verve, in Boomerang: Travels in the New Third World.
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