Culham Institute: Programme Listings

Next week's

Saturday 4th February
1.30pm		Heart and Soul Elif Shafak is an award-winning novelist and the most widely read female author in Turkey. Her books have been translated into more than 20 languages – and several have expressed her fascination with Sufism, the mystical branch of Islam. In this programme, Elif Shafak talks to Razia Iqbal about her interest in Rumi, the 13th century Sufi mystic who made it onto the poetry bestseller lists in America in the 20th century. Rumi and the mysterious wandering dervish who inspired him, Shams of Tabriz, are both central to her 2010 novel, The Forty Rules of Love, which has sold over half a million copies in Turkey alone. The programme also explores Elif Shafak's self-perception as a Turkish writer and Muslim woman moving between cultures, and the popularity of Sufism in modern-day Turkey and the Western world.
7.05pm		4thought.tv Charity worker Inderjit Singh Bhogal explains the Sikh tradition of Seva, which involves the voluntary act of giving. He maintains that altruism has a positive, healing effect on the brain, one that is beneficial to both the giver and the receiver.
Sunday 5th February
6.05am		Something Understood Mementos. Mark Tully explores the significance of mementos, and considers why humans attach importance to inanimate objects. He also reflects on what this reveals about people's relationship with the past, present and future. With readings from works by Joseph Conrad, W B Yeats and John Donne, and music by Nat King Cole, Arvo Part and the Band of the Blues and Royals.
7.10am		Sunday The religious and ethical news of the week. Moral arguments and perspectives on stories familiar and unfamiliar.
10.00am		The Big Questions From King Edward VI School in Southampton, where Nicky Campbell presents a debate exploring topical issues from a religious and moral perspective.
6.55pm		4thought.tv Human rights activist Ben Rawlence discusses his belief that although charity is commendable, taxpayers and governments have an obligation to ensure that foreign aid does not fall into the hands of corrupt regimes.
7.45pm		Sunday Feature Paul Bennun explores the latest advances in computer technology, examining society's relationship with machines and how it is redefining what it means to be human. Meeting computer scientists, sociologists, technology writers, and a man who chose to give up his technology, he finds out whether computers are changing the way people think and interact. Among other things he discovers the enormous potential of computing, including GPS that can read emotions and take control of cars. Technology and humanity have a symbiotic relationship but some are concerned that the lines between user and interface are becoming ever more blurred. This programme asks if a growing dependence on technology is fundamentally diminishing what it means to be human.
Monday 6th February
4.30pm		Beyond Belief Ernie Rea and guests explore how religious concerns about the candidates are being addressed in America during the race for the Republican Party's presidential nomination.
6.55pm		4thought.tv The programme questions whether same-sex marriages should be conducted in places of worship, an issue that is still controversial among many religions.
8.30pm		Analysis Owen Bennett-Jones examines the ideas of Sheikh Rachid Ghannouchi, the leader of Tunisia's largest political party. The Islamist ideologue has done much to convert the Muslim Brotherhood to the ideas of democracy and acceptance of equal political rights for non-Muslims, while his influence also extends far beyond north Africa.
Tuesday 7th February
3.15am		*Something To Think About (School Radio)* Assembly series for children aged 5 - 7, including a story, song, a reflection / prayer and opportunities for discussion. Giving Something Back,. Today Paul Ewing is thinking about what it means to 'give something back'.
6.55pm		4thought.tv A member of the public shares their thoughts on whether same-sex couples should be allowed to marry in places of worship.
Wednesday 8th February
2.15pm		Gerontius Derek Jacobi stars in Stephen Wyatt's play about the relationship between Cardinal Newman and Fr Ambrose St John, who were buried in the same grave, and explores the controversy surrounding the decision to exhume their bodies.
6.55pm		4thought.tv A member of the public reflects on the marriage of same-sex couples in places of worship.
Thursday 9th February
6.55pm		4thought.tv The programme questions whether same-sex marriages should be conducted in places of worship, an issue that is still controversial among many religions.
9.30pm		Strictly Soulmates Documentary following three Muslims as they search for partners. Recent university graduate Zubair Asghar wants to find a wife who will move to Pakistan with him, and 31-year-old doctor Dimpy Malik has already turned down 60 potential husbands who failed to meet her long list of requirements. Meanwhile, Naila Ahmed is expected to enter into an arranged marriage, but as boyfriends are strictly forbidden, she is a relationship novice.
Friday 10th February
3.00am		*Together (School Radio)* Assembly series for children aged 7 - 11, including a story, song, a reflection / prayer and opportunities for discussion. Special Days – Celebrating Lent and Mardi Gras. Gemma Hunt marks the beginning of Lent and finds out about the colourful festival of Mardi Gras.
6.55pm		4thought.tv A debate on whether homosexual couples should be allowed to marry in religious buildings.

If you can't catch the 'live' broadcast, most Radio 4 programmes can be heard by visiting the station's web site at www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/ and clicking the 'Listen Again' button. Sunday can be heard by clicking on the programme's own homepage, at www.bbc.co.uk/religion/programmes/sunday/

This week's