Culham Institute: Programme Listings

Last week's

Saturday 21st January
1.30pm		Heart and Soul Fame, Blame and Shame 3. Michael Ford explores the spiritual dimensions of fame, blame, and shame with Jide Macauley and Mandy Smith.
6.00pm		4thought.tv Are there too many people in the world? Susan Long was brought up in China and approves of the Chinese government's one-child policy to control their population.
Sunday 22nd January
6.05am		Something Understood Mark Tully explores the benefits of adult education for both individuals and society, and meets mature students at Ruskin College in Oxford who are embarking on 10-week research projects of their own choosing, despite having no previous academic qualifications. He also asks college principal Audrey Mullender and tutor Vi Hughes whether the idea of education for its own sake can survive.
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 Nicky Campbell visits the Harris Academy in Peckham, south London to present a discussion on topical issues, with contributions by a panel and audience.
5.55pm		4thought.tv Ecological scientist Stephan Harding explains his belief that, if humans do not radically reduce their consumption, they are heading for catastrophe.
Monday 23rd January
4.15am		Lost Buildings of Britain Simon Thurley visits the ruins of Glastonbury Abbey, which, prior to its destruction by Henry VIII, boasted some of the most spectacular stained glass of its era. It also wielded a great deal of financial power, acting as the centre of an influential business empire. Ultimately, it was the king's jealousy of the abbot's wealth that would seal the abbey's fate.
4.30pm		Beyond Belief This week's Beyond Belief comes from Scotland, where the Scottish government is considering legalising same sex marriage. A period of public consultation has provoked a huge response from many religious groups who are opposed, yet the opinion polls are generally in favour. Civil partnership ceremonies have been legal in Scotland since 2005 and include the possibility of a religious blessing afterwards. So why is there a need for this further step? What is marriage? Is it a human or a divine institution? And would such a law, if passed, lead to moral anarchy, as some have claimed? Joining Ernie Rea to discuss same sex marriage are John Haldane, Professor of Philosophy at the University of St Andrew's, the Reverend John Bell, a Church of Scotland minister and Bashir Maan, Former Convenor of the Muslim Council of Scotland.
7.55pm		4thought.tv Christian Moby Mathew discusses why he believes God can heal where medicine cannot.
8.30pm		Analysis Edward Stourton meets influential defenders of capitalism who say they can keep the best of free trade but exclude the undeserving rich. He explores the moral aversion to an era of high finance that saw huge payouts for those at the top, and considers how David Cameron can succeed in changing the system.
Tuesday 24th January
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. 2: Learning to... play an instrument. Today Paul Ewing is finding out what it's like to learn to play a new musical instrument.
7.55pm		4thought.tv Psychologist and atheist Chris French denounces the practice of faith-healing, which he believes exploits the uneducated, poor and sick. He also argues the evidence for alleged miracle cures does not withstand serious scrutiny.
Wednesday 25th January
7.55pm		4thought.tv Damian Stayne, a Catholic Charismatic preacher, argues that God has worked through him and his ministry to physically heal thousands of people, and make the blind see, the deaf hear and the lame walk.
9.00pm		The Crusades 2/3. Dr Thomas Asbridge uses fresh research and contemporary accounts to explore the personalities of Richard the Lionheart and his adversary Saladin, who led the Christian and Muslim forces respectively during the Third Crusade in the 12th century. He examines how both men were capable of dark deeds - as well as acts of military genius - and why the Crusaders' hopes of recapturing Jerusalem were dashed.
10.00pm		Night Waves Matthew Sweet visits the British Museum to see the new Hajj exhibition, which examines the significance of the Hajj as one of the Five Pillars of Islam, exploring its importance for Muslims and charting how this spiritual journey has evolved throughout history.
Thursday 26th January
7.55pm		4thought.tv Jenny Bartle, a woman who cannot comprehend a belief in faith-healing, explains why she puts her trust in mainstream medicine and draws her inspiration from science.
Friday 27th January
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. Gemma Hunt has another programme celebrating a special day and this time she's looking forward to the Diamond Jublilee.
7.30pm		4thought.tv Hindu Manjula Sood, Chair of the Leicester Council of Faiths, discusses how sham holy men are cheating members of the British Asian community out of money.