Professor and author Howard Zinn traces the evocation of divine right and approval as a force in U.S. politics, looking at how it has been used to support economic and military interests. He focuses particularly on how it has been used to justify war and violent action, both in the past and today, in the Middle East.
The House of David Museum presents the story of the Christian religious community known as the House of David, founded in 1903. Members created most, if not all, of the items which they needed or desired for the rest of the community. At its height during the 1930s, the House of David served the early U.S. tourist population through its own amusement park, hotels, and restaurants, among other amenities. The House of David was also known for its baseball prowess, and would play games against teams in the Negro Leagues—unthinkable at a time when sports were so stringently divided by race.
The museum offers exhibits and self-guided tours. Appointments are required for groups of 25 or more. Groups receive an introduction and, when possible, a guided tour.
Professor Alan Wolfe discusses the role of religion in U.S. politics, particularly in the present day. He argues that the "current Christian revival" in the U.S. is not having a negative, "fundamentalist" effect on U.S. government as a whole.
Richard Carwardine of the University of Oxford traces the development and shifts of Abraham Lincoln's religious views and their influence on and appearance in his decisions and public statements.
Ron Carnegie, an interpreter at Colonial Williamsburg, looks at the life of the historical figure he portrays: George Whitefield, an evangelical preacher who helped instigate the Great Awakening and found the Methodist faith.
John Turner, a manager of program development at Colonial Williamsburg, talks about the place of religion in colonial society, looking at the Great Awakening, African American participation in religious institutions, and the different denominations represented in Williamsburg.
Colonial Williamsburg interpreters Bill Barker, as Thomas Jefferson, and Richard Schumann, as Patrick Henry, debate on whether Virginia citizens should be taxed to support religious institutions.
Lou Powers, a historian at Colonial Williamsburg, describes the celebration of Christmas and the winter holidays in the colonial era, while also addressing some points in the evolution of the holiday in the 19th and 20th centuries.
John Turner, program manager and religious projects specialist at Colonial Williamsburg, discusses the colonial hymns that evolved into modern Christmas carols. He also looks generally at popular music in the colonial era, and at views on how Christmas should be observed.
James Ingram, a character interpreter at Colonial Williamsburg, describes the life of Gowan Pamphlet, a colonial tavern slave who, influenced by the Great Awakening, became a Baptist slave preacher. For the first part of this interview, click here.
Note: this podcast is no longer available. To view a transcript of the original podcast, click here.