My name is Kirk Sandvig, and along with Janice McLean-Farrell, and Anderson Jeremiah, we are the hosts of a Podcast called 'Religion Matters' which discusses issues surrounding religion in the world today, current research conducted by academics, as well as points through which religious matters intersect with matters from other fields, such as economics, biology, neuroscience, race, politics, gender, etc. We wanted to create an environment for people to discuss these interactions of religion with other fields of study beyond the typical 15 minute presentation found at most academic conferences, and allow for an exchange of perspectives, ideas, and interactions that reflect the true nature of how religions engage in the world. Our upcoming episodes discuss issues such as the neurological, religious and spiritual implications of ideological divisions in America and the rest of the world, and ways to heal our traumatized psyche; the implication of debt and capitalism among Colombian Christians; the philosophical and moral issues surrounding climate change and farmer suicde in India and America; and the ways Academia should embrace a multi-faceted, multidisciplinary approach to religious studies and religious engagement. Please join us as we uncover the matters surrounding religions in the world today, and what they mean to our daily lives, whether we are religious or not.
Janice McLean-Farrell teaches at New Brunswick Theological Seminary, and is the Dirck Romeyn Assistant Professor of Metro-Urban Ministry & Assistant Dean of Doctoral Studies.
Anderson Jeremiah is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Politics, Philosophy and Religion at Lancaster University and Deputy Director of the Richardson Institute of Peace Studies.
Kirk Sandvig teaches Religious Studies and Philosophy at Chapman University, San Diego State University, and Saddleback College.