Our staff have been in the news again this summer, speaking on television, radio, in newspapers and through digital media. Image Professor Helen Bond In July, Head of School Professor Helen Bond featured in a two-part programme, “Jesus’ female disciples – the new evidence” with Professor Joan Taylor (King’s College, London), on Australian television’s ABC Compass. The series attracted detailed coverage on news.com.au and public feedback on abc.netThe documentary had been broadcast on Channel 4 in April, with reviews in the Guardian, Times, iNews and the Church Times. Detailed research notes were posted at the time by our Centre for the Study of Christian Origins (see links below).Dr James EglintonSo far this year, Dr James Eglinton, our Meldrum Lecturer in Reformed Theology, has produced 13 media articles, including “Who Is My Digital Neighbor? A Christian call to reject polarising public discourse” in Christianity Today, 27 August, “Spare children from existential heavy lifting,” The Times, 8 August, “Can Preachers Make an Impact in a Post-Christian Word?,” Christianity Today, 13 July, “The modern young are uncritical about abortion in society,” The Times, 13 June and “What does euthanasia mean for those who want to live?,” The Herald, 17 May.Professor Mona SiddiquiProfessor Mona Siddiqui, our Chair in Islamic and Inter-Religious Studies, is a regular commentator on BBC Radio 4 and BBC Radio Scotland’s Thought for the Day, remembering most recently the human cost of partition, 22 August and joining presenter Shereen Nanjiani to discuss Aretha Franklin, Jeremy Corbyn and Italy's Geona bridge tragedy, 18 August. In May, she spoke out about forced marriage saying, "It seems to me that marriage remains one of the biggest cultural challenges within many Islamic and other Asian and South Asian cultures.” In August, she was in demand by BBC Radio 4 and Talk Radio seeking insights into the burka, following controversial comments by politician Boris Johnston. Image Dr Chris Cotter On 14 August, Dr Chris Cotter, our Leverhulme Research Fellow (pictured), told the Herald that in troubled times, people look beyond science for meaning, after research by the Humanist Society Scotland revealed that while 59% of people polled identified as non-religious, over a quarter of Scots believe in evil spirits, angels and divine miracles from God. LinksSome links may require registration or be time limited (the recording may only be available for a short time).Professor Helen BondOverview and research notes by Centre for the Study of Christian OriginsThe Times [registration required]iNewsGuardian TV review 8 April 2018Church TimesThe SunAustralian ABC Compass, Jesus’ female disciples Part 1Australian ABC Compass, Jesus’ Female disciples Part 2News.com.au articleDr James EglintonChristianity Today, 27 AugustThe Times, 9 August [registration required]Christianity Today, 13 July The Times, 13 June [registration required]The Herald, 17 MayProfessor Mona SiddiquiHerald article, 31 MayListing in BBC Radio 4 Thought for the Day contributorsBBC Radio 4 Today programme, 10 August [time limited]BBC Radio 4 Sunday programme, 12 August BBC Radio 4 Thought for the Day, 22 August [time limited]BBC Radio Scotland’s Shereen and guests, 18 August [time limited]Dr Chris CotterThe Herald, 14 August Publication date 19 Mar, 2024
