ReligionForBreakfast
byReligionForBreakfast
EducationReligionSpiritualityScience
An educational channel dedicated to the academic, nonsectarian study of religion. We promote improving the public's religious literacy by exploring humanity's beliefs and rituals through an anthropological, sociological, and archaeological lens. Religion for Breakfast does not endorse any particular religious tradition or non-religious perspective. Please be respectful in the comments!The host, Dr. Andrew M. Henry, is a scholar of religious studies. His research focus is early Christianity and late Roman religion. He earned his PhD at Boston University. Follow him on Twitter @andrewmarkhenry.fan Made. no infringement intended.Links:Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: https://twitter.com/andrewmarkhenryBlog...
Episodes(40 episodes)
Religion and the No True Scotsman Fallacy
Religion is a tough subject to study. One of the reasons why is because we bring our own preconceptions about particular religions to the subject. Our stereotypes affect how we interpret different religious traditions. This can lead to the No True Scotsman Fallacy.Become a member of our Patreon community!: https://patreon.com/religionforbreakfastYou can also donate to the show at: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastFor religious studies book recommendations, see: https://amazon.com/shop/religionforbreakfastFollow me on:Twitter @andrewmarkhenrywww.facebook.com/religionforbreakfast...
Published: Sep 10, 2026Duration: 5m 45s
Garden Tomb vs. Holy Sepulchre: The Quest for the REAL Tomb of Jesus
Get Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast Watch Archaeology Quest here!: https://nebula.tv/videos/realscience-pottery?ref=religionforbreakfast Join our Patreon community!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastOne-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastSign-up for my mailing list to be notified of online classes: https://classes.religionforbreakfast.com/The vast majority of Christians recognize The Church of the Holy Sepulchre as the authentic tomb of Jesus. But starting in the mid-1800s, Protestant Christians started to argue that an alternate tomb, outside...
Published: Sep 10, 2026Duration: 21m 4s
Does the Bible Command Women to Wear Veils?
Get Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast Watch The Getaway here!: https://nebula.tv/videos/getaway-the-snitch-or-snitch?ref=religionforbreakfast Join our Patreon community!: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastOne-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastSign-up for my mailing list to be notified of online classes: https://classes.religionforbreakfast.com/Thumbnail art by @hotcyder Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters00:00 Intro + Text Overview 3:38 Head-coverings in the Roman World7:07 The Social Significance of the Head-covering11:11 Paul...
Published: Sep 10, 2026Duration: 33m 20s
The Jade Emperor: The Daoist God Who Out-Buddha’d the Buddha?
Use code RFBINCOGNI at the link below to get an exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan: https://incogni.com/rfbincogni.The Jade Emperor is one of the most important gods in Chinese religion, but he didn’t start that way. This video traces his rise from mortal prince to cosmic ruler, his role in Daoism and popular religion, and his surprising rivalry with the Buddha.Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit me...
Published: Sep 10, 2026Duration: 26m 6s
What "Speaking In Tongues" Does To Your Brain
Register for my online class "Magic in the Ancient World!": https://www.religiondepartment.com/Scientists have studied the cognitive and neurological effects of speaking in tongues (glossolalia), uncovering its links to language processing, executive control, and mentalization.Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and ReutersThis video was made possible through the support of grant #TRT-2021-10499 from the John Templeton Foundation managed by the Center for Mind and Culture. The opinions expressed in this publication are those ...
Published: Sep 10, 2026Duration: 23m 52s
The Gen Z “Religious Revival” Isn’t Real
With my link, you can get 50% off of Nebula. It’s just $30/year, or $2,5/month, at https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast Watch Lindsay Ellis' "The Macabre World of Bodycam YouTube:" https://nebula.tv/videos/lindsayellis-bodycam-youtube?ref=religionforbreakfastHeadlines claim Gen Z is leading a religious revival—but major surveys show something very different. This video breaks down the data, the myths, and why America is experiencing a plateau, not a comeback.Religion for Breakfast videos take a lot of research and collaboration. Patreon support helps fund editors, scholars, and future episodes. Support us here: http...
Published: Sep 10, 2026Duration: 15m 11s
The Gospel of Philip Explained (and why Jesus kisses Mary Magdalene)
With my link, you can get 50% off of Nebula. It’s just $30/year, or $2,5/month, at https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfast Get Lifetime memberships!: https://go.nebula.tv/lifetime?ref=religionforbreakfast Was Jesus secretly kissing Mary Magdalene? This video dives into the Gospel of Philip, its infamous “kiss” passage, Valentinian theology, and how baptism, anointing, and the “bridal chamber” were meant to turn Christians into Christs.00:00 Jesus kisses Mary Magdalene?1:18 Discovery, Date, Place of Origin4:04 A Brief Intro to Valentinianism 6:31 Christians Becoming Christs7:13 The Two Births of Christ11:04 Protology, Modeling v...
Published: Sep 10, 2026Duration: 41m 55s
Computer Modeling Religious Violence
This is the 2nd part of my interview with Dr. Connor Wood talking about the Modeling Religion Project. Please check out the first half here!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPUFBCtlz_APatreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comMusic: Kevin MacLeod, www.incompetech.comLinks to this research!: Science On Religion Blog: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/scienceonreligion/Connor Wood Huffington Post: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/connor-wood/how-can-computer-models-h_b_9358258.htmlInstitute for the...
Published: Sep 10, 2026Duration: 8m 8s
Do Journalists Understand Religion?
I recently attended Harvard Divinity School's "Symposium on Religious Literacy and Journalism." Scholars and journalists gathered together to brainstorm how to better prepare journalists when it comes to covering topics about religion. The general feeling was that newsrooms just do not give enough resources to covering religion accurately. What is your experience?Twitter: @andrewmarkhenryPatreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comFacebook. www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastThank you to our Patrons!:Christian G.Brian B.Daniel D.Tuuli H.Kalei W.Alex B....
Published: Sep 10, 2026Duration: 5m 47s
What the Odyssey Gets Wrong About Bronze Age Greek Religion
Create your world with WORLD ANVIL ► https://www.worldanvil.com/?c=rfbUse code "RFB" for 51% off ANY yearly subscription!Religion for Breakfast videos take a lot of research and collaboration. Patreon support helps fund editors, scholars, and future episodes. Support us here: https://www.patreon.com/c/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and ReutersHomer’s Odyssey is set in the Bronze Age, but Homer (if he was even a real person) lived during the Iron Age. So...is he accurate? Explore Mycenaean religion, Linear B, Poseidon, Potnia, sacr...
Published: Sep 10, 2026Duration: 35m 36s
The Gospel of Mary Explained
Compare news coverage. Spot media bias. Avoid algorithms. Try Ground News today and get 40% off your subscription by going to https://ground.news/religionforbreakfastThis video explores the Gospel of Mary, an early Christian text that reimagines salvation, challenges authority, and puts Mary Magdalene at the center of the story.Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and Reuters00:00 Intro to Gospel of Mary4:09 The Sermon of Jesus: Matter, Sin, Son of Man10:06 Mary's Vision: The Soul Ascends16:33 Battle over...
Published: Sep 10, 2026Duration: 29m 3s
Exorcism Gaining Popularity in the USA?
More and more people are requesting exorcisms from Catholic priests in the U.S. according to a recent article in The Atlantic. What gives? Is this phenomenon actually happening? And if so, why? Andrew and Dr. Jason-Josephson-Storm team up to determine the sociological reasons behind this uptick in an age-old ritual. Full interview here: https://youtu.be/Y8jUsOv7QX4Join our Patreon community at: https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfast One-time donations can be sent to: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastInterested in Jason's book The Myth of Disenchantment? Check it out...
Published: Sep 10, 2026Duration: 12m 53s
What Are Frankincense and Myrrh?
According to the Gospel of Matthew, the magi bring gold, frankincense, and myrrh as expensive gifts to the young Jesus. We all know what gold is, but what is this frankincense and myrrh stuff? What did the ancients use it for?Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastBlog: www.religionforbreakfastFurther Reading:Dr. Sarah Bond's article: https://marquettehistorians.wordpress.com/2012/12/24/sweat-of-the-gods-frankincense-and-myrrh-in-antiquity/Dr. Susan Ashbrook Harvey: "Scenting Salvation: Ancient Christianity and the Olfactory Imagination"Ambrose quote from his "Exposition of the...
Published: Sep 10, 2026Duration: 5m 49s
3 Famous People Who Majored in Religion
A bachelors degree in Religious Studies. Is it a useful degree? Maybe, maybe not. But these three famous people majored in it!Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comThanks so much to our Patreon Patrons!:Brian B.Daniel D.Kalei W.Alex B.John M.WilsonCain D.MannyMark H.Alice C. Bibliography:Good news for Humanities majors: http://www.aacu.org/leap/liberal-education-nation-blog/new-reports-offer-good-news-arts-and-humanities...
Published: Sep 10, 2026Duration: 5m 10s
Is the Gospel of Jesus' Wife a Forgery?
Gospel of Jesus' Wife. Authentic or Forged?Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/religionforb...Blog: www.religionforbreakfast.comAll images are public domain.Royalty-free Music: Kevin Macleod, incompetech.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Published: Sep 10, 2026Duration: 13m 48s
Who Are the 144,000 in the Book of Revelation?
Get Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: https://go.nebula.tv/religionforbreakfastGet Lifetime Access to Nebula here: https://go.nebula.tv/lifetime?ref=religionforbreakfast Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images and ReutersA mysterious group of 144,000 people, sealed on the forehead, appear in the Book of Revelation. But who are these people?Thumbnail by @ECHenry Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Published: Sep 10, 2026Duration: 28m 19s
Is Religion Biologically Hardwired?
Join our Patreon community!: https://patreon.com/religionforbreakfastOne-time donations here!: https://www.paypal.me/religionforbreakfastReligion is a social thing. It involves beliefs and practices passed on from generation to generation as an integral part of culture. But is there a biological default to religion hardwired in the brain of homo sapiens?For religious studies book recommendations, see: https://amazon.com/shop/religionforbr...Follow me on:Twitter @andrewmarkhenrywww.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastBibliography:Science on Religion: https://www.patheos.com/blogs/scienceonreligion/2013/12/is-religion-anthropomorphism/...
Published: Sep 10, 2026Duration: 14m 21s
Nimrod: The Bible’s Most Mysterious King
Compare news coverage. Spot media bias. Avoid algorithms. Try Ground News today and get 40% off your subscription by going to https://ground.news/religionforbreakfastShoutout to Paul Davidson for writing this episode. Check out his amazing YouTube channel @InquisitiveBible Who was Nimrod, the Bible’s mighty hunter and empire-builder? Some scholars think he’s more than myth—maybe even Sargon of Akkad, one of the great kings of Mesopotamia. In this video, we explore the mystery behind one of Genesis’s most enigmatic figures.Join our Patreon community! https://www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastSelec...
Published: Sep 10, 2026Duration: 25m 44s
History of Halloween: Pagan or Christian?
Halloween was not always a holiday of candy, costumes, and parties. Its history stretches back almost two thousand years. But what is this history? And what extent can we call Halloween a Christian holiday...if at all?Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comThanks to our Patrons on Patreon!!:Brian B.Daniel D.Kalei W.Alex B.Mark H.Alice C. WilsonCain D.Bibliography and image credits:Rogers, Nicholas...
Published: Sep 10, 2026Duration: 10m 46s
The Ancient Egyptians Believed in Invisibility Spells
An example of a magical text from the 5th century CE. What can it tell us about the beliefs and practices of ancient individuals living in Greco-Roman Egypt?Patreon: www.patreon.com/religionforbreakfastFacebook: www.facebook.com/religionforbreakfastBlog: www.religionforbreakfast.comTwitter: @andrewmarkhenryImages/Videos Bibliography:Cicero: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Marcus_Tullius_Cicero#/media/File:Cicero_-_Musei_Capitolini.JPGExperiment: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Chemistry_experiments#/media/File:Universidad_San_Pedro_practica_de_Qu%C3%ADmica_I.jpgAntikythera...
Published: Sep 10, 2026Duration: 9m 11s