Religion in Motion: The Identity and World-Creating Powers of Religious Action

Religion in Motion: The Identity and World-Creating Powers of Religious Action

Author: UCTV June 3, 2026 Duration: 54:03
What does it mean to rethink religion from the ground up? University of Colorado's religious studies professor Sam Gill draws on biology, philosophy, and decades of research and dance practice to argue that we are moving, whole organisms before we are divided into mind and body. Gill proposes that humans possess a biologically enabled capacity to hold together what we know to be different as if it were the same—a dynamic that underlies the powers of metaphor, masking, dancing, ritual action, symbol, and language. Through vivid examples from Hopi initiation, Javanese shadow puppetry and dance, and Navajo prayer ceremonials, Gill shows how religious actions create worlds, identities, and enduring cultural coherence. Series: "Ethics, Religion and Public Life: Walter H. Capps Center Series" [Humanities] [Show ID: 41541]

In a world where questions of faith and meaning are as personal as they are universal, Religion and Spirituality (Video) offers a space for thoughtful exploration. Presented by UCTV, this series moves beyond simple definitions, engaging with the depth of established traditions and the evolving personal journeys that define modern spirituality. You'll encounter lectures, interviews, and conversations with scholars, thinkers, and practitioners who examine the historical foundations of the world's religions alongside contemporary interpretations. The discussions grapple with how ancient wisdom intersects with today's social, scientific, and ethical landscapes. Rather than providing easy answers, this podcast invites you to consider the diverse ways people seek connection, purpose, and understanding. Each episode functions as an accessible, university-level dialogue, perfect for anyone curious about theology, comparative religion, or their own spiritual path. The video format adds a valuable dimension, allowing you to see presenters and any visual materials they share. Whether you come from a specific religious background or are navigating your own beliefs, this content fosters a deeper appreciation for humanity's enduring search for the sacred. Tune in for a consistently enlightening experience that respects the complexity of its subject.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

Religion and Spirituality (Video)
Podcast Episodes
My First Rosh Hashanah Since Leaving Orthodox Jewish Faith [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:23
Author, Tova Mirvis reads from her memoir, The Book of Separation, which describes a woman who leaves her Orthodox Jewish faith and her marriage and sets out to navigate the terrifying, liberating terrain of a newly mapl…
If Kinship Were the Goal of Society [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:46
Father Gregory Boyle, Jesuit priest and bestselling author of Tattoos on the Heart, is the founder of Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles. He shares a thought about justice in a world where kinship among all people flouris…
Spirituality and Healthy Aging - Research on Aging [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:59
What is spirituality and spiritual health? How can we effectively assess our own spirituality and identify spiritual distress in ourselves and others? Douglas Ziedonis, MD, MPH, Associate Vice Chancellor for Health Scien…
In Conversation With Reza Aslan and Tim Kring [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:05
Part of the Humanities as Vocation event at UCSB, features two UCSB alumni talking about their work after their humanities studies. Reza Aslan is a producer and author. He addresses his training, the inspiration behind h…