Sacred Realms: Storytelling in Sci-fi, Fantasy and Judaism

Sacred Realms: Storytelling in Sci-fi, Fantasy and Judaism

Author: Rabbi Andrew Pepperstone April 3, 2023 Duration: 1:09:52
In this third episode of Sacred Realms, Rabbis Andrew and Lindsay talk about Storytelling.We begin getting to know each by sharing our favorite storytellers, and then on to what we have been watching or reading lately, with Rabbi Andrew talking about the Jewish themes in Season 3 of the Mandalorian, and Rabbi Lindsay talking about Carnival Row, cultural appropriation and colonization.Then we delve into this episode’s main topic: Storytelling as a core practice for religions in general and Judaism in particular, and muse on the similar function and purpose of Sci-fi and Fantasy.And since Passover is coming up right after this episode goes up, we pull out some material from the Genzia, with Rabbi Andrew (lightly) ranting about various Exodus adaptations, what they get right and what they get wrong, and Rabbi Lindsay will talk about the Harry Potter books and the challenges of adapting the written word to the screen.You contact us with any questions, comments or suggestions at sacredrealmspodcast@gmail.com.

Hosted by Rabbi Andrew Pepperstone, Sacred Realms: Exploring the Nexus of Religion, Spirituality, Science Fiction and Fantasy ventures into the rich territory where ancient questions meet speculative futures and magical worlds. Each conversation moves beyond simple analysis to consider how the myths, technologies, and moral dilemmas found in genre storytelling reflect and challenge our deepest spiritual intuitions. You’ll hear discussions that might connect the themes of a classic novel to mystical traditions, or examine how a contemporary film series grapples with concepts of prophecy, free will, and the divine. This isn't about finding easy answers, but rather about appreciating the complex dialogue between belief and imagination. The podcast provides a unique space where the language of scripture and the visions of science fiction are seen as complementary ways of exploring human purpose, ethics, and wonder. By engaging with these stories, we find new lenses for our own spiritual journeys and the timeless puzzles of existence. Join Andrew for thoughtful, often surprising explorations that reveal how the realms of the sacred and the speculative are intimately and profoundly connected.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 20

Sacred Realms: Exploring the Nexus of Religion, Spirituality, Science Fiction and Fantasy
Podcast Episodes
Sacred Realms - Season 2, Episode 4: Superman [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:57
In this episode of Sacred Realms, Rabbi Andrew Pepperstone, Pastor Travis McKee and Dr. Matthew Umbarger talk about spend some time talking about the recent James Gunn film Superman. You can contact us with any questions…
Sacred Realms - What is happening in the Realms? (July 2025( [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:19
In this episode of What’s Happening in the Realm, Rabbi Andrew Pepperstone, Pastor Travis McKee and Dr. Matthew Umbarger talk about sci-fi, fantasy and religion. We begin with this month’s She’lah / The Question of the M…
Sacred Realms - What's happening in the Realms? (June 2025) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:31
In this episode of What’s Happening in the Realm, our hosts, Andrew, Travis and Matthews address a question about inner turmoil, talk about what we have been watching or reading lately, which includes Andor, The Last of…
Sacred Realms: Changes in the Realms and Revenge of the Sith [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:16
In this episode of Sacred Realms, Changes in the Realms, we meet our two new co- hosts, Pastor Travis Smith McKee and Professor Matthew Umbarger, discuss our new format, and talk about expanding the podcast to be an ongo…
Sacred Realms - Announcing Changes to the Podcast [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:47
It's been over a year since we have uploaded any episodes to the podcast. This short episode is all about changes coming to the podcast, which is on track to begin productions again this summer.. New format. New hosts. N…
Sacred Realms: Looking Back Over One Year and Reframing the Next [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:39
In this special episode of Sacred Realms, Rabbis Andrew and Lindsey talk about one year since the beginning of this podcast. They look over its beginnings, the original intent, and where things have organically taken the…
Sacred Realms: Just My Type [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:15:34
In this eleventh episode of Sacred Realms, “Just My Type,” Rabbis Andrew and Lindsey talk about competing and conflicting narratives in Sci-fi, Fantasy and Judaism. We begin with this month’s She’lah / The Question of th…
Sacred Realms: Clash of the Narratives [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:14
In this tenth episode of Sacred Realms, “Clash of the Narratives,” Rabbis Andrew and Lindsey talk about competing and conflicting narratives in Sc-fi, Fantasy and Judaism. We begin with this month’s She’lah / The Questio…