Holy Smoke
Religion & Spirituality
About
The most important and controversial topics in world religion, thoroughly dissected by a range of high profile guests. Presented by Damian Thompson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
- Is Pope Benedict’s Ordinariate for ex-Anglicans finally going to realise its potential?
This episode of Holy Smoke discusses Pope Benedict XVI's creation of the Ordinariates for ex-Anglicans. The discussion explores the potential of this initiative with Fathers Ed Tomlinson and Benedict Kiely.
- Why has Trump picked a fight with the Pope?
This episode of Holy Smoke discusses Donald Trump's conflict with Pope Leo XIV. It examines the potential reasons for the clash and what it signifies for religious relations in the United States, featuring a discussion between Damian Thomp…
- How homosexuality has torn apart the United Methodist Church
Mark Tooley joins Damian Thompson to discuss the recent decline in United Methodist Church membership, particularly following splits over the teaching of homosexuality. They examine the future of the denomination and broader trends in Amer…
- How would you sell Christianity today? with Rory Sutherland
Advertising executive Rory Sutherland discusses how Christianity might adapt to modern society with host Damian Thompson. They explore the role of religion as a social network and how it might appeal to those seeking meaning beyond consump…
- The truth about the quiet revival – with grounds for optimism
Damian Thompson and guest Justin Brierley discuss the truth behind reports of a 'quiet revival' among young Christians in the UK. They examine the retraction of a Bible Society study and explore whether there are still signs of slowing rel…
- Prince William resets faith – as Sarah Mullally enthroned
Damian Thompson discusses the enthronement of Dame Sarah Mullally as the Bishop of London and Prince William's relationship with faith with guests Robert Hardman and The Rev'd Fergus Butler-Gallie. They also examine the future of the Churc…
- Iran: why Shia Islam's tradition of martyrdom is key to understanding the conflict
Dr. Eric Lob joins Damian Thompson to discuss how the Shia tradition of martyrdom is central to understanding the resilience of the Iranian regime. They explore the cultural significance of this tradition and the nuances between political…
- Who is Sarah Mullally?
Andrew Atherstone, Professor of Modern Anglicanism at Oxford University, joins Damian Thompson to discuss the background and views of the new Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally. They examine her career path, from nursing to the churc…
- In defence of Christian monarchies
Historian Charles Coulombe joins Damian Thompson to discuss the role of traditional monarchies. The conversation explores arguments for monarchical rule and considers how support for such systems can persist in the modern era.
- How Russia is waging Holy War in Ukraine
Dr. Yuri Stoyanov joins Damian Thompson to discuss the religious dimensions of the war in Ukraine, including the framing of the conflict as a 'Holy War' and its impact on Orthodox churches and other religious groups in Russia.
- Is there any truth in the Christian revival?
Demographer Conrad Hackett joins Damian Thompson to discuss global trends in Christianity, analyzing the methodology and findings behind recent religious surveys. The episode explores changing identification patterns, particularly the decl…
- Moltbook: has AI created its own religion?
Sean Thomas joins Damian Thompson on Holy Smoke to discuss 'Moltbook', a social network for AI agents that has reportedly developed its own religion. They explore the implications for humanity and whether AI might replicate human religious…
- Why did Pope Leo choose a 'safe pair of hands' for Westminster?
Fr Alexander Lucie-Smith joins Damian Thompson to discuss the appointment of Bishop Richard Moth as the new Catholic Archbishop of Westminster. The episode examines what this choice suggests about the Church's leadership and the current ch…
- The historic value of English churches – with Daniel Wilson
Historian Daniel Wilson joins Damian Thompson to discuss the historical significance of English parish churches. They explore notable examples of medieval architecture and encourage listeners to visit local churches as historical landmarks.
- Iran: why theocracies survive – with Peter Frankopan
Peter Frankopan joins Damian Thompson to discuss the resilience of the Iranian theocracy, examining its history since the 1979 revolution and how state control of public life functions within the regime.
- How transformative has 2025 been for Christianity?
Fergus Butler-Gallie, Fr Alexander Lucie-Smith, and Fleur Meston join Damian Thompson to reflect on the state of Christianity in 2025. The discussion covers Pope Leo XIV, the leadership of Dame Sarah Mullally, the intersection of Christian…
- Why religious societies succeed – with Rory Sutherland
Rory Sutherland joins Damian Thompson to discuss the intersection of religious beliefs, community success, and consumer behavior. They explore historical perspectives and contemporary examples, analyze the influence of religion on brand ch…
- How was Commercial Christmas born?
Historian Charles Coulombe joins Damian Thompson to discuss the evolution of Christmas traditions, the differences between Catholic and Anglican observances, and the rise of commercialized Christmas over the last two centuries. The episode…
- Why is it left to Trump to highlight the persecution of Christians in Nigeria?
Fr Benedict Kiely and Freddy Gray join Damian Thompson to discuss the persecution of Christians in Nigeria, questioning the international response to the violence. They examine recent mass abductions and the long-term scale of the crisis.
- Why did the Danish PM call for a 'spiritual rearmament'?
Danish journalist Iben Thranholm joins Damian Thompson to discuss Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen’s call for 'spiritual rearmament' in the secular nation. They examine if this call is a political project or indicative of a wider Ch…
- Have the culture wars gone spiritual?
Luke Lyman joins Damian Thompson on Holy Smoke to discuss why Silicon Valley figures are showing an increased interest in spiritual themes such as Heaven, Hell, and the Book of Revelation. They explore how these ideas relate to current per…
- Is the cult of St Edward the Confessor justified?
Professor Tom Licence joins Damian Thompson to discuss the historical record surrounding St Edward the Confessor. They explore the life and legacy of the 11th-century English King, including his canonization and his role in building Westmi…
- Is the Anglican Communion dead?
Andrew Graystone and Damian Thompson discuss the complex challenges facing the Church of England and the Anglican Communion following recent developments regarding leadership and same-sex blessings.
- How did faith shape Thatcher?
Damian Thompson, Natasha Feroze, Lord Moore, and Bishop Chartres discuss how Margaret Thatcher's faith, family background, and scientific training influenced her political views. They also explore her perspective on wealth and society in t…
- What does it mean 'to forgive'?
Professor Emeritus Everett Worthington joins Damian Thompson on Holy Smoke to explore the nature of forgiveness. They discuss the distinction between behavioural intentions and emotional forgiveness following the personal challenges of for…
- What can we expect from the first female Archbishop of Canterbury?
The Rev'd Marcus Walker and Damian Thompson discuss the appointment of Dame Sarah Mullally as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury. The episode examines her career as a nurse and former Bishop of London, and considers the potential im…
- Reparations: the tyranny of imaginary guilt, with Nigel Biggar & Katie Lam
Nigel Biggar and Katie Lam join host Damian Thompson to discuss arguments against reparations for the transatlantic slave trade, focusing on the Church of England's recent reparations fund and concerns regarding its legality and priorities.
- 800 years on, why is Aquinas Gen Z’s favourite philosopher?
Fr Gregory Pine joins Damian Thompson to discuss the legacy of St Thomas Aquinas and his growing popularity among Generation Z. They explore the philosopher's arguments and Fr Pine's personal journey within the Dominican Order.
- Archbishop of Canterbury: who's on the shortlist?
Theologian Andrew Graystone joins Damian Thompson to discuss the shortlist of candidates to succeed Justin Welby as the Archbishop of Canterbury. They explore the backgrounds of the potential nominees, the challenges of the selection proce…
- Why the canonisation of the first millennial saint is a cause to celebrate
Damian Thompson discusses the canonisation of Carlo Acutis, the first millennial saint, with Mgr Anthony Figueiredo and Nicholas Farrell. The episode explores the miracles attributed to Acutis, the public scepticism surrounding them, and r…
- Which are the 'Twelve Churches' that made Christianity?
Revd Fergus Butler-Gallie joins Damian Thompson to discuss his book, 'Twelve Churches: An Unlikely History of the Buildings that made Christianity.' They explore the history and dilemmas surrounding these significant religious sites and th…
- From the Bible to Tolkien: the risks & rewards of collecting rare books
Antiquarian bookseller Tom Ayling joins Damian Thompson on Holy Smoke to discuss the world of rare book collecting. They explore the history and diversity of religious texts like the Bible and the Book of Common Prayer, while examining the…
- How has John Henry Newman inspired Pope Leo XIV?
Damian Thompson and Fr Rod Strange discuss the legacy and influence of St John Henry Newman, including his transition from the Church of England to the Roman Catholic Church. The episode explores his significance for contemporary Christian…
- Massacres in Syria & the Congo: why aren't Western elites drawing attention to religious persecution?
Fr Benedict Kiely joins Damian Thompson to discuss rising religious persecution in Syria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They examine the reasons for recent sectarian violence and why Western elites and Church leaders are not foc…
- Recovering the Sacred with Michael Gove, Revd Marcus Walker, Dr Cosima Gillhammer and many more
This episode of Holy Smoke features recordings from The Spectator's 'Recovering the Sacred' event, held at St Bartholomew the Great. The event featured discussions on traditional liturgy and Christian theology with various guests, includin…
- It’s time for Pope Leo XIV to make some tough decisions
Damian Thompson discusses the challenges facing Pope Leo XIV regarding doctrinal issues and the tradition of the Latin Mass. The episode also promotes an upcoming Spectator event, Recovering the Sacred, taking place in London.
- Why are young Christians returning to tradition?
Damian Thompson hosts a discussion with James Vitali and Georgia Clarke on the growing interest in traditional worship and theology among young Anglicans and Catholics. This episode serves as an introduction to the upcoming Spectator event…
- A Jewish guide to arguing
Daniel Taub, former Israeli Ambassador to the UK, discusses his book "Beyond Dispute: Rediscovering the Jewish art of constructive disagreement" with Damian Thompson. They explore how the art of Jewish argument influences humor, scholarshi…
- Is God an Englishman?
Bijan Omrani discusses his book, God is an Englishman, with Damian Thompson, exploring the historical influence of Christianity on English culture and the implications of its decline. They also examine signs of a religious revival among yo…
- The mystifying process – and problems – behind choosing the next Archbishop of Canterbury
Andrew Graystone, Damian Thompson, and William Moore discuss the complex and lengthy process of selecting the next Archbishop of Canterbury following the resignation of Justin Welby. The episode examines the Crown Nominations Commission, t…
- Finding spiritual treasure in César Franck
Damian Thompson and pianist Ariel Lanyi discuss the music of Belgian composer César Franck. They explore his spiritual inspiration, his career as an organist, and the influences of Catholicism and Richard Wagner on his work.
- Does Pope Leo XIV represent continuity or change?
Fr Benedict Kiely and Damian Thompson discuss the election of Cardinal Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV. They analyze what the new Pope's background and early leadership choices suggest about potential continuity or change in the Catholic Ch…
- Conclave: who is likely to succeed Francis?
Damian Thompson and Luke Coppen discuss the upcoming papal conclave to choose a successor to Pope Francis. They examine the potential candidates and the significance of this election for the future of the Church.
- What can we expect from the papal conclave?
In this reissued episode of Holy Smoke, Damian Thompson and Dr. Kurt Martens discuss the procedures of a papal conclave following the death of Pope Francis. The conversation covers the challenges facing the Church and what to expect during…
- Pope Francis dies – what will his legacy be?
Damian Thompson and Father Alexander Lucie-Smith discuss the death of Pope Francis, the first Jesuit and Latin American pope. They explore his 12-year papacy, his controversial legacy, and how his leadership compared to his predecessors.
- Easter special: in praise of faithful dissent, a conversation with Nigel Biggar and Mary Wakefield
Nigel Biggar and Mary Wakefield join Damian Thompson to discuss the concept of faithful dissent in Christianity and how it relates to modern leadership. They explore historical examples and contemporary challenges within the Church of Engl…
- Was Simeon of Jerusalem the first Christian in recorded history?
Quentin Letts discusses his novel Nunc!, which explores the biblical story of Simeon of Jerusalem. In this episode, Letts and host Damian Thompson examine whether Simeon, who witnessed the infant Jesus at the Temple, could be considered th…
- The tin ear of Justin Welby
The Rev Fergus Butler-Gallie and Damian Thompson discuss the legacy of former Archbishop Justin Welby following his first interview since resigning over the Makin report scandal. The episode explores the consequences for the Church of Engl…
- A sick Pope and a paralysed Vatican: who is actually running the Catholic Church?
This episode of Holy Smoke examines who is leading the Catholic Church amid reports of Pope Francis's declining health, his absence from public duties, and the actions of Cardinal Pietro Parolin. It explores the uncertainty regarding gover…
- Christianity, culture wars and J.D. Vance: a conversation with James Orr
Dr. James Orr, an associate professor at Cambridge University, discusses his journey to Christianity, his involvement in cultural debates, and his role as an intellectual mentor to U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance in this conversation with D…