Jodie and Matthew review 2011 Documentary Koran by Heart, which explores an annual Koran recitation competition for children and young people around the world, held in Egypt. The documentary follows a few children and their respective journeys, presenting a variety of ways Islam is practiced around the world and how the memorization of the Koran is important for many Muslims. In western society, people may be more familiar with Bible train events for children, so Jodie and Matthew particularly enjoy seeing a parallel in a different religion that could help humanize Muslims for Christians who may not know many Muslims, but thought the film did well in presentation and content as well. Watch it and let us know your thoughts, too!

Matthew Rating: 3.5/5

Jodie Rating: 5/5

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It’s time for a Biblical Studies podcast episode - this time talking about Cain and Abel, found in Genesis 4 and 5. Listen along to hear Matthew try to pronounce fun words like antediluvian and hendiadys as he and Jodie discuss the children Adam and Eve, along with their relevant genealogies. Who knew genealogies could be so fun?!Follow our socials and reach out to us with thoughts or questions!Bluesky: @TheRELTreehouseInstagram: @TheReligiousTreehouseTikTok: @thereligioustreehouse Facebook: TRTEmail: TheReligiousTreehouse@gmail.com

Jodie and Matthew return to the Akedah, or the binding of Isaac, but this time by analyzing a recent movie produced by Christian production company, Angel Studios. His Only Son looks at the binding of Isaac, and other scenes of Abraham’s life. However, Jodie and Matthew discuss how the movie falls short by taking itself too seriously, not having the ability to see the story as anything other than a mirror of Jesus, and most importantly, it’s worrisome seeming support of slavery. Let us know your thoughts!

Matthew Rating: 0.5/5

Jodie Rating: 1/5

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Bluesky: @TheRELTreehouse

Instagram: @TheReligiousTreehouse

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We’re back and discussing Chapter 5: The Spear of Shiva, the Sword of Sikhism of Mark Jurgensmeyer’s Terror in the Mind of God. We’re not sure if Matthew made this clear in the episode, but this is so very far away from his area of expertise, so please let us know anything that was wrong. Pay attention to common themes that have been recurring throughout these episodes on religious violence and let us know what you see!

Works Referenced and Recommended Readings:

See No Stranger: A Memoir and Manifesto of Revolutionary Love by Valarie Kaur

Juergensmeyer, Mark. Terror in the Mind of God, Fourth Edition: The Global Rise of Religious Violence. 4th ed. University of California Press, 2017.

Follow our socials and reach out to us with thoughts or questions!

Bluesky: @TheRELTreehouse

Instagram: @TheReligiousTreehouse

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Email: TheReligiousTreehouse@gmail.com

Matthew and Jodie summon their inner Beniot Blanc’s to investigate the religious imagery found in the newest Knives Out installment, “Wake Up Dead Man,” which is a fantastic movie that uses the intrigue of a murder-mystery to comment on the opposing Christian factions that see the Church’s job to either fight the world or care for the world. Sure the murder plot, and the lighting, and the visuals, and the writing, and everything is great, but we really care about how this movie comments on religion, and more specifically, Catholicism.

Matthew Rating: 4.5/5

Jodie Rating: 5/5

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Bluesky: @TheRELTreehouse

Instagram: @TheReligiousTreehouse

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Email: TheReligiousTreehouse@gmail.com

Jodie and Matthew begin their discussion on religious violence and extremism by offering a brief introduction to religious violence. Following Mark Jurgensmeyer’s book: Terror in the Mind of God, Jodie and Matthew will explore various care studies of religious extremism before delving into the logic and justification of these horrific acts of violence.

Works Referenced and Recommended Readings:

Juergensmeyer, Mark. Terror in the Mind of God, Fourth Edition: The Global Rise of Religious Violence. 4th ed. University of California Press, 2017.

Follow our socials and reach out to us with thoughts or questions!

Bluesky: @TheRELTreehouse

Instagram: @TheReligiousTreehouse

TikTok: @thereligioustreehouse

Facebook: TRT

Email: TheReligiousTreehouse@gmail.com

Happy Hannukah! Jodie and Matthew try to bring in the Hanukkah cheer by discussing Adam Sandler’s 2002 movie, Eight Crazy Nights. Too bad it was an awful movie. Even so, Jodie and Matthew professionally press on and discuss some of the things the movie did wrong and try to find what the movie may have done well, like perhaps showcasing itself as an example of the increase in popularity of Hanukkah in the past century. Perhaps it can help illuminate why that may be. Let us know your thoughts on the movie, too!

Matthew Rating: 1/5

Jodie Rating: 0.5/5

Follow our socials and reach out to us with thoughts or questions!

Bluesky: @TheRELTreehouse

Instagram: @TheReligiousTreehouse

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Email: TheReligiousTreehouse@gmail.com

Jodie and Matthew are back again to ruin Christmas (sorry) by looking at Mary, mother of Jesus, from a historical-critical perspective to figure out if Mary was likely a virgin or not when conceiving Jesus. With Mary's virginity only mentioned in Matthew and Luke, the podcast explores why those authors would have included the virginal conception of Jesus, what other biblical authors included (or didn’t include) regarding the birth of Jesus, and some competing theories about the truth behind Jesus’ father.

Follow our socials and reach out to us with thoughts or questions!

Bluesky: @TheRELTreehouse

Instagram: @TheReligiousTreehouse

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Facebook: TRT

Email: TheReligiousTreehouse@gmail.com