Professor Vernon Andrews, author of Policing Black Athletes talks to us about the motivations underlying Colin Kaepernick's decision to kneel during the anthem and addresses more broadly the question of Black celebrities and social justice activism. We talk about the fraught history of Blacks in America and examine some of the historical reasons for racial tension and distrust in America. We look forward to hearing from you at dveidlinger@csuchico.edu ..read more

Chris Crews talks about social justice movements in contemporary times. We discuss how social media and other digital technologies are affecting the shape of these movements, and examine the role of religion in both motivating people to fight and justifying oppressive structures. We compare the dynamics in today's America to those of the 1960s and highlight an awareness of intersectional identities as one of the differences ..read more

Recent CORH graduate Angela Stieber talks about her experience doing a Master's in Religious Studies at Rice University. We cover what it is like to go to graduate school, feminist approaches to religious studies, gnosticism and her thesis on reception theory and the story of Eve in the Bible ..read more

We speak to Sarah Gagnebin, M.Div who teaches in our Religious Studies program and has worked as a chaplain for many years in various settings. How does the Covid Pandemic affect healthcare workers? What role do Religion and Spirituality have in the difficult situation we currently find ourselves in?  ..read more

How can studying Religion help you navigate our diverse and complex society?  A panel of future, current and former students discuss how learning about the religions of the world helps to understand a wide range of issues in society today. Topics covered include religion and psychology, healthcare, the prison system, sexuality, business and many more. Join Sarah Gagnebin, Alexandra Kriz, Morgana Gorre-Clancy,   Esther Stearns and Mike Jimenez as they discuss these important topics. The event was co-hosted by California State University, Chico and American River College.  ..read more

Recent Humanities Graduate Yuliana Calvillo Solis speaks to us from Paris where she is pursuing a Master's Degree in Diplomacy and International Law at the American University. We talk about her thesis work at CSU Chico analyzing medieval French and Spanish epic poems that deal with the relations between Christians and Muslims. Then we cover International Law and examine the rights of refugees in light of the tragedy unfolding in Ukraine. What exactly is involved in the process of seeking asylum? What obligations do the receiving countries have under the relevant conventions?  ..read more

We spoke with Spencer McNairn who graduated from the Religious Studies program at CSU, Chico in 2021. He is now a student at Syracuse University in New York working on his Master's degree in the esteemed International Relations program there. We talk about the role of religion in International affairs, and explore ways in which it can both bring people together but also create rifts. We look at the role of religion in life today around the globe, explore the importance of diversity, and talk about Spencer's experiences travelling in Asia and Latin America.   ..read more

We stopped by the Phoenix Nest Center in Chico to speak with our recent Religious Studies graduate Alexandra Kriz about her fascinating work promoting healing through non-traditional therapies. The Phoenix Nest is the first center in Chico to use Ketamine, a commonly used anesthetic that in certain doses leads to psychedelic experiences that have helped many people to work through the most difficult mental health challenges that they face. Alex talks about the history of this kind of treatment, the scientific support for its efficacy, her own spiritual journey and the importance of opening one ..read more

Dr. Jason Clower talks with us about the key role of Fire in the Vedic rituals and imagery of Ancient India and we examine how Buddhists refigured that central metaphor. We then think about the role of Fire in China and look at the tradition of self-immolation that has been part of Buddhist practice in the region for some time, culminating with the Monks who have burned themselves in Tibet recently to protest Chinese policies there.  ..read more

Dr. Sarah Pike, who researches New Religious Movements and Environmental Activism, talks to us about Burning Man, a week long Art, Creativity and Self-Expression Festival that takes place each year in the Nevada desert and culminates in the burning of a human effigy that many attendees see as a deeply spiritual experience. We talk about the roots of the festival, what it means to people, and how it updates some ancient rituals that have been part of the human experience since time immemorial.   ..read more