Harvard Divinity School

What did religion actually look like in America in 1776? In this episode of Harvard Religion Beat, host Jonathan Beasley speaks with Harvard Divinity School professor Catherine Brekus about the role of faith in Revolutionary America—from Sunday worship and the influence of ministers to the experiences of women, enslaved people, and Indigenous communities. Brekus also explores how religion shaped the American Revolution, what life was like at Harvard during the founding era, and why this history continues to inform conversations about religion and public life today.

Show Notes
Produced and hosted by Jonathan Beasley
Edited by Tyler Sprouse
Logo art direction by Kristie Welsh

Intro/Outro music: "Shape Of Hope"; Publishers: Abbey Road Masters; Universal Production Music
Ad break music: "Atmospheres"; Publishers: Aurora; Universal Production Music

Sign up for the HDS Current newsletter: https://www.hds.harvard.edu/news/connect
Follow HDS on social media @HarvardDivinity

Is the world becoming more religious or less religious? Gina Zurlo, Lecturer on World Christianity at Harvard Divinity School, talks about the demographic, cultural, and social forces reshaping religion around the globe. Drawing on a recent Pew Research Center report on religious diversity, Zurlo explores Christianity's shift toward the Global South, the impact of migration and demographics, and what researchers are learning about faith and spirituality among younger generations.

Produced and hosted by Jonathan Beasley
Edited by Tyler Sprouse
Logo art direction by Kristie Welsh

Pew Research Report on religious diversity around the world: https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2026/02/12/religious-diversity-around-the-world/

Harvard Divinity Bulletin article: "Is the World Becoming More or Less Religious? Depends on China." https://bulletin.hds.harvard.edu/is-the-world-becoming-more-or-less-religious-depends-on-china/

Intro/Outro music: "Shape Of Hope"; Publishers: Abbey Road Masters; Universal Production Music
Ad break music: "Atmospheres"; Publishers: Aurora; Universal Production Music

Sign up for the HDS Current newsletter:
www.hds.harvard.edu/news/connect

Follow HDS on social media: IG, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn (@HarvardDivinity)

In this episode, Hiatt and Jordan celebrate the end of their tenure as Hope Podcast hosts by interviewing each other about poetry, ministry, and how the two together make a kind of life.

In this episode, Hiatt and Jordan celebrate the end of their tenure as Hope Podcast hosts by interviewing each other about poetry, ministry, and how the two together make a kind of life.

One year after his election, Pope Leo XIV’s leadership is beginning to take shape—blending continuity with change. How is he guiding the Catholic Church in a moment of global uncertainty, and what does it reveal about the future of the papacy? Raúl Zegarra, Assistant Professor of Roman Catholic Theological Studies, offers insights into Pope Leo's first year.

Produced and hosted by Jonathan Beasley
Edited by Tyler Sprouse
Logo art direction by Kristie Welsh

Intro/Outro music: "Shape Of Hope"; Publishers: Abbey Road Masters; Universal Production Music
Ad break music: "Atmospheres"; Publishers: Aurora; Universal Production Music

Sign up for the HDS Current newsletter:
https://www.hds.harvard.edu/news/connect

Harvard Divinity Bulletin: https://bulletin.hds.harvard.edu/

Follow HDS on social media: IG, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn (@HarvardDivinity)