In this special Christmas episode of Religion and Justice, we are joined by Dr. Joerg Rieger to unpack the profound and often overlooked realities of the nativity story. Far from the idyllic scenes of "Silent Night, Holy Night," Dr. Rieger presents the birth of Jesus as a story of drama, precarity, and resilience amidst imperial power and systemic injustice.
We explore how Jesus’s precarious beginnings—born in a stable, fleeing as a refugee, and navigating the threats of empire—mirror the struggles faced by the 99% today. Dr. Rieger challenges us to see the miracle of Christmas not just in divine intervention but in the solidarity of the many: shepherds, wise men, stars, animals, and ordinary working families who resist power grabs and embody hope.
Join us as we reflect on the enduring lessons of Christmas, from the resilience of the oppressed to the call for solidarity and justice in our own time. This episode will inspire you to reconsider where the divine shows up today and how the Christmas story continues to guide us toward liberation.
Perfect for: Anyone seeking a deeper, justice-oriented understanding of Christmas beyond the traditions of carols and pageantry.
From the Wendland-Cook family to yours, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Read the blog here: https://www.religionandjustice.org/blog/the-drama-and-the-miracle-of-christmas-then-and-now
Welcome to "Religion and Justice," a podcast brought to you by the Wendland-Cook Program in Religion and Justice at Vanderbilt Divinity School.
We explore the intersections of class, religion, labor, and ecology, which bring together diverse populations and publics uncovering their implications for justice and solidarity
This podcast is a space for investigation, education, and organizing around these intersections. Join us as we engage in thought-provoking discussions with experts, fostering dialogue for actionable change. Together, we navigate religion, justice, and solidarity for a more equitable future.
Head to religionandjustice.org/podcast for our webpage!
Find us on social media:
https://www.facebook.com/religionandjustice
https://twitter.com/ReligionandJ
https://www.instagram.com/religionandjustice/
Popular Podcasts
Fudd Around And Find Out
UConn basketball star Azzi Fudd brings her championship swag to iHeart Women’s Sports with Fudd Around and Find Out, a weekly podcast that takes fans along for the ride as Azzi spends her final year of college trying to reclaim the National Championship and prepare to be a first round WNBA draft pick. Ever wonder what it’s like to be a world-class athlete in the public spotlight while still managing schoolwork, friendships and family time? It’s time to Fudd Around and Find Out!
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.