In this conversation, John joins Tom Holland in his London home to discuss Christianity’s role in shaping Western civilisation. Holland prompts us to reflect on the intricate moral web our society still upholds today and consider the intertwined history of the Western imagination and Christianity. John and Tom also discuss cyclical patterns seen through the historical record, the notable decline of Christian faith and the impact of increasing secularisation.

Tom Holland is an award-winning historian, author and broadcaster. He is the author of many award-winning books on topics ranging from Ancient Rome and the Persian Empire to the origins of the Islamic faith. Despite his non-belief, Holland’s most recent book, Dominion, is a sweeping account of the impact of Christianity on foundational Western institutions, constitutional norms, morality and social outlooks. It is one of the most compelling histories of Christendom yet written.

Tom Holland served two years as the Chair of the Society of Authors and is Chair of the British Library’s PLR Advisory Committee. Holland is the presenter of BBC Radio 4’s Making History. He has written and presented a number of TV documentaries, for the BBC and Channel 4, on subjects ranging from ISIS to dinosaurs. He is also the host of a widely popular history podcast called The Rest Is History.
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00:00 Intro
0:45 Introducing Tom Holland
2:19 Appeal of History, and human nature
6:59 History as facts and fiction
12:04 The decline of Christian faith
18:35 How has Christianity changed over time
28:43 Importance of The Cross
33:53 Foundation of Western moral judgements
37:17 Secularisation of Christian ideas
43:02 Deconstructing symbols and embodiments
48:43 Cycles of Western History
58:20 Alternate views
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Conversations feature John Anderson, former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia, interviewing the world's foremost thought leaders about today's pressing social, cultural and political issues.

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