October 10, 2025
Meghan O'Toole
Ben Zeller to present on religion and contemporary crises on Religion & podcast
Irvin L. & Fern D. Young Presidential Professor of Religion Ben Zeller will join a panel conversation on the Center for the Study of Religion & American Culture's new podcast, Religion &.
The episode, airing October 23, will examine how contemporary religious movements address urgent political, cultural, and environmental crises, from technological transformation to ecological collapse. The panel will discuss how new religious movements reimagine ancient practices for modern concerns while creating new frameworks for living.
“We live in a daunting time, and listeners on the live podcast will learn how people look to new religious ideas, groups, and ideologies to make sense of the world today," Zeller said. "I’m looking forward to being part of this diverse panel conversation and talking about religious responses to social, technological, and environmental changes.”
Zeller is one of three panelists featured in the episode, and the discussion will be moderated by host Kelly E. Hayes. The podcast will be live broadcast on Zoom with time set aside for audience questions. Register for free here.
The Center for the Study of Religion & American Culture, the organization that runs the podcast, explores the connections between religion and other aspects of American culture.