Culture

Our curated articles offering new takes on the big themes and questions in our culture. Plus reviews of books, film, media and experiences. Culture is one of four key themes covered by Seen & Unseen.

Review
  1. Culture
  2. Film & TV
A man dressed in 1930s clothing, sits with others at a table looking pensive.

Bonhoeffer: how to rouse a deaf world to moral action

Theodore Brun
Comparing today to the past is risky, a new biopic helps us do it well.
6min read
Review
  1. America
  2. Culture
Three woman dining in a luxury hotel in Thailand, turn and look to the camera.

White Lotus understands a lot - but not Christianity

Belle Tindall
Here’s what the girl squad storyline gets right and wrong.
6min read
Events
  1. Culture
  2. Events
Pulitzer Prize-winning Marilynne Robinson (Photo credit: Radcliffe Harvard) and Graham Tomlin

Online webinar: Graham Tomlin in Conversation with Marilynne Robinson

Nick Jones
We’re bringing Seen and Unseen to life through a string of live events. And you’re invited.

1min read
Article
  1. Attention
  2. Culture
A montage image places a woman, with eyes shut and hands on hip, at the centre of blurred circle of ground and tree branches.

Let your mind wander if you want to make the most of Lent

Simon Burton-Jones
How to escape the cold and bitter tunnels of digital distraction.
4min read
Article
  1. Culture
  2. Film & TV
Mikey Madison, wearing a ball gown, clutches a golden Oscar statue.

The Oscars celebrate a basic human trait - telling stories

Belle Tindall
A ‘seemingly absurd ritual’ reveals a little of who we are.
5min read
Article
  1. AI - Artificial Intelligence
  2. Culture
A black and white list of music tracks reads: IS THIS WHAT WE WANT. THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT MUST NOT LEGALISE MUSIC THEFT.

As creativity and AI battle, greed is the true enemy

Alexandra Kytka-Sharpe
Every string plucked, stitch sewn, brushstroke painted, is a sign we’re made for more than utility.
4min read
Article
  1. Community
  2. Culture
A montage of two conversation participants side-by-side.

Nationality can never unite a nation

Graham Tomlin
For countless people, it’s a complicated thing.

5min read
Review
  1. Culture
  2. Music
A colorful mural depicts the eyes of Bob Dylan staring to the side.

The biblical undercurrent that the Bob Dylan biopics missed

Jonathan Evens
In the best of Dylan’s work is a contemporary Pilgrim, Dante or Rimbaud on a compassionate journey.
6min read
Article
  1. Culture
  2. Education
A cat with a small black moustache marking snarls while sitting in front of a tablet.

Does Gen Z crave the dictator?

Krish Kandiah
If young Brits are turning away from democracy, here’s how to stop it.
6min read
Snippet
  1. Ageing
  2. Community
A TV screengrab shows a football manager walking while a passing rival player says (captioned) 'stay humble'.

Can we show respect across the generations?

Jean Kabasomi
A footballer’s taunt still hurts.
3min read
Review
  1. Culture
  2. Film & TV
Captain America crouches expectantly beside his shield

Captain America's impossible task

Yaroslav Walker
Brave New World struggles despite some acting heroics.
5min read
Article
  1. Culture
  2. Film & TV
Chariots thunder into a Roman amphitheatre.

A tale of two Romes

Matt Lewis
The Gladiator sequel’s dream of equality is baloney but telling.
5min read