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. Awe and wonder
  2. Culture
A singer struts a stage pointing to the spotlight as coloured orbs float down.
Unexpectedly finding herself among a sea of 90,000 people at a recent Coldplay concert, Belle Tindall reflects on what the experience taught her about the nature of awe and wonder.
6min read
Review
  1. Culture
  2. Digital
Two business men in suits hold coats and briefcases, stand in the sea with their trousers rolled-up above their ankles
As social media divides us and generates simulated experiences and friendships, it's a gorgeous and glorious antidote.
5min read
Podcast
  1. Culture
  2. Re-enchanting
A man holds both hands up as he talks to a web cam
Justin and Belle talk with Vishal Mangalwadi. The social reformer and philosopher who has been described as 'India's foremost Christian intellectual'. They also reflect on past guests as this tenth episode marks the end of season one of Re-Enchanting.
1min read
Explainer
  1. Culture
  2. Film & TV
A view across a talk show TV set showing a security guard standing between two guest while the host talks to them. An audience looks on.
TV tabloid talk shows made a spectator sport out of domestic conflict. Lauren Windle dissects the grim format’s demise and draws lessons for today’s media users.
9min read
Podcast
  1. Culture
  2. Education
A head teacher sits at her desk, holding her hands in a gesture in front of her.
A stubborn hopefulness drives Katharine Birbalsingh. Belle Tindall reflects on her conversation with the controversial headteacher for the Re-Enchanting podcast.
5min read
Review
  1. Culture
  2. Film & TV
A mother and child, wearing 70s clothing, look to the left.
Looking beyond the bravado-fuelled adolescent friendships, Lauren Windle reviews Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. She finds vulnerability, audacity and intention.
3min read
Podcast
  1. Culture
  2. S&U interviews
A sitting man speaks into a microphone will gesturing with one hand
Re-enchanting... Nature. Belle TIndall reflects on an infectious conversation with Paul Kingsnorth, the celebrated author, poet and environmentalist. Finding him a particularly enjoyable guide through the daunting landscapes of belief, environmentalism and AI.
4min read
Review
  1. Culture
  2. Royalty
A regency queen and king stand beside each other looking pensive.
Is the backstory better than the original? Bex Chapman reviews Queen Charlotte, Netflix’s blockbuster, and finds a determined love story with a lesson.
5min read
Podcast
  1. Culture
  2. S&U interviews
A woman talks while tilting her head to one side.
Re-Enchanting the human story. Belle Tindall reflects on the nature of her conversation with Pulitzer Prize winning author Marilynne Robinson for Seen and Unseen’s ‘Re-Enchanting’ podcast.
5min read
Explainer
  1. Biology
  2. Culture
A wall tile shows a 1940s woman tend a stove below a washing line.
Once discounted insights are now found important and have ethical consequences. Andrew Davison concludes his series on biology’s current developments.
8min read
Review
  1. Culture
  2. Film & TV
Five people in red jump suits help each other stand together.
We are not isolated bodies who happen to be coexisting in the coldness of space. Krish Kandiah reviews Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3.
4min read
Review
  1. Culture
  2. Film & TV
A man sits on the top of a building and looks out over the view of an Indian city as the sun sets.
India’s film industry tackles the complexities of life, morality, harmony and violence, as experienced by its Christian community. Indo-Christian Culture’s Sha reviews.
10min read