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Something Understood

Religion & Ethics

Ethical and religious discussion that examines some of the larger questions of life

Ethical and religious discussion that examines some of the larger questions of life, taking a spiritual theme and exploring it through music, prose and poetry

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Something Understood: The Divinity of Monkeys

The Divinity of Monkeys

01/03/2015

BBC Radio 4 - Something Understood, The Divinity of Monkeys

Mark Tully discusses the veneration accorded to the monkey in many cultures.

Mark Tully returns to the theme of animals, discussing the symbolism of the monkey and the phenomenon of idol worship.

Mark Tully returns to the theme of animals, following recent programmes devoted to dogs, cats, horses and elephants and their close bonds with humans. 

This week, Mark considers the monkey - and animal that has been widely worshipped in Africa, the Americas, China and India - either as a companion of God or indeed as a god itself. He examines the belief in the divinity of monkeys and the varying attitudes towards idol worship in the major faiths. 

There is music from Ella Andall, Dr. John and Amitab Bachchan, along with poetry from Susan Wicks and Oz Hardwick. The readers are Adjoa Andoh and Arsher Ali.


Producer: Frank Stirling
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