Original version

BBC Radio 4 FM

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

BBC Radio 4

Radio 4

Radio 4 (FM)

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

BBC Radio 4 LW

Something Understood: Rumination

Heaven in Ordinary

21/01/2018

Rumination

BBC Radio 4 - Something Understood, Rumination

Writer and priest Malcolm Doney mulls over the transformational process of rumination.

Discussion series that explores spiritual themes through music, prose and poetry.

Writer and priest Malcolm Doney examines the act of rumination, which refers both to digestion and the process of deep thought or consideration. He draws comparisons with a host of other natural processes, where material enters in one form and is then converted into something new and life-giving.

Exploring topics ranging from Bible interpretation to composting, Malcolm draws on the words of American novelist Ann Pratchett and farmer and yoga teacher Jennifer Lynn to underpin his observations.

The process of fermentation is also explored as it has always been linked to Christianity's core ritual - Holy Communion. Both grain and grape are made new through fermentation. Malcolm argues that our ideas and beliefs work on our insides like yeast. Invisibly, we are leavened, we rise.

Malcolm concludes that, through rumination, we can access our darkest recesses in which an enormous source of energy for new life can be found. This is a deep, almost unfathomable well from which we can draw spiritual nutrition, wisdom and understanding that provide us with fuel for living.

Presenter: Malcolm Doney
Producer: Jonathan O'Sullivan
A TBI Media production for BBC Radio 4.

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Something Understood

Rumination

Genres

Brand

BBC Radio 4 FM

About BBC Radio 4