Beyond Belief

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)

Religion & Ethics

Series exploring the place and nature of faith in today's world

Beyond Belief: Bathing

Bathing

BBC Radio 4 - Beyond Belief, Bathing

Ernie Rea takes a look at religious bathing rituals.

Ernie Rea takes a look at religious bathing rituals in the Jewish, Christian, Muslim and Hindu faiths.

If you are a follower of one the main religions, it is more than likely that you will have undergone a bathing ritual. Cleansing with water is an integral part of Christian Baptism, Muslim Prayer and Jewish purification. Hindus aspire to bathe in the waters of the River Ganges. Why are rituals in water important to so many faiths? What do they mean? And how do they differ from religion to religion?

Joining Ernie to discuss ritual bathing are Dr Diana Lipton (teaching fellow in the department of biblical studies at Tel Aviv University), Sudipta Sen (professor of history at the University of California, Davis and author of 'Ganges: the Many Pasts of an Indian River') and the Very Reverend Peter Robinson (Dean of Derby, whose doctoral thesis was on Christian Initiation focusing on Baptism).

Producer: Helen Lee

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

Beyond Belief

Bathing

Genres

Brand

BBC Radio 4 FM

About BBC Radio 4