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

At the end of the 25th year of the series, Mark Tully returns to present an hour long special. Through great writers, poets and composers he finds comfort in the face of adversity. Show more

Mark Tully talks to Sr Pia Buxton CJ about the spirituality of ageing. How can we grow old gracefully and positively in our youth-obsessed and careless culture? Show more

On the centenary of the Armistice, bells ring out across the UK in commemoration and rejoicing. From death knells to joyful peals, Mark Tully celebrates the power of bells. Show more

Mark Tully challenges perceived truths in religion and science. He considers how faith is not synonymous with certainty, and how lack of doubt can be detrimental. Show more

The Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams talks to Mike Wooldridge about the influential Trappist monk and activist Thomas Merton, who died 40 years ago. Show more

Mark Tully considers the link between mysticism and resistance. He tests Thomas Merton's suggestion that the monk is someone who takes up a critical attitude to the world. Show more

Expatriation, the move away from the mother country, has a long history, sometimes romantic, sometimes tragic. Irma Kurtz reflects on expats, past and present. Show more

Ethical and religious discussion examining the larger questions of life. Newspaper columnist Lucy Mangan examines that sense of longing on the cusp between pleasure and pain. Show more

At Passover, Jewish people eat bitter herbs as a reminder of the bitterness of slavery. Mark Tully explores bitterness in all its forms – as a taste and as an emotion. Show more

In an investigation of faith and money, Mark Tully talks to accountant and author Professor Atul K Shah about how his Jain beliefs affect his approach to finance. Show more

The composer Michael Zev Gordon reflects on the enclosed garden. Show more

John McCarthy considers the importance of bread in people's physical and spiritual lives. Show more

With the growth of social media, the nature of the court of public opinion is changing. Mark Tully discusses the influence of public opinion with journalist Alan Rusbridger. Show more

In a programme about caricature, satirical jokes and 'bringing people down to size', Mark Tully talks to cartoonist Steve Bell about the purpose - and the dangers - of mockery. Show more

Mark Tully asks if confession is really good for us. He considers the pros and cons of owning up in political life and talks to historian Eamon Duffy about the rite of confession. Show more

Newfoundlander Chris Brookes reflects on how the past is written not just into our memories, but also into our identities and the landscapes we inhabit. Show more

Hardeep Singh Kohli draws on his own experience to reflect on the relationship between fathers and sons. Show more

Classical scholar and Anglican minister Teresa Morgan reflects on the concept of humility and whether or not it remains relevant today. Show more

Arts journalist and broadcaster Marie-Louise Muir reflects on the possibilities for renewal of the creative process. Show more