Episode 29 - The shift from "paganism" to Christianity in Northern Europe: A Conversation with Prof Carole Cusack

Prof Carole Cusack, a professor in Religious Studies at The University of Sydney, shares her research on the shift into Christianity and the loss of indigenous European traditions, which were then referred to as "pagan" traditions. We explore some of how Christianity was brought, sometimes violently, to Europe, and the subsequent shifts in spiritual, cultural, political, and geographical imagination. This is immensely significant in understanding subsequent patterns of colonization and Christianization.
1:35 - Introduction to Prof Carole Cusack
2:35 - What got you interested in the early period of medieval history?
7:30 - Conversion then vs Conversion today
17:50 - The parallels between the moment of the Christianization of Europe, and the colonization and attempted Christianization of indigenous peoples around the world in modern times.
33:00 - How much did this shift to Christianity change peoples’ life?
37:28 - “The template for conversion and for conquest and for colonization is a very ancient one.”
51:46 - Suggested resources from Dr. CusackBooks from Dr. Carole Cusack:

The Sacred in Fantastic Fandom

Handbook of Islamic Sects and Movements

Invented Religions: Imagination, Fiction and Faith

The Sacred Tree: Ancient and Medieval Manifestations

Fiction, Invention and Hyper-reality

Other resources mentioned on the podcast:

Popular Religion in Late Saxon England: Elf Charms in Context - Karen Louise Jolly

European Paganism - Ken Dowden
Bio of Prof Cusack
Carole M. Cusack is a Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Sydney. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies and English Literature from the University of Sydney in 1998. In 1996, she obtained her PhD in Studies in Religion, and in 2001 she earned her Master of Education (Educational Psychology).

She has published research and books on medieval European religion, modern paganism, alternative spiritualities, etc.

Read her full bio

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