402. Christmas: Pagan or Christian?

What adventures occurred during Samuel Johnson and James Boswell’s journey into the heart of Scotland? How was their trip a gateway to the history of Scotland’s union with England in 1707? And, was Dr Johnson embroiled in the bloody Battle of Culloden…? Join Tom and Dominic as th ...  Show more

Why was London such a cauldron of sexual scandal and political tumult in the 18th century? What licentious escapades did the infamous Scottish nobleman, James Boswell, get up to there? And, how did his legendary first meeting with the renowned wit Samuel Johnson, unfold? Join Tom ...  Show more

Merry Christmas . . . I've heard the argument that Christians are wrong to celebrate Christmas... and I can understand that view point given it's DARK pagan history (i.e. lawlessness, rape, human sacrifice) (Here is one of hundreds of links you can find on the origins of Christma ...  Show more

I've heard the argument that Christians are wrong to celebrate Christmas... and I can understand that view point given it's DARK pagan history (i.e. lawlessness, rape, human sacrifice) (Here is one of hundreds of links you can find on the origins of Christmas and Saturnalia. http ...  Show more

The roots of this festive holiday reach way back through history, with links to Nordic myths and the Roman Saturnalia. For colonists in 17th century America, celebrating Christmas was controversial… and in this telling, a despairing Puritan preacher goes so far as to try and canc ...  Show more

We’re familiar with the Christmas carol “The 12 days of Christmas” but in the middle ages, this extended holiday Christmas looked a bit different. There were plenty of lords-a-leaping and ladies dancing but the only partridge was trussed up on the King’s table next to the swans-a ...  Show more