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Nick Spencer

@nickebs.bsky.social

366 followers 15 following 115 posts

Senior Fellow at Theos. Author of Magisteria. Host of Reading our Times. Christian humanist. Graecophile,Person of the Book. PEW Literary Agents.

Posts Replies Media

Nick Spencer @nickebs.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

What is true human welfare? The answer, I think, has something to do with Christian humanism. www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/202...

churchtimes.co.uk

The Symposium: Nick Spencer and Rowan Williams: ‘True human welfare’

Second episode of our series of talks, in association with St John’s College, Cambridge, and the diocese of Ely

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Nick Spencer @nickebs.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

Writing about Andy Burnham's Catholicism, I've invented something called "The Makerfield Window." See what you think: www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/202...

churchtimes.co.uk

Analysis: Andy Burnham’s faith is politically safe

How will a Roman Catholic PM approach religion in public life, asks Nick Spencer

Nick Spencer @nickebs.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

The last in this series of Reading our Times and the last… well, not ever, but the podcast is changing (listen to the end!). In the meantime, a good question: what has Christianity ever done for England, with @bijanomrani.bsky.social : podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/w...

podcasts.apple.com

What does England owe to Christianity?

Podcast Episode · Reading Our Times · 23 June · 45min

Nick Spencer @nickebs.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

“Who counts as human? More precisely, who counts as the kind of human to whom I owe obligations?” Great essay by @lukebretherton.bsky.social in Comment on rediscovering Christian Humanism in the work of Olaudah Equiano tinyurl.com/4ayyyp7p

Christian Humanism Rediscovered

A formerly enslaved African stood at the heart of an empire and redefined what it means to be human. Luke Bretherton on the enduring witness of Olaudah Equiano - Christian humanism personified.

Nick Spencer @nickebs.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

Brexit vote was 10 years ago tomorrow. It drew on, and supercharged, the debate about Britishness, so we @theosthinktank.bsky.social k have been working on new research looking at what (the British think) it means to be British today. Read more here: tinyurl.com/4xs8w883

Brexit 10 years on: What does it mean to be British today?

Nick Spencer explores what people across the UK believe is important when they think about British identity. 19/06/2026

Nick Spencer @nickebs.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

No subject is as vulnerable to counter/claim as immigration. So perhaps we should have a calm, informed, intelligent conversation about it. I did, for @theosthinktank.bsky.social, with @alanmanning4.bsky.social about his book Why immigration policy is hard. Listen here tinyurl.com/m9bwuf4d

What is the truth behind immigration? In conversation with Alan Manning

Podcast Episode · Reading Our Times · 16 June · 47min

Nick Spencer @nickebs.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

Is Woke over? If it is, what comes next? If it's not, is it dying? And in any case, what even is "Woke"? The latest Reading our Times discusses The End of Woke by - and with - Andrew Doyle tinyurl.com/5acx4zv2

Is this the end of woke? In conversation with Andrew Doyle

Podcast Episode · Reading Our Times · 9 June · 47min

Nick Spencer @nickebs.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

I recently went to Washington to a conference on Christian humanism. In a weird way, being in DC was like stepping back in time. 2000 years back. tinyurl.com/2wfzpxhc

BC in DC: Christian humanism and the Lincoln memorial

Nick Spencer reflects on the real meaning of Christian humanism after visiting Washington DC. 03/06/2026

Nick Spencer @nickebs.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

In our current @Theosthinktank Reading our Times series on the rise of religious nationalism, we come to one of the most difficult topics, in conversation with Hannah Strømmen, namely how the far right weaponises the Bible. Sober listening. tinyurl.com/2nr9893a

How does the Far Right weaponise the Bible? In conversation with Hannah Strømmen

Podcast Episode · Reading Our Times · 2 June · 42min

Nick Spencer @nickebs.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

On science and religion... I am very much looking forward to speaking at this on Thursday. Do join us if you can. tinyurl.com/bp95ej77

Rethinking the Scientific Culture and Shared Sacred Flourishing | Faraday Institute for Science and Religion

Nick Spencer @nickebs.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

Religious nationalism isn't limited to Christian nationalism. In this week's Reading our Times from @theosthinktank.bsky.social I talk to @soniafaleiro.bsky.social about her book The Robe and the Sword, & how Buddhist nationalism is reshaping Asia: tinyurl.com/mrshjbnt

How is Buddhist nationalism transforming Asia? In conversation with Sonia Faleiro

Podcast Episode · Reading Our Times · 26 May · 51min

Nick Spencer @nickebs.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

A genuinely interesting & perceptive account of what happened, and who was at, the Unite the Kingdom rally last Saturday by @theosthinktank.bsky.social colleagues @glapshynov.bsky.social & Coco Huggins: tinyurl.com/3tt47smk

“Christ, Culture, Country”: Unfurling the Flags of the Unite the Kingdom Rally

A team of our researchers attended the last Unite the Kingdom rally last weekend to investigate the rise of “Christian nationalism”. 22/05/2026

Nick Spencer @nickebs.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

How do politicians weaponise Christianity? An ever-relevant question, of particular significance of late, and the subject of my discussion with academic and MEP Tobias Cremer on @theosthinktank.bsky.social's Reading our Times this week: tinyurl.com/5cr54pb5

How do politicians weaponise Christianity? In conversation with Tobias Cremer

Podcast Episode · Reading Our Times · 19 May · 38min

Reposted by Nick Spencer

Theos @theosthinktank.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

...And people are interested. 📊 77% of English adults have visited a cathedral in the last 3 years — comparable to museums, galleries and live sporting events. 📊 37% visited more than once in the last year.

Reposted by Nick Spencer

Theos @theosthinktank.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

Cathedrals are more than just big churches. They’re first and foremost places of worship, but also civic anchors, community hubs, arts venues, and sanctuaries of stillness open to everyone.

Reposted by Nick Spencer

Theos @theosthinktank.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

Cathedrals have been making headlines for some unexpected reasons lately... But what’s the story behind them? What are people finding so controversial?

Reposted by Nick Spencer

Theos @theosthinktank.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

📢 Cathedrals are in crisis. Financial pressures are threatening one of our oldest institutions. Can we ensure that our cathedrals are still here for generations to come? Our new report Living Stones with @englishcathedrals.co.uk is out now: bit.ly/43g3Wmg Follow along to find out more👇🧵

Living Stones: English Cathedrals as Sacred Spaces in Changing Times

A report by George Lapshynov and Nathan Mladin exploring the role of cathedrals in modern life.

Nick Spencer @nickebs.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

How widespread is "Christian nationalism" in the UK? Early top-line research findings from @theosthinktank.bsky.social can give some estimation of this. Released today: www.theosthinktank.co.uk/comment/2026...

theosthinktank.co.uk

How big is Christian Nationalism in the UK?

Nick Spencer unpacks preliminary findings from our research on Christian Nationalism. Is it as widespread as we think? 15/05/2026

Nick Spencer @nickebs.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

Christian Nationalism seems to be on the rise - particularly in the US, but increasingly in Europe. The phrase, however, is often used vaguely and carelessly. So what actually is (American) Christian nationalism? My conversation with @andrew-whitehead.bsky.social : tinyurl.com/362277fv

What is (American) Christian nationalism? In conversation with Andrew Whitehead

Podcast Episode · Reading Our Times · 12 May · 44min

Nick Spencer @nickebs.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

NEW SERIES of Reading our Times starts today. We're looking at (religious/ Christian) nationalism and the things that drive it (immigration, wokery) with a great line up, starting with Prof. Eric Storm on the past, present and future of nationalism itself tinyurl.com/6xmxzzs8

What can the history of nationalism tell us about its future? In conversation with Eric Storm

Podcast Episode · Reading Our Times · 5 May · 41min

Nick Spencer @nickebs.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

This question underlines so many debates today... immigration, asylum, international aid and development, Iran, Chagos, etc etc. It's a difficult one. What are our moral duties as a nation? www.theosthinktank.co.uk/comment/2026...

theosthinktank.co.uk

What are our moral duties as a nation?

Nick Spencer unpacks the use of the Parable of the good Samaritan in political discourse. How much love should we give to which neighbours? 21/04/2026

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Nick Spencer @nickebs.bsky.social · 24/03/2026

I was really pleased to be able to go into a deep dive on science and religion in discussion with National Association of Scholars about my @oneworldbooks.bsky.social book Magisteria here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7Id...

Nick Spencer on Magisteria: The Entangled Histories of Science and Religion.

YouTube video by National Association of Scholars

Nick Spencer @nickebs.bsky.social · 23/03/2026

Lots of people are talking about Christian Nationalism. But what exactly is it? (And what isn’t it?) How Christian? How Islamophobic? And what do Christian Nationalists actually want? Read this explainer from @theosthinktank.bsky.social to get below the surface: tinyurl.com/y9kxjucn

Christian Nationalism: an explainer

What do we mean when we say “Christian Nationalism”? In this long–read, Nick Spencer defines the term ahead our report

Nick Spencer @nickebs.bsky.social · 13/03/2026

This is a lovely piece on touching on churchgoing, Christian identity, nationalism, ethnic diversity, and socio-economic pressures in Doncaster: www.theosthinktank.co.uk/comment/2026...

theosthinktank.co.uk

God’s own county: faith, nation, and belonging in Doncaster

Across the UK, cities like Doncaster are facing immense social and economic challenges. Can rooted Christianity offer an antidote? 13/03/2026

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Nick Spencer @nickebs.bsky.social · 12/03/2026

Greatly looking forward to talking about genetic engineering, human nature, science, faith, and future with Francis Collins at St Martin in the Fields next month. Do come along! www.stmartin-in-the-fields.org/whats-on/sci...

stmartin-in-the-fields.org

Science, Faith and the Future of Humanity – St Martin-in-the-Fields

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Reposted by Nick Spencer

Theos @theosthinktank.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

⛪️ Should disused churches become mosques? @nickebs.bsky.social responds to the proposed law from Reform UK which would stop disused churches from being converted into mosques. 🔗 Read it here: www.theosthinktank.co.uk/comment/2026...

theosthinktank.co.uk

Should churches become mosques?

Nick Spencer responds to Reform UK’s proposed law, which would prevent disused churches from becoming mosques. 05/03/2026

Nick Spencer @nickebs.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

I've written a piece on whether (redundant) churches should become mosques or whether this should be prohibited. www.theosthinktank.co.uk/comment/2026...

theosthinktank.co.uk

Should churches become mosques?

Nick Spencer responds to Reform UK’s proposed law, which would prevent disused churches from becoming mosques. 05/03/2026

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Nick Spencer @nickebs.bsky.social · 13/02/2026

My review of Nigel Biggar's new book, The New Dark Age: Why liberals must win the culture wars: www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/202...

churchtimes.co.uk

Book review: The New Dark Age: Why liberals must win the culture wars by Nigel Biggar

Nigel Biggar has fought academic cancellation, says Nick Spencer

Nick Spencer @nickebs.bsky.social · 06/02/2026

I am speaking at this later this month. Please do join us on-line if you're interested in the science and religion debate: thinkfaith.net/events/iron-...

Iron Sharpens Iron - February 2026 » Thinking Faith Network

The Landscapes of Science and Religion Nick Spencer is Senior Fellow at Theos: the public theology thinktank, and the author of a number of books and reports, including Magisteria: the entangled histo...

Nick Spencer @nickebs.bsky.social · 06/02/2026

This is not a topic, I confess, about which I am objective or disinterested. www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/202...

churchtimes.co.uk

Analysis: Bible-reading = mass literacy?

History suggests that the line between the the two is not simple or obvious, writes Nick Spencer

Nick Spencer @nickebs.bsky.social · 16/12/2025

And so another series of @theosthinktank.bsky.social's Reading our Times comes to an end, with a great interview with @philipgoff.bsky.social in which we simply ask does the universe have a purpose? After a series covering consciousness, quantum, time & God, what else? tinyurl.com/56t5uymc

Does the universe have a purpose? In conversation with Philip Goff

Podcast Episode · Reading Our Times · 16/12/2025 · 36m

Nick Spencer @nickebs.bsky.social · 15/12/2025

Frame or picture? What we saw at Tommy Robinson’s Unite the Kingdom Carol Service: tinyurl.com/55e2mxpy

Frame or picture? What we saw at Tommy Robinson’s Unite the Kingdom Carol Service

Theos Senior Fellow Nick Spencer unpacks what he saw at the “Unite the Kingdom Carol Service” in Whitehall over the weekend.

Nick Spencer @nickebs.bsky.social · 15/12/2025

I spoke with Michael Little on his Ratio podcast recently on science, religion, Scopes, Dawkins, God, and other such divine matters: tinyurl.com/y6n7uzxu

Nick Spencer on science and god

Nick Spencer is the guest for this episode of Ratio Talks, part of the series On Religion.

Nick Spencer @nickebs.bsky.social · 15/12/2025

I was sorry to hear about the death of John Carey, surely the most penetrating and readable literary critic of the last 50 years. He was a bit of a personal hero of mine & I was delighted to interview him years ago about literature, religion & much else: tinyurl.com/whhpr4xr

John Carey - High Profiles

Nick Spencer’s 2011 conversation with the influential literary critic

Reposted by Nick Spencer

Theos @theosthinktank.bsky.social · 09/12/2025

Hope can feel distant. Globally, we face conflict, displacement, climate chaos and retreating democracies. To mark 80 years of @christianaiduk.bsky.social, @nickebs.bsky.social and Bob Kikuyu ask whether there are deeper reasons to be hopeful. Follow along to find out more 🧵 bit.ly/48GAuYP

A Theology of Hope

To mark 80 years of Christian Aid, Nick Spencer and Bob Kikuyu unpack a Christian theology of hope, and offers it to a world that needs it. 05/12/2025

Nick Spencer @nickebs.bsky.social · 09/12/2025

Nobody could accuse us of shying away from big questions @theosthinktank.bsky.social and especially on this week’s episode of Reading our Times. So, in conversation with philosopher Graham Harman, we have... what is the ultimate nature of reality? shorturl.at/6XuRr

What is the ultimate nature of reality? In conversation with Graham Harman

Podcast Episode · Reading Our Times · 09/12/2025 · 44m

Nick Spencer @nickebs.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

Last week we tackled quantum, so this week - obviously - it's consciousness. Tune in to my fascinating @theosthinktank.bsky.social conversation with Susan Greenfield on brain, mind, consciousness & dogs: tinyurl.com/3xa22mme

What is consciousness? In conversation with Baroness Susan Greenfield

Podcast Episode · Reading Our Times · 02/12/2025 · 42m

Nick Spencer @nickebs.bsky.social · 25/11/2025

You don’t understand Quantum Theory. I know. Nor do I. And you think you should, because it’s about to change our world. Indeed. You are in luck today… Lucid, clear, cogent, informed Paul Davies on Quantum 2.0: tinyurl.com/3xtrm35j

What does Quantum Theory mean?

Podcast Episode · Reading Our Times · 25/11/2025 · 41m

Nick Spencer @nickebs.bsky.social · 18/11/2025

Michael Symmons Roberts is, imho, one of the very best poets writing today, so the chance to talk to him about time, peace, God, time, and the power of music was too good to miss. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did: shorturl.at/W794k

Can music redeem time? In conversation with Michael Symmons Roberts

Podcast Episode · Reading Our Times · 18/11/2025 · 46m

Nick Spencer @nickebs.bsky.social · 14/11/2025

I honestly don’t know who apart from my colleague @hannahmerich.bsky.social could have written our latest @theosthinktank.bsky.social report on RE beyond the classroom. It’s so wide ranging & perceptive. A really important piece of work. Do read, digest and share. tinyurl.com/bde877pe

Beyond the Classroom: Informal Religion and Worldviews Education in the UK

Hannah Rich’s report exploring the places and spaces where people of all ages learn about other faiths outside of the classroom. 13/11/2025

Nick Spencer @nickebs.bsky.social · 11/11/2025

What does “transcendence” mean? And how does it relate to "ordinary" human life? Join me in conversation with biographer and philosopher Clare Carlisle here: tinyurl.com/6vkjaztp

What can a life tell us about transcendence?

Podcast Episode · Reading Our Times · 11/11/2025 · 44m

Reposted by Nick Spencer

Theos @theosthinktank.bsky.social · 04/11/2025

Many of the New Atheist arrows fired in the religion wars of 2000s and 2010s hit their target well and hard. The question is, was it the right target? This week, @nickebs.bsky.social speaks to Gilbert Markus about his book, 'God as nothing'. podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/r...

Nick Spencer @nickebs.bsky.social · 04/11/2025

How can we talk about God, especially if God is "no thing", no part of creation. This is not a new problem. Indeed, it is one that the writers of the Bible and theologians have grappled with for centuries. As we do this week on Reading our Times: tinyurl.com/5ft2z555

Is God nothing? In conversation with Gilbert Markus

Podcast Episode · Reading Our Times · 04/11/2025 · 42m

Nick Spencer @nickebs.bsky.social · 29/10/2025

I have written a piece on why we should be very proud to be British. www.theosthinktank.co.uk/comment/2025...

theosthinktank.co.uk

On Nationalism: are you proud of Britain? (You really should be)

As we start our new research project exploring Christian Nationalism, Nick Spencer reflects on the meaning of national pride. 29/10/2025

Reposted by Nick Spencer

Theos @theosthinktank.bsky.social · 28/10/2025

What role do genes play in life? Where, if anywhere, does agency reside? How, in effect, does life work? @nickebs.bsky.social speaks to @philipcball.bsky.social on the brand new series of #ReadingOurTimes 🎧 Tune in here: podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/r...

Nick Spencer @nickebs.bsky.social · 28/10/2025

A new series of Reading our Times starts today, with an opening episode on How life works with the brilliant science writer @philipcball.bsky.social All my interviewees are perceptive - ofc - but this one was esp. so. The book really is illuminating. podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/h...

podcasts.apple.com

Reading Our Times

Philosophy Podcast · Updated weekly · Reading Our Times is the podcast that explores the books and the ideas that are shaping us today. It is hosted by Nick Spencer, Senior Fellow at the think tank, T...

Nick Spencer @nickebs.bsky.social · 21/10/2025

The new series of Reading our Times gets metaphysical, drops next week, with episodes on life, quantum, transcendence, reality, God, consciousness, music and time with (among others) Philip Ball, Paul Davies, Susan Greenfield and Michael Symmons Roberts: tinyurl.com/dmhm5ktz

Trailer: Series 11 of Reading Our Times

Podcast Episode · Reading Our Times · Trailer · 2m

Nick Spencer @nickebs.bsky.social · 16/10/2025

Exciting news from @theosthinktank.bsky.social : www.theosthinktank.co.uk/research/202...

theosthinktank.co.uk

Christianity, nationhood and the rise of Christian Nationalism

Theos are starting a new two–year project researching the global rise of Christian Nationalism. 16/10/2025

Nick Spencer @nickebs.bsky.social · 10/10/2025

“a fresh and illuminating way of thinking about science and religion … [and] a very welcome addition to the science-and-religion literature” – Lovely review of our latest book on science and religion in @churchtimes.bsky.social : tinyurl.com/58ntes4e

Book review: The Landscapes of Science and Religion: What are we disagreeing about? by Nick Spencer and Hannah Waite

Peter Jordan considers an effort to pinpoint the faith-v.-science debate

Nick Spencer @nickebs.bsky.social · 06/10/2025

"Flags absorb meaning from the people who do things with them." www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/202...

churchtimes.co.uk

Analysis: What do flags mean? It depends. . .

They do not signify a single set of values, writes Nick Spencer