We’ve all heard of Jonestown. But do we all know what actually happened? Do we know the story behind the massacre? And perhaps more importantly, do we know the story about after the massacre? Jodie and Matthew discuss the history behind Jonestown and the events leading up to its infamous last moments, followed by a conversation on how Jonestown has been framed by the media and others, and pontificate on potential ways it may be useful to look at Jonestown and “cults” in general.

Works Referenced and Recommended Readings:

Moore, R. (2018). Jonestown, Forty Years On. Nova Religio: The Journal of Alternative and Emergent Religions, 22(2), 3–14. ⁠https://www.jstor.org/stable/26537917⁠

TV Show: “Cult Massacre: One Day in Jonestown” directed by Marian Mohamed, 2024

Movie: “Jonestown: The Women Behind the Massacre” directed by Nicole Rittenmeyer, 2018

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Everybody cut Footloose! Jodie and Matthew examine the hit classic Footloose (1984) and how it relates to religion. In a small town dominated by a local pastor, Jodie and Matthew examine how the small town politics related to overbearing religious authority and how religious authority is based on tradition and changes with times and culture. But this was overall a fun and great movie full of great music and fun dancing. Let us know your thoughts!

Matthew Rating: 3.5/5

Jodie Rating: 4/5

Works Referenced and Recommended Readings:

Grubiak, M. m. (2025). Kick Off Your Sunday Shoes! The Material Religion of Footloose. Material Religion, 1–32.

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We’re back and discussing Chapter 6 of Mark Jurgensmeyer’s Terror in the Mind of God where we discuss Buddhist extremism and violence. How can a religion so stereotypically known for peace and nonviolence commit horrible acts of violence? Jodie and Matthew look at a few Buddhist outliers such as the Aum Shinrikyo movement to analyze what happens when Buddhism goes wrong

Works Referenced and Recommended Readings:

Juergensmeyer, Mark. Terror in the Mind of God, Fourth Edition: The Global Rise of Religious Violence. 4th ed. University of California Press, 2017.

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Jodie and Matthew review 2011 Documentary Koran by Heart, which explores an annual Koran recitation competition for children and young people around the world, held in Egypt. The documentary follows a few children and their respective journeys, presenting a variety of ways Islam is practiced around the world and how the memorization of the Koran is important for many Muslims. In western society, people may be more familiar with Bible train events for children, so Jodie and Matthew particularly enjoy seeing a parallel in a different religion that could help humanize Muslims for Christians who may not know many Muslims, but thought the film did well in presentation and content as well. Watch it and let us know your thoughts, too!

Matthew Rating: 3.5/5

Jodie Rating: 5/5

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It’s time for a Biblical Studies podcast episode - this time talking about Cain and Abel, found in Genesis 4 and 5. Listen along to hear Matthew try to pronounce fun words like antediluvian and hendiadys as he and Jodie discuss the children Adam and Eve, along with their relevant genealogies. Who knew genealogies could be so fun?!Follow our socials and reach out to us with thoughts or questions!Bluesky: @TheRELTreehouseInstagram: @TheReligiousTreehouseTikTok: @thereligioustreehouse Facebook: TRTEmail: TheReligiousTreehouse@gmail.com

Jodie and Matthew return to the Akedah, or the binding of Isaac, but this time by analyzing a recent movie produced by Christian production company, Angel Studios. His Only Son looks at the binding of Isaac, and other scenes of Abraham’s life. However, Jodie and Matthew discuss how the movie falls short by taking itself too seriously, not having the ability to see the story as anything other than a mirror of Jesus, and most importantly, it’s worrisome seeming support of slavery. Let us know your thoughts!

Matthew Rating: 0.5/5

Jodie Rating: 1/5

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We’re back and discussing Chapter 5: The Spear of Shiva, the Sword of Sikhism of Mark Jurgensmeyer’s Terror in the Mind of God. We’re not sure if Matthew made this clear in the episode, but this is so very far away from his area of expertise, so please let us know anything that was wrong. Pay attention to common themes that have been recurring throughout these episodes on religious violence and let us know what you see!

Works Referenced and Recommended Readings:

See No Stranger: A Memoir and Manifesto of Revolutionary Love by Valarie Kaur

Juergensmeyer, Mark. Terror in the Mind of God, Fourth Edition: The Global Rise of Religious Violence. 4th ed. University of California Press, 2017.

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Matthew and Jodie summon their inner Beniot Blanc’s to investigate the religious imagery found in the newest Knives Out installment, “Wake Up Dead Man,” which is a fantastic movie that uses the intrigue of a murder-mystery to comment on the opposing Christian factions that see the Church’s job to either fight the world or care for the world. Sure the murder plot, and the lighting, and the visuals, and the writing, and everything is great, but we really care about how this movie comments on religion, and more specifically, Catholicism.

Matthew Rating: 4.5/5

Jodie Rating: 5/5

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