S2 Ep 2: Seeing Religion: Islam and the Devotional Object with Richard McGregor

It’s great to see you again and we hope you enjoyed the start of Season 2!   Our second episode features Richard McGregor, Professor of Religious Studies and Chair of the Department of Religious Studies at Vanderbilt University. The episode focuses on his work around material objects in islam.   We explore the significance of objects in Islamic religious practices, including a study of the Mahmal and the role it played for 700 years in the Hajj ritual. Professor McGregor discusses how objects serve as powerful symbols of devotion and community, and how their historical and cultural contexts shape their meanings. The conversation also addresses the evolution of relics, opposition to devotional objects in modern times, and the power of museums in shaping how religious material culture is preserved and experienced.  The episode concludes with a discussion about why broadening our understanding of religion to encompass its material and spiritual dimensions matters.