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Art of Prediction

With the help of prophets ancient and modern, Mark Tully ponders the value of prediction. Should those who make prophecies be heeded?

Mark Tully polishes his crystal ball and, with the help of prophets ancient and modern, ponders the value of prediction. Should we be grateful to those who can see the follies of our ways while we are in the thick of them? And should we be more prepared to listen to their foretellings, even if the news is bad.

In an interview for the programme, Julius Lipner, Professor of Hinduism and the Comparative Study of Religion at Cambridge University, explains the prophetic aspects of Hinduism, where the actions of this life can influence the next. He is sceptical about some of the devices used by soothsayers to ensure that what they say can be interpreted as correct, whatever actually happens. He has some sympathy, though, for those who make predictions and expose themselves to our tendency to 'shoot the messenger' if we don't like the message.

Tully, himself, wonders briefly if there is any point in trying to prophesize what is ahead:'To those who will be alive in the future, our present, and its prophecies will be irrelevant, as they look to their futures.' But, in the end, he comes down very much in favour of contemplating the future consequences of our current actions.

It's unlikely, though, that all our predictions will be as prescient as Friar Roger in the 13th century, quoted in the programme as foreseeing, 'optical instruments, mechanically propelled boats and flying machines'.

Producer: Adam Fowler
An Unique production for Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4.

30 minutes

Last on

Sun 19 Jun 2011 23:30
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4

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Diamonds and Coal

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Music Played

  • Arthur Bliss

    Things to Come (The Building of the New World)

    Performer: Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Philharmonic Orchestra

    • The Film, Music of Sir Arthur Bliss.
    • Chandos Movies.
    • CHAN 9896.

  • Zager & Evans

    In the Year 2525

    • British Hit Singles: Ultimate One Hit Wonders,.
    • Sony/BMG.
    • B000FIMGEK.

  • George Frideric Handel

    For Unto Us A Child Is Born

    • Handel’s Messiah.
    • Suite 102.
    • B00437QF5A.

  • Blind Willie Johnson

    Jesus is Coming Soon

    • The Complete Blind Willie Johnson.
    • Legacy/Columbia.
    • B001GT5X6K.

  • Joni Mitchell

    Big Yellow Taxi

    • Hits.
    • Warner.
    • B000002N9Z.

  • Hector Berlioz

    Part 1, Act 1, No 2: Malheureux Roi

    Performers: The London Symphony Orchestra

    • Les Troyens.
    • LSO Live.
    • B000063DQA.

Broadcasts

  • Sun 19 Jun 2011 06:05
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4
  • Sun 19 Jun 2011 23:30
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4