As part of a series of events selected by Richard Sennett exploring key ideas that have shaped humanity, this session discusses the idea and impact of religious belief. Former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams and New York University professor of anthropology Angela Zito are joined by German writer and film-maker Alexander Kluge, chaired by former Bishop of Edinburgh Richard Holloway.

Gerry Hassan and Lesley Riddoch at Edinburgh International Book Festival (edbookfest)

Whether it’s exploring the disappearing art of letter writing and the power of the spoken word, or listening to those who hear inner voices or participating in a series of dialogues on the future of Scotland, the Edinburgh International Book Festival examined all aspects of communication in 2014. Under the headline ‘Let’s Talk’ the Book Festival welcomed internationally-renowned writers and thinkers from around the world to its home in Charlotte Square Gardens to discuss such diverse topics as the two world wars, the Commonwealth, Economic Migration, Society, Identity, Culture and the Media. Listen to some of the events here in our series of free podcasts – recorded live at the Book Festival.