Saintliness

Mark Tully explores what we mean by saintliness, asking where the idea of the saint comes from and whether saintliness is a state to which anyone should aspire.

In conversation with Diarmaid Macculloch, Professor of Church History at the University of Oxford, he debates the diverse reputations of saints down the ages and questions their role in secular and religious societies.

There are readings from tthe works of the poet Deborah Paredez and the 20th century Trappist monk, Thomas Merton - and music from Wojciech Kilar, Pierre Eliane and Youssou N'Dour.

The readers are Adjoa Andoh, Francis Cadder and David Holt.

Presenter: Mark Tully
Producer: Frank Stirling

A 7digital production for BBC Radio 4.