BANGOR – James Bean wonders whether evangelist Jerry Falwell and the Dalai Lama have anything in common.

It’s the kind of question Bean, 41, likes to pose through his religious radio program that airs Sunday mornings on Husson College’s WHSN-FM 89.3.

The idea behind Bean’s show, “Spiritual Awakening,” is to explore comparative religion, spirituality, books and music. Christian, yes, but it doesn’t end there.

“It’s a unique program that offers up a lot of different forms of religion instead of just focusing on one,” said Mark Nason, WHSN program director.

On the air since 1990, “Spiritual Awakening” is a format that allows Bean to present information to people who have never heard of some of the world religions in a way they can understand.

“It certainly brings a whole different world,” Bean said. “Another world – a marketplace of ideas. People get to realize that there’s not just one religion, there are hundreds of religions.”

Although music is not the primary focus of Bean’s show, he still uses a wide variety at times.

“It’s amazing the types of music that are available these days,” he said.

When it is called for, Bean plays everything from the chants of Tibetan monks to contemporary Christian music.

Bean said he was inspired to start the comparative religion radio show that he produces out of his Newport home after hearing the syndicated program “New Dimensions.” That program focused more on Buddhism, but is similar to what Bean airs now.

“I have been changed greatly as a result of being willing to look at someone else’s beliefs and just trying to understand what those are,” he said. “It’s amazing to be willing to take a look at other religions. You might discover that the Dalai Lama and Jerry Falwell have a few things that they agree on – that’s interesting to be able to see that instead.”

Do the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism and the Virginia Baptist preacher have anything in common?

Tune in “Spiritual Awakening” to find out.