Podcasts by God Forbid

Jesus lived. So, who was he? from 2022-04-17T06:05

Christians celebrate, and reflect upon, the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ at Easter. But how much do we really know about the man whose life has shaped the spiritual, and often poli...

Paganism: myths, magic, and nature conservation from 2022-03-27T06:05

Contemporary Paganism is one of the few spiritual movements attracting a growing number of followers, particularly young people, each year. On God Forbid, James Carleton and the panel explore conte...

Ukraine and Russia: religion and the politics of war from 2022-03-20T06:05

As Russia’s war in Ukraine continues, the world looks on in despair. Religion is very much a part of this conflict. On God Forbid, James Carleton and the panel discuss the complex religious, cultur...

University chaplaincy in a changing world from 2022-03-13T06:05

Often we think of chaplaincy in hospital settings; providing a listening ear and comfort, can be profoundly healing, even life changing. But what about in a context not of sickness and death, but o...

Sydney's Mardi Gras: the complexities of Pride and faith from 2022-03-06T06:05

In 1978, the first Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade was met with violence and arrests. Community attitudes and legislation have changed significantly since then. So, in 2022, what does the ...

What if we lived with less? from 2022-02-27T06:05

How much clutter is in your home? A study in the science journal Nature says the weight of what we produce doubles every year. And in 2013, we reached a tipping point where man-made stuff is now he...

The different dimensions of loneliness from 2022-02-20T06:05

Even though humans can't exist alone, many feel that they do. For some, loneliness is mild and transitory, but for other’s chronic — the pain can be so profound that it affects physical wellbeing. ...

How to form new habits — and break old ones from 2022-02-13T06:05

Has the new year brought a fresh approach to life amid the uncertainty of the pandemic? In achieving human flourishing, developing good habits are as important as extinguishing the bad. On God Forb...

What do Pentecostals believe? from 2022-02-06T06:05

Pentecostalism is one of the fastest growing religious movements worldwide, and Australia is no exception. So what do Pentecostal Christians believe?  On God Forbid, James Carleton and the panel go...

Does sci-fi transcend — or reveal — our human limitations? from 2022-01-30T06:05

With Star Wars films and Avatar making the 'biggest box office hits of all time' lists, and the enduring popularity of sci-fi novels like Dune and Blade Runner — it makes you wonder: has the geek i...

The hot potatoes of 2021 from 2021-12-12T06:05

2021 has been a year of challenges and changes for so many people worldwide. On God Forbid, James Carleton and the panel reflect on the hot potatoes thrown our way in 2021, and contemplate the comi...

Toward an inclusive society for people with disability from 2021-12-05T06:05

December 3 is the International Day for People with Disability. It's an important day for the one third of Australian households which include a person with a disability, and for society-at-large. ...

Reflections on consumerism: buying more, gaining less? from 2021-11-28T06:05

It’s fast approaching the time of year where celebration, reflection, and enjoying precious time with loved ones become the primary focus for many.  While our movements may have been curtailed some...

Fitness and body image: aspiration, inspiration, and transformation from 2021-11-21T06:05

Fitness and body image have become a preoccupation for many Australians. While physical exertion is not for everyone, the fitness industry in Australia has grown significantly in recent years. On G...

Human kind — understanding kindness during tough times and beyond from 2021-11-14T06:05

Australia has endured it's fair share of challenges in recent times, yet amid all the suffering, we have witnessed countless examples of human kindness. On God Forbid, James Carleton and our panel ...

To believe or not to believe: atheism on the rise from 2021-11-07T06:05

More Australians than ever before are saying 'no' to religion, and 'yes' to secular beliefs such as atheism. Yet, the majority of the population still identifies with a religion. On God Forbid, Jam...

The truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth from 2021-10-31T06:05

We make oaths when we marry, testify in court and are sworn-in to parliament. Obviously oaths can be — and have been — broken, so why do we still make them? On God Forbid, James Carleton and the pa...

What brings the world’s religions together? from 2021-10-24T06:05

The Parliament of the World’s Religions recently wrapped up its eighth convening in its 128-year history. Interfaith events create a shared space for dialogue between religions, but what do these d...

The Catholic Plenary – where to from here? from 2021-10-17T06:05

The Catholic Church in Australia – the country’s largest religion – has held the first session of its most important meeting. The Plenary Council is a once-in-a-lifetime event, so it’s a time of ho...

A Jewish perspective on sacred texts from 2021-10-10T06:05

Some Jewish sacred texts are over 3000 years old, but are still read by nearly half the world’s population. In addition to Jews, there are four billion Christians and Muslims in the world, who draw...

Exploring achievement addiction and burnout from 2021-10-03T06:05

We live in a culture that glorifies the individual, so is it any wonder that success or failure at work is a pressure that many find hard to bear? On God Forbid, James Carleton and the panel explor...

Food for thought — why do we eat what we eat? from 2021-09-26T06:05

Australia is a country where meat is our national icon — we commune around the barbie, and love our meat pies. Yet, we also have some of the oldest vegetarian societies and earliest western animal ...

A Christian perspective on sacred texts from 2021-09-12T06:05

Biblical literacy is likely lower in Australia today than at any point since the convict era. Yet the legacy of this book – for better and worse – is still everywhere to be seen. On God Forbid, Jam...

Examining fringe beliefs from 2021-09-05T06:05

How do we deal with people with fringe beliefs? The extremes of politics, society and religion seem outlandish, but most of us know someone who has views we find strange. So do we try and change th...

Why do we give religious exemptions? from 2021-08-29T06:05

There's been a decline in the number of Australians identifying as religious, but that doesn’t make dealing with religion in public any easier. So how should governments of no religion deal with th...

Billionaires are launching into space – is that a good thing? from 2021-08-22T06:05

In the Cold War era, we had the space race — the first satellite, first dog and first person in space. Today, it’s the first billionaire and his rocket, accompanied by wealthy space tourists. This ...

What inspires us to compose poems? from 2021-08-15T06:05

Poetry dates back thousands of years, with some scholars claiming it may even pre-date literacy. Rhythm and verse have been changing ever since, but have long aimed to capture perspective on the na...

The ethics of going nuclear from 2021-08-08T06:05

It’s been 76 years since the bombing of Hiroshima, and for the three quarters of a century since nuclear stories remain front page news. James Carleton and the God Forbid panel examine the Cold War...

Sectarian conflicts in church, mosque and state from 2021-08-01T06:05

You know the saying – you always hurt the ones you love? According to Freud, it’s the small differences that cause the biggest conflicts, and it’s something we see again and again in both religion ...

Mental and spiritual wellness in isolation from 2021-07-25T06:05

Another week has passed, and over half of the country has been sent into lockdown. While the pandemic poses a threat to our physical health and our health care system, there's also the mental and s...

Lockdowns, vaccines and COVID-19 ad campaigns from 2021-07-18T06:05

Things can change rapidly during a pandemic, with Sydney's lockdown extended and Victoria entering its fifth. But does the vaccine rollout give reason to hope? In this hot potatoes edition of God F...

The complexities of charity from 2021-07-11T06:05

The need for charity is always there, though the motives of giving remain complex, and the outcomes can be frustratingly mixed. James Carleton and the God Forbid panel examine the charity sector an...

Healing country, campus and church from 2021-07-04T06:00

This year for NAIDOC Week, James Carleton and the God Forbid panel look at universities and Christian churches — two institutions that have a rapidly changing relationship with Australia’s First Pe...

How urban legends tell our story from 2021-06-20T06:05

Australia loves a legend - not just legendary sports stars, legendary stories too. But some stories are too extraordinary to be believed. So should we get rid of them and live in the real world? Ja...

Disagreeing well from 2021-06-13T06:05

In some ways we will always be different – it’s a wonderful part of life, but it comes with disagreement and even conflict. But intolerance can be a good and natural response to the intolerable. Ja...

What's your ecocultural identity? from 2021-06-06T06:05

Each of us has our own complex environmental identity and culture – even if it’s not at the forefront of our mind – and religion can play a part. What we believe affects our behaviour, and what hap...

Do you really want to live forever? from 2021-05-23T06:05

We live in an era that glorifies youth, and at the same time, science promises to delay old age. James Carleton and the God Forbid panel ask, what will it mean if we let that go on without limit?

Finding God in industrial action from 2021-05-16T06:05

This week is 130 years to the day since Pope Leo XIII published Rerum Novarum, an encyclical – or open letter – about capital and labour. The Pope endorsed the right to private property but also na...

What does your doctor believe? from 2021-05-09T06:05

Faith and medicine have long gone hand-in-hand, but as medicine advances, that relationship is occasionally strained to breaking point. How do your doctors make the moral decisions needed to treat ...

Can reality TV be more than a spectacle? from 2021-05-02T06:05

Love it or hate it – reality TV is now ubiquitous. We tend to think of the genre as a waste of time, but could there be something more to it? James Carleton and the God Forbid panel explore the eth...

Supporting veterans during and after service - Anzac Day 2021 from 2021-04-25T06:05

Commemorating Anzac Day ties us to every Anzac Day that has come before. This year, James Carleton and the God Forbid panel discuss military ethics and chaplaincy as Australia’s longest war – in Af...

Exploring sacrifice at Easter from 2021-04-04T06:05

At Easter, Christians say Jesus died for the sins of the world, only to be resurrected three days later. On God Forbid, James Carleton and the panelists explore concepts of sacrifice throughout Chr...

The future of faith – ministry with Gen Z from 2021-03-28T06:05

In many ways, young people who attend places of worship today are vastly different to those who attended decades ago. A new generation isn’t just attending in person, but also via online platforms ...

Fostering sacred creativity in a secular world from 2021-03-21T06:05

The great writer and Nobel Prize winner André Gide said, “Art is a collaboration between God and the artist and the less the artist does, the better." On God Forbid, James Carleton explores the rel...

What’s dominating the headlines? From Parliament House to Buckingham Palace from 2021-03-14T06:05

It’s only March, yet we’ve already seen national and international institutions being shaken. From sexual assault allegations in Parliament, to the Royals in – and out – of Buckingham Palace, James...

Women of faith are challenging gender inequality from 2021-03-07T06:05

This year’s International Women’s Day theme is all about choosing to challenge gender bias. So what, exactly, needs to change? And what role can faith offer in the fight? Join Meredith Lake and our...

Who are you now? On identity in flux from 2021-02-28T06:05

All of us have an identity – an idea of who we are and our place in the world. But is identity fixed, or constantly in flux? On God Forbid, we explore some big questions and hear the personal exper...

Searching for the saints from 2021-02-14T06:05

For all time we’ve honoured the dead. And in the course of Christian history, the veneration of saints is a big deal: Their feasts are still widely observed, like St Valentine’s Day. On God Forbid,...

Celebrating the Lunar New Year from 2021-02-07T06:05

For more than a billion people around the world, Chinese New Year – or Lunar New Year – is their single most important annual celebration. In 2021, festivities begin on 12 February. On God Forbid, ...

How important is trust in a society? from 2021-01-31T06:05

We live in an era where mistrust is common – in governments, in religious and non-religious institutions and between different groups or ‘tribes.’ But how important is trust in a society – is it fu...

How COVID-19 impacts homelessness in Australia from 2021-01-10T06:05

COVID-19 changed the way we live at home. But how did it change for those who don't have a home? And is our definition of “homeless” an accurate reflection of what’s really going on? This week, Jam...

Christmas and Hanukkah on film from 2020-12-13T06:05

It’s certainly been a year like no other; with the holiday season just around the corner, perhaps it’s a chance to unwind and enjoy a favourite film (or more than just one!) On God Forbid, James Ca...

The triumphs and challenges – celebrating the UN’s International Day of People with Disability from 2020-12-06T06:05

This week, James Carleton and the panel celebrate the International Day of People with Disability – a day declared by the U.N. We’ll hear the personal stories, celebrate the triumphs, as well as ex...

A year in review – The hottest topics of 2020 from 2020-11-29T06:05

2020 has been a whirlwind of a year: from Black Lives Matter to Cancel Culture and – of course – the way COVID-19 has changed all our lives. On God Forbid, James and the panel review a selection of...

The Big 20: How religion has shaped, and been shaped by the past 20 years from 2020-11-22T06:05

For many of us, when New Year’s Eve 1999 clicked over, it was a night we’ll never forget. And who can deny how much has changed since then? But how much has religion shaped – and been shaped by– th...

Does democracy have a future? from 2020-11-15T06:05

The election of Donald Trump in 2016 shook American democracy to its core. Now that he has lost the 2020 election, it looks like he’s refusing to leave. If this can happen in the world’s most iconi...

NAIDOC 2020 – “Always Was, Always Will Be” from 2020-11-08T06:05

It’s NAIDOC Week, where James and the panel explore this year’s theme “Always Was, Always Will Be.” The panel also open up and share their personal stories of pain and resilience. 

How people of faith are taking climate action from 2020-11-01T06:05

Climate change is impacting the health of our entire planet. But does it affect some people more than others? And what does effective climate action look like? This week, James Carleton is joined b...

Can playing games be a religious experience? from 2020-10-25T06:05

Can playing games teach us anything about ourselves, and about the world? And what do games have in common with attending church? On God Forbid, James Carleton and our panel explore the world of ga...

How is religion shaping Brazil? from 2020-10-18T06:05

Did you know that Brazil has more Catholics than any country in the world? It has also undergone a military dictatorship in which religion played a role, and the current president himself identifie...

Sarah Coakley and Claire Smith on evolution, Anglicanism and women in leadership from 2020-10-04T06:05

In the survival of the fittest, how do the meek inherit the earth? James Carleton is joined by two prominent Anglican theologians with very different ideas to discuss evolution, the ordination of w...

Religious nationalism in the East and the West from 2020-09-27T06:05

What is religious nationalism, and what does it look like in our current global context? On God Forbid, James and the panel turn their attention to the East and the West — from Christian nationalis...

Vaccines and consent during COVID-19 from 2020-09-20T06:05

If we’re living through a once-in-a-century pandemic, does that mean we need a once-in-a-century set of ethics to deal with it? On God Forbid, James and the panel explore the ethics of protests, va...

Lessons in leadership from 2020-09-13T06:05

What is true leadership all about - giving or taking? Serving others, or being served? On God Forbid, James and our panel of leadership experts find out. 

How technology is changing the way we grieve from 2020-09-06T06:05

Is it possible to be biologically dead, but socially alive? What would that entail? On God Forbid, James and panel find out more about the digital afterlife. 

Confronting age prejudice from 2020-08-30T06:05

Is getting older a gift or a curse? What societal stigmas are attached to ageing? And how are older Australians coping during the COVID-19 pandemic? On God Forbid, James Carleton and the panel find...

Exploring consciousness from 2020-08-23T06:05

The problem of consciousness – and how we understand it – has been reflected upon since preliterate times. So what is consciousness, and who has consciousness? On God Forbid, James Carleton and our...

After World War II – grief, loss and change from 2020-08-16T06:05

It’s been 75 years since World War II ended in the Pacific– a devastating tragedy marked by the death of 75 million people. But how did the world – and Australia more specifically – deal with the a...

Why sacred languages are important today from 2020-08-09T06:05

Why is it important to protect a diversity of languages? And what can ancient sacred languages reveal to us today? James Carleton and our panel of experts find out.

Living with a disability in 2020 from 2020-08-02T06:05

Some of the four million Australians who live with disability say that it’s the misperceptions of others that’s most difficult to face. For others, it’s access to the things that many of us take fo...

Addiction – how spiritual practices help with seeking sobriety from 2020-07-26T06:05

For people of every faith – or none – whether you take alcohol or drugs is a big deal. But the rules vary wildly, even within a tradition. Some Christians include alcohol as a core part of their mo...

How can religious leaders take care of their mental health? from 2020-07-05T06:05

Religious clergy are supposed to provide comfort in times of crisis, which raises questions about who comforts the comforters. Today on God Forbid, James and the panel take a look at the wellbeing ...

Has the UN lived up to its promise 75 years on? from 2020-06-28T06:05

This year marks the 75th Anniversary of the signing of the UN charter. From the ashes of World War II came the United Nations - one global intergovernmental body, with the goal of maintaining peace...

Why write your own story? The purpose and power of memoir from 2020-06-21T06:05

Whether we share it or not, we all have our own story: where we grew up, what we have experienced, who has shaped us - and how we piece it altogether. But why would someone pen that story, publish ...

Faithful fashion — how can we make ethical choices about our clothing? from 2020-06-14T06:05

Did you know that Australians spend more on clothes, on average, than any other nation on earth, except America? For a warm nation, why do we need so many clothes – and what happens to the garments...

How COVID-19 is impacting homelessness in Australia from 2020-06-07T06:05

COVID-19 has changed the way we live at home. But how has it changed for those who don't have a home? And is our definition of “homeless” an accurate reflection of what’s really going on? This week...

Indigenous spirituality in a multicultural Australia from 2020-05-31T06:05

In secular society, it's easy to see life as compartmentalised. We work, then play, and - if we want - attend a religious service. But things weren’t always this way. Historically, and even globall...

Exploring Indonesia - faith, culture and politics from 2020-05-24T06:05

Over one million Australians visit Indonesia each year, but misconceptions about one of our closest neighbours abound. Indonesia has over 600 recognised ethnicities across 17,000 islands – it’s big...

Friendship, the forgotten love from 2020-05-17T06:05

A good friend will stick with you through the ups and downs of life. But why is friendship given so little attention compared to our other loves: romance, marriage and family? James and the panel e...

Does the media ‘get’ religion? from 2020-05-10T06:05

Around the globe, religion continues to shape the personal lives of many, and plays a hand in world affairs. Arguably, it’s getting more important, not less. So why does Australia only have a handf...

Living through lament from 2020-05-03T06:05

This year has been filled with private and public calamity - we have survived isolation, infection, bushfires, floods or worse! Join James Carleton and the panel as they look at grief in the midst ...

Law and liberty in the time of coronavirus from 2020-04-26T06:05

Australia has enjoyed freedom of movement, of association, and access to public services for as long as many of us can remember. Those rights are now gone – or restricted – due to COVID-19. Today, ...

In the company of one from 2020-04-19T06:05

This time of year is usually marked by gatherings and celebrations – but due to COVID-19 we’re going through a period of enforced isolation instead. Join James and our panel as they take a look at ...

Leaving your faith behind from 2020-04-05T06:05

In strange and difficult times, trust and faith can be quickly gained – and lost. Join James Carleton and the panel as they talk about leaving and losing their faith.

The COVID-19 conundrum from 2020-03-29T06:05

This week has left us with many unanswered questions: Are we so powerless that a microscopic bug can transform our world in weeks? And will the toilet paper in my house last the week? James Carlet...

Fun and games in sacred spaces from 2020-03-22T06:05

James Carleton and the God Forbid panel take a break from the crisis at hand to discuss how games and stories can enrich the spiritual lives of people no matter their age.

Answering the call in a confusing world from 2020-03-15T06:05

No, not a phone call, but a vocational call – not to a career necessarily, but to fulfil your life’s purpose. How do you figure out what that is? There’s too much to choose from!

How women of faith are changing the culture from 2020-03-08T06:05

It’s International Women’s Day! Join Justine Toh and the panel as they celebrate women’s achievements, fight stereotypes and explore how religious commitment can help – rather than harm – the femal...

The spiritual crisis of parenting from 2020-03-01T06:05

People say there's nothing that can quite prepare you to be a parent. That's probably because through the highs and lows, you learn as much about the best (and worst) of yourself as you do about yo...

Why religions say humans have intrinsic value from 2020-02-23T06:05

Australia is a secular society, but there's a religious claim that forms part of the foundation of its liberal democratic values: That all people, regardless of circumstance, have intrinsic value. ...

Spiritual care in the midst of disaster from 2020-02-16T06:05

Disaster recovery chaplains have had their longest summer in years. The drought, bushfires and now floods have ravaged the country and left thousands in need of support. Guest host Justine Toh spea...

What Buddhism offers the West from 2020-02-09T06:05

Buddhism is one of the fastest-growing religions in the country, but it seems Australia is changing Buddhism just as much as Buddhism is changing Australia. James Carleton and the God Forbid panel ...

How medieval mystics shape faith today from 2020-02-02T06:05

For all history people claim to have mystical experiences - a sense of timeless oneness with the universe or with God. It's not proof of the existence of the divine, but there is something going on...

How do we know what we know? from 2020-01-26T06:05

If something is true, you should be able to prove it. Sounds reasonable, but is it correct? James Carleton and the God Forbid panel investigate the nature of knowledge and the philosophy of science.

How religion dominated headlines in 2019 from 2019-12-08T06:05

Religion was everywhere in 2019, and it looks like 2020 will be no different. James Carleton and the God Forbid panel take a look at Australia's Pentecostal prime minister, religious freedom legisl...

'Tis the season to be singing from 2019-12-01T06:05

Is God in all music — both good and bad? On the first day of Advent, James Carleton and the panel look at the significance of religious music, from traditional hymns to contemporary hits.

Building sacred spaces from 2019-11-24T06:05

Why are mosques mainly round in shape, and why do many church buildings have long aisles? Join James Carleton and the panel as they unpack the rich heritage of religious architecture.

Is doubt the death of faith? from 2019-11-17T06:05

What's it like to question your foundational beliefs about life, death, God and the universe? Does doubt pave the way to a more robust faith — or a way to unshackle ourselves from religion altogeth...

Wild spirituality for a warming world from 2019-11-10T06:05

Scientists tell us we are in the middle of a climate crisis. There are many contributing factors, but could our theology be partly to blame? Guest host Justine Toh and the God Forbid panel explore ...

The future of faith is female from 2019-11-03T06:05

How much say do young women of faith have in their religious communities and society at large? Justine Toh and our all-female panel open up about the opportunities, challenges and their personal st...

Why sacred texts matter (even if you don't believe) from 2019-10-27T06:05

Bronze-age fantasies to some; words of God for others. But for better or worse, sacred texts have an undeniable influence on all our lives. James Carleton is joined by a Coptic Christian, a Muslim ...

How your diet reveals what you believe from 2019-10-20T06:05

Food. It's more than just calories — it forms the very basis of our culture and community. The God Forbid panel discusses everything from fasting to feasting, chickpeas to cannibalism.

Islam and the West — who controls the story? from 2019-10-13T06:05

It's been 18 years, but 9/11 is still affecting the lives of Muslims in the West. This week's God Forbid panel has a spirited discussion about sharia law, political Islam and Western colonialism in...

How faith helps (and harms) mental health from 2019-10-06T06:05

Modern psychology draws from the wisdom of religious tradition in the form of meditation and mindfulness, but is the Buddhist concept of 'no self' at odds with exploring who you are? During Mental ...

Confucianism's Chinese comeback from 2019-09-29T06:05

During the Cultural Revolution, Confucianism was seen as obsolete. Now as the People's Republic of China turns 70, Confucianism is resurgent and it's all thanks to the Chinese Government. It means ...

Don't call it a cult from 2019-09-22T06:05

What's the difference between a religion and a cult? These two religious studies professors say the distinction isn't useful, and that "cult" is pejorative. The God Forbid panel explores new religi...

Ageing well with dementia from 2019-09-15T06:05

Over the next 40 years more than 6 million Australians will have some form of dementia — most likely Alzheimer's disease. That means nearly all of us will either have dementia, or love someone that...

Does self-help actually help? from 2019-09-08T06:05

What's the best way to live? Many people claim to know the answer, but nobody can agree! James Carleton and the God Forbid panel take a look at some of the more popular advice, from Jordan Peterson...

Navigating the politics of identity from 2019-09-01T06:05

In our search for meaning, "Who am I?" is one of the most fundamental questions we ask. Today, our identities are formed by a cluster of (sometimes contradictory!) traits — religion, race, gender a...

Finding moral leadership in a populist age from 2019-08-25T06:05

As confidence in our Westminster system of parliamentary democracy erodes, we seem to long for a leader — any leader — to save us. But no one person can be and do everything, and our politics was n...

What would a treaty mean for Indigenous people? from 2019-08-18T06:05

Over two years ago, 250 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders from all around Australia met at Uluru. At the base of the gigantic rock, they agreed to enshrine a first nations voice into th...

What's the point of interfaith dialogue? from 2019-08-11T06:05

Peaceful solutions to the world’s problems are hard to find — and religious tensions are part of the problem. What needs to happen so we can all share in the bounty of peace? James Carleton joins a...

How liberation theology changed the church and the world from 2019-08-04T06:05

The 60s and 70s were a time of countercultural liberation, and the Christian church was not immune — especially in South America. Liberation theology grew out of the slums of Peru, proclaiming a "p...

What is hell, and does anyone go there? from 2019-07-28T06:05

In popular culture, hell is often depicted as a place full of flames, demons and screaming people. Is this what Christians really believe? Join James and our panel of Christian theologians — each w...

The art of spirituality from 2019-07-21T06:05

For all of human history we've had religion and we've had art — and the two have remained inextricably linked. We're not just talking about Da Vinci's Last Supper, or Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel...

Facing Doomsday from 2019-07-14T06:05

One thing is certain — the world as we know it will one day end. But exactly when and how is a lot more ambiguous. Join James and our panel of doomsday experts as they prepare to face the end.

A matter of life and death — the ethics of Voluntary Assisted Dying from 2019-06-30T06:05

Voluntary assisted dying was recently legalised in Victoria — is this a progressive step forward for human rights, or a departure from some fundamental understanding about the value of human life?

How free should speech be? from 2019-06-23T06:05

Free speech is great, except when it's not. And a free press is necessary for a healthy democracy, but should there be limits to what gets published? In this holy hot potatoes edition the God Forbi...

Buddhist women on ordination and enlightenment from 2019-06-16T06:05

In Taiwan, there are far more Buddhist nuns than Buddhist monks. But in other countries like Thailand, the ordination of women is not officially recognised. James Carleton and a panel of ordained w...

When should you question your beliefs? from 2019-06-09T06:05

When was the last time you changed your mind over something significant? Not just what to have for breakfast, when to take the next holiday, or even where to live — but something that challenged yo...

There's a loneliness epidemic. What can we do? from 2019-06-02T06:05

Loneliness affects one in four Australians, according to a report by the Australian Psychological Society. Why is it so hard to talk about, even though it's so common? James and the panel look at t...

Finding faith in fiction from 2019-05-26T06:05

Recently one of Australia's best-known poets, Les Murray, passed away at the age of eighty. James Carleton and the panel remember Murray and discuss how his faith influenced his writing.

Religious restrictions are on the rise from 2019-05-19T06:05

Restrictions on people of faith around the world — imposed by governments, individuals and groups — are increasing, not decreasing. James and the panel navigate the complexities of religious persec...

How religious press is covering the election from 2019-05-12T06:05

As the election campaign draws to a close, the God Forbid panel explores how the small but vibrant religious and ethnic community press engages with federal politics.

Is there life after grief? from 2019-05-05T06:05

All of us will experience grief and the loss of a loved one at some point in our lives, but why is it so hard to come to terms with? The God Forbid panel looks at grief and mortality.

Singled out — being unmarried and religious from 2019-04-28T06:05

"Why aren't you married yet?" Being single is a stigma in faith-based communities which extol marriage and family. Guest host Justine Toh and the God Forbid panel explore why being single doesn't m...

Why'zombie Jesus'might not be blasphemous after all from 2019-04-21T06:05

You can buy a zombie Jesus t-shirt on Amazon — but was Jesus undead? Join guest host Justine Toh and the God Forbid panel as they explore what Easter means for our bodies, our economics and even th...

Reading, writing, arithmetic — and religion from 2019-04-14T06:05

What's God got to do with education? James Carleton gets schooled in funding, religious literacy and school chaplains.

Going without in the 21st century from 2019-04-07T06:05

For centuries, Lent has been a period of fasting and sacrifice, but tradition rarely stays traditional. A Catholic archbishop, a Zen master and a social justice-seeking pastor give their take on wh...

Exploring extremism, abuse and burnout from 2019-03-31T06:05

Religious and ethical issues have dominated what has already been a huge year of news. In the first hot potatoes episode of 2019, the God Forbid panel looks back on the headlines and examines radic...

What transgender leaders teach us about God from 2019-03-24T06:05

Is God beyond gender? What about humans? This week Christian and Jewish trans women describe coming out while in ministry and what it taught them about the divine.

Hinduism — where's the beef? from 2019-03-17T06:05

As the Holi festival approaches, we revisit one of our favourite episodes about Hinduism, one of the most ancient religions still practised today, and while most religious communities in Australia ...

How far does the Catholic Church need to reform? from 2019-03-10T06:05

The conviction of Cardinal George Pell has shaken Catholics across the country and around the world. The God Forbid panel discusses what it means for Catholic identity, ecclesiastical power and ref...

Small but mighty — Quakers and Buddhists from 2019-03-03T06:05

Sometimes small religions achieve extraordinary things. James Carleton is joined by a Quaker and a Zen Buddhist to explore how minority faiths can still have a big impact on society, even in the mi...

How much money is too much money? from 2019-02-24T06:05

Should the government tax the rich to help the poor? Christianity has a lot to say about economics, so James Carleton is joined by an economist and a tax justice advocate to explore Christian ideas...

A lover's guide to God from 2019-02-17T06:05

In once way or another, we’ve been falling in love for all recorded history. A Buddhist monk, Christian minister and Muslim scholar join forces to talk about love — what is it, and what does it com...

How evolution isn't as selfish as we thought from 2019-02-10T06:05

In the survival of the fittest, how do the meek inherit the earth? James Carleton is joined by two prominent Anglican theologians with very different ideas to discuss evolution, the ordination of w...

What intelligent machines tell us about ourselves from 2019-02-03T06:05

The computer scientist Alan Turing said the standard for artificial intelligence is for a machine to be mistaken for a human by other humans. This already happens today, and AI is only getting more...

Is religious freedom under threat? from 2019-01-27T06:05

This year is already shaping up to be a big one for religion and politics. In response to the passage of same-sex marriage, the Ruddock Review into religious freedom concluded Australia needs a rel...

Indigenous Christianity isn't black and white from 2019-01-13T06:05

Jesus said for his followers to go and make disciples of all nations, but it feels like something went wrong. James Carleton speaks to Aboriginal Christians Brooke Prentis and Kathleen Butler to fi...

The hottest (and holiest) issues of 2018 from 2018-12-09T06:05

We live in a world of hot takes that are here today and gone tomorrow, but some issues have been baking all year. It’s time to round out 2018 with a final ‘holy hot potatoes’. Our God Forbid panel ...

Hanukkah and Advent kindle light in the darkness from 2018-12-02T06:05

For the first time in 27 years, this Sunday marks the first day of both Hanukkah and Advent. For Jews, Hanukkah is a celebration of Jewish identity and practise. For Christians, Advent is a time of...

African-Australians keep the faith from 2018-11-25T06:05

Since its introduction to Ethiopia in the first century, Christianity has grown across Africa over 2,000 years creating immense and resilient communities of faith. The God Forbid panel examines Afr...

Spell books, spaceships and superheroes from 2018-11-18T06:05

You don’t have to include faith or belief when writing fiction, so why do we see religious themes crop up again and again in our most popular pop culture? The God Forbid panel goes to infinity and ...

Sacred soldiers: Remembering World War I from 2018-11-11T06:05

The first Remembrance Day services were explicitly Christian, but as Australia has become more religiously diverse the Anzac legend has taken on the qualities of a secular, civic religion. The God ...

Saudi Arabia: An uneasy alliance from 2018-11-04T06:05

A 300-year-old deal between Sunni clerics and Saudi royals continues to shape Saudi Arabia, but the new crown prince is keen for reform while strengthening his iron grip on power. Meanwhile, seemin...

Saints, souls and spooks from 2018-10-28T06:05

Halloween is a day Australians either love, or love to hate. But it’s not all spooky scary skeletons, it’s also Allhallowtide – a set of holy days when Catholics venerate saints in heaven and pray ...

The end is nigh! from 2018-10-21T06:05

Whether it’s a zombie apocalypse, environmental devastation or God coming to judge all humanity, we love to imagine the end of the world. Many faiths and cultures predict the end of days – but why?...

Heaven on Earth: Religion in the Pacific from 2018-10-14T06:05

The Bible arrived in the South Pacific in the hands of missionaries and colonisers in the 19th century. But the locals took it as their own — making today’s South Pacific among the most Christian r...

Peeking through the Berlin wall from 2018-10-07T06:05

Germany celebrates 28 years of reunification this week as Lutherans around Australia meet for their Triennial Synod. Guest host Joe Gelonesi explores how churches helped reunite Germany by making s...

Man, oh man! from 2018-09-30T06:05

According to some religions, traditional roles for men and women have come from God. But today, those roles aren’t as clear as they used to be and it’s having an effect. What does modern masculinit...

Confession and abuse from 2018-09-23T06:05

If you have a secret, there's a sense that others can't really know who you are unless you confess. Confession has become a burning hot topic in the wake of the Royal Commission into child sexual a...

Is DNA divine? from 2018-09-16T06:05

The idea that biology has no purpose has been mainstream scientific thinking for a hundred years. But why does scientist Denis Alexander think otherwise? He joins James on the panel along with ou...

Happy New Year! from 2018-09-09T06:05

September 11 is an ominous date, but this year it’s also a day of festivity. It’s the start of a new year for Coptic Orthodox Christians, Jews and Muslims. James Carleton is joined by a Sheikh, a R...

Beyond'new atheism' from 2018-09-02T06:05

About a third of Australians don’t follow a religion, but that doesn’t mean they’re all disciples of Richard Dawkins. Even though they disavow organised religion, some atheists are irrational and e...

The political merry-go-round from 2018-08-26T06:05

As the political merry-go-round spins faster and faster, the Australian public clings on for dear life. James Carleton and the God Forbid panel look at the state of Australian politics and ask: is ...

The business of charity from 2018-08-19T06:05

Charity is a virtue that’s almost universally applauded, but institutionalised not-for-profits aren’t nearly as uncontroversial. Is it really a virtue if you can write it off as a tax deduction? Sh...

The spiritual side of travel from 2018-08-12T06:05

Travel: It’s a break, a getaway, a rite of passage. Religious pilgrimage is one thing, but even journeys for leisure can result in the traveller “finding oneself”. People who would never step foot ...

Do we need to rethink disability? from 2018-08-05T06:05

Jesus healed the blind and the lame, so how do people with disabilities fit in at churches today? Far from being open to all, some church buildings have literal barriers to entry. Meanwhile, disabl...

Working it out from 2018-07-29T06:05

Work can often become a dry repetitive task. You clock in, clock out, then do it all over again. Yet it’s also a large part of our lives, our identity and even language – When we introduce ourselve...

Artificial intelligence: Activating humanity's god mode from 2018-07-22T06:05

The heyday of World of Warcraft saw online players interacting together and forming guilds. Today, artificial intelligence is sophisticated enough that computers are beginning to fill that role ins...

Are animals friends or food? from 2018-07-15T06:05

We may all love puppies and kittens and want them treated well, but what rights – if any – should a fish have, or a cockroach? Kumi Taguchi joins two vegans – a Buddhist veterinarian and an animal-...

NAIDOC Week: The women who inspire us from 2018-07-08T06:05

Women in Christian leadership is a controversial topic in many churches, but for Indigenous Christians, women have been vital to the wellbeing of their communities. James Carleton speaks with three...

The Japanese paradox from 2018-07-01T06:05

Ritual is big in Japan, but faith isn’t. It’s the only country where you can be born Shinto, marry Christian and die Buddhist, but up to 80 per cent of Japanese people say they’re not religious. Wh...

Does religion make you happier? from 2018-06-24T06:05

Some people say religion makes their lives better, but does that mean they’re happier? If you could be happy some other way, would you bother with the religion? Whether you believe happiness is par...

Holy hot potatoes: Freedom edition from 2018-06-17T06:05

Australians all let us rejoice, for we are young and free! But how free are we really? James Carleton sits down with an Opus Dei bishop and a Uniting Church theologian to find out what happens when...

Does good spiritual health equal good mental health? from 2018-06-10T06:05

If you believe God is in control of all things, experiencing anxiety and depression can be a shock to the system. This week, James Carleton speaks to an Anglican minister and a Muslim slam poet – b...

Ramadan: Gotta go fast from 2018-06-03T06:05

It’s Ramadan — a holy month in the Islamic calendar for fasting and prayer. But it’s also about family and community, and many of the traditions around Ramadan get to the heart of what it means to ...

Who was the Buddha anyway? from 2018-05-27T06:05

Buddhists around the world celebrate the birth, death and enlightenment of the Buddha all on the same holy day – Vesak. Aspects of Buddhism are popular in the West, with mindfulness and meditation ...

Israel: Orthodox and Reform from 2018-05-20T06:05

As Israel marks its 70th birthday, Palestine mourns Nakba – the catastrophe. This week Jews celebrate the gift of the Torah during Shavuot. Israel was founded as a Jewish state, but does every expr...

Darling, you look divine from 2018-05-13T06:05

The Met Gala is the high holy day of everything fashionable and fabulous, and this year’s theme brought together Vogue and the Vatican. Inspired by the heavenly looks on display, James Carleton and...

Is there another schism forming in the Catholic Church? from 2018-05-06T06:05

Is the Pope a Catholic? Some believers aren’t quite sure. Since his election in 2013, Pope Francis has become one of the most controversial pontiffs in hundreds of years. Will the church veer into ...

Holy hot potatoes: 2 holy 2 hot from 2018-04-29T06:05

Alright everyone, preheat your ovens, pray a blessing on your spuds and break out the sour cream – it’s time for some more holy hot potatoes. This week James Carleton feasts on the spicy issues fou...

A Christian and an atheist walk into a bar... from 2018-04-22T06:05

It’s no joke: For people of every faith – or none – whether you take alcohol or drugs is a big deal. But the rules vary wildly, even within a tradition. Some Christians include alcohol as a core pa...

Vaisakhi: Connecting Sikhs and Hindus since 1699 from 2018-04-15T06:05

It’s Vaisakhi – the most holy say in the Sikh calendar. And while we’re at it, happy Hindu new year! In Australia, even though Sikhism and Hinduism make up only a small part of the religious patchw...

When is sport more than just a game? from 2018-04-08T06:05

Australians are becoming increasingly irreligious, but our devotion to sport is unwavering. As Australia tests its mettle at the Commonwealth Games, the national cricket team’s ball tampering has t...

The gift of a second chance from 2018-04-01T06:05

Oops! You’ve done wrong, and now you cannot pass Go, and you do not collect $200. We generally agree that to err is human, and to forgive is divine – but is forgiveness always possible? On the inte...

Indigenous Christianity: It's not black and white from 2018-03-25T06:05

Jesus said for his followers to go and make disciples of all nations, but it feels like something went wrong. James Carleton speaks to Aboriginal Christians Brooke Prentis and Kathleen Butler to fi...

Who can claim credit for the Enlightenment? from 2018-03-18T06:05

Sure, the Enlightenment was good, but it wasn’t everything. At least, that’s what these thinkers say. In this episode James Carleton hears about the past, present and future of western democracy.

Is God a feminist? from 2018-03-11T06:05

Feminism can be seen as an F-word in communities of faith, and given what’s said about women in many holy texts, feminists can be just as sceptical of religion. James Carleton speaks with two reli...

Fabulous and faithful from 2018-03-04T06:05

On the 40th anniversary of Mardi Gras, James Carleton asks, is it possible to be fabulous and faithful? Godly and gay? Holy and homosexual? Same-sex marriage is now law of the land, but LGBTIQ peop...

Holy hot potatoes! from 2018-02-25T06:05

Religion is full of issues you wouldn’t raise in polite company, but this week James Carleton is joined by two firebrand Catholics who aren’t afraid to tuck into the issues others find too hot to h...

Conversion: Think different from 2018-02-18T06:05

The classic slogan from Apple aimed to convert Windows users to a different operating system, but don’t worry, we’re not trying to sell you anything—we’re talking changing religion.

Iran: Revolution, religion and reform from 2018-02-11T06:05

It’s only been 39 years since Iran went from Shah to sharia. Replacing 2500 years of Persian monarchy with a new Islamic republic isn’t exactly simple – so where to from here?

Helping the haves and have-nots from 2018-02-04T17:05

What happens when the rich and poor come together to worship?

Hello? Who's calling? from 2018-01-28T06:05

No, not a phone call, but a vocational call – not to a career necessarily, but to fulfil your life’s purpose. How do you figure out what that is? There’s too much to choose from!

Can you make a rational case for Christianity? from 2018-01-21T06:05

Sorry not sorry, we’re exploring apologetics. James Carleton is joined by an ex-Mormon atheist and a Christian apologist who, amongst other things, once gave a Bible to a senior Taliban leader.

Seeking Sikhism through slam and song from 2018-01-14T06:05

Sikhism has quietly contributed to Australian society for the last 150 years – it wouldn’t be the same country without it!

Radical religion from 2018-01-07T06:05

Does religion cause violence?

Hinduism – where’s the beef? from 2017-12-31T06:05

Hinduism is one of the most ancient religions still practised today, and while most religious communities in Australia are shrinking, Hinduism grows.

What’s the secret to happiness? from 2017-12-24T06:05

What does it mean to be happy, even amongst despair?

Probing the religious fringe from 2017-12-17T06:05

James Carleton is joined by a cult-busting expert, a former cult member and a six-foot lesbian ex-Mormon to probe the world of sects and cults.

Living clean to feel serene from 2017-12-10T06:05

People used to get that inner-glow through karma or Christ, but now it can be achieved through cleansing, contemplation and colonics.

God and pop culture from 2017-12-03T06:05

James Carleton is joined by two Christians who seek to find the divine spark in screen and song.

Money! Money! Money! from 2017-11-26T06:05

Do you buy stuff you never use? And then do you throw it away? Is it choice, or is there something more destructive going on ?

The myths that make us from 2017-11-19T06:05

From Homer’s Odyssey to Luke Skywalker in Star Wars, the hero myth is ubiquitous. Sacred stories are fundamental to the major religions, too. So, how relevant are these ancient myths in modern soci...

Christianity, science, reason from 2017-11-12T06:05

How compatible are the sciences with religion and belief?

Anti -Semitism from 2017-11-05T06:05

Antisemitism: It’s sometimes called the oldest hatred.

The Reformation from 2017-10-29T06:05

500 years ago, Martin Luther took on the biggest power in Europe: the Catholic Church.

Faith and caring for the environment from 2017-10-22T06:05

This week, five Anglican archbishops urged world leaders to keep their promises ahead of climate summit in Bonn, Germany, next month.

War, religion and peace activism from 2017-10-15T06:05

Are the "ethics" of war and torture an oxymoron? And George Gittoes, the Australian artist known as the peace activist who goes to war zones.

The future of faith from 2017-10-08T06:05

In a country where a growing number are identifying as atheists, where do young people stand? Evangelicals are the biggest group of Christians on university campuses, but is that reflected elsewh...

Jews and Judaism from 2017-10-01T06:05

The Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur took place Saturday September 30. It is the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.

Women and Islam from 2017-09-24T06:05

What does it mean to be a feminist in Saudi Arabia? And how should we navigate the politics of head coverings? This week, three Muslim women from vastly different backgrounds tackle the common misc...

Same Sex Marriage from 2017-09-17T06:05

As the postal survey on same sex marriage gets underway, we take a look at the arguments of the 'YES' and ' NO' campaigns , including some unexpected ones.

Death, dying and grief from 2017-09-10T06:05

It was the late psychiatrist Dr Elisabeth Kubler-Ross's book On Death and Dying that changed our attitudes to death and grief. Kubler-Ross was passionate about palliative care and what she saw as ...

The Partition of India from 2017-09-03T06:05

What purpose does partition serve? It's 75 years since the sub-continent was divided into India and Pakistan, and later, Bangladesh. But what does it mean when as many Muslims live in India as they...

Pilgrimage from 2017-08-27T06:05

It's a journey of a lifetime taken by many people of faith to seek healing, to find out what's important in life, or to walk in the steps of the prophets.

Witchcraft, Paganism and Satanism from 2017-08-20T06:05

We're culturally fascinated by witchcraft  – and Satanism - and the mysterious side of religion.

Technology, science and religion from 2017-08-13T06:05

For science week, God Forbid takes a forensic look at social media, military and medical technology.

Sex Education from 2017-08-06T06:05

Salt 'n Pepa's 90s song Let's Talk About Sex was a hit among young people, but it's a subject that can still be awkward to talk about with your kids. And in the religious world, sex education ...

Losing my religion from 2017-07-30T06:05

What happens when you can no longer ignore those doubts about your faith?

Faith in a secular country from 2017-07-23T06:05

Australia is increasingly becoming a secular country. No longer is the church dominant in public and social affairs, and following the sex abuse scandal that's rocked it, the church has lost m...

Comedy, Satire and Religion from 2017-07-16T06:05

A well-timed joke is truly a blessing, but can one laugh about their religion? What about somebody else's?

Women and religion from 2017-07-09T06:00

Historically they haven't gotten much recognition - and in many traditions they are barred from becoming clergy - but without women religious life would grind to a halt. In this episode we hear fro...

Small faiths, big beliefs: Minority religions in Australia from 2017-07-02T06:00

Religion! It's not just about Christians and Muslims, you know. Minority faiths comprise an important part of the Australian religious landscape. In this best-of episode, James Carleton finds out a...

What's the secret to happiness? from 2017-06-25T06:00

A clinical psychologist, a mindfulness practitioner, and a positive psychology expert join forces to discover if heaven really is a place on earth.

Identity politics: Indigenous, Muslim and Syrian Perspectives from 2017-06-18T06:05

No matter how you feel about identity politics, it’s changing political discourses. This week, James Carlton asks how our ethnic and religious identities affect our approach to the world.

Being Christian in an increasingly secular country? from 2017-06-11T06:05

This week we ask the God Forbid panel is it hard to come out as Christian in an increasingly secular country?

Sikhs in Australia from 2017-06-04T06:05

The little known history of Sikhs in Australia has many surprises

Extremism, its survivors and those fighting back from 2017-05-28T06:05

Fighting terrorism needn't be on the battlefield. Our two guests have used satire and comedy to challenge religious extremism. And we go to the Top End to talk to the first rapper in Indigenous l...

Hinduism, India and the diaspora from 2017-05-21T06:05

A very special edition this week because we have two Hindus you won’t forget. Therefore it’s Gods Forbid.

Politics in the churches from 2017-05-14T06:05

Should religions be be politically engaged? What does it mean to be progressive? Or conservative?

Religious persecution, the Bahá'í and loving your enemy. from 2017-05-07T06:05

This week, we talk to members of the Bahá'í community, an Anglican priest here in Sydney e to take part in theatre sports, legendary music maker Lo...

God Forbid: Science vs Religion ? from 2017-04-30T06:05

There's probably more than a middle point here

Music and healing, Muslims in the media from 2017-04-23T06:05

Homelessness from 2017-04-16T06:05

This week, we hear stories of adversity, change and resilience.

The man who was on your TV screens for 25 years, now homeless.

...