Surrogacy – carrying and giving birth to a baby for someone else – has been around at least since biblical times. But as the industry and fertility science advances, Christians and feminists remain divided on the issue.  

Religion: it’s at the centre of world affairs, but profound questions still remain.

Love feels the same now as thousands of years ago, yet the rules around it are changing. On God Forbid, join James Carleton and the panel as they explore love in ancient times, to romance and dating today.

Exactly where do ideas and creative inspiration come from? ANd how do we explain when someone is 'blocked'; when the creative line goes dead? And what can be done about it?

Where we are really going when we walk or run – is it about finding the post-pain pleasure of endurance, or perhaps something more: self-awareness, meaning, or even wisdom? 

More of us in the West are seeking the help of shamans and psychedelic medicines. But why? And do they help?

What do Buddhism, Christianity and Islam say about eating meat? And how do believers navigate ethical concerns around the farming, exporting and slaughter of animals? 

Is it ok to lie to kids in order to protect them from harmful truths? And how can we raise them to be resilient, intellectually-critical adults?

Debates about funding and faith in schools has long been bitter and divisive in Australian history, and it continues until this day. So what makes a good school? And do schools help or hurt in the quest for the Aussie fair go?

Our youth obsessed culture is so pervasive that even calling someone an old woman or an old man can carry a negative meaning – but why should it? Old age can be the time when you find your most authentic self and the key to living well. 

Australia's religious landscape is complex and changing, so how should religion be reported on in the 21st century? As RN celebrates its 100th birthday, the panel reflects on what good religion reporting takes in an era of fake news, Tik Tok journalism and mainstream media distrust.

It was an ancient preoccupation, and now it's a modern obsession. So how has something as universal as sleep remained so mysterious? And what can the cultural and religious history of sleep, dreaming and insomnia teach us today?

Many people find purpose, value, and joy in work – even if it's not a dream job. But on the flip side, many are repelled by the hustle culture and burnout that comes from increased casualisation, unpaid overtime and labour shortages. On God Forbid we explore how, when, and why we work.

How is it that the physical brain can give rise to our subjective, intangible conscious experience? Why and how are we aware of being aware? It remains one of the great philosophical and scientific questions, and our God Forbid panel are here to discuss it.

You might think our belief in monsters is dead or dying – a superstitious relic. But regardless of the place on earth, or time in history, people say they see strange apparitions and ghostly figures. And as for things unseen, even more profess a belief in genies, spirits, angels and supernatural entities. 

How can a better understanding of what actually happened in a rapidly changing Europe and Middle East, 500 to 1,000 years ago, help us navigate complexities in the world today?

When it comes to addiction, why does the twelve step program work brilliantly for some, and fail miserably for others? And what are the spiritual roots of the program? 

Magic as we know it today is performance art, harmless entertainment –  from Penn and Teller to Siegfried and Roy, David Copperfield to Harry Houdini. But, magic, past and present, is stranger, richer and more complex than you imagine.

The rise of religious populism, and rejection of secularism, means the old demarcations of theocratic and secular, democratic and dictatorial are blurring. So what does it mean for the citizens living under these hybrid forms of government?

What do Buddhism, Christianity and Islam say about eating meat? And how do believers navigate the ethical concerns around the farming, exporting and slaughter of animals? 

Love feels the same now as thousands of years ago, yet the rules around it are changing. On God Forbid, join James Carleton and the panel as they explore love in ancient times, to romance and dating today.

Is there a religious aspect to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine? What are the ethics of an autonomous weapon killing a human? Do mercenary groups believe in the principles of 'Just War'? And where is ISIS?

On the 50th anniversary of JRR Tolkien’s death, we take a closer look at how Catholicism influenced his writing, his relationship with God, and the wondrous cosmos he created in his legendary stories.

What do Jains, Zoroastrians and Baha'is believe? – We explore beliefs, history and rituals, to the challenges facing their communities today.

Spirituality on social media: How TikTok is changing the way we engage with religion

Just what did God look like and how did he lose his bodily self?

There’s been a battle going on over when, how, or even if, our children should be taught about sex and sexuality in schools.

Is Australia a secular state, where religion is truly separate from politics? 

Can we be truly religious and wealthy at the same time?

For RN's Flesh week, a look at Sikh hair practices and Jewish circumcision.

Is organised religion predisposed to discrimination?

There's a long history of comedians making jokes about religion, but where is the line drawn between offensive and funny?

An acclaimed poet and an Anglican minister discuss being up close and personal with death, and the lessons it taught them about time, the value of care, and life itself. 

In a world where everything is screaming for our attention, we find out how reading offers a refuge from distraction, nourishes us and feeds our souls.

Should we be worried about deathbots? Why does 'ghosting' cause so much grief? And, do our online personas go through reinvention — or reincarnation — in our search for relevance? This is part two in our series on the digital life span.

Can 'authenticity' exist on Instagram? Is it OK for 'mumfluencers' to monetise their children? And why are teens turning to TikTok to share trauma stories? We're diving into the metaverse for a special two-part series on how we're memorialising our lives online. 

If repairing our long-fractured relationship with the animal world is the key to our survival, what is the way back?

Indian prime minister Narendra Modi last visited Australia in 2014, to much fanfare. Since then, major political and religious conflicts have played out in India, and within the Indian diaspora, over the rise of Hindu nationalism.

One of the big promises of artificial intelligence was the supposed end to the drudgery of work. But the rapid advance of AI in the workplace has raised an urgent question: just who are we without the work we do?  If it turns out work is in fact an intrinsic part of our humanity, is there anything at all we can do to protect it? 

On God Forbid, we scale the spiritual mountain with a Buddhist nun and Anglican priest and ask, what really is the highest state that humans can reach? 

The 'manosphere' is an online network of misogynistic groups. Concerningly, their violent and demeaning messages about women are appealing to a section of young men. On God Forbid, we explore the manosphere and masculinity in the digital age.

Does a religious childhood inspire an appetite for spirituality in adulthood, or aversion to doctrine, or some messy blend of the two?

One in five of us are in a neuro-minority. But stigma remains, along with deficit models in understanding neurodiversity. So how do we shift this thinking? And what can we learn from unique ways of seeing and being in the world?

Exactly where do ideas and creative inspiration come from? And how do we explain when someone is 'blocked'; when the creative line goes dead? And what can be done about it?

Three millennial comedians on growing older, meaning-making at mid-life and the case for optimism. 

Today's world of transportation means that planes, trains, cars, and electric scooters get us to our destination. Yet we still walk and run off our own steam – but often without destination. Not always for a clear goal, but for the journey itself. On God Forbid, join James Carleton and the panel for the final in our three-part series on daily rituals. They find out, where we are really going when we walk or run – is it about finding the post-pain pleasure of endurance, or perhaps something more: self-awareness, meaning, or even wisdom? 

In Australia, the sea encapsulates more than the landmass but our culture, too

80 percent of Australian households have a garden. The ritual and journey of gardening can be frustrating, rewarding, and even awe inspiring. Yet for most, gardening is not a religious practice, despite how religiously some of us practice it. So then why do Australians spend so many hours and dollars on their gardens? Join James Carleton and the panel as they kick off daily rituals series, starting with the practice of gardening. 

This year, Israel marks its 75th birthday. But for nearly two months, there have not been celebrations, but mass protests across the Jewish state. It's been called the "Israeli spring" – triggered by December's election of Benjamin Netanyahu's government. And all this at a time when violence between Jews and Palestinians is increasing. On God Forbid, join James Carleton and our panellists visiting from the Holy Land, as they look at protest, and peace building in Israel. 

Have we lost our appetite for intervening; of standing in the way of perceived wrongs?

None of us are born religious fundamentalists, or political ideologues – so what are the conditions that lead us towards such unshakable positions? And once we do become rusted-on, dyed-in-the-wool, certain of our certainties – what is the way back?

It’s no secret the human species has been waging a long and costly war – and the enemy is ageing. So, what's at the heart of our pursuits to stay young; a love of life, or a fear of death? And if we deny the realities of growing old, does that mean we miss out on its benefits? On God Forbid, join James Carleton and the panel as they find out what it looks like to age well in a society preoccupied with looking young.

From the bitter conflicts of Northern Ireland and Cambodia, to today's flammable politics of the United states, how do we find peace when it seems impossible?

More of us in the West are seeking the help of shamans and psychedelic medicines. But why? And do they help?

Specialists say screen and gaming disorders affect tens of thousands of Australian children. The issue has led several academics, child psychologists and psychiatrists to sign a joint statement calling for urgent government action. Still, there remains debate about whether 'tech addiction' is a genuine thing at all. Is it really time to declare a war on devices? Or should we just leave those kids alone? Join James Carleton and the God Forbid panel as they discuss tech, teenagers and device addiction.

The famous psychiatrist and holocaust survivor, Viktor Frankl, wrote that an outsider would be astonished to hear of the humour that existed in Auschwitz. He said humour was "the soul's weapons in the fight for self-preservation." But in today's era of cancel culture and comedy by committee, is the surest way to destroy a funny story to analyse it? And yet – analysis, light-hearted at least, is what we propose on this week's God Forbid. Join James Carleton and the panel as they wonder why we laugh at things that aren't a laughing matter, and where exactly, the boundary lines lie.

What does it mean to deconstruct one’s faith? What motivates someone to reassess their spiritual or religious path and dismantle their belief system? Is reconstruction also part of this process? On God Forbid this week, James Carleton and the panel tackle these questions and more as they look at the process, and the aftermath, of faith deconstruction.

Often you'll hear the term "rock bottom" used in the world of addiction and recovery, like in the Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. In fact, AA's Big Book, first published in 1953, says that few people will sincerely try to practice the AA program unless they have hit rock bottom. So is it true that you have to hit rock bottom before you can get better? On God Forbid, James Carleton and the panel take a look at addiction and recovery — the personal stories, and separating the myths from the facts.

There's a complex line between the science of mental health, the experience of spirituality, and practice of religion. All are distinct but so often interrelated. Is religion compatible with modern mental health science? Is your choice a prayer, or a pill? Join James Carleton and the panel as they look at the scientific, spiritual, cultural and personal aspects of mental health.

This year Northern Ireland turned 100. And much like Australia day, many celebrate — but many have regrets too. There's a fragile peace in Northern Ireland, after 40 years of violence in the troubles, and challenges remain today: from Brexit to the dream of a united Ireland. On God Forbid, James Carleton and the panel explore questions of identity, conflict, religion, and peace in Northern Ireland — but with universal lessons.

All of us have secrets. Things we keep from others, and secrets we keep from ourselves. Our families have secrets, each generation chooses what it tells the next. Our institutions keep secrets too, like religious institutions. But choosing to keep a secret can have different motivations, good and bad — so when should we keep a secret and when should we reveal the truth? On God Forbid, James Carleton and the panel take on ethics of secrets. 

1 in 5 of us are in a neuro-minority. But stigma remains, along with a deficit model in professional, medical and societal ways of understanding neurodiversity. So how do we shift this thinking? And what can we learn from unique ways of seeing and being in the world? On God Forbid, James Carleton and our panel explore neurodiversity and faith this International Day of People with Disabilities.

This episode originally aired on 27 March 2022. Contemporary Paganism is one of the few spiritual movements attracting a growing number of followers, particularly young people, each year. For some, Paganism is about connecting with and protecting their environment, for others it’s about regaining control of their world. On God Forbid, James Carleton and the panel explore contemporary Paganism; from myth busting and magic, to advocacy and climate change.  In this episode: Witches have always had a bad rap; both in the real world and make-believe. What does it mean to be a witch? Why has the stereotype endured for so long? Are young people the key to breaking down the barriers and dispelling the myths? What does Paganism look like in Australia, so far away, both in place and time, from its origins in ancient Europe? How do the Australian seasons align with Pagan rituals and practice? What is the typical path to Paganism? For many followers of Paganism, the environment plays a significant part in their spiritual practice. Ásatrú, the fastest growing religion in Iceland, encourages harmony with nature. With such emphasis on nature and the environment, how does Paganism respond in the face of climate change? Guests: Dr Caroline Tully is Associate Editor of The Pomegranate, the International Journal  of Pagan Studies, and one of the organisers of the Australian Wiccan Conference. She is also an author, archaeologist, lecturer, and Honorary Fellow in the School of Historical and Philosophical Studies at the University of Melbourne.  Stacey DeMarco is a member of the Pagan Awareness Network. She is the author of several books, including; "Witch in the Boardroom" and  "The Enchanted Moon". She herself identifies as a witch, pagan practitioner, and Meta-physicist. 

Private religious schools are growing in number — but it's in secular public schools that the debate about the role of religion is fierce. Some say public school is no place for private religion. Others say it's important for kids to learn about religion. And still others say there's a place for education on various worldviews. On God Forbid, James Carleton and the panel look at religious educations in schools.

A wave of protest is spreading across the world. People power is toppling governments – and governments are crushing protests. Globally, there’s protest over climate change, vaccines, and lockdowns; from corruption and poverty to Black Lives Matter, and there's protest for and against Trumpism as well. On God Forbid, James Carleton and the panel find out why it is happening, and what makes protests succeed or fail.

Depending on who you ask, an acceptance of uncertainty is fundamental to ethics, to religious faith, even to good mental health. For others, it's a lack of agreed meaning and relativism that guides the world toward disaster. So then, how should we navigate the fog of 21st century life? Join James Carleton and the panel as they explore whether living in an uncertain world require certain foundations —  shared truths and identities? Or is there a kind of freedom to be found in embracing uncertainty and unknowing?

"The wages of sin is death," says the Bible, and for a long time in Australia, that was a widely accepted wisdom. Today, an increasing number of Australians believe the concept of sin is antiquated, and perhaps unhelpful. But whether we believe in God or not, imperfection exists and we inevitably transgress —  and in our unforgiving culture, redemption can be elusive. On God Forbid, join James Carleton and the panel as they explore whether sin still matters, and how we understand the term in contemporary Australia.

As we approach Labor's first federal budget on Tuesday, is Australia facing an uncertain economic future? We’re experiencing rising inflation, government inheriting debt and deficit along with an increasing a cost-of-living. At such a time, should the government draw on altruism, or self interest?  What would help drive economic recovery – and could something beyond the bottom line help chart our course?

Anthropologists theorise that prayer coincided with the human capacity to think in the abstract. That means it's been around since the stone age — 150,000 years ago. Today the practice of prayer continues unabated for billions around the world. And one thing is for certain, prayer will be around for a lot longer than we will. On God Forbid, join James Carleton and the panel as they explore how, and why, we pray. 

Today, the term 'self-determination' refers to individuals: each of us claiming our right to personal independence and to determine who we are. But is that claim true, given that humans only exist in connection with others? What comes first – the identity of one, or the collective identities of all? On God Forbid, join James Carleton and the panel as they look at some fundamental questions about identity.

The Alcoholics Anonymous' Big Book, first published in 1953, says that few people will sincerely try to practice the AA program unless they've first hit rock bottom. So is it true that you have to get to the bottom before you can get better? On God Forbid, James Carleton and the panel take a look at addiction and recovery — the personal stories, and separating the myths from the facts.

The 77th session of the UN general assembly took place this week. And the consensus is in: the world is facing a profound crisis, on economic, environmental and political levels. In these times, hope can be a rare and valuable commodity, but why might hope still be necessary?

Is the surest way to destroy a funny story to analyse it? And yet – analysis, light-hearted at least, is what we propose on this week's God Forbid. Join James Carleton and the panel as they wonder about the reasons for dark humour, and whether there are lines that shouldn't be crossed.

Specialists say screen and gaming disorders affect tens of thousands of Australian children. The issue has led several academics, child psychologists and psychiatrists to sign a joint statement calling for urgent government action. Still, there remains debate about whether 'tech addiction' is a genuine thing at all. Is it really time to declare a war on devices? Or should we just leave those kids alone?

Do we simply not have the time or money to enable us to volunteer like we once did? Has our community life moved online, or has it evaporated? Join James Carleton and the God Forbid panel as they discuss giving, taking and volunteering in Australia.

The decline and secularisation of marriage comes amid other changing social dynamics. In one in four relationships, women are the main breadwinners. There are post-separation blended families, and of course we now have same-sex marriage. It's the final episode of our three-part series on births, deaths and marriages.

It's a simple fact of life that we will inevitably, one day, die. Yet we still find death, dying and grief difficult to talk about. On God Forbid, we look at what it means to die, and to grieve, in this current moment in Australia.

In modern Australia, what does it mean to be born, to live and love, and then to die? Across the next three episodes, God Forbid will be exploring births, deaths and marriages. In the first episode we explore one of the most fundamental and defining moments: birth.

Food is central to human society. We celebrate with food and we commiserate with food. At its most essential level, food keeps us alive. But today, food is also a commodity. For many Australians the cost of food is becoming an increasing strain, but for others, dining can be a symbol of wealth. Then there's also our ever-evolving diet culture. On God Forbid, James Carleton and our panel examine our cultural, ethical, and even spiritual relationship with food.

How can you stay connected to place or a sense of home, if you've been exiled from where you were born, or grew up? And what burdens come with finding yourself as a kind of spokesperson for those left behind? On God Forbid, we meet three panellists whose lives have been shaped by exile, due to politics or religion.

What happens if you find out you were taken from your birth family and brought up with an entirely different culture, religion, and even language?

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, James Carleton and the panel examine what the Bible is and its influence on the nation’s history and society.

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 - in differing ways - on the Hebrew Bible, or the Tanakh. Join James Carleton and the panel as they examine the Tanakh, and the text’s impact in history and on society today. 

In the most northern tip of Australia, Torres Strait Islanders celebrate their stories and culture for NAIDOC week, along with the missionaries who brought Christianity to the region.

What does it mean for humans to create technology that 'thinks'? Are there enough conversations around the big moral and spiritual questions of creating advanced technology? Plus, what are the implications of inserting AI into our lives? Join Breann Fallon and expert panel as they delve into the complexities of AI.

 Do we really need to suffer? There seems to be so much suffering in the world right now, but for what purpose? How do we respond to it? On this week’s episode of God Forbid, Breann Fallon and the panel focus on suffering and resilience, both personal and collective.

The revelation from US President Joe Biden that, in the last two decades, more school-aged children have died from guns than on-duty police and active-duty military combined, is a stark reminder of the tragic toll of gun violence. Religion, nationalism and politics all come into play in the heated gun debate. Guest presenter, Breann Fallon, explores faith and firearms with the panel on this week’s God Forbid.

Caroline Jones was not only a trailblazing journalist, but also a ground-breaking religious broadcaster. This week on God Forbid, James Carleton and the panel reflect upon the immense legacy of Caroline Jones and the changing nature of religious journalism in Australia.

Can compassion be transformative? While we might not associate being compassionate with being fierce, an act of compassion can be a powerful, even radical gesture. On God Forbid this week, James Carleton and the panel explore the positive power of compassion in testing times. 

Australia — much like the rest of the world — is experiencing a critical shortage of priests. Churches of various faiths are struggling to fill vacancies. So why aren’t more people answering the call? Join James Carleton and the God Forbid panel this week as they consider the growing problem of a shrinking clergy. 

What does it mean to deconstruct one’s faith? What motivates someone to reassess their spiritual or religious path and dismantle their belief system? This week on God Forbid, James Carleton and the panel explore the process, and the aftermath, of faith deconstruction.

There's a complex line between the science of mental health, the experience of spirituality, and practice of religion. All are distinct but so often interrelated. Is religion compatible with modern mental health science? Is your choice a prayer, or a pill? Join James Carleton and the panel as they look at the scientific, spiritual, cultural and personal aspects of mental health.

Australia is one of the only liberal democracies in the world without a Bill or a Charter of Rights. What protections are in place to safeguard our human rights, and are they enough? This week on God Forbid, co-presenters Breann Fallon and James Carleton and the panel explore the state of human rights in Australia, and consider whether a Bill of Rights will rectify the wrongs.

The right of all people to vote in elections, without any discrimination, is one of the most fundamental of all human rights and civil liberties. But when and why would that be taken away — if ever? Even here in Australia, is the right to vote truly equal? On God Forbid, co-presenters Breann Fallon and James Carleton examine the right to vote and the inequalities built into it.

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 political, course of history for so many? For this Easter episode of God Forbid, James Carleton and the panel explore the life of Jesus through a religious, political, and historical lens. 

In the Cold War era, we had the space race — the first satellite, first dog and first person in space. Today, it’s the private industry space race with billionaires launching rockets and taking space flights, accompanied by wealthy space tourists. This week on God Forbid, James Carleton and the panel look at the law and ethics surrounding today’s space race, and examine the wider space industry.

In 2019, one of Australia's best-known poets, Les Murray, passed away at the age of eighty. James Carleton and the panel discuss how Murray's faith influenced his writing, and examine the power of myth and story.

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 contemporary Paganism; from myth busting and magic, to advocacy and climate change. 

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, cultural, and historical links between Ukraine and Russia.

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 of youth and vitality? On God Forbid, James Carleton and our panel explore why the opportunities and challenges faced by university chaplains today are unlike other religious ministers.

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 Mardi Gras mean for sexuality and gender diverse people, religious or not? 

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 heavier than all life on earth — more than every plant, human and animal combined. On God Forbid, James Carleton and the panel explore the impact that our stuff has on the world, the economy and on our spiritual lives.

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. On God Forbid, James Carleton and our panel explore the different forms that 'being alone' can take, and what can be done.

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 Forbid, James Carleton and our panel take a look at how we're going with our new year's resolutions, one habit at a time.

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 beyond the happy-clappy stereotype and explore the complex mosaic of Pentecostalism.

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 inherited the earth? On God Forbid, James Carleton and our expert panel delve into the world of sci-fi, and explore where sci-fi and religion mingle.

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? James Carleton and the God Forbid panel explore.

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. 

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 relationship between art, humanity and the sacred with creatives Lindy Lee and Rod Pattenden.

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. 

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 like messaging, podcasts and even game streaming services. On God Forbid, James Carleton and the panel explore how Gen Z is engaging with religion, and how faith groups are responding.

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. James Carleton and the God Forbid panel explore the difference.

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 coming twelve months.

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. Join guest presenter Grant Lock, James Carleton and our panel as they chat about living with a disability, tackling discrimination, fighting for accessibility and more.

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 somewhat this year, our thirst for spending has been in overdrive. 

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 God Forbid, James Carleton and our panel explore the complex and contradictory world of exercise, fitness and body image. 

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 explore the 'kindness revolution'; where does our kindness stem from, how does it thrive during times of hardship, and what will kindness look like in a post-pandemic world?

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, James Carleton and the panel examine atheism, disbelief and what we really mean by 'religion'.

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 panel examine the nature of oaths, promises and lies. 

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 dialogues aim to achieve, and how effective are they? On God Forbid, James Carleton and our panel of religious leaders find out. 

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 hope and anxiety for Australian Catholics. James Carleton and the God Forbid panel examine what’s happened so far, and look forward to what could happen in the next session of the Plenary in 2022.

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 - in differing ways - on the Hebrew Bible, or the Tanakh. Join James Carleton and the panel as they examine the Tanakh, and the text’s impact in history and on society today. 

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 explore our relationship to work, the symptoms of being overworked, and how our job can affect our sense of identity.

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 cruelty laws. On God Forbid, James Carleton and panel examine what we eat from cultural, ethical and historical perspectives.

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 games and play. 

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, James Carleton and the panel examine what the Bible is and its influence on the nation’s history and society.

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 them, ignore them, or accept them on their own terms? James Carleton and the God Forbid panel seek the answers.

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 things like religious schools, religious clothing in public, tax exemptions and charitable status for religion? On God Forbid, James Carleton and the panel look at the religious exemptions that exist in our nation. 

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 Science Week, James Carleton and the God Forbid panel look at the law and ethics surrounding today’s space race and examine the wider space industry.

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 nature of existence. This Poetry Month, James Carleton panel explore everything from haiku to song lyrics.

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, nuclear medicine, nuclear meltdowns, nuclear science and technology and now the nuclear alternative energy source in the carbon constrained contemporary context.

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 and politics. On God Forbid, James Carleton and the panel take a look at sectarianism.

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 spiritual sides of our wellbeing to consider. On God Forbid, James Carleton and the panel take a look at the impacts of the pandemic beyond just our physical wellbeing.

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 Forbid, James Carleton and the panel examine the impacts of the Delta variant – and the vaccine rollout – on local, national and international levels.

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 and the state of giving in Australia.

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 Peoples.

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 out. 

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? James Carleton and the God Forbid panel explore.

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. James Carleton and the God Forbid panel explore the difference.

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 happens to the environment affects us all. James Carleton and the God Forbid panel look at climate change, religion and community organising.

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 identifies as a Catholic – though his wife is an active member of a Baptist church. On God Forbid, James and our panel examine the various ways in which religion has shaped (and continues to shape) the Latin American country. 

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?

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 named trade unions as a moral good. Today, James Carleton and the God Forbid panel discuss the Christians who contributed to socialist thought in Europe.

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 patients? And what happens if there’s not enough medicine to go around?

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 ethical considerations that go into making and consuming some of the world’s most popular entertainment.

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 Afghanistan – comes to an end.

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 altogether? Join Justine Toh and our panel as they wrestle with unbelief — the big and the personal questions.

"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 mean going it alone.

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 Christian history.  

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 like messaging, podcasts and even game streaming services. On God Forbid, James Carleton and the panel explore how Gen Z is engaging with religion, and how faith groups are responding.

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 relationship between art, humanity and the sacred with creatives Lindy Lee and Rod Pattenden.

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 and the panel take a look at what’s been making headlines so far in 2021.

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 panel of remarkable women who are excelling in their respective fields.

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 experiences of our panellists this Mardi Gras.

During 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.

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, James Carleton and the panel take a look at sainthood — from Catholic and Coptic traditions to secular saints. 

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, James and the panel take a moment to celebrate and delve into Chinese history in Australia since the gold rush.

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 fundamental, or an optional extra we could do without? James Carleton and the panel find out. 

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 panel find out.

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 it and share it with the world? Is that an act of creativity, or vanity? On God Forbid, James and our panel of memoirists take a look at the power and purpose of memoirs.

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, James and the panel explore the issue of homelessness in Australia.

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? On God Forbid, James and the panel explore why.

Over the Summer break, James Carleton and the God Forbid panel take a look at how games and stories can enrich the spiritual lives of people, no matter their age.

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 here. James Carleton and the God Forbid panel examine Rumi, seizures and the Cloud of Unknowing.

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 Carleton and the panel delve into the world of movies for Hanukkah and Christmas. 

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 examine what barriers and prejudices still exist.

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 hottest topics that made the headlines in 2020.

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– the past 20 years? On God Forbid, James and the panel find out. 

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 iconic democracy, what hope do the rest of us have? James Carleton and the God Forbid panel examine what it takes for democracy to survive and whether religious belief helps or harms this goal. 

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. 

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 by people of different faiths to hear about how they’ve been tackling climate change. 

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 games and play. 

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 identifies as a Catholic – though his wife is an active member of a Baptist church. On God Forbid, James and our panel examine the various ways in which religion has shaped (and continues to shape) the Latin American country. 

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 and a Sikh to explore how each reads and lives out their scriptures.

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 women and how the Bible shapes how they see the world.

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 nationalism in the U.S. to Hindu nationalism in India.

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, vaccines and consent in the midst of COVID-19.

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. 

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. 

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 out. 

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 panel find out for RN Science Week.

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 aftermath of the war?

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.

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 for granted. This week, James Carleton and the panel take a look at disability and the disability sector–what challenges still exist, and what can we do about them?

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 most sacred ritual, but other Christians forbid its use altogether. How come? James Carleton dives into what helps people choose to use, and how to stop.

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.

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 panel of three people who have made interfaith dialogue their life's work.

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 of faith leaders amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

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 and goodwill among the nations of Earth. But has the UN lived up to what it stands for? On God Forbid, James and the panel examine the achievements, problems and purpose of the UN.

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 it and share it with the world? Is that an act of creativity, or vanity? On God Forbid, James and our panel of memoirists take a look at the power and purpose of memoirs.

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 we chuck out? On God Forbid, James and the panel examine the impact of fast fashion – and making sustainable clothing choices.

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, James and panel explore the issue of homelessness in Australia.  

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 globally today, Indigenous peoples share an interwoven and spiritual view of life. This National Reconciliation Week, James and the panel explore Indigenous Australian theology.  

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 bigger than just Bali! James Carleton and the God Forbid panel explore Indonesia’s diverse cultural and religious landscape.  

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 explore why.  

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 handful of religion journalists? Today, James and the panel take a look at religion in the mainstream media.

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 of calamity and change.

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, James and the panel take a look at the rule of law versus liberty during the time of the coronavirus.

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 solitude – and whether there could be an upside to being alone.  

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 intersection of Passover and Easter, James Carleton explores what Jews and Christians think about the gift of a second chance.

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.

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 Carleton and the God Forbid panel examine the ethical and moral questions of life in the time of coronavirus. 

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.

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!

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 female cause.

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 your child. Justine Toh and the God Forbid panel dwell on the spiritual lives of parents and children.

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. Judaism and Christianity claim every person is "made in the image of God", but what does this mean in practise? Guest host Justine Toh and the God Forbid panel discuss work, gender, ageing, disability and the need for rest.

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 speaks with three disaster recovery chaplains who were deployed to spiritually support people in the midst of crisis.

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 explore enlightenment, suffering and Humanistic Buddhism.

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 here. James Carleton and the God Forbid panel examine Rumi, seizures and the Cloud of Unknowing.

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.

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.

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 never designed to provide that kind of all-encompassing moral leadership. Will there ever be a saviour in the Lodge, or do we need to look elsewhere? James Carleton and the God Forbid panel examine how three different faiths view leadership.

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 midst of persecution.

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 regions on earth. It's also home to a significant number of Mormon and Baha’i communities.

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 compel us to do?

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.

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 legislation, and what's happening to the Catholic Church.

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.

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.

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 altogether? Join Justine Toh and our panel as they wrestle with unbelief — the big and the personal questions.

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 wild world of eco-spirituality.

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 stories.

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 and a Sikh to explore how each reads and lives out their scriptures.

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.

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 the Middle East.

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 Health Week, the God Forbid panel examines the complex intersection between psychology and spirituality.

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 other faith traditions are under pressure to be patriotic, or face state sanction.

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 religious movements and why we classify different belief systems in different ways.

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. Who are you if you don't remember those you love? And if you're religious, what does it mean to forget God?

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's 12 Rules for Life, to positive thinking and mindfulness meditation.

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 and nationality, among others. James Carleton and the God Forbid panel discuss how those identities can change the course of our lives, whether we want them to or not.

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 never designed to provide that kind of all-encompassing moral leadership. Will there ever be a saviour in the Lodge, or do we need to look elsewhere? James Carleton and the God Forbid panel examine how three different faiths view leadership.

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 the constitution — giving birth to The Statement from the Heart. This week, James Carleton and the God Forbid panel discuss where we’re at on this journey, where we’re headed and how far we have left to go.

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 panel of three people who have made interfaith dialogue their life's work.

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 "preferential option for the poor", and it has influenced Christian thought across the globe. But during the Cold War, blending the words of Jesus and Marx was seriously controversial, and remains so today.

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 with a differing view of eternal torment, and how we end up there.

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, but the creation of art itself as a practise with the power to transcend.

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.

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 even superstitious. James Carleton and the God Forbid panel talk about the myriad ways to be atheist.

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?

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 Forbid panel explores the freedoms that compete with each other in a liberal democracy — particularly around election time.

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 women explore the influence of women in Buddhism and discuss contemporary issues surrounding gender and the faith.

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 your very identity? Guest host Meredith Lake and the God Forbid panel question what it means to think deeply in a post-truth age.

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 the issue — both professionally and personally.

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.

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 persecution from Ireland to the Middle East, and from the political to the personal.

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.

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.

"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 mean going it alone.

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 the end of the world.

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

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 what giving things up looks like in 2019.

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 radicalisation, problematic artists and millennial burnout.

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.

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 are shrinking, Hinduism grows.

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 reform efforts already underway.

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 midst of persecution.

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 about the needy and the greedy.

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 compel us to do?

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 women and how the Bible shapes how they see the world.

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 sophisticated. James Carleton and the God Forbid panel consider cybernetics, sex robots and weapons that decide for themselves who to kill. The future is closer than you think.

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 religious discrimination act. So is it the missing piece in the Australian human rights puzzle, or would it enable discrimination in the name of religion?

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 part of their most sacred ritual, but other Christians forbid its use altogether. How come? James Carleton dives into what helps people choose to use, and how to stop.

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 find out if it’s possible to untangle the conversion from the coercion, and to see how – far from being wiped out – Dreamtime spirituality is actually changing Christianity in Australia.

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 inside a church or a temple at home do it all the time when they’re on holiday. Why? James Carleton and the God Forbid panel find out how your holiday might literally be good for your soul.

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 them caught out. It’s just a game, so why did it feel like a betrayal? There’s more at play when it comes to sport.

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