God Forbid
243 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 15 ratingsReligion: it’s at the centre of world affairs, but profound questions still remain. Why are you here? What happens when you die? Does God matter? God Forbid seeks the answers.
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
Do you really want to live forever?
May 22, 2021 20:05 - 54 minutes - 49.6 MBWe 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
May 15, 2021 20:05 - 54 minutes - 49.5 MBThis 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.
What does your doctor believe?
May 08, 2021 20:05 - 54 minutes - 49.5 MBFaith 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?
Can reality TV be more than a spectacle?
May 01, 2021 20:05 - 54 minutes - 49.6 MBLove 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.
Supporting veterans during and after service - Anzac Day 2021
April 24, 2021 20:05 - 54 minutes - 49.6 MBCommemorating 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.
Exploring sacrifice at Easter
April 03, 2021 20:05 - 54 minutes - 49.6 MBAt 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.
The future of faith – ministry with Gen Z
March 27, 2021 19:05 - 54 minutes - 49.6 MBIn 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.
Fostering sacred creativity in a secular world
March 20, 2021 19:05 - 54 minutes - 49.6 MBThe 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.
What’s dominating the headlines? From Parliament House to Buckingham Palace
March 13, 2021 19:05 - 54 minutes - 49.6 MBIt’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.
Women of faith are challenging gender inequality
March 06, 2021 19:05 - 54 minutes - 49.5 MBThis 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.
Who are you now? On identity in flux
February 27, 2021 19:05 - 53 minutes - 49.3 MBAll 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.
Leaving your faith behind
February 20, 2021 19:05 - 51 minutes - 47.1 MBDuring 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.
Searching for the saints
February 13, 2021 19:05 - 54 minutes - 49.5 MBFor 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.
Celebrating the Lunar New Year
February 06, 2021 19:05 - 54 minutes - 49.6 MBFor 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.
How important is trust in a society?
January 30, 2021 19:05 - 54 minutes - 49.6 MBWe 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.
Exploring consciousness
January 23, 2021 19:05 - 54 minutes - 49.5 MBThe 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.
Why write your own story? The purpose and power of memoir
January 16, 2021 19:05 - 54 minutes - 49.5 MBWhether 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.
How COVID-19 impacts homelessness in Australia
January 09, 2021 19:05 - 54 minutes - 49.5 MBCOVID-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.
Friendship, the forgotten love
January 02, 2021 19:05 - 54 minutes - 49.5 MBA 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.
Fun and games in sacred spaces
December 26, 2020 19:05 - 54 minutes - 49.5 MBOver 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.
Christmas and Hanukkah on film
December 12, 2020 19:05 - 54 minutes - 49.5 MBIt’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.
The triumphs and challenges – celebrating the UN’s International Day of People with Disability
December 05, 2020 19:05 - 54 minutes - 49.5 MBThis 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.
A year in review – The hottest topics of 2020
November 28, 2020 19:05 - 54 minutes - 49.5 MB2020 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.
The Big 20: How religion has shaped, and been shaped by the past 20 years
November 21, 2020 19:05 - 54 minutes - 49.5 MBFor 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.
Does democracy have a future?
November 14, 2020 19:05 - 54 minutes - 49.5 MBThe 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.
NAIDOC 2020 – “Always Was, Always Will Be”
November 07, 2020 19:05 - 54 minutes - 49.5 MBIt’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
October 31, 2020 19:05 - 54 minutes - 49.5 MBClimate 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 be a religious experience?
October 24, 2020 19:05 - 54 minutes - 49.5 MBCan 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.
Sarah Coakley and Claire Smith on evolution, Anglicanism and women in leadership
October 03, 2020 19:05 - 54 minutes - 49.6 MBIn 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.
Religious nationalism in the East and the West
September 26, 2020 20:05 - 54 minutes - 49.6 MBWhat 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.
Vaccines and consent during COVID-19
September 19, 2020 20:05 - 54 minutes - 49.6 MBIf 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.
How technology is changing the way we grieve
September 05, 2020 20:05 - 54 minutes - 49.5 MBIs 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
August 29, 2020 20:05 - 54 minutes - 49.6 MBIs 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.
After World War II – grief, loss and change
August 15, 2020 20:05 - 54 minutes - 49.5 MBIt’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 sacred languages are important today
August 08, 2020 20:05 - 54 minutes - 49.5 MBWhy 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
August 01, 2020 20:05 - 53 minutes - 49.4 MBSome 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?
Addiction – how spiritual practices help with seeking sobriety
July 25, 2020 20:05 - 54 minutes - 49.5 MBFor 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.
How can religious leaders take care of their mental health?
July 04, 2020 20:05 - 54 minutes - 49.6 MBReligious 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.
Has the UN lived up to its promise 75 years on?
June 27, 2020 20:05 - 54 minutes - 49.5 MBThis 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.
Faithful fashion — how can we make ethical choices about our clothing?
June 13, 2020 20:05 - 54 minutes - 49.5 MBDid 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.
How COVID-19 is impacting homelessness in Australia
June 06, 2020 20:05 - 53 minutes - 49.3 MBCOVID-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.
Indigenous spirituality in a multicultural Australia
May 30, 2020 20:05 - 54 minutes - 49.5 MBIn 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.
Exploring Indonesia - faith, culture and politics
May 23, 2020 20:05 - 53 minutes - 49.3 MBOver 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.
Does the media ‘get’ religion?
May 09, 2020 20:05 - 54 minutes - 49.5 MBAround 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.
Living through lament
May 02, 2020 20:05 - 54 minutes - 49.5 MBThis 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.
Law and liberty in the time of coronavirus
April 25, 2020 20:05 - 50 minutes - 46.5 MBAustralia 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.
In the company of one
April 18, 2020 20:05 - 54 minutes - 49.5 MBThis 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.
The COVID-19 conundrum
March 28, 2020 19:05 - 54 minutes - 49.6 MBThis 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.
Answering the call in a confusing world
March 14, 2020 19:05 - 54 minutes - 49.5 MBNo, 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
March 07, 2020 19:05 - 54 minutes - 49.5 MBIt’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.