God Forbid

Join Yassir Morsi, a La Trobe University lecturer and author, Peter Kurti, director at the Centre for Independent Studies, and Chloe Patton from RMIT University as they dive into the complexities of Australian identity amid global turmoil. They discuss progressive patriotism and the challenges of multiculturalism, exploring how Australia's diversity can be both a strength and a source of tension. The conversation also addresses recent protests, religious tolerance, and the need for thoughtful engagement with both local and international issues, showcasing the evolving narrative of national identity.

With His Holiness the Dalai Lama turning 90 this month, every day that passes brings his succession closer. When he dies, the religious power struggle over his replacement will certainly be at the top of the Communist Party’s agenda.So what might lie in the future for Tibet in it's ongoing struggle for autonomy from Chinese rule?Is there a middle way that could be acceptable to both sides in the dispute?GUESTS:Dr Lobsang Sangay was the leader of the Central Tibetan Administration in India for ten years. He grew up in a refugee camp in India and has gone on to have a prestigious academic career. He is a Senior Visiting Fellow at the East Asian Legal Studies Program at Harvard Law School.Professor Baogang He is the distinguished Chair in International Relations at Deakin University, and recognised internationally for his expertise on both the Tibet & Taiwan disputes.This episode of God Forbid was made on Gadigal land of the Eora Nation.

On God Forbid we’re talking about the sacred strands that sprout from our skulls. Whether it’s being grown long, shaved off, or covered up... hair has long been a point of contention for faith communities.  Claims of both modesty AND freedom come up when we discuss hair coverings... and often a similar piece of fabric will elicit very different responses depending on the religion of the person wearing it.  From turbans to tonsures, hijabs to high-top fades... hair is more than style, it’s spiritual. GUESTS:Michael D. (David) Barbezat - a historian of medieval European religious history. His first book, Burning Bodies: Communities, Eschatology, and the Punishment of Heresy in the Middle Ages. Sukhjit Kaur Khalsa - Director of The Blue Room Theatre in Perth. She’s a writer, performer, theatre and filmmaker. Since her sell-out theatre work Fully Sikh she’s currently producing A Hairy Tale, a documentary exploring female body hair. Aseel Tayah - Palestinian-Australian artist, CEO of community art project Bukjeh in Melbourne, and hijabi Muslim.This episode of God Forbid was made on Gadigal land, the land of the Whadjuk Nyoongar people and in Naarm. 

In Australia, and beyond, women are taking on religious leadership in ways that would have been unthinkable decades ago. But change and faith is a complex brew. And for every breakthrough, there's backlash.  And the arguments aren't just theological – they're personal too, touching on tradition, culture, and what it means to be faithful in a changing world. So, what happens when the drive for gender equality meets the weight of sacred tradition? GUESTS:Pastor Sue Westhorp last year was one of three women ordained for the first time into the Lutheran church. Rev. Charissa Suli, President of the Uniting Church in Australia, the youngest and first person of colour to hold the office.This episode of God Forbid was made on Gadigal land and in Naarm. Technical production by John Jacobs.

Although the Australian population has doubled in size since the early 1970s, the number of marriages registered each year has not increased over this time.And…interest in poly modes of intimacy are on the rise.So, what do people want in their intimate relationships and indeed marriages in 2025?Can we still make a case for monogamy – dedication to “the one” till death do us part? Or are we moving towards new models of intimacy?GUESTS:Justine Toh is Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Public ChristianityMichail Ivanov is a socio-legal academic from the University of Adelaide and author of Polygamy: Proper or Primitive Belinda Tobin, researcher and author of The Moral Dilemma of MonogamyWatch a recent Compass episode about polyamory Beyond Monogamy

Is religious appropriation an act of reverence? Or cultural theft? Yoga at the gym, meditation via an app on your phone, sage-smudging a corporate office. Religious rituals and traditions are being taken out of their original context and used in everyday life by people outside the culture and faith they're taken from. Could this be considered a kind of theft? Or is this part of a healthy modern cultural exchange? To explore the ethical and spiritual implications of wellness-ifying religious practices are two guests researching the impact of these cases. GUESTS:Prof Liz Bucar, professor in religious ethics at Northeastern University and author of Stealing My Religion: Not Just Any Cultural AppropriationA/Prof Shameem Black, associate professor in the School of Culture, History, and Language at the Australian National University and Author of Flexible India: Yoga's Cultural and Political TensionsThis episode of God Forbid was made on Gadigal land, the land of the Ngunnawal people, and the traditional land of the Massachusett peopleTechnical production by Craig Tilmouth and John Jacobs

Is a cult a misunderstood religion? Or something much more dangerous?The line between high-control religions, new religious movements, and 'cults' is as grey as ever. But the fascination we have with these groups is only getting stronger. What counts as a 'cult'? Is it your highly controlling tech workplace? Your gym with a forever-binding contract? Or does the casual use of the word 'cult' do a disservice to those stuck in dangerous and emotionally manipulative religious and spiritual organisations?To shed some light on the difference between a new religious movement, a cult, and your regular high-control Pentecostal mega-church are the God Forbid guests who have lived, studied, or spoken to survivors of these groups. GUESTS: Professor Carole Cusack, Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Sydney, specialising in new religious movements (NRMs) contemporary religious trends and Western esotericismSarah Steel, host and creator of award-winning podcast, Let's Talk About SectsScott Parker, writer and star of stage production, Hillsong BoyThis episode of God Forbid was made on Gadigal land. Technical production by Craig Tilmouth and Tegan Nicholls.

How do different religions treat the dead? What do their burial practices say about the soul? And in an era of environmental crisis and shrinking space, how might death rituals evolve?GUESTS:Dr Paul Tapsell, Māori academic at Lincoln University and expert in Indigenous knowledge systemsRev Prof. Vicky Balabanski, Uniting Church minister and ecological theologian, General Editor of the Earth Bible seriesAnnie Whitlocke, Buddhist death doula supporting people at the end of life

From fallen angel to Netflix anti-hero, the Devil has had quite the makeover. In this episode of God Forbid, Sami Shah leads a devilishly good panel exploring the many faces of Satan — from ancient Hebrew texts to modern Satanism.Is the Devil a cosmic villain, a cultural scapegoat, or a misunderstood metaphor? We unpack how different religions and movements have shaped — and reshaped — the Prince of Darkness over time. Why did monotheism need a Devil when polytheism didn’t? What made the Middle Ages so obsessed with demonic possession? And why is the Devil suddenly charming?GUESTS:Robyn Whitaker, New Testament scholar and Uniting Church ministerPhilip C. Almond, religious historian and author of The Devil: A New BiographyLilith Starr, Minister of Satan at the Temple of Satan and author of Compassionate SatanismThis episode of God Forbid was made on Gadigal land and in Naarm.Technical production by Roi Huberman and Tegan Nicholls.

In this special bonus episode of God Forbid, Noel Debien sits down with Dr Paul Collins, former Catholic priest, broadcaster, author of many books on the Catholicism and Pope, including his most recent work - Absolute Power: How the Pope became the most influential man in the world. Together Noel and Paul discuss the legacy of Pope Francis and the complex history of the Papacy.