God Forbid

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.