God Forbid - Podcast

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!