God Forbid
Religion & Spirituality
About
Religion: 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.
Episodes
- Can we truly love AI? And can it love us back?
This episode of God Forbid discusses the concept of loving AI, referencing the film Her and Esther Perel's observations. It explores whether AI can truly address human loneliness and examines the nature of romantic love with contributions…
- Addiction, God, and the origin of the twelve steps
This episode discusses the history and efficacy of the twelve-step program for various addictions, examining its spiritual foundations and its approach to higher powers. It also explores why the program works for some individuals and not f…
- Christian leaders talk war, the Pope, getting arrested, courage and empathy
Christian leaders discuss Pope Leo XIV's stance on holy war and their engagement in contemporary societal battles including asylum seeker advocacy, gambling reform, and homelessness. Guests include Sister Brigid Arthur, Rev Tim Costello, a…
- Why do adults still need fairytales?
This episode of God Forbid explores the enduring appeal of fairytales across generations. Guests Marguerite Johnson, Tom Wright, and Michelle Smith discuss the history and ongoing relevance of these stories.
- The Orthodox surge
This episode discusses the current trends in Eastern Orthodox Christianity, specifically regarding its appeal among men. It also explores recent data suggesting a stabilization in global Christian identification numbers.
- Why are the Middle Ages are still relevant today?
This episode of God Forbid explores the relevance of the Middle Ages today, examining how understanding the history of Europe and the Islamic Golden Age can help navigate contemporary complexities. Guests discuss the reality behind popular…
- Is your privacy sacred?
This episode explores the history and philosophical significance of privacy in the digital age. Guests Anita Allen, Hugh Breakey, and David Vincent discuss the tension between the need for privacy and the demands of society.
- On judgement
This episode examines the societal shift surrounding judgement, contrasting the mantra of non-judgement with the reality of online cruelty. It questions whether society has lost the capacity for wise judgement and forgiveness.
- Is the 21st century’s version of freedom liberating or a freedom trap?
In this episode of God Forbid, guests Priyan Max Jeganathan and Alexander Lefebvre discuss whether modern freedom has become a trap. They explore why increased personal choice and market-driven individualism appear to correlate with rising…
- International Women's Day special
In this International Women's Day special from God Forbid, Ginger Gorman and Nayomi Kannangara discuss the current status of women in Australia and globally. The episode addresses rising trends of misogyny, online harassment, and violence…
- Conversion — Why would anyone move from disbelief to belief?
This episode of God Forbid explores the reasons why individuals choose to adopt religious belief in an increasingly secular society. Guests Tanya Luhrmann, Kelsey Osgood, and Abdullah Kunde discuss their perspectives on conversion and the…
- The nature of evil, abuse and forgiveness
This episode explores the complexities of harm, forgiveness, and redemption. Guests Dr. Karen Pack and Professor Michael Salter discuss how individuals and families navigate suffering, trauma, and the challenges of interpersonal relationsh…
- The pain of love and grief for our pets
This episode of God Forbid explores the emotional impact of losing a pet, discussing why these relationships are deeply significant. Guests include Dr. Millie Cordaro, Dr. Daniela Rizzo, and David Michie, who examine the topic from psychol…
- Pawnbroking, bankruptcy, debt, usury & God!
This episode explores the moral and ethical dimensions of credit, debt, and lending in the context of recent interest rate increases. It features perspectives from an academic in commercial law, a philosophy professor, and a journalist.
- If you could save a drowning child, would you?
Professor Peter Singer discusses bioethics, Effective Altruism, and his philosophical perspective on moral obligations in this episode of God Forbid. The conversation covers his influential work on animal rights, abortion, euthanasia, and…
- The Antisemitism and Social Cohesion Royal Commission
This episode of God Forbid discusses the newly announced Australian Royal Commission into antisemitism in the wake of recent terrorist attacks. Experts Ronald Sackville KC, Robert Richter KC, and Associate Professor David Slucki examine th…
- Living simply in a complex world: how modern monks navigate AI, social media, and climate change
This episode examines how modern monks from Hare Krishna and Humanistic Buddhist traditions balance spiritual life with contemporary challenges like AI, social media, and climate change. Guests discuss maintaining mindful practices while n…
- Coercion, control and worship: Where do we draw the line between a religion and a cult?
This episode explores the distinctions between religions, high-control movements, and cults. Guests Professor Carole Cusack, Sarah Steel, and Scott Parker discuss the criteria for identifying these groups and the impact of manipulative org…
- Did the human species invent the Bible?
This episode examines the question of whether the Bible can be considered the word of God if it was written by fallible human beings. It explores the tension between human fallibility and divine authorship.
- Why do we fear fat?
This episode of God Forbid explores the cultural, historical, and moral dimensions of fatness, examining how body size has been used as a tool for control. Guests discuss the intersections of diet culture, race, femininity, and public heal…
- Close encounters of the religious kind: how God and UFOs have both begun religious movements
This episode explores the parallels between religious movements and the belief in UFOs and UAPs. Experts discuss how these mysterious phenomena relate to traditional faith and the implications of potential extraterrestrial life on the conc…
- What were the biggest religious stories in 2025? Ask the experts!
This episode of God Forbid discusses key religious events of 2025, including leadership changes in the Catholic and Anglican churches, the rise of artificial intelligence, and historical perspectives on the future of Judaism. Experts analy…
- Religious Rebels 06 | Dorothy Day: Rebel for the poor, saint for the restless
This episode explores the life of Dorothy Day, a Catholic convert who co-founded the Catholic Worker movement. Guests discuss her transition from a bohemian writer to a religious activist dedicated to serving the poor and protesting war.
- Religious Rebels 05 | Malcolm X: Reborn in Mecca, killed in Harlem
This episode explores the life of Malcolm X, tracing his evolution from a Nation of Islam preacher to an advocate for universal justice after his pilgrimage to Mecca. Guests Tamara Payne and Jimmy Butts discuss his impact on politics and t…
- Religious Rebels 04 | John Calvin: Reformed the faith, ruled with fire
This episode examines the life of 16th-century theologian John Calvin, his influence on the Protestant movement in Geneva, and the controversy surrounding his leadership style. Experts discuss his impact on Christianity, his legacy of refo…
- Religious Rebels 03 | Táhirih: Unveiled the truth, paid with her life
This episode profiles Táhirih, a 19th-century Persian poet and scholar who was a leading figure in the Bábí movement. It explores her defiance of clerical authority, her advocacy for women's rights, and her execution in 1852.
- Religious Rebels 02 | Giordano Bruno: Imagined the Infinite, Burned at the Stake
This episode of God Forbid explores the life and death of Giordano Bruno, a former friar who challenged Church teachings by proposing an infinite universe. Experts discuss his legacy as a visionary thinker and the implications of his execu…
- Religious Rebels 01 | Joan of Arc: Mystic, warrior and gender transgressor
This episode of God Forbid explores the life and legacy of Joan of Arc, the teenage peasant who became a military leader during the Hundred Years' War. Experts discuss her influence on European history, her trial for heresy, and the enduri…
- Near-death experiences: myth or mystical?
This episode of God Forbid explores the phenomenon of near-death experiences and questions what may exist on the other side.
- Was Jesus a real person?
This episode explores the historical existence of Jesus, examining public survey data on the topic alongside the consensus of scholars and historians. It considers the ontological definition of Jesus and his historical background as a teac…
- Why do human animals fly planes and build cities?
Professor Michael Muthukrishna discusses how collective culture and cumulative knowledge, rather than brain size, differentiate humans from other animals and enable our technological advancements.
- Could whales be Gods?
This episode of God Forbid explores the cultural and spiritual significance of whales across various global traditions. Guests Aike Peter Rots and Mere Takoko discuss how some communities revere whales as gods, ancestors, and protectors.
- The ethics of witchcraft and hexing the far-right
This episode explores the ethics of hexing and witchcraft in the context of recent political discourse. Experts discuss moral codes, the relationship between witches and right-wing politics, and the ethics of wishing harm on others.
- Writing on the body: desecration or worship?
This episode of God Forbid explores the cultural and religious significance of tattoos. Guests include anthropologist Lars Krutak and researcher and tattoo artist Julia Mageau Gray.
- Why the origins of Christianity still matter today
This episode of God Forbid explores the origins of Christianity, examining how an obscure, powerless movement transformed the Roman world and influenced modern civilization. Guests Greg Sheridan and Dr. Karen Pack discuss the history of th…
- Gen Y and Gen Z are finding God
This episode of God Forbid explores the surprising trend of Gen Y and Gen Z Australians increasingly attending religious services. Guests discuss how these generations are moving away from secular trends, potentially seeking meaning amidst…
- God, the Big Bang & the fortunate universe
This episode of God Forbid explores the concept of cosmic fine-tuning and the probability of a universe that sustains life. Astrophysicists Luke Barnes and Geraint Lewis discuss the scientific, philosophical, and religious implications of…
- Truth and trust in a post-truth world
This episode explores the challenges of finding truth and trust in a post-truth world. Experts in astrophysics, technology, and research discuss the roles of science, religion, and philosophy in navigating a fractured reality and managing…
- Can celibacy actually make us purer and closer to God?
This episode of God Forbid explores the role of celibacy in various religions and its potential impact on spiritual connection. Guests Dawn Eden Goldstein, Dr. Maeve Heaney, and Dr. Samishka Goyal discuss theological perspectives and moder…
- Is God in the machine?
This episode of God Forbid explores the intersection of artificial intelligence and faith, questioning whether machines can possess spirituality or become godlike. Experts in cyber security, religion, and ethics discuss the implications of…
- How should our leaders behave?
This episode explores the expectations surrounding leadership behavior in light of public controversies, examining whether leaders should be held to higher personal standards. Guests discuss the nature of ethical leadership in an era defin…
- The language of God: Literacy, power, and the sacred word
This episode examines the relationship between language, literacy, and religious power. Guests explore how access to sacred texts has shaped religious authority across various traditions, from ancient times to colonial contexts.
- Reality TV, Mormon wives, and guilty pleasures
This episode explores the intersection of reality TV, religion, and gender, focusing on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. Guests discuss the popularity of reality television, its portrayal of religious groups, and what the genre reveals ab…
- We live in a world where horror is all too real. So why are horror movies breaking box office records?
This episode explores why horror movies have increased in popularity despite global existential challenges. Guests analyze the relationship between horror cinema and religious themes, discussing why people are drawn to scary films.
- What binds us together as Australians?
This episode explores the concept of progressive patriotism, the impact of global turmoil on social cohesion in Australia, and the factors that influence national identity. Guests discuss the challenges of maintaining unity amidst cultural…
- Can the Dalai Lama's Tibet ever be self-determined?
This episode of God Forbid examines the future of Tibetan autonomy following the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday. Dr. Lobsang Sangay and Professor Baogang He discuss succession concerns, relations with the Chinese Communist Party, and the poten…
- Hair...flow it, grow it, show it... as long as God allows it!
This episode of God Forbid explores the spiritual and religious significance of hair, including practices of growing, shaving, or covering it across various traditions. Guests discuss the intersections of faith, modesty, and personal expre…
- Leading with love: women are taking the church into the future
This episode explores the evolving role of women in religious leadership, highlighting the personal, cultural, and theological challenges they face. Insights are provided by Pastor Sue Westhorp and Rev. Charissa Suli.
- Monogamy: Is it still the gold standard of intimate relationships?
This episode explores the current status and future of monogamy in Australia. Guests discuss marriage statistics, the rise of polyamory, and the evolving nature of intimate relationships in 2025.
- Stealing my religion: When does religious appreciation become appropriation?
This episode of God Forbid examines the ethical and spiritual implications of religious appropriation. Guests Prof Liz Bucar and A/Prof Shameem Black discuss whether the use of religious rituals and traditions outside their original contex…