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Religion & Ethics

ABC Religion & Ethics

opinion

The International Court of Justice has exposed the inadequacy of international law for Palestinians

The visibility that has made the world complicit in what many deem to be Israel’s war crimes in Gaza marks a new chapter in the history of genocide.

by: Ihab Shalbak

opinion

Is peace possible when Israelis and the rest of the world view the Gaza conflict so differently?

Once the fighting in Gaza stops, negotiations will necessitate painful and risky concessions from both sides — but given the vast deficits of trust between Israelis and Palestinians, such concessions will be extremely difficult to achieve.

by: Eyal Mayroz

opinion

What can Taylor Swift teach us about forgiveness?

When you have repeatedly been wronged by someone “toxic”, Taylor Swift wants you to stand up for yourself, to protect yourself, to withhold forgiveness — but is she right? It depends what you mean by forgiveness.

by: Luke Russell

Former Bishop of Broome Christopher Saunders facing multiple sex charges, some allegedly related to children

Christopher Saunders' tenure as Broome's bishop began to unravel in 2018 when allegations against him were made public.
Bishop Saunders being led away by police

From the mailroom to TV and radio: Stephen Watkins reminisces on 60 years with the ABC

Stephen Watkins joined the ABC in 1964, like many others, in the mailroom. He reflects on his 60-year career, spanning TV and radio, including his much-loved weekly program, For The God Who Sings.
Stephen Watkins wearing headphones and smiling at the camera.
opinion

Zionism, anti-Zionism, and the ethics of doxxing the “Zio600”: Compassion isn’t a zero-sum game

The leak of the details of 600 Jewish artists and academics who are members of a private WhatsApp group trades on a centuries-old conspiracy theory about Jews wielding an outsized influence over the societies in which they live.

by: David Slucki

opinion

Navigating the grey: How to resist the allure of black-and-white thinking in a digital age

Embracing shades of grey is not a sign of indecision but a mark of wisdom — it involves recognition that complex issues rarely yield to simple solutions, and embracing nuance allows for a deeper comprehension of the world.

by: Freya Bennett

opinion

After the end of the Gaza conflict, recognition of a Palestinian state best serves the cause of peace

Benjamin Netanyahu will likely not lead Israel much longer, and the conflict in Gaza will come to an end — but what happens then? Will recognition of a Palestinian state contribute to closer relations between Israel and other Arab nations?

by: Victor Kattan

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Compass

Hidden Children - Summer Series

Brendan Watkins is the son of a priest and nun. It took him 30 years to find out, but he's not the only one. Brendan meets other hidden children and their mothers, who've suffered from the Church's silence and denial.
Two men standing in front of a church holding photos in frames of their parents

Published:

Psychedelics - Healing The Spirit? - Summer Series

Using psychedelics to treat depression and trauma is now legal in Australia. But it's not without risk. While some report life-changing benefits, others do not, and many scientists fear the move is premature.
A woman laying down with her eyes closed hallucinating a woman carrying a child in a field bathed in warm orange light. 

Published:

Awe Hunters with Julia Baird - Summer Series

Julia Baird faces down the darkness of her cancer diagnosis and joins fellow seekers of wonder. She discovers that awe has shaped our civilisations, driven people to change their lives and ultimately make them happier.
Julia Baird wearing a wetsuit standing in front of water

Published:

Jewish Singles in the Snow - Summer Series

Jewish singles travel to the Victorian Alps in hope of finding a love that will enable the continuation of their faith and culture. Filmmaker Josh Ben-Moshe discusses the struggles involved in holding onto Jewish identity.
Jewish young male and female sitting outside in the snow smiling wearing ski gear 

Published:

Listen

Wilderness

With Allegri's 'Miserere' begins the soulful and intimate music of reflection for the penitent season of Lent.
Woman sitting in the snow looking into the misty sky
Duration: 2 hours

Published: Program: For The God Who Sings

An Indigenous theological revolution

Hundreds of people — including pastors, activists, ministry workers and theologians — have gathered from every corner of this land we now call Australia.
An Aboriginal woman holding a Christian cross made out of spears and painted in an Indigenous style.
Duration: 54 minutes 6 seconds

Published: Program: Soul Search

Pornography and free speech

The global pornography industry is getting bigger, more mainstream and more nasty - but does this mean it should be regulated? Many feminist philosophers would say yes - but this places them at odds with liberal defenders of pornography, who worry…
Webcam studio interior with lighting, bed and camera
Duration: 32 minutes 21 seconds

Published: Program: Philosopher's Zone

Indonesia's religious vote, anti-Zionism vs. anti-Semitism, and the Christian college backing Trump

How important was religion in Indonesia's recent election? Whend does anti-Zionism become anti-Semitism? Plus, the small Christian college backing Trump. 
Illustration of a hand holding a microphone at a yellow circle
Duration: 32 minutes 16 seconds

Published: Program: The Religion and Ethics Report

What does it mean to be clean?

Cleansing rituals are a part of every major religion – from baptisms to Islamic Wudu, to bathing in sacred rivers. Where do these rituals come from and what do they mean to the faithful? 
A Muslim man washes his face with water before prayer in a mosque in Kashmir.
Duration: 54 minutes 6 seconds

Published: Program: God Forbid

How important was the religious vote in Indonesia's election?

Indonesia's new president Prabowo Subianto has a history of courting Islamists - but religion was far less prominent in last week's national elections.
A middle-aged Indonesian man and presidential candidate surrounded by voters with phones
Duration: 14 minutes 40 seconds

Published: Program: The Religion and Ethics Report

When is it right to call some act – or someone – “evil”?

What are we trying to convey when we reach for a word like “evil”? Is it something about a person’s actions or character? Is it what they do or the manner in which they do it?

Published: Program: The Minefield

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