A2D Talkshow

Two of the most notoriously unshakable Anti-Semitics were the Protestant reformer Martin Luther and German Chancellor-turned dictator Adolf Hitler. But who exactly were Martin Luther and Adolf Hitler? Although four centuries apart, both Martin Luther and Adolf Hitler had a remarkable impact on Germany and the world. Luther is renowned still today as the initiator and leader of the Protestant Reformation. Centuries later, Lutherans and Germans alike admire and honor him for his bold and daring actions against the Catholic Church in the 1500s. Hitler remains one of the most hated men in history. The similarities shared between Luther and Hitler were not limited to their hatred for anything Jewish, however. Both men were led by a strong sense of German nationalism and a yearning for unity among their fellow Germans.

What exactly was it about these two men that allowed them to start a rebellion and garner support from their fellow Germans? More importantly, what led them to live a life filled with rage and hatred, and why was it directed toward the Jews? Was there something about the German people in particular that allowed them to be susceptible to Luther and Hitler's leadership? Martin Luther and Adolf Hitler are inseparably linked with their extreme anti-Semitism and nationalism. It is impossible to assume that Luther did not have any influence on Hitler and his views, for it cannot be a mere coincidence that Hitler’s anti-Jewish sentiment of the 1930s and 1940s mirrors that of Luther’s anti-Semitism of the 1500s.

In previous episodes, we talk about abortion, presenting two significant premises, firstly,  that life begins at birth, and the very act of abortion is the killing of an innocuous child. Secondly, the woman has the right to her body. Therefore she can decide to obliterate the unborn. We also saw arguments that killing the child prevents the child from living an impoverished life when the mother isn't financially stable.   To corroborate the pro-choice arguments, we discussed the premises about the mothers' mental health during pregnancy and in the case of rape.  However, the pro-life argument remains the same "abortion is tantamount to first-degree murder."  many on the opposing side still believe that the pro-life debate starts at conception and ends at birth, but that is untrue.   In this episode, we will speak on the pro-life argument: life after birth.  join us in this open discussion; let's agree to disagree

Across the world, mixed reactions abound on the concept of conducting public prayers in schools- across various levels of education. Some parties oppose the notion of offering prayers in educational institutions whilst some advocate for this religious practice. Although some countries permit this practice, others categorically have implemented policies to prohibit this practice. Controversies arise as to whether the implementation of policies against public prayers in schools is an impediment to religious freedom.

Well documented atrocities were perpetuated in Congo – modern day Democratic Republic of Congo- between the 19th and 20th century. The Colony at the time was under the personal rule and private control of King Leopold II of Belgium. The heinous acts committed were associated with labour policies engaged in the collection of natural rubber for export. Together with an epidemic, famine, and a falling birth rate caused by these disruptions, the atrocities contributed to a sharp decline in Congolese population. The death tolls leading to population decline over the period is disputed, with modern estimates ranging from 1 million to 15 million deaths.

Join us as we elaborate on questions arising from the concept of free and hate speech. On what grounds is freedom of speech justifiable? What standards define hate speech? Where do the lines blur and sharpen with regard to offensive speech and free expression? What is the role of the government in the regulation of speech and mediums of expression? Is the concept of hate speech and free expression real or a façade?

Examining these economic systems, we seek to highlight the key points of both substructures. How do Capitalism and Socialism affect the superstructure of the state? Which socio-political system augurs well for individual wellbeing and state economic growth?  How do market forces operate under these systems on the local and global scale? What are the realities of equality, sustainability, stratification, innovation and competition with socialism and capitalism?

Society creates images of what it means to be a man and some of these images – regarded as narrow descriptions of manhood- seemingly promote toxicity. Rigid societal norms created around masculinity and femininity are seen to enhance negative gender stereotypes and traits. The culture of toxic masculinity is one we seek to highlight with this episode of the A2D talk show. Join us as we examine gender expectations and realities, the possibility of being masculine without being toxic, implications and patterns of toxic masculinity, and top toxic traits as seen in men (competition, aggression, lack of emotional expression etc).

Last week we had Damilola, Balikis, Noya and Michael, share their perspectives regarding their Pro-life and Pro-choice convictions. In this succeeding episode we will be having Anti-Abortionist Michael Lockwood give us insight into his standpoint. Please reach out to us [email protected]

The abortion debate is a contentious yet salient subject surrounding the dynamics of induced abortion. The Pro-Life and Prochoice arguments are the two outstanding and fundamental points of view dominating this controversy. The conflict between these standpoints- with regard to human rights, moral, legal, sociocultural and religious issues give a full picture of the reality of abortion. Reach out to us via email [email protected]

This subsequent episode was decided on to give room for a deeper conversation regarding the subject matter hitherto discussed. If you were unable to be part of the preceding conversation,  you can listen to God and Religion Part 1 in the previous upload.  Reach out to us at [email protected]