God Forbid

More of us in the West are seeking the help of shamans and psychedelic medicines. But why? And do they help?

What do Buddhism, Christianity and Islam say about eating meat? And how do believers navigate ethical concerns around the farming, exporting and slaughter of animals? 

Is it ok to lie to kids in order to protect them from harmful truths? And how can we raise them to be resilient, intellectually-critical adults?

Debates about funding and faith in schools has long been bitter and divisive in Australian history, and it continues until this day. So what makes a good school? And do schools help or hurt in the quest for the Aussie fair go?

Our youth obsessed culture is so pervasive that even calling someone an old woman or an old man can carry a negative meaning – but why should it? Old age can be the time when you find your most authentic self and the key to living well. 

Australia's religious landscape is complex and changing, so how should religion be reported on in the 21st century? As RN celebrates its 100th birthday, the panel reflects on what good religion reporting takes in an era of fake news, Tik Tok journalism and mainstream media distrust.

It was an ancient preoccupation, and now it's a modern obsession. So how has something as universal as sleep remained so mysterious? And what can the cultural and religious history of sleep, dreaming and insomnia teach us today?

Many people find purpose, value, and joy in work – even if it's not a dream job. But on the flip side, many are repelled by the hustle culture and burnout that comes from increased casualisation, unpaid overtime and labour shortages. On God Forbid we explore how, when, and why we work.

How is it that the physical brain can give rise to our subjective, intangible conscious experience? Why and how are we aware of being aware? It remains one of the great philosophical and scientific questions, and our God Forbid panel are here to discuss it.

You might think our belief in monsters is dead or dying – a superstitious relic. But regardless of the place on earth, or time in history, people say they see strange apparitions and ghostly figures. And as for things unseen, even more profess a belief in genies, spirits, angels and supernatural entities.