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In an age marked by political polarisation, moral confusion, and deep mistrust of institutions, what does it mean to live well together? Are we primarily citizens of the state, autonomous individuals, or something else entirely? Join Michael at the 27th Annual Tinsley Lecture on 21 May as he explores the distinctive political vision offered by Christian faith in Subjects and Citizens – What Christianity Offers a Fractured Public Square.

About the Guest:

Professor Maria O’Sullivan is an Associate Professor at Deakin Law School whose expertise spans public law, human rights law, and refugee law. Her scholarship has been cited by the High Court of Australia and the Court of Justice of the European Union, and her current research includes the law of protest and its human rights implications

Key Takeaways:

• Engaging in protests can be seen as a sort of communicative act, and the episode explores how Christians might balance respecting authority with participating in protests.
• Professor Maria O'Sullivan outlines the legal landscape of protest laws in Australia, revealing differences in state legislations and their practical implications on the right to peaceful assembly.
• The hosts discuss the potential hazards and moral considerations Christians must contemplate when deciding to join or abstain from protests.
• The 2014 film "Selma" is explored as a cinematic representation of how strategic, nonviolent protest led by Martin Luther King Jr. played a vital role in progressing civil rights.
• Historical and current contexts are evaluated to understand the role that protests play in democracy and societal change.

Notable Quotes:

1. "It's a moment of voice for the voiceless." - Michael Jensen on the significance of protests.
2. "There's a difference between something being performative and something being insincere." - Megan Powell du Toit on the nature of protests.
3. "You have the right to peaceful assembly, but there are exceptions… there has to be some proportionality." - Professor Maria O'Sullivan on the balance between protest and law.
4. "Protest, sort of the embodied nature of protest, I think, is something that's universal." - Megan Powell du Toit on the fundamental importance of protest.
5. "Even if a couple of people in a protest are violent, that does not make the whole protest violent." - Professor Maria O'Sullivan on defining peaceful assembly.

Resources:

• Deakin Law School
• "Selma" 2014 film directed by Ava DuVernay

 

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