Soul Search

Embodying a character in games like Dungeons and Dragons "exercises the empathy muscle" and helps us expand our sense of self — at least according to the Dungeon Master Pastor. Even regular internet use provides ample opportunity to play with who we are and what might be possible.

Volunteers make the world go round! Most people undertake volunteer work at some point in their lives, but some religious traditions particularly emphasise the importance of service to others.

In the wake of the King's visit to Australia, we're once again debating questions that get to the heart of Australian government and identity. These aren't just political questions — they're spiritual too.

It's becoming rare to see a nun or Catholic sister out and about, but our continuing fascination with women religious is reflected in mass media. What's it really like to be a religious sister in the 21st Century?

There's an intangible sense of connection and interrelationship between things that's just as important as the things themselves. Depicting these relationships in art is a perennial challenge, and inspires us to new heights of creativity.

There can be a kind of grief and overwhelm at the violence happening in the world right now. Much of it is distressing — and often it feels like so little can be done on an everyday level. But in the day to day, are there ways we can practise peace, within ourselves, and in our communities?

It's a commonly held belief that play is just for children, but for many adults it's a path to self-awareness and creativity. Play is a joyous way of spending time, and more than that, a way of being fully human and connecting with the divine.

Food is a basic need, but also more than just a way of nourishing the body. The food on our plates and the drinks in our cups tell us all kinds of things about who we are and what we believe.

In post-apartheid South Africa, Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela is asking, when is forgiveness possible, and where does that leave the search for justice? These questions have sent her on what she calls the "reparative quest", seeking answers from people on opposite sides of the atrocity.

What happens when your deepest convictions aren't reflected in the society around you — how do you navigate that gap? Academic Farjana Mahbuba and entrepreneur Mariam Mohammed have been living out this question in their pursuit for gender equality.