Halloween has a colourful and varied history, and a comparatively young one as a modern cultural phenomenon - more so in the New Zealand context.  So what is behind the increase in Kiwis' fascination with an imported cultural trend?  Is it harmless or dabbling in the occult? And what is the Christian response?

Andrew Urquhart and his guests sift through superstition, misinformation, fiction and fads, to find the true origins of All Hallows' Eve.  Discover why the Church celebrates Christ's victory over death with the tradition of All Saints and All Souls; reflect on ways of grieving that honour eternal life after death; and how Christian households can continue God's redemptive work in a society engrossed with the false idols of consumerism, popular culture, and pagan spirituality.

With Rev. Matt Maslin (laidlaw.ac.nz), the Hope Project's Dave Mann (alltogether.co.nz) and Family Life director Wynand Jacobs (familylife.nz)

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Is it dynamite policy or a political time-bomb? Vague or visionary?  Profiteering or permissive?

Andrew Urquhart and guests scrutinise the communication chaos and relational turmoil that seems to be engulfing the Opposition, and a troubling approach to online gambling regulations, as the one-year countdown to Election 2026 begins.  Join the conversations with former MP Simon O'Connor, and researchers Thomas Scrimgeour from the Maxim Institute & Paul Barber of the Salvation Army.

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Andrew Urquhart & guests reflect on brokenness in our Church, and the steps to reparation, reconciliation & reckoning necessary for ongoing spiritual renewal. 

Baptist pastor Steven Goulstone explains why the time has come for Baptist churches to make a public apology for institutional abuse;

Rev. Dr Malcolm Falloon examines the rise of GAFCON amidst a deepening rift within the Anglican church;

and Dr Craig Heilmann comments on the delicate balance of protection against persecution for Communist China's church community. 

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Settle in for an honest look at our social biases, both spoken and unspoken.

Stereotypes can be useful shortcuts for time-critical decisions, but do we abdicate personal responsibility to 'expert' authority figures too often? Are we as a society more prejudiced and judgemental than we care to admit?  Andrew Urquhart & guests broadcaster John Cowan, Maryanne Spurdle (Maxim Institute), & Tom O'Neil (cv.co.nz) tackle sexism, racism, ageism, and other forms of bigotry prevalent in community today.   Text your thoughts to 8168 keyword 'Comments'. 

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There are different stages of Life, and each one brings a series of blessing and challenges. For those who are currently dealing with being parents to teenagers or young adults, the difficulties may seem to outweigh the blessings.

 

Kristin Ward from the Parenting Place gives some advice and practical tips on how to stay connected with grumpy teens, how to lean in when they are pulling back.

 

Finding work is particularly challenging at the moment, especially for young people that lack work experience. Tom ONeil has some more practical advice on how to support and encourage our kids as they look for work.

 

Learning and growing isn’t just for the young. Dr Myk Habets from Laidlaw College encourages us to be lifelong learners, not just spiritually but also engaging our brains on a variety of current issues.

 

As always, we’d love to get your thoughts & comments on any of these issues.

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In this episode,  Davina West (The Producer of the Thoughts & Comments Programme) has a frank and fascinating conversation with Canadian Christian Apologist Wes Huff, who was in New Zealand recently as a guest of Thinking Matters. www.thinkingmatters.org.nz

 

Wes shares his testimony of miraculous healing when he was a young boy, as well as what motivates and inspires him in his ministry. This is a compelling conversation with one of the sharpest minds in Christian Apologetics, who uses grace and intellect to present the reasons for the Hope that he has in Jesus with gentleness and respect.

 

As always, we’d love  to get your thoughts & comments on any of these issues.

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In this episode we focus in on attempts to regulate new technology, both in the areas of reproduction and communication. However it seems unlikely that legislation will ever keep up with technology. 

 

The UN is proposing to ban Surrogacy, which does have risk and is open to exploitation, but also provides a last Hope for some who struggle with fertility.  

 

The BSA has moved to control the content of unlicensed internet broadcasters, a move which Simon O’Connor describes as a power grab and regulatory overreach. 

 

Justin Smith unpacks changes emerging with Podcasting and the increasing influence of these prophets of the attention economy.  

 

As always, we’d love  to get your thoughts & comments on any of these issues.

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In this episode we examine some new ways of doing things in the Church.  Are there still barriers to belonging for those who have a negative view of the Church? And are there barriers to unity within the church because of strongly held doctrinal views? 

 

Later in the episode Public Theologian Dr Craig Heilmann explores the rift that appointing a women as new Archbishop of Canterbury has caused within the global Anglican communion.  

 

Dunedin Bishop Anne van Gent unpacks her journey towards a calling to ministry, and present a case for a more inclusive and diverse church community. 

 

But first up Jason Perkins from the irresistible church movement present a new way of structuring church culture and practice for the benefit of non-members, and how this changes the focus of the leadership and congregation. 

 

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In this episode we look to the future, is there any hope on the horizon, either economically or politically. If things aren’t the way that we want them to be can we rely on the politicians to clean up the mess or should we take more personal responsibility, both fiscally and socially.

Grant Marshall from Christian Savings looks at ways we can invest and prepare for our retirement, other than just investing in property, or expect the govt. to fund it.

John Peachey warns that the cupboards are bare when it comes to the government being able to provide basic services, including superannuation, in the years ahead.

Dr Bryce Edwards examine the plight of TPM, who promised a revolution to achieve equitable outcome for Maori, but are now mired with their own internal revolt.

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 With the Israeli Hostages released and the ceasefire holding so far reasons of celebration in Gaza, Israel and around the world. In this episode we get a range of different perspectives on these historic events. 

 

While acknowledging Trumps role in the process Rev. Frank Ritchie ponders whether we can also make peace with those who have different views on this contentious topic.

 

Geopolitical Commentator Geoffrey Miller examines what the conditions for last peace look like. 

 

Tash McGill contrasts Trump the Peacemaker of Gaza with some concerning developments back home in America. 

 

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