Thoughts & Comments Podcast

The 'deal' with Iran has yet to be signed, nevermind the ink having time to dry, but President Trump's latest peace proposal has already been deemed a colossal failure by some.

Simon O'Connor explains his views on the proposed framework for an end to hostilities in the multi-pronged fight against Iran's Islamic dictatorship.

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Tune into Thoughts & Comments from 10:00am - 2:00pm on the Rhema Media App.

For more from the show, visit the Thoughts & Comments page at rhema.co.nz.

Support Rhema: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?brand=rhema&utm_source=omnystudio&utm_medium=link

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Politicians have been tasked with deciding the definition of 'man' and 'woman'. 

The Legislation (Definitions of Woman and Man) Amendment Bill is before Select Committee, having passed its First Reading in Parliament, with public submissions due to close on the 2nd of July.

Proponents of the Bill seek to protect girls and women by clarifying key gender terminology based on biological sex; but John Peachey and Andrew Urquhart ask - how does this piece of legislation help transexual people?

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Tune into Thoughts & Comments from 10:00am - 2:00pm on the Rhema Media App.

For more from the show, visit the Thoughts & Comments page at rhema.co.nz.

Support Rhema: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?brand=rhema&utm_source=omnystudio&utm_medium=link

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A recent survey claims 75% of Americans subscribe to the 'Prosperity Gospel'; so if your instinctive reaction is aversion - is that based on scripture, or culture? 

Media chaplain Frank Ritchie peels back layers of societal and theological bias that sees God's plan for success, blessing and human flourishing interpreted in vastly different ways.

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Tune into Thoughts & Comments from 10:00am - 2:00pm on the Rhema Media App.

For more from the show, visit the Thoughts & Comments page at rhema.co.nz.

Support Rhema: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?brand=rhema&utm_source=omnystudio&utm_medium=link

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Veteran broadcaster John Cowan shares some insights on some causes of friction in adult child-parent relationships; and allowing time, love and other family to aid the healing process.

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Tune into Thoughts & Comments from 10:00am - 2:00pm on the Rhema Media App.

For more from the show, visit the Thoughts & Comments page at rhema.co.nz.

Support Rhema: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?brand=rhema&utm_source=omnystudio&utm_medium=link

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can battle lines be drawn or allegiances formed without clear party policies?  Perhaps we're looking at a rolling maul over an invisible political football... 

The new Roy Morgan poll brought on a barrage of rugby references, as Tash McGill and Andrew Urquhart analysed shifts in how Coalition and Opposition parties are tracking post-Budget 2026.

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Tune into Thoughts & Comments from 10:00am - 2:00pm on the Rhema Media App.

For more from the show, visit the Thoughts & Comments page at rhema.co.nz.

Support Rhema: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?brand=rhema&utm_source=omnystudio&utm_medium=link

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Political commentator Simon O'Connor reflects on the recent victory for homeschooling and the democratic process, with the Government's commitment to proper consultation on home education regulations. He also considers the 'small target' approach various Opposition parties seem to be taking as they lie low at this stage of the Election cycle.

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Tune into Thoughts & Comments from 10:00am - 2:00pm on the Rhema Media App.

For more from the show, visit the Thoughts & Comments page at rhema.co.nz.

Support Rhema: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?brand=rhema&utm_source=omnystudio&utm_medium=link

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Social welfare advocates are disappointed with what many view as penny-pinching in the recently announced austerity Budget.  However Visionwest's Partnership Manager sees some silver linings in the government's planned spending.  Brook Turner explains why the sector feels that Budget 2026 delivers limited uplift for the New Zealanders they serve; but why he is buoyed by the hope and scope for individual and Church to step up in faith.

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Tune into Thoughts & Comments from 10:00am - 2:00pm on the Rhema Media App.

For more from the show, visit the Thoughts & Comments page at rhema.co.nz.

Support Rhema: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?brand=rhema&utm_source=omnystudio&utm_medium=link

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Devoid of fanfare and lolly scrambles, is there a token 'something' for everyone?

Brendan Malone joins Andrew Urquhart for a look beyond the balance sheet to discuss what can be inferred from a rather lacklustre Budget announcement last week.   Is the Government playing a cautious game as it juggles economic and geopolitical pressures? Does Labour offer a more visionary alternative?

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Tune into Thoughts & Comments from 10:00am - 2:00pm on the Rhema Media App.

For more from the show, visit the Thoughts & Comments page at rhema.co.nz.

Support Rhema: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?brand=rhema&utm_source=omnystudio&utm_medium=link

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Arian Tashakkori from PILLAR takes a look on the bright side of Budget 2026 through a civil liberties lens.  He points out that budget constrictions mean a smaller government, which in turn offers an opportunity for New Zealand communities to step up, and put faith into action. 

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Tune into Thoughts & Comments from 10:00am - 2:00pm on the Rhema Media App.

For more from the show, visit the Thoughts & Comments page at rhema.co.nz.

Support Rhema: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?brand=rhema&utm_source=omnystudio&utm_medium=link

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Problems arise when society begins redefining realities it did not create — marriage, sex, parenthood, and even what it means to be human."

There's a challenge to the liberal claim that culture wars have been imported and Christians should 'stay out of it'.

Historian and theologian, Rev. Dr Malcolm Falloon, explains why many polarising social issues - such as critical race theory and trans ideology - are fundamentally spiritual matters... and that Christ's love is the only force that can bridge the divide between these opposing visions of humanity.

Text 8168, keyword 'Comments' to share your thoughts.

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Tune into Thoughts & Comments from 10:00am - 2:00pm on the Rhema Media App.

For more from the show, visit the Thoughts & Comments page at rhema.co.nz.

Support Rhema: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?brand=rhema&utm_source=omnystudio&utm_medium=link

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.