You may think Atheism and Christianity are polar opposites of each other, but according to academic David Newheiser, they actually have a lot in common. Also joining us on The Spirit this week is Foreign Editor of The Australian, Greg Sheridan,

A changing church

Jul 22nd, 2018 53m 57s

The Catholic Church may not look like it's changing, but significant developments are taking place. We hear from Melbourne's new Archbishop elect, Peter Comensoli, on the way the child abuse scandal has affected him and what he has in mind for

Women of Courage

Jul 15th, 2018 53m 58s

Jewish Holocaust survivor Aneta Weinreich shares her story of fleeing Nazi persecution across four countries, and the sacrifice three women played in ensuring her survival. And, we hear from Buddhist nun Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo, the second Wester

Mother Nature and the Holy Father

Jul 8th, 2018 1h

This NAIDOC week, we hear from Dr Rose Elu, an elder from Saibai Island who shares her concerns about the impact of climate change on the Torres Strait Islands. And, Sister Gail Worcelo from Green Mountain Monastery in Vermont, USA stresses the

Queer and devout

Jul 1st, 2018 57m 44s

This week the Spirit explores sexuality and interfaith dialogue on Mardi Gras’ 40th anniversary. We hear how those with strong faith negotiate both their religious and queer identities, and how the LGBTQI movement comes to terms with its religi

The first Cardinal of Myanmar

Jun 24th, 2018 53m 58s

The Pope surprised everyone in 2015 by appointing a Cardinal in Buddhist-majority Myanmar. Cardinal Charles Bo tells us about the state of Catholicism in the country, his friendship with Aung San Suu Kyi and why he advised Pope Francis not to u

The big issues for NT Anglicans

Jun 17th, 2018 53m 57s

This week, The Spirit is back in Darwin for the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Anglican diocese in the Northern Territory. We hear how the Church is dealing with same-sex marriage, the ordination of women and domestic violence. And, conti

Mela langgus en det stori ba Jisas (our language and the Jesus story)

Jun 10th, 2018 53m 57s

How does a diocese come together when there are geographical, cultural and language differences to account for? This week, The Spirit goes to Darwin, where the Anglican diocese is celebrating 50 years in the Northern Territory. And, we continue

Marrying 'out'

Jun 3rd, 2018 54m 57s

How do you navigate romantic relationships and religious expectations when your partner is not of the same faith? This week, we hear the Muslim and Zoroastrian experience. Plus, we find out more about Jesuit priest Teilhard de Chardin, who was

From Bishop Michael Curry to Fr James Martin: Priests in the public eye

May 27th, 2018 55m 27s

This week, the Spirit hears from the priests who capture public attention. We speak to the best dressed person at the Met Gala, Fr James Martin, and leading Australian Jesuit commentator, Fr Richard Leonard. And, we learn more about the surpris

The Aussie mosque that broke the mould

May 20th, 2018 53m 52s

Australia’s newest mosque has been hailed as an ‘architectural masterpiece’ – and it’s not even finished yet. Made of poured concrete and featuring more than 100 mini-domes, the mosque in Sydney's south-west is said to be the first of its kind

The Pope vs The Pill

May 13th, 2018 55m

50 years on, how do we understand Humane Vitae, the papal document that banned artificial contraception? Senator Kristina Keneally, ethicist Dr Bernadette Tobin and author Dr Paul Collins reflect on the impact of this historic document.

Sacred Songs

May 6th, 2018 53m 52s

This week, we talk to internationally acclaimed Japanese conductor and Calvinist Christian, Masaaki Suzuki. And, we hear from the director of the Central Australian Aboriginal Women’s Choir, who sing ancient German hymns in traditional language

The Real Mormon Mission

Apr 29th, 2018 53m 52s

Faith or footy? Money or mission? This week, we speak to NRL star and devout Mormon, Will Hopoate. And, as The Book of Mormon musical plays in Australia, we spend time ‘street-contacting’ with two real missionaries in the streets of Sydney.

Women and faith

Apr 15th, 2018 53m 52s

This week we’re talking the triumphs, trials and tribulations of women in religion. We speak to Professor Sophia Pandya from California State University, a specialist in religion, women and globalisation. And, we hear from Eugenia Flynn, an Abo

Politics & the Good Samaritan

Apr 8th, 2018 53m 52s

How have politicians battered and hijacked the Gospel story of the 'Good Samaritan'? We speak to British author Nick Spencer who has written a book on the topic. And, we take a trip to the National Gallery of Victoria, where a 16-metre long scu

Easter special: Jesus and Mary Magdalene

Apr 1st, 2018 53m 44s

We often see a White Jesus with blond hair and blue eyes. But how accurate is that? What did he really look like? We hear from author Joan E. Taylor, who reconstructs Christ's image in her new book. And, as a new film about Mary Magdalene is re

Jewish Journeys

Mar 25th, 2018 53m 52s

Heather Morris, author of ‘The Tattooist of Auschwitz’, tells the remarkable story of Lale Sokolov who was forced to work as chief tattooist at Auschwitz concentration camp during WWII. We pay a tribute to the late religion journalist Alan Gill

The Lives of Monks and Nuns

Mar 18th, 2018 53m 52s

We explore the monastic life across the faith spectrum with Stephen J. Davis, author of ‘Monasticism: A Very Short Introduction’. And producer Mariam Chehab spends a day with Catholic nuns at the Poor Clares of Bethlehem Monastery in Sydney.

Western Buddhism

Mar 11th, 2018 53m 52s

This week, two perspectives on the rise of Buddhism in the West. We meet Bhante Sujato, a former rock musician who became an ordained monk, teacher and reformer in the Thai Forest tradition of Buddhism. We also hear from Tibetan Buddhist practi

On A Mission

Mar 4th, 2018 53m 52s

We hear about the life, work and legacy of the late Billy Graham from a man who met him - Professor Gary Bouma. And we meet Fr Warren Kinne, who spent 20 years working as a missionary priest in China.

The Third Wave

Feb 25th, 2018 53m 52s

We meet feminist and writer Rebecca Walker, author of Black, White and Jewish, whose struggle with her mixed-race identity led her on a spiritual path towards Buddhism. We also hear from South Australia's first Aboriginal woman in Christian min

The Jains

Feb 18th, 2018 53m 3s

One of the oldest religions in India, Jainism extols the virtue of non-violence (ahimsa), a concept popularised in the 20th century by Gandhi as a non-violent tool for mass action. We’ll meet a Jain couple, hear from historian William Dalrymple

Modest Fashion

Feb 11th, 2018 53m 52s

The modest fashion market is reportedly worth tens of billions globally, but what exactly is ‘modest fashion’ and what role does religion play?

Music for the Soul

Feb 4th, 2018 52m 22s

We explore the deep connection between music, spirituality and identity with Australian sacred composer and singer Brooke Shelley, and the late soul musician Amy Winehouse, the focus of an exhibition at the Jewish Museum of Australia in Melbour