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The Spirit of Things is an adventure into religion and spirituality. It explores contemporary values and beliefs as expressed through ritual, art, music, and sacred texts.
201 Episodes
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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, whose new book God is Good for You: A Defence of Christianity in Troubled Times, argues that a world without God loses something of its humanity.
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 the future. And, Sister Maeve Heaney tells us about the power of music as theology, as well as her role heading up a new centre for theological formation in Brisbane.
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 Western woman to become ordained in the Tibetan Vajrayana tradition, who spent 12 years in a cave.
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 importance of caring for the earth as she reflects on the work of the late eco-theologian, Thomas Berry.
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 religious members.
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 use the term Rohingya when he visited Myanmar last year. And, we conclude our series of Muslim women ‘marrying out’ with Alia, who met her husband on a bus in South America.
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, continuing our series on Muslim women who’ve ‘married out’ of the faith, we hear from Nasya, who fell for her Anglo-Australian boss.
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 our series on Muslim women marrying out of the religion.
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 mentioned in that Royal Wedding sermon.
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 surprise star of the Royal Wedding - Bishop Michael Curry.
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 in the country. We hear from the Greek-Orthodox architect behind the building, Angelo Candalepas, and the man overseeing the project, Zachariah Matthews.
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.
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.
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.
Did you know that every Australian soldier on parade wears a turban? This week, the ANZAC connections that are seldom known. We speak to author John Luttrell about our first native-born Australian Cardinal, Sir Norman Gilroy, who supported troops at Gallipoli. And, we hear about the Sikhs who fought alongside and with our ANZACS - and who also influenced the Australian army uniform.
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 Aboriginal and Chinese-Malaysian Muslim woman, who shares and reclaims her identity through her writing.
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 sculpture of the reclining Buddha lies, created by emerging Chinese artist Xu Zhen.
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 released, we look at the identity of this key Christian figure.
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, and hear a first-hand account of survival from Jewish Holocaust survivor Ruth Rack.
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.
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