With All Due Respect

This season of With All Due Respect is sponsored by Morling College, a Christ-centred higher-education institution shaped by its Baptist heritage and broad evangelical vision. Morling is committed to rigorous theological study, deep spiritual formation, and learning how to engage faithfully and thoughtfully with difference. Study options include ministry and theology, counselling, chaplaincy, and education. Download a course guide to explore whether Morling is the right place for your next step.  Learn more about Morling College and register for the Online Open Night on February 5, 2026 at info.morling.edu.au/open-night. Discover how your faith and calling can come together at Morling.    About our GuestJeri Jones Sparks is the Ministry Director of the Good News series, an evangelistic video resource aimed specifically at reaching South Asians. Her impactful work extends to her role as a strategic consultant for the Satya Network, which focuses on engaging and integrating South Asian Christians in Australia. Jeri is also an Outreach Minister at St James Anglican in Croydon, Sydney, an area with a substantial immigrant population. Born in Chennai, South India, Jeri and her family migrated to Australia when she was just four years old. Her journey and advocacy stand as a vital testament to cultural integration and spiritual transformation. Episode Summary: In the latest episode of "With All Due Respect," hosts Megan Powell du Toit and Michael Jensen dive into the complex and timely topic of immigration in Australia. This conversation couldn't be more pertinent as recent protests, the March for Australia, have stirred national debate about whether the country faces an immigration problem and how people, especially Christians, should respond. The discussion progresses to explore the nuanced aspects of immigration, including its impact on cultural identity, the rising presence of non-Christian faiths, and how statistics can often misrepresent the real picture, creating unwarranted fear and tension. Joining the conversation is Jeri Jones Sparks, a Tamil Indian Australian with an active ministry presence, who shares her experiences and insights on living as an immigrant and working within the church to foster intercultural understanding. The episode further highlights the gripping SBS series "The Secret DNA of Us," which unveils the hidden ethnic makeup of Australian towns. This, coupled with stories of individual ancestry, shines a light on Australia's multifaceted identity. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of religion, culture, and social policy. Key Takeaways: Immigration Debate: Recent protests have highlighted the complexity surrounding immigration in Australia, often fueled by misinformation and political agendas. Cultural and Religious Shifts: Australia's demographic changes bring both challenges and opportunities as the country navigates a more multicultural and religiously diverse population. Christian Response: The necessity for Christians to redefine what it means to engage with 'the other,' drawing from biblical examples of how to treat foreigners among us. Intercultural Church Dynamics: The importance of churches evolving towards interculturalism, incorporating various cultural perspectives to enhance community and belonging. Understanding Heritage: Emotional and personal journeys uncovering one's ancestry, as showcased in the SBS series, can redefine individual and communal identity. Notable Quotes: "We're not as good at estimating numbers or proportions. It all comes through filters of bias." — Megan Powell du Toit "I think there's going to be some kind of shift in our normal of engaging with cultural commentary." — Jeri Jones Sparks "It's really messy. There's going to be conflict. But there's something gospel-hearted in how it shapes our gathering." — Jeri Jones Sparks "The church has a lot to teach our society by modeling that kind of internationalism, that kind of welcome which is blind to race." — Michael Jensen "When we know that it's God who appoints where and when all people should live, who are the people that God has put around us?" — Jeri Jones Sparks Resources: Satya Network The Good News Series SBS TV Series: The Secret DNA of Us ABC Online article by Michael Jensen on immigration  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Jensen and Megan Powell du Toit kick off this teaser with exciting news: With All Due Respect is partnering with Hope1032, Sydney's community-funded radio station, for a fresh season launching January 15th, 2026. If you're tired of polarised debates and want to see how people can disagree well on the big stuff, you're in for a banger! Next season, Michael and Megan are diving into cultural apologetics, immigration debates, true crime through a Christian lens, and finding the sacred in everyday life. They're tackling the contentious issues many of us wrestle with—but doing it with grace and genuine conversation. Big thanks to WADR's sponsor, Morling College, whose commitment to deep thinking and respectful dialogue aligns perfectly with the podcast's mission. Morling offers courses in ministry, theology, counselling, and chaplaincy—all designed for discipleship formation. Check out their online open night on February 5th, 2026. Get ready for conversations that challenge without the aggro.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode has been one of the highest listened to episodes in the WADR catalogue! With schoolies ongoing as well as the holiday season just over the horizon, we'd like to replay this ep and to stir some thought and discussion. Discuss!? Glad you asked - head to our WADR group here on Facebook!   In this episode, the WADR team talk about how to have better sex. No, this is not Megan and Michael's opportunity to present the evangelical version of the karma sutra. Rather, they want to talk about the ways Christianity has got sex right - or a lot of the time wrong - and what can be done better for everyone's sake. First up, Megan and Michael invite on to the show the co-author of the influential Christian book The Great Sex Rescue, Sheila Wray Gregoire. Sheila shares what she and her co-authors discovered when they talked to 22,000 Christian women. Then the WADR duo talk about the Australian #metoo moment and what they think about consent education. Finally, we finish the show with the film Give Me Sex Jesus, a title that sells itself. And consider this your warning. This episode is talking about sex, so it is definitely for mature audiences.LINKSFollow this link to check out Sheila's book, The Great Sex Rescue: The Lies You've Been Taught and How to Recover What God Intended, by Sheila Wray Gregoire, psychology graduate Rebecca Gregoire Lindenbach and epidemiologist and statistician Joanna Sawatsky.You can watch Give Me Sex Jesus for free on Vimeo - it's a Staff Pick!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s the final episode for season 10 of With All Due Respect!This year marks 1700 years since the creation of the Nicene Creed, one of Christianity's seminal documents (outside of the Bible).Our hosts discuss why this creed matters and debate whether more churches should use it in their services.Theologian Beth Felker Jones then joins the show to discuss the creed's historical and theological significance, before Michael and Megan share their thoughts on the 2017 documentary The Song Keepers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, our hosts are joined by AFES worker Christine Jolly to discuss whether Gen Z women are going missing from the church, while their male counterparts convert in droves.Michael and Megan attempt to make sense of this concerning trend before turning their attention to the 2024 biographical thriller Cabrini, which tells the story of the first American saint, Francesca Cabrini.(00:00) - - Intro (01:36) - - Be Our Guest (41:39) - - For Arguements Sake (53:36) - - Through The Wardrobe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Michael and Megan grapple with the problem of pain. It’s a complex issue for Christians - some seek out pain as a spiritual discipline, while for others, pain can drive them away from faith altogether. Professor Philip Siddall joins the show to help us further understand why pain occurs - and how to deal with it, both physically and spiritually. Finally, our hosts cast a critical eye over the second season of the hit TV series Severance. Out now, wherever you get your podcasts.(00:00) - - Intro (01:36) - - For Arguments Sake (18:04) - - Be Our Guest (47:34) - - Through The Wardrobe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Michael and Megan tackle the difficult topic of church control. They discuss how much—if any—control churches should be allowed to have over members and how to safeguard against any misuse of power by leaders.Christian psychologist Kylie Walls then joins the show for a sobering discussion on spiritual abuse, before our hosts review the hit podcast Sons of Patriarchy, which deals with the hyper-conservative ministry of Douglas Wilson.If this episode has raised concerns for you, help is available. Call 1800 737 732, or head to the website 1800respect.org.au.(01:20) - - For Arguments Sake (18:42) - - Be Our Guest (50:52) - - Through The Wardrobe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The recent feature film ‘Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin' attracted controversy for its portrayal of Europe’s most celebrated martyr of the 20th century.There are so many questions surrounding the life of Bonhoeffer - chief among them, how involved was he in the botched 20 July plot to kill Hitler?Our hosts this week share their thoughts on the film and are also joined by Center for Pastor Theologians President Dr. Joel Lawrence to discuss Bonhoeffer's life and work.Finally, Michael and Megan try to define a Christian hero and discuss whether the church should have any heroes aside from Jesus.(01:44) - - Through the Wardrobe (31:40) - - Be Our Guest (44:03) - - For Arguments Sake See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Mark Comer’s Practicing the Way has become a Christian bestseller since its publication last year.It’s part of a new wave of books focusing on the ‘spiritual disciplines’.This week, our hosts delve into what these disciplines are and how we can approach them in a biblical manner.Author Alex Sosler then joins the show to discuss modern approaches to discipleship, before our hosts review the hit Netflix docudrama Apple Cider Vinegar.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With an Australian federal election called for May, our hosts think about how Christians should approach the ballot box and whether there is a "right" way for a believer to vote.We then hear multiple Australian Christian leaders answering the question, "What should Christians consider when casting their vote this year at the Australian federal election?"You can find the full text of all their answers on the WADR webpage - head to https://undeceptions.com/wadr/the-election/Finally, Michael and Megan take a look at the 2024 documentary God and Country, a film that zeros in on the emergence of Christian nationalism in America.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is a revival breaking out in the Western world? Or is the reappraisal of Christianity - leading intellectuals like Richard Dawkins and Jordan Peterson to proclaim themselves “cultural Christians” - just a passing fad? Evangelist Glen Scrivener joins the show to discuss, before our hosts turn their attention to the latest "Catholic political thriller", and one of the hit movies of the past year - Conclave. (00:00) - - Intro (01:20) - - For Arguments Sake (19:26) - - Be Our Guest (48:10) - - Through the Wardrobe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last year, Australia introduced a law banning certain social media platforms for children under the age of 16 - the first of its kind in the world.This week, our hosts move the conversation offline and into real life, pondering the effects of social media and how the Bible can guide us in how to use it.Professor Andrew Campbell, Chair of the Cyberpsychology Research Group at the University of Sydney, then joins the show to discuss the proposed ban and the potential benefits of social media.Finally, Michael and Megan discuss appropriations of the 19th-century novel Vanity Fair and wonder how it might have anticipated some of the complexities of social media - two centuries ahead of time!(00:00) - - Intro (01:20) - - For Arguments Sake (17:36) - - Be Our Guest (48:53) - - Through the Wardrobe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome back to another season of With All Due Respect, where your hosts, Megan Powell du Toit and Michael Jensen, tackle tricky topics with respect and grace.To kick things off, celebrated author Marilynne Robinson joins the show to discuss her new book Reading Genesis, which looks at God's covenant with humanity - despite how dark things get.Our hosts then share their thoughts on the first book of the Bible and look at other recent attempts to understand it - notably Jordan Peterson's musings in his latest work, We Who Wrestle With God.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In our season finale, our hosts answer questions from the audience and give their hot takes on some thorny issues.(01:36) - - Q&A Part 1 (21:58) - - Q&A Part 2 (38:43) - - Through The Wardrobe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the aftermath of the 2024 Lausanne Congress - at which Megan was a delegate - our hosts take stock of what went on, review the Seoul Statement (and other alliterative faith declarations of past conferences), and mull over the insights of other attendees.They also discuss a documentary on the first Lausanne Congress, held way back in 1974.(01:50) - - Through The Wardrobe (15:06) - - What's Going On? (31:02) - - Be Our Guest See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is there a masculinity crisis? Or have we fundamentally misunderstood what being a man in the 21st century means?Our hosts spend some time discussing their understanding of masculinity, how they’ve seen it shift around them, and what a Christian vision of masculinity really looks like.Executive Director of the Centre for Public Christianity Simon Smart joins the show to discuss this tricky topic.  Finally, Michael and Megan turn their attention to the comedy-drama series Barry. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do we live in a culture that thrives on offence? Is it ever okay to intentionally offend? Michael and Megan are joined this week by Presbyterian Minister and writer Nathan Campbell to think through these questions. Our hosts also discuss the theology behind offence, and what offends them.Finally, the 2022 Psychological Thriller Tar - starring Cate Blanchett - comes under the WADR microscope. It's a film all about the destructive consequences of offending. But is it any good?(00:09) - - Be Our Guest (35:28) - - For Arguments Sake (53:05) - - Through The Wardrobe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, our hosts discuss the touchy topic of class. Does Christianity have an issue with class in Australia? What class do our hosts think they belong in?For 'Through the Wardrobe', Michael and Megan share their thoughts on the hit HBO drama The Gilded Age, a show dedicated to the world of the upstairs and downstairs world of 19th century America.(01:36) - - For Arguments Sake (18:41) - - The Secret Life of Us (33:09) - - Through the Wardrobe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, our hosts are grappling with the topic of sin. They discuss what sin is, and then ponder the relationship of desire to sin. In particular, is all sinful desire ... sinful? Michael and Megan don't entirely see eye to eye on this one!Writer and podcaster Elizabeth Oldfield, well-known as the host of The Sacred podcast, then joins the show for a wide-ranging discussion, including on her new book Fully Alive: Tending to the Soul in Turbulent Times.Finally, our hosts discuss the confronting - and beautiful - film Manchester By The Sea (2016).(01:32) - - For Arguments Sake (22:29) - - Be Our Guest (48:00) - - Through The Wardrobe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week our hosts ponder the role of animals in creation. What is the standing of animals in comparison to humans in the created order? Is it ever ok to eat animals? Do they go to heaven? Ethicist and Professor of Animal Theology Clair Linzey then joins the show to ponder these questions further, before Michael and Megan turn their attention to the 2017 film The Zookeeper's Wife, which tells the true story of two brave zookeepers in Warsaw who resisted the invading Nazi forces. (01:44) - For Arguments Sake (22:13) - Be Our Guest (41:37) - Through The Wardrobe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.