What place does the Bible have in modern day Australia? Is it illegitimate in a now secular nation or a treasured part of our Christian heritage? In a stimulating and surprising conversation, we get under the skin of an ancient text that has been read, preached and even tattooed into Australia’s cultural history.

Our guest: Dr Meredith Lake is an honorary associate of the Department of History at the University of Sydney. Her PhD was on religious ideas of the environment in early colonial Australia, and she is the author of The Bible of Australia: A Cultural History, which won the 2018 Christian Book of the Year.

What place does the Bible have in modern day Australia? Is it illegitimate in a now secular nation or a treasured part of our Christian heritage? In a stimulating and surprising conversation, we get under the skin of an ancient text that has been read, preached and even tattooed into Australia&rsquo;s cultural history.

Our guest: Dr Meredith Lake is an honorary associate of the Department of History at the University of Sydney. Her PhD was on religious ideas of the environment in early colonial Australia, and she is the author of The Bible of Australia: A Cultural History, which won the 2018 Christian Book of the Year.

Bigger Questions is an interview and conversation recorded before a live audience in Melbourne’s CBD. Your host is Robert Martin from City Bible Forum in Melbourne. Rob loves asking the big questions of life and discussing these with the interesting and engaging guests on the show.

They tackle all sorts of bigger questions from the inspirational to the confrontational; sharing stories and seeking answers through the Bible. The show is fun, thoughtful and stimulating. And you never know, you might find some answers.

<p>Bigger Questions is an interview and conversation recorded before a live audience in Melbourne&rsquo;s CBD. Your host is Robert Martin from City Bible Forum in Melbourne. Rob loves asking the big questions of life and discussing these with the interesting and engaging guests on the show.</p>
<p>They tackle all sorts of bigger questions from the inspirational to the confrontational; sharing stories and seeking answers through the Bible. The show is fun, thoughtful and stimulating. And you never know, you might find some answers.</p>

Bigger Questions

How much has the Bible shaped Australia? Meredith Lake - 6-7 April 2024

What do we make of all the blood and violence in the Bible? The so-called 'good book' contains many stories of killing and death; Christians seem to even rejoice over the ’blood of Jesus’. Why is there so much blood in the Bible? We confront some of the most confronting (and confusing) parts of the Bible with sensitivity and wisdom, and even find some good news amidst it all.  Our guest: Mike Raiter is the Director of the Centre for Biblical Preaching, seeking to train and equip churches around the globe in expository preaching. He started his career as a high school teacher, eventually serving as the principal of the Melbourne School of Theology from 2006 to 2011. He is also an award-winning author and an in-demand speaker across Australia and around the world.

What do we make of all the blood and violence in the Bible? The so-called 'good book' contains many stories of killing and death; Christians seem to even rejoice over the &rsquo;blood of Jesus&rsquo;. Why is there so much blood in the Bible? We confront some of the most confronting (and confusing) parts of the Bible with sensitivity and wisdom, and even find some good news amidst it all.  Our guest: Mike Raiter is the Director of the Centre for Biblical Preaching, seeking to train and equip churches around the globe in expository preaching. He started his career as a high school teacher, eventually serving as the principal of the Melbourne School of Theology from 2006 to 2011. He is also an award-winning author and an in-demand speaker across Australia and around the world.

Where are the Voices of Hope? - Jazz Thornton - 1-2 June 2024

Is God Bloodthirsty? - Mike Raiter - 1-2 June 2024

**Content warning: This episode contains discussion of suicidal thoughts and attempts - please listen with care.** What goes through the mind of a 12-year-old who attempts to take her own life? We engage some deeply difficult and challenging issues as we confront the big questions around mental illness and suicidal thinking; Is it common or widespread in our community for people to contemplate suicide? How important is advocacy in this space? Our guests: Jazz Thornton is a New Zealander and the co-founder of Voices of Hope, providing help and hope to those struggling with mental illness. She advocates for those with depression, anxiety and suicidal thinking all around the world. Jazz is also the award-winning director of Jessica’s Tree, and her story is the focus of a feature documentary film, The Girl on the Bridge.

**Content warning: This episode contains discussion of suicidal thoughts and attempts - please listen with care.** What goes through the mind of a 12-year-old who attempts to take her own life? We engage some deeply difficult and challenging issues as we confront the big questions around mental illness and suicidal thinking; Is it common or widespread in our community for people to contemplate suicide? How important is advocacy in this space? Our guests: Jazz Thornton is a New Zealander and the co-founder of Voices of Hope, providing help and hope to those struggling with mental illness. She advocates for those with depression, anxiety and suicidal thinking all around the world. Jazz is also the award-winning director of Jessica&rsquo;s Tree, and her story is the focus of a feature documentary film, The Girl on the Bridge.

How much has the Bible shaped Australia? Meredith Lake - 6-7 April 2024

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