Thoughts & Comments
Thoughts & Comments
Thoughts & Comments brings social commentary to current issues and a faith perspective to the latest news. Hosted by Andrew Urquhart, a seasoned broadcaster with over three decades of experience, chatting with a wide range of guests and experts who bring their wisdom and insight to a huge variety of topics, including politics, psychology, societal trends, theology, geopolitical analysis, social po…
To Have and To Hold: A Vignette from History
Church historian Rev. Dr Malcolm Falloon unveils the first Christian marriage between two Maori in colonial New Zealand, as he reflects on the sacramental call of matrimony to receive one's spouse as God’s gift rather than conforming to the expectations of popular culture. Text 8168, keyword …
14:09
Slogans, Taxation and Wily Civil Servants
WED 2 SEP - Will bad slogans decide the polls and should Ministry staff leave with outgoing governments? Family First's Simon O'Connor brings his political insights to bear as electioneering ramps up. The ex-MP discusses party slogans and the likelihood that tax will dominate debate, alongside …
13:46
ACT's Proposed Crackdown on PR Visas
Honey attracts, while salt preserves. Attracting then retaining skilled immigrants is a constant challenge, so does any party have the balance of flavours right? Touching on the hospitality sector's hungry vocational training gap, Tash McGill checks out ACT's proposed immigration policy change…
13:12
Coalition Disagrees Over Climate Agreement
WED 2 SEP ~ To stay or not to stay? The Coalition is split on New Zealand's obligations under the Paris Climate Agreement. The governing parties generally concur that it's a costly and unreasonable commitment; but whereas National appears willing to remain in the pact and pay part of the pric…
11:46
Trial by Social Media: The Lindsay Clancy Tragedy
TUE 1 SEP - A once-devoted mum succumbs to psychosis and commits an unspeakable crime... or did she. Despite Lindsay Clancy's insanity plea, internet speculation has proliferated like wildfire as her trial draws to a close. Blame aside, the human loss is all but lost amidst the noise of a worl…
14:14
Redefining Manhood for Fathers' Day
Why does the upvaluing of womanhood seem to devalue manhood and assume masculinity is toxic by default? Is feminism repeating the sexist mistake that misogynistic society once did? With Fathers' Day around the corner, veteran broadcaster, dad and grandfather John Cowan reflects on the essen…
10:21
Showing Affection: A Marriage Week Challenge
The challenge has been laid: intentionally show affection each day of Marriage Week, and beyond. With Father's Day this Sunday and Marriage Week approaching, Andrew Urquhart ponders how husbands can better show affection to their wives. Daryl Fowles from Family Life encourages men to ask their …
09:08
The Nicodemus in Us: Night-time Discipleship
Half-hearted, or wholly curious follower? Tracing three Biblical accounts of the pharisee Nicodemus, theologian Graham Redding reflects on the discipleship model of Jesus' night-time postulant - once villified by some as spiritually duplicitous, yet honoured as a saint (feast day: 31 August) in th…
12:28
Indonesia's Christians Reeling Post-Earthquake
Barnabas Aid NZ's Anna Hunyadi updates Andrew Urquhart on the situation in Indonesia after the archipelago's massive earthquake a fortnight ago. She explains the disaster has placed Chrisitan communities on islands like Flores in a more precarious position as discriminated minorities in the wor…
08:23
China Overshadows Pacific Islands Forum
A civil liberties advocate is flagging China's looming presence in the South Pacific. Arian Tashakkori of PILLAR remarked on Taiwan's invitation, New Zealand's delayed attendance, and the poor showing from several island nations at the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau. He considers whether New Z…
11:26