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

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.<ul><li>(01:20) - - For Arguments Sake</li>
<li>(18:42) - - Be Our Guest</li>
<li>(50:52) - - Through The Wardrobe</li>
</ul>

Less aggro, more conversation. 

Is it even possible to have a deep discussion without it descending into chaos? Michael Jensen and Megan Powell du Toit think yes, and want to show the rest of us how to do it. 

There’s plenty of things they disagree on: free will, feminism, where you should send your kids to school and what type of church you should go to. But there are also plenty of other things that they have in common. They want to talk about all these things with conviction. But they also want the conversation to be constructive. Tune in to find out if that’s possible.

With All Due Respect

The Controlling Church

Be Our Guest - Professor Brian Brock

For Argument's Sake

Through The Wardrobe - The Pitt

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 the Guest:

Professor Brian Brock
Originally from Texas, Professor Brian Brock holds a personal chair in moral and practical theology at the University of Aberdeen. He is the editor-in-chief of the Journal of Disability and Religion and has authored numerous books, including "Wondrously Wounded: Theology, Disability in the Body of Christ" and "Christian Ethics in a Technological Age." His expertise lies in exploring the relationship between theology and ethics, focusing on disability, technology, and creation. His latest work, "Joining Creation’s Praise: A Theological Ethic of Creatureliness," explores ethics from a theological perspective centered around creation.

Key Takeaways:
Dynamic Ethics Approach: Emphasizes understanding the Bible not as a static rulebook but as a guide showing how to live and think faithfully.
Role of Praise: Christian ethics should center around recognizing and praising God’s work, bringing joy and liberation.
Contextual Decision-Making: Encourages considering the context of each situation to make ethical decisions that align with God's character.
Freedom from Fear: Advocates moving away from fear-driven ethics towards faithfulness inspired by God’s consistent love and actions.
Ethical Formation: Highlights the significance of ethical imagination and conscience development through spiritual practice and the community.

Notable Quotes:
"I think people in the churches very often treat the Bible as a kind of repository of answers to ethical questions."
"Maps are kind of a deskilling. But we need to learn to recognize the landmarks in our space and time."
"How were the biblical authors actually approaching the task of living faithfully?"
"The stability is in God’s character… God is faithful to step in and interrupt us."
"We can pray and hope that God will actually show up and interrupt the things that generate entrapment."

Resources:
Brian Brock's Book:Joining Creation's Praise: A Theological Ethic of Creatureliness
Journal of Disability and Religion:Journal Website
Previous Works by Brian Brock:Wondrously Wounded," "Christian Ethics in a Technological Age

This season of&nbsp;With All Due Respect&nbsp;is sponsored by Morling College,&nbsp;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.&nbsp;<a href="https://info.morling.edu.au/l/979923/2023-03-26/5967sq">Download a course guide</a> to explore whether Morling is the right place for your next step.&nbsp;
Learn more about Morling College and register for the <a href="https://info.morling.edu.au/open-night">Online Open Night</a> on February 5,&nbsp;2026&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="http://info.morling.edu.au/open-night">info.morling.edu.au/open-night</a>. Discover how your faith and calling can come together at Morling.&nbsp;
About the Guest:
Professor Brian Brock Originally from Texas, Professor Brian Brock holds a personal chair in moral and practical theology at the University of Aberdeen. He is the editor-in-chief of the Journal of Disability and Religion and has authored numerous books, including "Wondrously Wounded: Theology, Disability in the Body of Christ" and "Christian Ethics in a Technological Age." His expertise lies in exploring the relationship between theology and ethics, focusing on disability, technology, and creation. His latest work, "Joining Creation&rsquo;s Praise: A Theological Ethic of Creatureliness," explores ethics from a theological perspective centered around creation.
Key Takeaways:
<ul>
<li>Dynamic Ethics Approach: Emphasizes understanding the Bible not as a static rulebook but as a guide showing how to live and think faithfully.</li>
<li>Role of Praise: Christian ethics should center around recognizing and praising God&rsquo;s work, bringing joy and liberation.</li>
<li>Contextual Decision-Making: Encourages considering the context of each situation to make ethical decisions that align with God's character.</li>
<li>Freedom from Fear: Advocates moving away from fear-driven ethics towards faithfulness inspired by God&rsquo;s consistent love and actions.</li>
<li>Ethical Formation: Highlights the significance of ethical imagination and conscience development through spiritual practice and the community.</li>
</ul>
Notable Quotes:
<ol>
<li>"I think people in the churches very often treat the Bible as a kind of repository of answers to ethical questions."</li>
<li>"Maps are kind of a deskilling. But we need to learn to recognize the landmarks in our space and time."</li>
<li>"How were the biblical authors actually approaching the task of living faithfully?"</li>
<li>"The stability is in God&rsquo;s character&hellip; God is faithful to step in and interrupt us."</li>
<li>"We can pray and hope that God will actually show up and interrupt the things that generate entrapment."</li>
</ol>
Resources:
<ul>
<li>Brian Brock's Book: <a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/Joining-Creations-Praise-Theological-Creatureliness/dp/1540963268">Joining Creation's Praise: A Theological Ethic of Creatureliness</a></li>
<li>Journal of Disability and Religion: <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/toc/wrdh21/26/2">Journal Website</a></li>
<li>Previous Works by Brian Brock: <a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/Christian-Ethics-Technological-Brian-Brock/dp/0802865178">Wondrously Wounded," "Christian Ethics in a Technological Age</a></li>
</ul>

Ethics Without God? Brian Brock on Praise-Centered Living

Intro

Be Our Guest - Jeri Jones Sparks

Through The Wardrobe

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 Guest
Jeri 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.

 

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

 

This season of&nbsp;With All Due Respect&nbsp;is sponsored by Morling College,&nbsp;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.&nbsp;<a href="https://info.morling.edu.au/l/979923/2023-03-26/5967sq">Download a course guide</a> to explore whether Morling is the right place for your next step.&nbsp;
Learn more about Morling College and register for the <a href="https://info.morling.edu.au/open-night">Online Open Night</a> on February 5,&nbsp;2026&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="http://info.morling.edu.au/open-night">info.morling.edu.au/open-night</a>. Discover how your faith and calling can come together at Morling.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
About our Guest Jeri 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.
&nbsp;
Key Takeaways:
<ul>
<li>Immigration Debate: Recent protests have highlighted the complexity surrounding immigration in Australia, often fueled by misinformation and political agendas.</li>
<li>Cultural and Religious Shifts: Australia's demographic changes bring both challenges and opportunities as the country navigates a more multicultural and religiously diverse population.</li>
<li>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.</li>
<li>Intercultural Church Dynamics: The importance of churches evolving towards interculturalism, incorporating various cultural perspectives to enhance community and belonging.</li>
<li>Understanding Heritage: Emotional and personal journeys uncovering one's ancestry, as showcased in the SBS series, can redefine individual and communal identity.</li>
</ul>
Notable Quotes:
<ul>
<li>"We're not as good at estimating numbers or proportions. It all comes through filters of bias." &mdash; Megan Powell du Toit</li>
<li>"I think there's going to be some kind of shift in our normal of engaging with cultural commentary." &mdash; Jeri Jones Sparks</li>
<li>"It's really messy. There's going to be conflict. But there's something gospel-hearted in how it shapes our gathering." &mdash; Jeri Jones Sparks</li>
<li>"The church has a lot to teach our society by modeling that kind of internationalism, that kind of welcome which is blind to race." &mdash; Michael Jensen</li>
<li>"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?" &mdash; Jeri Jones Sparks</li>
</ul>
Resources:
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.satyanetwork.org/">Satya Network</a></li>
<li>The Good News Series</li>
<li>SBS TV Series: The Secret DNA of Us</li>
<li>ABC Online article by Michael Jensen on immigration</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;

Immigration, Faith & Intercultural Church: Finding Grace

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.

Michael Jensen and Megan Powell du Toit kick off this teaser with exciting news: <a href="https://thewadrproject.com/podcast/">With All Due Respect</a> 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&mdash;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&mdash;all designed for discipleship formation. Check out their <a href="https://info.morling.edu.au/open-night">online open night on February 5th, 2026.</a>
Get ready for conversations that challenge without the aggro.

The Controlling Church

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