Life & Faith

Richard Swinburne is an Emeritus Professor of Philosophy at the University of Oxford. He is the author of many eminent books of the philosophy of religion in general and of the philosophy of Christianity in particular.CPX gathered his thoughts on the violence of the Old Testament, divine revelation, evil and whether he believes there is a renaissance of unbelief.

Simon Smart and Greg Clarke went out on the streets to find out what Easter means to people in Australia today.

David Bentley Hart is regarded as one of America’s brightest theologians, who combines highly skilled and entertaining writing with expertise in literature, history, philosophy, art and culture. In this interview Bentley Hart talks about the impact of Christianity on the West, some questionable interpretations of history, suffering and the problem of evil and why he remains a believer.

Cormac McCarthy's much acclaimed novel The Road has been made into a feature film starring Viggo Mortensen. Greg Clarke and Simon Smart discuss why The Road matters.

Harold Koenig is on the faculty at Duke University as Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, and Associate Professor of Medicine. Greg Clarke interviews him about the effects of religious belief on people's physical and mental health.

Australia has traditionally been thought of as a godless nation. But two recent surveys, one by Nielsen for the Sydney Morning Herald, and one commissioned by CPX, revealed some fascinating, and perhaps unexpected results. We invited Fairfax journalist and author David Marr into the CPX studio to discuss the results of the two surveys and to shed some light on what he thinks the findings might mean.

Simon Smart attended the Parliament of World Religions held recently in Melbourne. He shares his thoughts on the interfaith project, interviews with attendees and reflects on the uniqueness of Christ.

Professor Alvin Plantinga is a leading American philosopher, from the University of Notre Dame, where he is something of an institution having been there since 1982. In this interview at Notre Dame, Simon Smart talks to Plantinga who provides a summary of his evolutionary argument against Naturalism, as well as giving a personal reflection on the highs and lows of a life of faith.

Former Federal Liberal Politician Bruce Baird discusses a life in politics including his stand against his own party in the treatment of asylum seekers and refugees.

Rebuilding her life out of the ruins of an AIDS ravaged family, Agnes Nyamayarwo has gone on to work with Bono from U2 and to meet the US President. Listen to her amazing story of survival and enduring faith.

Kate Wilcox interviews Judy Steel about her work to bring medical relief to the people of Uganda

Dr Amelia Haines discusses changing attitudes to mental health, offers advice on staying mentally well and what to do when things go wrong.

Peter Walker is an expert in biblical studies who teaches at Wycliffe Hall at Oxford. He has spent many years touring the middle East and written two books In the Steps of Jesus and In the Steps of Saint Paul. In this interview he discusses Paul's character, his journeys and his life of danger and adventure.

Professor Simon Conway Morris discusses whether evolution leads to totally random outcomes and his book Life's Solution: Inevitable Humans in a Lonely Universe.

Pat Day is an American jockey who has ridden over 8,500 winners. Greg Clarke interviews him about his career and what he has done since his retirement in 2005.

A brief summary of this episode

John Harris, author of 'One Blood', discusses 200 years of Aboriginal contact with Christianity. Is it true that the impact of Christian missions was all bad? What have been the lasting impacts? Where does hope lie in this story?

Mother of six, Carolyn Stedman, talks about a life fostering over sixty children.

Renowned economics writer Ross Gittins gives his thoughts on financial crisis, greed and the good life.

Author and environmental activist Bill McKibben discusses his hopes and fears for the planet.