A man called Mack is on holiday when his youngest daughter is abducted. As he prays for her return, Mack receives a strange note from ‘Papa’, asking to meet him at the shack. So begins the story of a man...
Who would have thought plastic dolls could spark a multi-million dollar legal battle…. But that’s what’s going down between Mattel – (the house of Barbie) – and MGA Entertainment – (the makers of Bratz dolls). The companies have spent $153...
Our dilemma this week is about finding the balance between work and family time. Damien and his young family are moving to a new area, and so Damien’s in the middle of finding a new job closer to the place...
This week we heard from singer Sara Groves, about how one girl’s story radically changed her approach to life. Hearing about the faith of a young girl stolen into the sex trade, literally began to reshape her Christianity… There was...
Religious versus social work Two book reviews - of Hope Endures, by Colette Livermore, and Finding Calcutta, by Mary Poplin. Reviewed by Kara Martin Colette Livermore decided to join Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity Order straight from school. In doing so...
"Waugh torn saga"... A review of the film Brideshead Revisited (PG) by reviewer Barry Gittins. This movie, based on Evelyn Waugh's 1945 novel, is a morality play based on the twin hungers of the narrator, Charlie Ryder (played by...
Tonight we spoke with DR KP Yohannan from Gospel For Asia... He shared about the conflict that's been going on in India between different religious groups and castes. What are your thoughts? Let us know if you've got something to...
All people, everywhere, have a desire to worship something. Some say that impulse is just wishful thinking, or perhaps a relic of a primitive age we no longer need. But author Rodney Stark has a different idea. Join me this week...
It’s long been said that “Australia was built on the sheep’s back”... For nearly 200 years, our merino wool has been celebrated by the international textiles world. But now, sheep farmers are facing heat - from international animal rights groups,...
Quantum of Solace (M) A review by Barry Gittins Everyone's fave British spy has returned to our cinemas in Quantum of Solace, but this version of James Bond (played by Daniel Craig) is not the suave, 'wink to the audience'...
Amanda’s got a dilemma. Her father-in-law is losing his hearing and is missing out on conversations and quality time with his family as a result. His wife, son and daughter have all taken turns talking to him about getting a...
This week we heard from Christian commentator Richard Cizic, one of America's most influential speakers, about the topic of climate change and "creation care". (If you missed it, catch the podcast - follow the links from the Open House homepage). Richard Cizic's...
Reverend Gregor Henderson - President of the Uniting Church in Australia, National Assembly It is often in times of crisis that people ask the questions, “Where is God in this?” and “How could God let this happen?” But God isn’t...
This week we spoke to both a photographer, and a child protection activist, about the Australia Council's draft new rules, about including children in photography and art - particularly naked children. Let’s hear your views. • How do you feel about...
Tonight’s dilemma is from Stephanie. She’s a young Christian woman, a uni student, and a youth leader in her church youth group. Stephanie’s started to make some good friendships at uni, and at work. She really wants to start connecting...
Are you organised and analytical, a leader, high achiever and a perfectionist? Do you write lists, take initiative, and take on tasks because “no-one else can do it properly”? If so, you’re probably a “firstborn”... And according to psychologist Dr...
“Truth Resounding through Music”... A review of Resounding Truth: Christian Wisdom in the Word of Music, by Jeremy S. Begbie. Review by Kara Martin Jeremy Begbie is an academic, a theologian and a musician, and has written this book to...
This week we heard from the national leaders of four key church denominations in Australia. We asked them to answer the question, "What might God be saying through this Global Economic Crisis?" PASTOR BRIAN HOUSTON - NATIONAL PRESIDENT, AUSTRALIAN...
The Global Economic Crisis has now been called the worst financial downturn since the great depression. While the experts can tell us what’s gone wrong and what might happen next, there’s one viewpoint we haven’t yet heard—the divine viewpoint. What...
I’d like to know what you’re thinking about the execution of the three Bali Bombers over the weekend. Many would say they got what they deserved, and that the families of the bombing victims can now move forward with a...
"Singing the Spirit home"... A review of the film Young At Heart, by reviewer Barry Gittins. YOUNG@HEART (PG) features a mob of strikingly alive senior cits doing what they love best - performing rock songs on stage. This British doco on a...
Tonight’s dilemma comes from Michelle. She works in shop that has a lot of regular customers, who she gets to know quite well. Recently one of her regulars was in the store with her preschool-aged daughter… The little girl told...
Tonight we spoke with author Jim Burns about his book Teaching Your Kids Healthy Sexuality. He talked about the vital topic of how, and when, parents should raise the sexuality topic with their children. What was your experience in learning about...
The US presidential election has been a tremendous road show, full of twists, turns and drama, with big budget campaigns and big budget coverage. But there was one moment in the Presidential race that had the jaws of many technology-tragics dropping,...
Thanks to the internet, graphic stories in the media and ‘know it all’ friends, children today grow up faster than ever. So when it comes to having that conversation with your kids, how old should they be and just what...
As Australians, we really can’t ignore American politics… So much of what goes on here - and around the world - is affected by decisions made in the USA … In areas like trade, defence, the media, and – of...
On Sunday, November 16, people around the world will pray for the millions of Christians who suffer for their faith. The event is called the International Day of Prayer, and since it began 12 years ago, it’s become the world’s...
This week’s dilemma comes from James. He’s a young Catholic man, and he holds to the views of the Catholic church about contraception. He doesn’t believe in using it, and he wants to leave the possibility of children in God’s...
This week we heard from author John Eldridge, talking about his new book Walking With God, and how to hear God's voice… Now I’d like to hear from you… • Tell us about a time when you heard clearly and specifically...
