City Bible Forum: Recent Episodes
City Bible Forum
City Bible Forum explores some of life's biggest questions. Perhaps you are considering where God might fit into your life. Our aim is to explore this with you in an open manner that is enjoyable, intellectually credible and which meets the needs of professional life. We love to discuss the relevance of God and the many obstacles to faith people have. We do this in a variety of forums and discussion groups over breakfast, lunch and after work at many different city venues. We are active in every state capital and in Canberra.
We enjoy watching a movie hero get their revenge. But the Bible gives us three very clear reasons not to take revenge.
A 2022 MCrindle study of Australians showed that 46% of people were open to having a spiritual conversation.
No stunt doubles for this crazy ride - Ben McEachen joins Russ Matthews for The Watchlist
An honest conversation confronting the big questions raised by the history of the church.
Are there any other games in town when it comes to working out what's true in the world? Is science enough?
Critics of prayer say it's useless and unnecessary. Yet in this remarkable and uplifting conversation we hear some profound and powerful stories of the effect of prayer in a hostile environment.
In a world of many needs, being generous can be hard. Hear from the "generosity monk" who sees the power of generosity and travels the world fostering it. He shares his own powerful story of trusting in something bigger when faced with a huge need after giving everything away. An inspiring conversation.
Two academics reflect on the burden of imposter syndrome and how the Christian faith helps us overcome it.
We live in a time of much fear, uncertainty and difficulty - we are suffering from a loss of control. Yet some claim that Jesus is the answer to our deepest fears and insecurities. But is this answer just too convenient and easy? We confront some big questions of the potential relevance of Jesus in our lives today.
Dr Greg Clarke and Sharon Cheung explore the powerful impact Christians can having working in the arts
How to navigate today’s workplace when there is both hostility, and openness, to the Christian faith
McCrindle’s Ashley Fell explores the way the working world has changed in the wake of the pandemic, and how our faith helps us n
It's been 50 years since the moon landing and we reflect on what was achieved in that momentous event.
Critics of religion often claim that religious beliefs are harmful to individuals and dangerous to society.
Is the resurrection and hope of eternal life too good to be true? We ask Helen Bell some Bigger Questions
This was the question put to journalist Peter Hitchens several years ago at the Festival of Dangerous ideas.
A beautiful story of a woman who googled churches in her area and found more than she ever expected
Mother's Day is an opportunity to honour and thank the mothers in our lives. But for many it's a day of sadness, grief and even regret. We explore the story of someone for whom this is their first mother's day without mum and how they find hope amidst the grief.
At a young age Dan Paterson was faced with the brokenness of this world and it prompted a life journey exploring some of the biggest and most painful questions of life. Hear Dan's story and inspiring reflections on one of the biggest challenges of the human experience.
Can our fears be fixed, resolved or eradicated? Dr. Jee Hyun Kim (TED speaker) shares her story and the science of fear.
Holidays are great and they’re often defined by wonderful experiences: fun, travel, beaches, forests, mountains, restaurants.
How “love your neighbour” applies to daily work, featuring an economist and a barrister
Sam explains why it’s good to be weird in the workplace, plus encouraging stories of workplace evangelism from one young worker
Fifteen years ago our government spent millions on an advertising campaign: ‘violence against women - Australia says no’.
Have you seen Hugh Jackman’s The Greatest Showman? A musical interpretation and reimagining of the life of PT Barnum.
Author of 'Workship' explains why our work can be an act of worship, and practical tips for what that means for your 9 to 5.
How COVID has made some of us more busy, and what one Christian boss is seeking to do about it for his staff.
YouTube superstar Eddie Woo on “the call to pressure” all Christians face, and how one woman has handled this in her job.
Is the Bible a myth, full of fairy stories? Did the events recorded there really happen? Does it even matter?
How can a person who lived two thousand years on the other side of the world, be at all relevant in modern Melbourne?
What are we to make of the differences between the accounts of the Christmas story of Jesus?
‘I’m a wanna-be lawyer’ – so said David Robertson in this YouTube, in which he also takes on Michael Kirby and the NSW Law Society….And this is jus
Far from perpetuating racism, the Bible offers a great framework for understanding human nature & racism
When I first entered the workforce, I can remember commentators discussing what we were going to do with all our spare time – given the increased p
We live in a world where identity politics is rife. And at a personal level, many are struggling with their own identity: who exactly am I?
When our community seems fractured and divided, how should you navigate politics and power?
David Robertson finishes his intriguing series on ‘Roman(s) Law’ this week by considering ‘The Righteous Judge’.
Hope is essential for persevering through the bleak times of life. But when the future is uncertain, can you really have hope?
The longer we live, the more broken we become - our bodies, our work, our relationships.
If God were to suffer, wouldn’t it prove he is not all powerful and not able to deal with the problem of suffering?
If suffering, evil and the people who perpetrate them were brought to an end today, who would be left?
We live in a time of much fear, uncertainty and difficulty - we are suffering from a loss of control. Yet some claim that Jesus is the answer to our deepest fears and insecurities. But is this answer just too convenient and easy? We confront some big questions of the potential relevance of Jesus in our lives today.
What do you do if your life is a "Nailed it" moment, disappointing and let down compared to what you had hoped it would be?
Mother's Day is an opportunity to honour and thank the mothers in our lives. But for many it's a day of sadness, grief and even regret. We explore the story of someone for whom this is their first mother's day without mum and how they find hope amidst the grief.
The world is in economic turmoil and struggle. But what drives our economic system and is it broken? We get inside the boardrooms of big business and confront some big questions of wealth creation, inequality, and the drivers of prosperity in our world.
Is there a grand vision for your life? A building project that will stand the test of time?
At a young age Dan Paterson was faced with the brokenness of this world and it prompted a life journey exploring some of the biggest and most painful questions of life. Hear Dan's story and inspiring reflections on one of the biggest challenges of the human experience.
How can a person of integrity defend big wealthy companies? We ask some big questions of a lawyer about the role of law, justice, equity and judgement in a complex world.
An essential virtue that would help you cope with isolation but have we underrated this virtue?
In the Coronavirus world there is much fear, uncertainty and despair. Yet this weekend is Easter - so what difference does Easter make today? Can it bring hope in this difficult time? We hear four stories of Easter hope amidst suffering, including some really surprising guests.
It has been said that the best friend is the one who knows the worst about you but loves you just the same.
How bad can isolation get? 2020 has already seen devastating fires, floods and a virus outbreak and that is just in Australia.
How can singing provide solace during suffering? One music lover talks about singing, heavy metal and trusting God.
What makes us human? David Robertson dives in to explore humanity and answer this age old question.
The quest for justice is a common human experience and we can get deeply embittered and frustrated when we don't get it. So how can we find true justice? A conversation confronting life's injustices where we find something bigger.
Wondering why there's suffering in the world? Here's a conversation about the search for something bigger amidst pain.
Consider the joy held out in the Bible and why it is better than the happiness we often pursue
Spirituality is popular but what does it mean? How can we connect with something deeper? Explore these questions and more.
The rise of technology brings fear and uncertainty about how automation replaces human labour. But what about the even bigger question of artificial intelligence - will robots take our humanity? A fascinating show which peers into the future of technology and our work.
Stories inspire, entertain and stimulate - we all understand ourselves as part of stories. What do stories tell us about some of life's biggest questions? A fascinating conversation as we confront the end of the world and discover our own place in an even bigger story.
Alex is a Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Law at Queensland University of Technology.
Many thousands of people call Australia home each year, but how do they cope with the conflicting feelings of leaving another home. We explore some big questions migrants face coming to Australia and how something bigger helped them in making Australia home.
Angels? Guiding Stars? Are these myths or do they have basis in reality? Explore the answers in this latest episode.
What makes a great leader? In this episode, we find out what makes a "Level 5" leader - and where Jesus fits into the picture.
Is it possible some observations by singers and songwriters don't just resonate but actually touch on something that is true
Many who follow Jesus would claim to be religious. But what if the message of Jesus is also anti-religious?
In a world of many needs, being generous can be hard. Hear from the "generosity monk" who sees the power of generosity and travels the world fostering it. He shares his own powerful story of trusting in something bigger when faced with a huge need after giving everything away. An inspiring conversation.
In a recent blog Steve McAlpine refers to the murder mystery The City and The City which is set in two cities, Beszel and Ul Quoma.
As people live longer and with better health, what does the future hold? An insightful conversation exploring retirement, superannuation, and contentment as we peer into the future.
How do you navigate the range of situations you can face when you live in a post faith world?
It's footy finals time so we speak with former Premiership footballer Steve Lawrence about footy, faith and making a difference in life. He shares how something greater helped him make his mark and made an extraordinary leadership decision that impacted many people. An inspiring conversation.
How would you respond if the people, systems and cultures you are among treat you with hostility?
Virtual reality and social media challenge our conceptions of reality. So how do we develop authentic relationships?
How knowing Jesus brings the best out of 'The Divergent' as we consider how Jesus helps us understand identity
Miracles Day is approaching and we talk with a woman who used to be amazed at the difference this 'miracle' made to people. Yet, Linda's personal journey was a struggle for one particular miracle in her life. However, one day something very surprising happened. A very special conversation with an unexpected twist.
Is the Bible a myth, full of fairy stories? Did the events recorded there really happen? Does it even matter?
Michael began his ‘True Freedom’ series with a magisterial account of how the ‘Exodus Song ‘has been sung for generations – from Pharaoh’s tyranny
We all seek glory somewhere but the things we seek glory in tend to be costly and temporary. Is there a better road to glory?
“Freedom of speech on religious matters is an increasingly pressing issue…Whatever we may think about the Israel Folau case, the important question
It's been 50 years since the moon landing and we reflect on what was achieved in that momentous event.
Atheist Ricky Gervais says that the 'very definition' of God is a logical impossibility in this universe. Is he right?
What would it take for you to get to the end of today and feel satisfied? This talk considers what it looks like to live the lif
Mark Twain allegedly claimed that 'Religion was invented when the first con man met the first fool." Is religion for fools?
What does it look like to live a full life? For many of us a danger is that our lives are filled with things that distract us fr
Chernobyl, Handmaid's Tale, 1984 - there is a resurgence of dystopian fiction in our culture. Why is fear so powerful? We explore and engage the big questions dystopia raises for us.
Have you ever felt stuck, like something was stopping you from being what you were made to be? Could the right mentor help us?
Australia has a Christian past, yet today 'no religion' is the single largest religious group in our country. Christian influence on our culture is waning. Should this passing be mourned or celebrated? Al's views will surprise you.
Diana Judge was a senior global executive who had a dramatic encounter in India which inspired her to give up her successful career in order to work with the world's poor. Why would she do that? An inspiring conversation.
How can we be confident in God’s purposes in any situation? Not just the good times but the bad times as well?
The popular ABC documentary War on Waste highlighted big waste challenges in our culture. But why do we even need a war? What is driving our waste problems? With World Environment Day approaching, this is a thoughtful conversation that deals with a load of rubbish.
Why are followers of religions so unlike their founders? Christians today are often perceived as narrow-minded, judgemental, hypocrites, yet Jesus is perceived very differently. Why is this so? Is this what Jesus had in mind when he set up his church? An entertaining conversation exploring why Christians seem so different to Jesus.
Everyone is discussing what a government would be like... but have you considered how yourself is governed?
The question of suffering and injustice is one of the biggest people face today. It's difficult to reconcile how a loving God could allow suffering in the world. This conversation confronts with sensitivity the painful and difficult area of suffering and offers surprising hope.
Are you confident? If you are, what is your confidence based on? Consider the foundation of confidence for followers of Jesus
Mother's Day is a day where mothers are celebrated and honoured, yet for some it's a day of sadness and grief. In this very moving and raw conversation a couple share the pain of losing a child and its impact on their life and faith.
With an an election looming there is often disappointment and cynicism towards our political leaders and the place of religion in political life is controversial and contested. Can we have better conversations about government and the role of religion in politics? A thoughtful conversation which changes the way we talk about divisive topics.
When is skepticism unreasonable? Even with video evidence some still won't believe. Rob Buckingham was an a skeptic and atheist until he had an encounter that transformed his life. A conversation confronting skpeticism, conspiracy theories and finding true fulfillment in life.
Why would a great and innocent man willingly die? As Easter approaches we ask a number of guests some big questions about the central event of that first Easter week - the death of Jesus. A fresh exploration of the week that changed the world.
Easter is the week that changed the world. As Easter approaches we ask a number of guests some big questions about the events and circumstances of that first Easter week. A conversation with poetry, parables and a fresh exploration of the week that changed the world.
There are challenging and difficult times in life - how should we deal with them? Hear Julie's incredibly inspiring story of adversity and how the challenges in our lives can in fact be soul enriching. A moving and powerful conversation.
Searching for something that is lost, the lengths Jesus will go to to find what is lost and what this means for us today.
What is truly important in life? Friends, family, career or something else? Jesus tells a story about what really matters
What is truly important in life? Friends, family, career or something else? Jesus tells a story about what really matters
Peter Jensen walks us through Jesus' parables to help us see what time Jesus said it was.
Peter Jensen walks us through Jesus' parables to help us see what time Jesus said it was.
Sam Chan considers what Jesus says to people who are in the middle of the corporate ladder.
Some say that religion is antiquated, dangerous and poisons everything. So is God really worth following? We ask Greg Sheridan some bigger questions about the impact of God in the world and why he loves stories in the Old Testament. A unmissable conversation combining wit with deep reflection.
Most people feel like an outsider at some point in their lives. What if God considered you an outsider?
Most people feel like an outsider at some point in their lives. What if God considered you an outsider?
In this talk we see Jesus meet a man who is incredibly rich. At one level he seems like someone who has it all, but does he?
Just the thought of inviting someone to an event could cause a person to get sweaty palms, a dry mouth and maybe even generate some nervous twitche
In this talk we see Jesus meet a man who is incredibly rich. At one level he seems like someone who has it all, but does he?
With loneliness at epidemic levels in the Western world, what would Jesus say to someone who is isolated and lonely?
With loneliness at epidemic levels in the Western world, what would Jesus say to someone who is isolated and lonely?
And find himself on his own spiritual and philosophical journey, full of humour, self-reflection, wonder, and redemption.
What are we to make of the differences between the accounts of the Christmas story of Jesus?
We all know the Christmas story. Baby Jesus in a manger. With cows, donkeys, and sheep. We’ve heard it a bazillion times already.
A beautiful story of a woman who googled churches in her area and found more than she ever expected
A practical and honest conversation offering some worthwhile nuggets of wisdom for living life well.
An honest conversation confronting the big questions raised by the history of the church.
How can a person who lived two thousand years on the other side of the world, be at all relevant in modern Melbourne?
We often hear claims that history is heading in a certain direction, but is it? And if so, where is it headed?
Aaron shares the surprising ways in which his physical blindness helps him see a lot more.
What do the New Atheists, a Jewish Holocaust survivor and King Solomon tell us about the quest for meaning?
For many, success in life is the acquisition of greater wealth, pleasure and power. Is there a better way?
What does Jesus say about how we should speak to one another and why is it so important?
Football is like a religion to many, so is there a space for faith? How do chaplains help sports clubs?
Why is it soul music and not larynx music? We have a spiritual side - but how do we nurture true spirituality?
What does it mean to honour your father and mother? Why it this a good rule for you and a good rule for society?
In the final talk in our "I work in a..." Bible shots series, Dave Pitt explores how work is a place where we meet people on a journey at work and
We all face limitations - time, abilities and even the greatest limiter of them all: death. How can I live in light of these?
Dave Pitt speaks on how our workplace is a cathedral - a space where we can honour God in our work.
Do near death experiences point to life after death? Dr. Steve Brady talks about his own research and encounters with death.
Dave Pitt speaks on thinking about our workplace as a refinery - a place where God purifies us for his purposes
We all have an emptiness inside us that we are seeking to fill. Is God the one who can fill it?
An interview with family history, biblical thoughtfulness and insight into our shopping practices.
Are you crazy busy? Why we're busy and some practical advice on how we can live amidst the busyness of life.
Four false trails that will lead you away from Jesus' 'narrow way' that leads to fullness of life
Jesus was famous for his intolerance of pretence. But has Jesus put his finger on something in us, too?
Easter is nice. It's an long weekend and for some reason there is chocolate. But why would we bother?
Learn how to help your friend meet Jesus in the pages of the Bible in the least weird way possible.
Dave was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2011. Hear his story as we ask him some bigger questions.