Bigger questions: 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.
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?
Is there a difference between Good Friday and Easter Sunday? What is their relevance in our current age?
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.
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.
It's been 50 years since the moon landing and we reflect on what was achieved in that momentous event.
Is the resurrection and hope of eternal life too good to be true? We ask Helen Bell some Bigger Questions
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
How can singing provide solace during suffering? One music lover talks about singing, heavy metal and trusting God.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Virtual reality and social media challenge our conceptions of reality. So how do we develop authentic relationships?
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?
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?
Mark Twain allegedly claimed that 'Religion was invented when the first con man met the first fool." Is religion for fools?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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?
Aaron shares the surprising ways in which his physical blindness helps him see a lot more.
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?
We all face limitations - time, abilities and even the greatest limiter of them all: death. How can I live in light of these?
Do near death experiences point to life after death? Dr. Steve Brady talks about his own research and encounters with death.
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.
Dave was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2011. Hear his story as we ask him some bigger questions.
After Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin made the first voyage in space the leader of the Soviet Union said, "Gagarin flew into space and didn’t see any God there." Why can't I see God?
One of Australia's most distinguished scholars of Ancient History discusses what life was really like in the Ancient World.
An entertaining conversation sure to make you to think and help you discover the true meaning to life. We ask the brilliant Dr. Sam Chan (medical doctor and Christian communicator) some Bigger Questions.
Superannuation. Property. Shares. What about family? Aptitude? Dreams? What makes a sound investment? We ask Peter Kaldor some bigger questions.
We ask Ian Harper (board member of Reserve Bank of Australia) some bigger questions about how he deals with the frustrations of work.
The story of John Sikkema (former financial planner and businessman, now chairman of Halftime Australia) demonstrates that there is more to life than money.
In a beautiful and unexpected conversation we ask Australian actress and playwright Anna McGahan some bigger questions.
The 30 second promo that 89.9 LightFM are playing for the next Bigger Questions episode being broadcast on Sunday.
Dale Stephenson (senior pastor Crossway church) was successful and achieved a lot at a young age, but ended up writing poetry about the pointlessness of life. What changed? Hear Dale's story as we ask him some bigger questions.
John Sikkema answered the Bigger Question on 'How much money is enough?' This is a short preview of the conversation
What makes us angry? Why does God get angry? Should God get angry? We ask Shane Rogerson some Bigger Questions
Every year Hollywood releases around 600 films. Is there an even better story that films might provide a way into?
Is the resurrection and hope of eternal life too good to be true? We ask Helen Bell some Bigger Questions
Twitter personalities, your dreams, rules: what things are worth following? We ask Sharon Cheung some bigger questions
Martin Pakula grew up in an Orthodox Jewish home and was successful in many ways but was deeply unhappy
Atheist speaker and writer Dan Barker said, 'we atheists don't need to go to the doctor. There isn't anything wrong with us'
Julia Pope grew up in a non-religious home and had little interest in spiritual things. Yet she had an encounter with something that changed her life forever.
Do you feel overworked, overwhelmed and overcommitted? Find a surprising pathway to peace
Mark Twain allegedly claimed that 'Religion was invented when the first con man met the first fool." Is religion for fools?
Tim Curtis had never met a Christian and instead just read the Bible. What happened? We ask Tim Curtis some Bigger Questions.
Costa Englezos saw and experienced hypocrisy in the church. It turned him off Christianity, but something changed
What is the link between Islam, violence and terrorism? We asked Bernie Power some Bigger Questions
Is the Bible a bunch of Chinese whispers that has been tampered with? How can we trust it?
Anthony B. was a violent man and heavy drinker who discovered the relevance of God in the modern world.
Atheist Ricky Gervais says that the 'very definition' of God is a logical impossibility in this universe. Is he right?
Christianity is supposed to be about love, so why does the church seem to inspire deep hatred of the LGBT community?
Is the Christmas story fact or fiction? Hear about a Kung Fu version of the Christmas story
Should we get religion out of politics? Hear from an aspiring Christian politician and a media commentator
Are we alone in the universe? Would the existence of intelligent alien life challenge the Christian message?
The four accounts of Jesus' resurrection contain differences - what explains these differences and what does it matter?
Is faith based on evidence an oxymoron? John Hudson discusses some of the evidence underlying the Christian faith
What does it mean to become and remain a Christian in India? Hear about preaching, persecution and what makes Jesus unique
What is it like being on Masterchef? Learn about Masterchef winner Kate Bracks' Masterchef journey and her Christian faith
When is skepticism reasonable? Hear Rob Buckingham's story of skepticism and how Jesus found him
What is wrong with the world? Hear Tim Curtis' story of brokenness and powerful encounter with Jesus
What is the biggest casualty of your busy life? Hear Anne Winckel discuss what is really important
What would Banjo Paterson say about the conversion of Paul? Well this episode might have the answer
Do scientists look up at the skies and see the glory of God, or just another scientific puzzle that needs solving?
Logos Live with Australian cricketer Sarah Elliott speaking about 'No Pain No Gain'. Is the pain worth it?