Vol 33 No 10

29 May 2023

RELIGION

Culture and conspiracy: In conversation with Fr Gerald Arbuckle
- Michael McVeigh
- 09 June 2023
5 Comments
Known for incisive insights into societal issues like fundamentalism, loneliness, and abuse, theologian and cultural anthropologist Fr Gerald Arbuckle is now examining the rise of conspiracy theories. In conversation with Michael McVeigh, Arbuckle discusses his work, cultural anthropology, and the impact of 'cultural trauma'.
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ARTS AND CULTURE

Venturing across the river: Reflections on The Swap
- John D’Arcy May
- 08 June 2023
3 Comments
The Swap unfolds as a captivating documentary series and a remarkable ecumenical experiment. With Muslim, Catholic, and state school students at its center, the series illuminates the transformative power of acceptance and understanding through the lens of interfaith dialogue, leading the viewer to wonder: how might interfaith dialogue better shape our collective journey?
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ARTS AND CULTURE

Cruise
- Geoff Page
- 08 June 2023
1 Comment
We pass North Head, that place of isolation, unspoiled silence still where campfire smoke would once have greeted / Arthur Phillip with his claim. We’re on our second drink by now / and some among us pause, imagining a Gadigal / imagining that we’re / the first ship of some Final Fleet / returning whence it came.
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AUSTRALIA

Water, cool clear water
- Andrew Hamilton
- 08 June 2023
1 Comment
Once viewed as the purest and most dependable, public tap water has faced a crisis of confidence due to the proliferation of bottled water and privatisation of water resources. Yet some maintain trust in public water, finding joy in drinking from public taps. Is this faith naive or a testament to the enduring belief in accessible water for all?
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RELIGION

Corpus Christi in a world where the bodies are hidden
- Andrew Hamilton
- 07 June 2023
2 Comments
In an era where physical gatherings are replaced by virtual meetings and religious processions by online sermons, the Feast of Corpus Christi raises poignant questions. Once a grand demonstration of faith, it has subtly withdrawn from the public eye, leaving us to grapple with the nature of Christ's presence and, more broadly, the concept of human presence.
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INTERNATIONAL

Kissinger's unaccountable realism
- Binoy Kampmark
- 06 June 2023
8 Comments
Former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger continues to be a subject of fascination and controversy, with his role in statecraft garnering praise and criticism. Amidst the accolades and accusations, questions of justice and accountability remain as Kissinger reaches his centenary.
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AUSTRALIA

Recognition of Aboriginal rights: A contemporary Australian perspective
- Frank Brennan
- 05 June 2023
19 Comments
The wording of the proposed change to the Australian Constitution to enshrine a First Nations Voice might not be perfect. But whatever the imperfections and the risk of future complications, it is high time that Australia’s First Peoples were recognised in the Constitution in a manner sought and approved by a broad cross-section of Indigenous leaders.
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ARTS AND CULTURE

The book corner: Here Be Monsters
- Andrew Hamilton
- 02 June 2023
2 Comments
As we tread the thin line between technological progress and ethical responsibility, King's urgent appeal is for critical reflection on the unchecked march of technology – a timely reminder of the need to retain our intrinsic human characteristics amid relentless digital advancement.
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RELIGION

The Pope's economist: Mariana Mazzucato's plan to revitalize the global economy
- Bruce Duncan
- 01 June 2023
2 Comments
Prominent figures such as Australia's Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Pope Francis are turning to economist Mariana Mazzucato for insights on reforming the neoliberal capitalist system. Her vision for an equitable and sustainable global economy, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, is influencing key discussions on economic fairness worldwide.
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AUSTRALIA

Existential church-state hospital crisis
- John Warhurst
- 01 June 2023
25 Comments
Amidst escalating tensions, the ACT government's move to acquire Calvary Public Hospital is facing strong backlash from the church. With claims of hasty decision-making and allegations of anti-religion bias dominating the discourse, this crisis highlights the societal shift towards secularism and questions the role of religious entities in managing public services.
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MEDIA

Thanks to Stan Grant, public intellectual
- Andrew Hamilton
- 31 May 2023
19 Comments
The departure of Stan Grant from his role at the ABC following racial abuse triggers collective dismay and brings to light the deeply rooted issue of racism in Australia. His exit from public life is a sobering reminder of the societal toll of bigotry, and underscores the urgent need to safeguard our public intellectuals.
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AUSTRALIA

How to revive a language
- Natasha Moore
- 31 May 2023
1 Comment
250 years ago, hundreds of Indigenous languages were spoken in Australia. Today, only 3 percent survive. This echoes a painful narrative of dispossession of land, lives, and culture. But can a long-dormant language be brought back to life? A key figure in the resurgence of the Noongar language offers hope against the backdrop of cultural loss.
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ARTS AND CULTURE

What men call history
- Gillian Bouras
- 30 May 2023
8 Comments
Exploring the cyclical nature of history, contemporary historians Christopher Clark and Serii Plokhy shed light on current geopolitics — from Greece to Ukraine — and illuminate the intertwining of past and present, underlining the enduring wisdom that while history may not repeat, it often rhymes.
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AUSTRALIA

What is the right way of hearing hurt and of having hard conversations?
- Michael McVeigh
- 29 May 2023
1 Comment
Amid the tumult at North Melbourne Football Club, President Dr. Sonja Hood poses a potent question on reconciliation and institutional hurt. As the Indigenous Voice referendum looms, her query underscores a national quest for trust-building and healing, challenging us to consider the hard conversations that could change the narrative.
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Vol 33 No 10