The Devil you know: Satan’s journey from scripture to satire
From fallen angel to Netflix anti-hero, the Devil has had quite the makeover. In this episode of God Forbid, Sami Shah leads a devilishly good panel exploring the many faces of Satan — from ancient Hebrew texts to modern Satanism.Is the Devil a cosmic villain, a cultural scapegoat, or a misunderstood metaphor? We unpack how different religions and movements have shaped — and reshaped — the Prince of Darkness over time. Why did monotheism need a Devil when polytheism didn’t? What made the Middle Ages so obsessed with demonic possession? And why is the Devil suddenly charming?GUESTS:Robyn Whitaker, New Testament scholar and Uniting Church ministerPhilip C. Almond, religious historian and author of The Devil: A New BiographyLilith Starr, Minister of Satan at the Temple of Satan and author of Compassionate SatanismThis episode of God Forbid was made on Gadigal land and in Naarm.Technical production by Roi Huberman and Tegan Nicholls.
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BONUS: The history of the Papacy
In this special bonus episode of God Forbid, Noel Debien sits down with Dr Paul Collins, former Catholic priest, broadcaster, author of many books on the Catholicism and Pope, including his most recent work - Absolute Power: How the Pope became the most influential man in the world. Together Noel and Paul discuss the legacy of Pope Francis and the complex history of the Papacy.
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What lies beyond the conclave for the Catholic Church
The papal conclave is set to begin on May 7. As the Sistine Chapel closes its doors to the public, preparations are underway for a secret process that will determine the next leader of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics. Coming to you from outside Saint Peter's Basilica this week, the God Forbid panel find out what lies ahead for the Catholic church.
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How powerful is the Muslim vote this upcoming election?
In Australia, we like to think of ourselves as a multicultural success story, where freedom of religion, expression, and democracy coexist without conflict. But what happens when religion moves from the private sphere into political activism?Muslim Votes Matter is a new political advocacy group calling on Muslim Australians to vote not just as individuals, but as a community united by shared values, priorities, and frustrations. From Islamophobia to Gaza, their campaign has made waves and raised eyebrows.Is this a bold new model of civic engagement, or does it risk reducing a diverse population into a monolithic bloc? And how do Muslim Australians navigate the complex tensions between faith, identity, and political representation?GUESTS:Dr Rachel Woodlock, expert in contemporary Islam in Australia and lecturer at the University of MelbourneGhaith Krayem, spokesperson for Muslim Votes MatterKhaled Khalafalla, comedian, writer, and author of The Smile Dilemma: Should Muslims Shake Hands with Politicians, or Not Engage at All?This episode of God Forbid was made on Gadigal land and in NaarmTechnical production by Micky Grossman and Roi Huberman
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Why do we fear fat?
For most of history, body size has been about more than just health — it’s been a tool of control. From colonial ideals of “discipline” to modern-day diet culture, our ideas about fatness and thinness are deeply tied to morality, power, and profit. But are we getting it all wrong?
Religion: it’s at the centre of world affairs, but profound questions still remain. Why are you here? What happens when you die? Does God matter? God Forbid seeks the answers.
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