Everyday Ethics

BBC Radio Ulster

3.9 (22)
RELIGION & SPIRITUALITY
UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Provocative weekly debate on moral, religious and ethical issues.

2D AGO

War in Iran, Gafcon and Pope Leo

The United States and Israel began bombing Iran just over a week ago. Iran responded by bombing their aggressors' allies in the Gulf States. Hundreds are dead and the purpose of the war remains unclear. We discuss the latest developments, examine the theocratic system in Iran and whether Christian nationalism influences the Trump administration. Taking part are Tara Kangarlou journalist, author of The Heartbeat of Iran and adjunct professor at Georgetown University in Washington DC and by Oliver McTernan, director of Forward Thinking- a mediation and conflict resolition NGO. The group of Conservative Anglicans, known as Gafcon, met in Nigeria's capital Abuja this week. They are opposed to the appointment of the first female Archbishop of Canterbury - Sarah Mullally. There are 95 million Anglicans around the world with the Archbishop of Canterbury being their spiritual figurehead. It had been thought that Gafcon would elect their own leader and cause a full scale split but instead they elected their own leadership council. Madeline Davies from the Church Times has been following the story. We also talk to Prof. Daisy Fancourt on how being involved with artistic pusuits, whether it's dancing, reading or visiting msuems and galleries, can lower the risk of developing depression, lower blood pressure and ease chronic pain. And Brian Heffernan- an expert on Augustinian history talks about his new book on Pope Leo the 14th and whether being an Augustinian is more important to The Pope than being American.

57 min
MAR 1

Presbyterian Moderator Designate, Peace Process, War Poetry

In his first interview since being elected as Moderator Designate the Rev Richard Kerr talks to Audrey about the PCI safeguarding scandal and the next steps for the church. Agreement is Owen McCafferty's dramatisation of the final four days of talks which led to the Good Friday Agreement. It starred among others Dan Gordon as John Hume and Ruairi Conaghan as David Trimble. Dan and Ruairi chat to Audrey about playing the Nobel Laureates and Brian Rowan gives us the inside story of the human personalities striving for peace. This week we marked the 4th anniversary of Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. Audrey talks to local poet Angela Graham about her new collection which was inspired by photos from the war in Ukraine.

57 min
FEB 22

Fasting, Drive Through Ashes, PCI Assembly

It's a unique moment in the Islamic and Christian calendars as the seasons of Ramadan and Lent coincide. Fasting is central to both, so this morning we are examining the role of fasting in today's world. Whether for spiritual reasons or wellness and lifestyle reasons: Is it a sacred path to renewal and wellness? Audrey speaks to Dr Naomi Green, Dr Tina Beattie and Pastor Andrew Gibson. The Presbyterian Church in Ireland held a second special meeting of its general assembly on Wednesday - in response to the safeguarding scandal which has engulfed the church since its moderator and clerk the Reverend Dr Trevor Gribben resigned in November. Alan Meban reports from the Assembly and former Moderator Rev Dr Norman Hamilton gives his response. And is this the way forward? Jim Deeds joins the drive through queue to get Ashes at a North Belfast Church and finds himself surprisingly moved and blessed by the experience.

57 min
FEB 15

Taking a Stand, Telling the Bees, the Value of Great Friendships

US bishops warn that citizens may be called to 'put our bodies on the line' in protests in order 'to stand by their values'. Irish historian Dr Leeann Lane (Dublin City University), journalist and author Mihir Bose, theologian and sociologist Dr Elaine Storkey, and Irish church historian Professor Laurence Kirkpatrick join Audrey Carville to discuss the ethics, history and theology of taking a stand. We hear from Father Simon Sleeman who has been keeping bees for 50 years. He explains the tradition of 'telling the bees' about big life events. And we ask whether romantic love is prized above the love between friends. Liz Kennedy and Rosie Turner's friendship spans many decades. They look back on some of their adventures and talk about what sustains a strong friendship.

57 min
FEB 8

Racial Justice, Memory Manipulation, RE Curriculum

On Racial Justice Sunday Mark Devenport talks with New York Times Bestselling author and historian Jemar Tisby about how the church fails to tackle racism. Local woman Maureen Hamblin and Tim Magowan, from the circle of change group, give an account of what is happening here in Northern Ireland. We also investigate the ethics of memory looking at how memory can be manipulated and false memories created. Psychologists Ciara Greene and Gillian Murphy tell us why having a flexible rather than a photographic memory can be a good thing. And Dr James Nelson gives us his best guess as to what the new RE Curriculum in Northern Ireland might like and what it should be called.

57 min
FEB 1

Bishop Rose Hudson-Wilkin, Minneapolis Minister, Interfaith Project

This week on Sunday Sequence Mark Devenport is in the Chair kicking off with an interview with Bishop Rose Hudson Wilkins about her remarkable journey from poverty in Jamaica to becoming the first Black female Bishop in the Church of England and Chaplain to the late Queen Elizabeth II. We also look at a new Interfaith project in Belfast which begins this Sunday with a Jewish/Catholic St Brigid's day event. And we talk to Presbyterian Minister Neil Craigan who now lives and works in Minneapolis about his experience of the violent ICE crackdown in the city and how that impacts his faith.

55 min
JAN 25

Holocaust Memorial Day, Wellbeing Economy, Vienna 1944

Holocaust Memorial reflections, future generations politics, and the Kindertransport.

56 min
JAN 18

Trump, Iran and Contemporary Worship

This week marks Donald Trump’s first year as the 47th President of the United States. To discuss his impact domestically and globally Audrey is joined by Catherine Clinton – Professor of American History at the University of Texas, Professor Fionnuala Ni Aolain, expert on international and human rights law and Dublin based Entrepreneur and Commentator Karl Deeter. At least 2,400 protesters are reported to have been killed in Iran during more than two weeks of nationwide unrest which has threatened the rule of the Islamic regime. Tara Kangarlou – journalist and author tells Audrey how the people of Iran are reacting and reflects on whether this may be the start of a new Iranian revolution. Worship leader Andy Flannagan joins Audrey to talk contemporary songwriting and Christian nationalism ahead of a workshop he is running in a local brewery taproom. And we preview this years 4 Corners festival.

57 min

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3.9

out of 5

22 Ratings

Balance without Prejudice

09/27/2009

Ambiverbal

This is among my favorite ethics podcasts. Even though it focuses primarily on events in Northern Ireland, its approach allows the listeners to generalize the discussions to their own local situations. In particular I appreciate the non-deferential treatment given to both religion and secular philosophies. Neither deserves special treatment, but rather need to exist (and change) within the scrutiny of the public. Bravo!
Excellent!

08/26/2009

8theist

Thoughtful and insightful discussions of science and religion. Critical thought and reason are the real guidelines here, not dogma.