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God, suffering and natural disasters

The recent floods in Pakistan have devastated the country and left millions homeless. Events like this always bring to our attention important practical questions and also raise the philosophical/theological question, "How could an all-powerful, good God allow this?" CPX has gathered together material that focuses on both the practical and the philosophical dilemmas of living in a world of suffering. We offer this to stimulate both thinking and action.

We have also included links to six organisations that are offering disaster relief to Pakistan and elsewhere. Click here for the full page.

New today: Richard Shumack on the mystery of suffering. How do Islam and Christianity interpret human tragedy?

Greg Clarke on the floods. Who's to blame?

The Arts	Living the Dream - Inception Simon Smart reviews Inception and examines the way the film engages with dreams and reality. Read more >>
Society & Politics	Religion in education CPX invited Jane Caro, advocate of public education, into the studio with Dr Timothy Wright, Headmaster of Sydney’s Shore School, to discuss public education and where religion fits into education. Read more>>
Christianity	The Scandal of Grace Professor John Barclay of Durham University discusses the radical difference between grace and the idea of 'gift' with John Dickson. Watch >>
News	The Bible in Modern Society Writing for The Punch, Greg Clarke reflects on a recent exhibition of some of Australia's historic Bibles, and their place in shaping our society. Read more >>
Ethics	Voices for Justice Micah Challenge's Voices for Justice saw delegates from around the country lobbying politicians to ensure that Australia play its role to halve extreme poverty by 2015. Watch >>
Big Questions	Time to seek the lost? Greg Clarke and Simon Smart consider theological principles that could guide a wealthy nation's attitude towards desperate people. Read more >>
History	Paul vs Jesus CPX interviews Professor Darrell Bock about whether, claims that it was the apostle Paul who invented Christianity, have any historical credibility. Watch >>
World Religions	A natural belief? Oxford Developmental Psychologist Olivera Petrovich explains her research that suggests belief in a creator is the default position of children. Watch >>
Science & Religion	The Re-Trial of Galileo Was Galileo convicted justly? Or is this well-worn story a gross distortion? This is what a cast of churchmen, scientists, historians, lawyers and philosophers set out to determine. Read More >>