"You can't understand the human race without understanding its passion to have gods." David Marr on religious belief in Australia
Watch interview

CPX News


Global Atheist Convention


This weekend Melbourne hosts the first ever Global Atheist Convention. The atheist movement has been gaining momentum in recent years, making bold claims against religion generally and Christianity in particular. Much of the criticism focuses on perceived conflicts between faith and science, the reliability of the Bible, the role of religion in the violent history of humanity, as well as philosophical objections to the supernatural.

We have gathered video interviews, articles and audio here. We hope you will find the material helpful in assessing whether, as we at CPX believe, Christianity more than withstands these challenges to faith and belief.   

Gays and Jesus: The Gospel According to Elton John


Elton John says that Jesus was a 'super-intelligent gay man'. CPX offers a Christian response, and a proposal that we recover the lost art of friendly disagreement.

David Bentley Hart Interview


Regarded as one of America's brightest theologians, David Bentley Hart speaks with authority on literature, philosophy, history, art and culture. In 2009 he weighed in to debates around the place of Christianity in Western culture with his book, Atheist Delusions - the Christian Revolution and its Fashionable Enemies. Watch our six-part interview with Bentley Hart conducted in a house in Baltimore, Maryland.

Garth Nix and the appeal of fantasy


Renowned fiction writer Garth Nix talks with Greg Clarke about why the fantasy genre is so popular today. What does this tell us about our society and its longings?

The Longest Walk


Cormac McCarthy's novel The Road has been made into a major film. It's a harrowing story that nonetheless has much to say about human nature and God. Read an article or listen to a podcast discussion about the book.

Avatar


Justine Toh examines the spiritual beliefs present in James Cameron's latest blockbusting film Avatar. Read or watch.

Spirituality and Health


Dr Harold Koenig discusses the latest research into the impact of spirituality on health and well-being. What are the scientists telling us about the links between the two?

Euthanasia


Palliative care doctor and ethicist, Megan Best, writes about some easily misunderstood aspects of the euthanasia debate, and argues that issues surrounding death require more than a medical answer.

The Scream of the 21st Century


Peter Corney asks whether the sense of alienation expressed by writers, artists and filmmakers of the 20th Century carried over in the 21st? Corney's view is that is has, but the angst is being expressed in different ways.

The Australian Jesus of Reg Mombassa


Greg Clarke writes about an Australian artistic legend, Reg Mombassa, of 'Mental as Anything' and Mambo fame. What should we make of Mombassa'a Australian Jesus?

David Marr on Belief in Australia


Fairfax journalist and author, David Marr, talks about two recent surveys, one conducted by the Sydney Morning Herald and one by CPX, on religious belief in Australia.

Carbon Emissions, Climate Change and Sceptics


The question of global warming - is it real, and if so what should we do about it - is not going away any time soon. For convenience, we have pulled together our material on this important issue. Watch our interview with climate change warrior Bill McKibben, or our discussion with Richard Cizik. Or read Byron Smith's thoughts around the Copenhagen conference.

Shakespeare and the Bible


Dr Laurel Moffatt explains how knowledge of scripture can enhance and deepen understanding of Shakespeare.

More than Myth Busting


Simon Smart reviews David Bentley Hart's book Atheist Delusions - the Christian Revolution and its Fashionable Enemies

Devastation in Haiti - where is God?


In various places, CPX has considered the question of suffering and the nature of God. We ask Professor John Lennox whether there is any real hope for a mucked up world. John Dickson looks at various answers to the question of suffering. View his talk on this, or purchase his book 'If I were God I'd End All the Pain.' Watch Rob Banks discuss C.S. Lewis on the 'Problem of Pain,' or Dr Bruce Robinson discuss his personal experience in Indonesia following the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami.

Summer at CPX


CPX has been busy in the media over summer. If you missed our articles in the various places they appeared, have a look now. Greg Clarke reviewed The Atheist's Guide to Christmas in The Punch. John Dickson wrote in the Sydney Morning Herald, pointing out that despite the arguments of dogmatic sceptics, the core historical realities of the Christmas story cannot be easily swept away. Simon Smart wrote about Religious Longings for Online Opinion and reviewed David Bentley Hart's book, Atheist Delusions for ABC Unleashed.

Connecting the Faithful: Bondi to the Bodhi Tree


Simon Smart reports on two starkly contrasting days: one at the Parliament of World Religions in Melbourne, the other conducting vox pop interviews at Bondi Beach on the meaning of Christmas.

Part II of Byron Smith's Reflections on Copenhagen


In Part II of Byron Smith's look at the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference, he asks what, if anything, was achieved.

Worlds Apart? Parliament of World Religions


Listen to Simon Smart's report from the Parliament of World Religions held in Melbourne.

Australians want to Keep the 'Christ' in Christmas


A CPX survey has found some interesting data about Australian attitudes to Christmas and the story of Jesus birth. Watch a discussion of the findings by John Dickson and Greg Clarke.

Facing the Truth in Copenhagen. Part I


Byron Smith asks whether Christianity has anything to say about climate change initiatives taking place in Copenhagen.

Plantinga: God, Faith and Reasons to Believe


Simon Smart talks with leading American Philosopher Alvin Plantinga about God, Richard Dawkins and personal faith.

Baird Calls for Compassion for Refugees


Former Federal Liberal MP Bruce Baird talks to us about the controversial issue of refugees and asylum seekers. As Australia wrestles with how to proceed with this difficult issue, Baird expresses his hopes for a more compassionate Australia.

A Glorious, Fragile Vision


The story of Dick Hoyt's astonishing love for his disabled son reflects an understanding of what it is to be human that is worth clinging on to.

God Given Rights


CPX directors Greg Clarke and John Dickson examine the question of a Charter of Human Rights. Is there a specifically Christian perspective on this controversial topic?

Fighting AIDS and Being Bono's Hero


Agnes Nyamayarwo is a Ugandan nurse whose fight against AIDS has led her from personal and family tragedy to meeting former President George Bush, and touring the U.S. with Bono. Listen to her inspiring story of courage and determination to bring good out of the ashes of loss and despair. iTunes - Non iTunes

Islam and Western Politics: A Delicate Dance


Richard Shumack reviews Acorn Press's book Islam, Human rights and Public Policy. How compatible is the Western vision of human flourishing with Islam and its objectives? This is an important book in illuminating major public policy issues leading into the 21st Century.

Miroslav Volf vs Hitchens: Loving Enemies


In Part II of our interview with Yale Professor, Miroslav Volf, we ask him 'Why is Christopher Hitchens wrong when he says loving enemies is not only absurd but dangerous?' Volf's answer might surprise some.

CPX Membership


The Centre for Public Christianity invites you to become a member and join our efforts to promote the public understanding of the Christian faith, using the best of scholarship and the best of media, in Australia and beyond.

CPX gets Deductible Gift Recipient status

June 2009

We are glad to announce that the Australian Tax Office has granted CPX tax deductibility status as a public library. Donations made to the work of CPX may now be included on tax returns as legitimate deductions. Contact us for more information.