Show Notes
This season of With All Due Respect is sponsored by Morling College, a Christ-centred higher-education institution shaped by its Baptist heritage and broad evangelical vision. Morling is committed to rigorous theological study, deep spiritual formation, and learning how to engage faithfully and thoughtfully with difference. Study options include ministry and theology, counselling, chaplaincy, and education. Download a course guide to explore whether Morling is the right place for your next step.
In an age marked by political polarisation, moral confusion, and deep mistrust of institutions, what does it mean to live well together? Are we primarily citizens of the state, autonomous individuals, or something else entirely? Join Michael at the 27th Annual Tinsley Lecture on 21 May as he explores the distinctive political vision offered by Christian faith in Subjects and Citizens – What Christianity Offers a Fractured Public Square. About the Guest: Professor Maria O’Sullivan is an Associate Professor at Deakin Law School whose expertise spans public law, human rights law, and refugee law. Her scholarship has been cited by the High Court of Australia and the Court of Justice of the European Union, and her current research includes the law of protest and its human rights implications Key Takeaways: Engaging in protests can be seen as a sort of communicative act, and the episode explores how Christians might balance respecting authority with participating in protests. Professor Maria O'Sullivan outlines the legal landscape of protest laws in Australia, revealing differences in state legislations and their practical implications on the right to peaceful assembly. The hosts discuss the potential hazards and moral considerations Christians must contemplate when deciding to join or abstain from protests. The 2014 film "Selma" is explored as a cinematic representation of how strategic, nonviolent protest led by Martin Luther King Jr. played a vital role in progressing civil rights. Historical and current contexts are evaluated to understand the role that protests play in democracy and societal change. Notable Quotes: "It's a moment of voice for the voiceless." - Michael Jensen on the significance of protests. "There's a difference between something being performative and something being insincere." - Megan Powell du Toit on the nature of protests. "You have the right to peaceful assembly, but there are exceptions… there has to be some proportionality." - Professor Maria O'Sullivan on the balance between protest and law. "Protest, sort of the embodied nature of protest, I think, is something that's universal." - Megan Powell du Toit on the fundamental importance of protest. "Even if a couple of people in a protest are violent, that does not make the whole protest violent." - Professor Maria O'Sullivan on defining peaceful assembly. Resources: Deakin Law School "Selma" 2014 film directed by Ava DuVernay
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More from With All Due Respect
Episode Summary: In this special bonus episode of "With All Due Respect," Megan Powell Du Toit and Michael Jensen dive into a discussion about Christopher Nolan's 2026 film, "The Odyssey." This adaptation of Homer's ancient Greek epic is dissected through the lenses of both the original text's themes and contemporary interpretations, offering listeners a rich tapestry of theological and cultural insights. Key Takeaways: Modern Adaptations of Classic Epics: Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey" provokes dialogue not only about its faithfulness to Homer's epic but also its reinterpretation in a contemporary context. Themes of Guilt and Atonement: The film explores psychological and spiritual depth, highlighting Odysseus's journey through guilt and atonement as a reflection of modern sensibilities influenced by Christian thought. Hospitality's Role in Society: The concept of hospitality is critically examined, both as a part of Homer's world and in its implications for today's global and often divided landscapes. Cultural Relevance and Critique: The discourse reflects on how adaptations resonate with current socio-political climates, posing questions about home, belonging, and societal norms. Lewis and Tolkien's Influence: There is a discussion on how ancient longings reflected in texts like "The Odyssey" find answers in the Christian gospel, drawing parallels with the works of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. Notable Quotes: "When you're using source material like this… I'm really, I really enjoy a reworking." – Megan Powell Du Toit "The goodies turn out to be the baddies… evil lurking in your own heart." – Michael Jensen "Guilt and atonement… how Christian are those themes." – Michael Jensen "Home is a place that is safe for you and yours, but also must have that permeable border." – Megan Powell Du Toit "There is no real atonement possible, even in Nolan's epic." – Megan Powell Du Toit
Our highest listened to episode (published 12th October 2023, titled Only Human). It's been almost 3 years since the film dropped and these two things stand out for us: Creator/creature theme: In 2026, AI personhood and consciousness is a live legal and theological debate, giving this creator-creature discussion fresh relevance. Euthanasia theme: Voluntary assisted dying is actively expanding across Australia in 2026, making this Ecclesiastes-death exchange a current pastoral conversation.
This season of With All Due Respect is sponsored by Morling College, a Christ-centred higher-education institution shaped by its Baptist heritage and broad evangelical vision. Morling is committed to rigorous theological study, deep spiritual formation, and learning how to engage faithfully and thoughtfully with difference. Study options include ministry and theology, counselling, chaplaincy, and education. Download a course guide to explore whether Morling is the right place for your next step.
This season of With All Due Respect is sponsored by Morling College, a Christ-centred higher-education institution shaped by its Baptist heritage and broad evangelical vision. Morling is committed to rigorous theological study, deep spiritual formation, and learning how to engage faithfully and thoughtfully with difference. Study options include ministry and theology, counselling, chaplaincy, and education. Download a course guide to explore whether Morling is the right place for your next step.
This season of With All Due Respect is sponsored by Morling College, a Christ-centred higher-education institution shaped by its Baptist heritage and broad evangelical vision. Morling is committed to rigorous theological study, deep spiritual formation, and learning how to engage faithfully and thoughtfully with difference. Study options include ministry and theology, counselling, chaplaincy, and education. Download a course guide to explore whether Morling is the right place for your next step.