The Religion and Ethics Report - Separate stories podcast

Join historian Daniel Reynaud as he delves into the extraordinary life of William ‘Mac’ McKenzie, a Salvation Army chaplain revered by Anzacs. Hear about McKenzie's heartwarming hospital visits, his bravery sorting the living from the dead at Lone Pine, and his iconic role carrying a shovel and a Bible. Reynaud shares tales of McKenzie's popularity among soldiers, emotional struggles on the Western Front, and his later missionary work in China, spotlighting the unique heroism beyond the battlefield.

In this engaging discussion, Professor Tark Ji-il, an expert on new religious movements from Busan Presbyterian University, shares his insights on the troubling landscape of Korean cults. He reveals how these groups, masquerading as Christian, prey on immigrants in Australia using deceptive tactics. Tark also shares his personal connection, detailing the tragic murder of his father by a cult member. He contrasts the Unification Church with the Latter-day Saints and explores the deep intertwining of religion and politics in South Korea.

South Korea is one of the great success stories of the past 30 years, moving from military dictatorship to a strong democracy and economy. Last year, it weathered a serious test when the former president tried to declare martial law. He’s since been removed. But South Korea’s also the home of a thriving number of troubling religious cults – some of them exported to Australia. Professor Tark Ji-il of Busan Presbyterian University understands this threat better than most. Not only is he a world-renowned expert, his family’s been affected in a tragic way. He was in Australia recently, sharing his story.The heroic image of the Anzac at Gallipoli is of the young man, with rifle and bayonet, going over the top of the trenches to face a hail of bullets from the Turkish troops. While that was, indeed, true, there was another hero at Gallipoli, and he carried only a shovel and a Bible. William ‘Mac’ McKenzie was a beloved Salvation Army chaplain. In his day, he ranked alongside our most famous soldiers and politicians. He’s the subject of a new biography, The Man the Anzacs Revered, by author Daniel Reynaud. GUESTS:Professor Tark Ji-il - Busan Presbyterian University - a respected expert on South Korea's religious movements.Daniel Reynaud - author of The Man the Anzacs Revered

Olesya Vartanyan, an independent analyst specializing in Caucasus politics, discusses Armenia's tense showdown with the Apostolic Church, including the arrest of Archbishop Galstanyan and its historical significance. Dr. Erica Cervini dives into the global baby surrogacy business, critiquing ethical concerns and exploitation risks, particularly for poorer background surrogates. Journalist Jessica Grose uncovers the cultural shift among Mormon women, exploring the impact of influencers and reality TV on traditional church roles, as they challenge outdated perceptions.

Jessica Grose, a journalist and New York Times writer, dives into the evolving landscape of the Mormon community as seen through the lens of the Hulu show, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. She discusses how Mormon women are challenging traditional church expectations, notably with new freedoms like revealing shoulders. Grose highlights the growing impact of social media influencers and the relatable exploration of faith and identity that resonates beyond the Mormon experience. Additionally, she addresses the church's concerns about inaccurate portrayals and its dual role as a supportive yet insular community.

Dr. Erica Cervini, a writer and commentator on reproductive ethics, dives deep into the complexities of commercial surrogacy. She discusses the ongoing review of Australia's contrasting surrogacy laws and the ethical implications of a booming global industry projected to reach $129 billion by 2032. Cervini highlights the risks of exploitation among surrogates, particularly from disadvantaged backgrounds, and debates the controversial concept of a 'right to a child.' The discussion also touches on troubling practices like 'designer babies' and the industry's focus on intended parents over surrogates' rights.

Olesya Vartanyan, an independent analyst specializing in South Caucasus politics, dives into Armenia's escalating church-state crisis. She discusses the arrest of Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan amid accusations of plotting against the government, highlighting his influence on national issues. Vartanyan explains how the Armenian Apostolic Church, essential to national identity, faces diminishing public support due to corruption claims. She further examines the complex geopolitics linking church factions to Russia, reflecting on the potential for clergy to become political challengers.

Across Europe, governments are cracking down on clergy associated with the Russian Orthodox Church, accusing them of being propagandists, even spies for the Putin regime. Ukraine has stripped citizenship from the head of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, saying he answers to Moscow. Estonia has just passed a law forcing the local Orthodox to cut ties with Russia. It’s also accused a group of nuns of spying. Just how deep does suspicion of the church run? GUEST:ANDREW RETTMAN is a senior correspondent for the EU Observer.  He’s written extensively about espionage and the Russian Orthodox Church.

The announcement by the Dalai Lama that he will have a reincarnated successor when he dies – and that his foundation along will identify the next leader of Tibetan Buddhism – is a major challenge to China, which occupies Tibet. It’s also a challenge to the Trump administration, according to a former official. Randall Schriver served as Assistant Secretary of Defence. He says respecting the Dalai Lama’s decision will test Donald Trump’s commitment to religious freedom.Across Europe, governments are cracking down on clergy associated with the Russian Orthodox Church, accusing them of being propagandists, even spies for the Putin regime. Ukraine has stripped citizenship from the head of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, saying he answers to Moscow. Estonia has just passed a law forcing the local Orthodox to cut ties with Russia. It’s also accused a group of nuns of spying. Just how deep does suspicion of the church run? He was the charismatic preacher in the sharp suit and flashy car, who preached personal purity – until he came undone in a sex scandal. Jimmy Swaggart was a global institution in the 1980s. He died a few days ago. GUESTS:RANDALL SCHRIVER served as Assistant Secretary of Defence in the Trump administration and Deputy Secretary of State in the Bush administration. He's currently the Chairman of the Institute for Indo Pacific Security in Washington DC. And co-authored China wants to pick the next Dalai Lama. Will democracies let it?ANDREW RETTMAN is a senior correspondent for the EU Observer.  He’s written extensively about espionage and the Russian Orthodox Church.Dr LEAH PAYNE is a historian of charismatic Christianity at George Fox University and author of the book about Jimmy Swaggart God Gave Rock & Roll to You. This program was made on the land of the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation

The reincarnation of The Dalai Lama extends beyond it's spiritual significance; it has become a complex geopolitical conflict, with China eager to control the centuries-old process and the future of Tibet.Saransh Sehgal writes on social issues around the globe, cultures and travel in the Himalayan region and specifically Tibetan geopolitics. He's author of Dalai Lama at 90: The Succession Battle That Will Shape Tibet’s Future