Thoughts & Comments Podcast

From overseas ministry to the mission field of our own neighbourhoods, how can we engage with community issues where we are? Andrew Urquhart caught up with Reverend Byungkook Yoo when he was in New Zealand earlier this year to find out more about his lifelong cross-cultural journey of faith; and chats to Rev. Frank Ritchie about how Christians can bear gentle and bold witness in a society that see...

Discover the treasures of “Between Two Trees” from visionary husband-and-wife duo, Paula and Keith Newman.  Andrew Urquhart chats to them about divine inspiration, their creative dynamic, and the way Paula's visual art and Keith's prose complement each other in exploring the Fruits of the Spirit.  Text your thoughts to 8168, keyword 'Comments'. For more content, visit thought...

The Church has battled a litany of hurt, both as victim and perpetrator.  Yet we are called to pick up our cross and follow our Saviour in rising from suffering and shame.  So what does that look like?  Andrew Urquhart's guests discuss healing within the Body of Christ – as individual pilgrims, and as communities of faith.  Greg Liston reflects on God's presence in the mi...

Who is your 'village'; or have we lost our sense of belonging? How can we rebuild community?  In this episode Andrew Urquhart has three refreshing conversations about the boundaries of care and duty to our families, neighbourhood, and beyond. With broadcaster John Cowan, leadership mentor John Peachey (thethinkfarm.org) and Vision West's Brook Turner (visionwest.org.nz). Text your thoughts to...

Let's talk about love! Less about the romance, and more as the greatest of all virtues. Revisit Andrew Urquhart's interview with LifeNet's Brendan Malone, who unpacks the Bible-based principle of 'rightly ordered love'; and Dr Myk Habets of Laidlaw College considers sexual identity as God intended - not in the polarised extremes of social pressure versus total self-determination. Text your thought...

Andrew Urquhart and guests look at some current issues with a historical lens. Dr Maryanne Spurdle (maxim.org.nz) examines if unproven genetic technology heeds the lessons of past ethical dilemmas; broadcaster John Cowan shares how old stigmas can become today's strengths; and Dave Mann (alltogether.co.nz) reflects on the Christian principles that form the fabric of our national heritage and democ...

From the clear precision of mathematics to the incisive power of literature, Helen Joyce is a force in the battle against harmful ideologies. Frustrated with the circular definitions that plague gender theory, the renowned journalist and author of "Trans: When Ideology Meets Reality" is now challenging 'inclusive' social policies as the Director of Advocacy at Sex Matters, a UK lobby group focusse...

Is the human condition all about work versus play and struggling for a balance between the two? Andrew Urquhart has three thought-provoking discussions about how we can flourish as individuals and in community to fulfil our divine purpose - with John Dennison (venn.org.nz) , Lauren Parsons (laurenparsonswell-being.com) and Wynand Jacobs (familylife.nz). Text your thoughts to 8168 keyword 'Comments...

How can followers of Christ thrive in a world that seems indifferent - or even hostile - to our faith.   Join Andrew Urquhart and his special guest, Greg Sheridan, about the hallmarks and benchmarks of a fruitful Christian life. The author of "How Christians Can Succeed" offers some challenging advice for how we can live with conviction in a digital, distracted age.  Join the c...

Discover how God's creativity  inspires pioneering technology;  get tips for parenting perfectionist kids, and nurturing a culture of workplace well-being. Join Andrew and his guests, Dr Stuart Burgess (profstuartburgess.com), Kristin Ward (parentingplace.nz), and Lauren Parsons ( LaurenParsonsWellbeing.com ) and be part of the conversation by texting your thoughts to 8168, keyword 'Comm...

How are the twin forces of digital technology and cultural change reshaping traditional borders of national sovereignty, institutional authority and the media landscape? The Director of Maxim Institute, Tim Wilson, considers the end of an era with veteran news anchor Simon Dallow's departure from 1News, and whether plummeting trust is behind alternative platforms' takeover of mainstream media. (ma...

"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward." ~ Psalm 127:3 (ESV) Trigger warning, audience discretion advised.  New Zealand is in a battle to protect society's most vulnerable - our children.  While the Free Speech Union considers prudent defence against social media harms, grassroots organisations Family First and St Nicholas Children's Trust expose s...

Examine recent and historical conflicts that highlight the dehumanising impact of war.  Prof. Robert Patman traces the proposed annexation of the West Bank back to Israel's self-defence against Arab onslaught in the Six-Day War and more recently the October 7th terrorist attacks; while historian Dr Samuel Carpenter and playwright Steve Worsley recall a tragedy closer to home - the 144th anniv...

Dive into three fascinating conversations about being called to our world a better place - as individuals and in community.  Otago University theologian Prof. Murray Rae shines a light on the Bible's blueprint for being a city of blessing; Vision West's Brook Turner emphasises the virtue of generosity in times of scarcity; and Rev. Frank Ritchie considers life's seasons of rest, pruning, chan...

With less than 12 months until the next election we examine recent Policy announcements that may, or may not, tip the scale.  Dr Bryce Edwards examines recent policy announcements from Labour, particularly Capital Gains Tax, and explores if this will make a difference for the troubled left.   Grant Marshall from Christian Savings analyses whether this policy will work from an economic an...

Halloween has a colourful and varied history, and a comparatively young one as a modern cultural phenomenon - more so in the New Zealand context.  So what is behind the increase in Kiwis' fascination with an imported cultural trend?  Is it harmless or dabbling in the occult? And what is the Christian response? Andrew Urquhart and his guests sift through superstition, misinformation, fict...

Is it dynamite policy or a political time-bomb? Vague or visionary?  Profiteering or permissive? Andrew Urquhart and guests scrutinise the communication chaos and relational turmoil that seems to be engulfing the Opposition, and a troubling approach to online gambling regulations, as the one-year countdown to Election 2026 begins.  Join the conversations with former MP Simon O'Connor, an...

Andrew Urquhart & guests reflect on brokenness in our Church, and the steps to reparation, reconciliation & reckoning necessary for ongoing spiritual renewal.  Baptist pastor Steven Goulstone explains why the time has come for Baptist churches to make a public apology for institutional abuse; Rev. Dr Malcolm Falloon examines the rise of GAFCON amidst a deepening rift within the Anglic...

Settle in for an honest look at our social biases, both spoken and unspoken. Stereotypes can be useful shortcuts for time-critical decisions, but do we abdicate personal responsibility to 'expert' authority figures too often? Are we as a society more prejudiced and judgemental than we care to admit?  Andrew Urquhart & guests broadcaster John Cowan, Maryanne Spurdle (Maxim Institute),...

There are different stages of Life, and each one brings a series of blessing and challenges. For those who are currently dealing with being parents to teenagers or young adults, the difficulties may seem to outweigh the blessings.   Kristin Ward from the Parenting Place gives some advice and practical tips on how to stay connected with grumpy teens, how to lean in when they are pulling back....

In this episode,  Davina West (The Producer of the Thoughts & Comments Programme) has a frank and fascinating conversation with Canadian Christian Apologist Wes Huff, who was in New Zealand recently as a guest of Thinking Matters.  www.thinkingmatters.org.nz   Wes shares his testimony of miraculous healing when he was a young boy, as well as what motivates and inspires him...

In this episode we focus in on attempts to regulate new technology, both in the areas of reproduction and communication. However it seems unlikely that legislation will ever keep up with technology.    The UN is proposing to ban Surrogacy, which does have risk and is open to exploitation, but also provides a last Hope for some who struggle with fertility.     The BSA has m...

In this episode we examine some new ways of doing things in the Church.  Are there still barriers to belonging for those who have a negative view of the Church? And are there barriers to unity within the church because of strongly held doctrinal views?    Later in the episode Public Theologian Dr Craig Heilmann explores the rift that appointing a women as new Archbishop of Canterbur...

In this episode we look to the future, is there any hope on the horizon, either economically or politically. If things aren’t the way that we want them to be can we rely on the politicians to clean up the mess or should we take more personal responsibility, both fiscally and socially. Grant Marshall from Christian Savings looks at ways we can invest and prepare for our retirement, other than...

 With the Israeli Hostages released and the ceasefire holding so far reasons of celebration in Gaza, Israel and around the world. In this episode we get a range of different perspectives on these historic events.    While acknowledging Trumps role in the process Rev. Frank Ritchie ponders whether we can also make peace with those who have different views on this contentious topic. &...