I was appalled at the loss of this program, and can only support Stephen Crittenden in his anger and sense of betrayal at such an unthinking action by Sue Howard in axing this. One can only assume she has been 'got at' by those with money (power) to ahieve their own ends. I am not religious in any sense; in fact have held some very strong anti-religious views, and still give voice to them when I think necessary when I don't agree with something. However the intelligent debate was thought-provoking and well worth listening to. In the absence of TV I listen to the radio much of the time and have it on as background most of the day, tuned in to Radio National. (Can't bear the drivel from commercial stations and ABC Radio is emulating them to a disappointing degree.) I look forward to the intelligent debates/discussions and find the axing of these from the only available outlet, most discouraging. What else is in Ms Howard's sights?

I am another atheist, and only occasionally listened to the Religion Report (usually when driving). Apart from approving of having such thoughtful discussion programs available on public radio in Australia, I believe this program makes listeners think - and if there's anything that religious types need to do, it's think about what they believe in. Think - why do ayatollas make sure there's never anything quite like this available in Muslim countries?

It's a pity there isn't a similarly thoughtful discussion program on the management of public radio - maybe ABC managers might learn something.

When the ABC interviews their gw high priests they have people who genuinely believe that crap. Why when they want to represent Christianity don't they speak to people who believe the truth? Instead they usually find heretics dressed in frocks that no Christian would be bothered to listen to or go and see. The only mouthpiece for some of these guys are the liberal/gay promoting ABC. Christmas and Easter usually is a time to promote these unbelievers.

You would think that the half hour per week or whatever it may be that the national broadcasters could find a believer that would represent the majority of Christians. No instead they prefer those who support their humanistic dogma. I will say songs of fellowship (if it is still on) is about the only exception to this that I have seen. I appreciate that Christians are in the minority but a tiny bit of balance would go a long way. Look how much time is given to other minority groups (arts, environmentalist, Indigenous affairs). The likes of Bill Henson is far more likely to get time than many of Australia's preachers who have a far bigger following.

Yes runner, its all about the promotion from your side of the fence, isn't it. But I see your point about the balance. The days like fads, must move aside for more realistic futuristics, and productive out-lines which are more interesting.

No-ones saying religion isn't helpful,( "you can quote me many times, where i,v said, religion is a great grounding tool" ) just not as intriguing as it used to be.

If it makes you a good person with no hate in our heart, I always say! If your on a good thing, stick to it.

Your friend, The earth-worshiper.

EVO

A 'runner' is someone who runs... but is that 'run to' or 'run from'?

Or is it a lackey who 'runs for' someone?

We may never know... and have to continue to wonder, how, when the Good Lord handed out the important bits, some were left with marginal ambitions as their personal Everest's.

Read these amusing little stories Runner... and keep hoping your eschatological future is better than your present:

http://slate.com/id/2203120

http://www.commondreams.org/view/2008/10/28

Another RN programme on the Howard Hit List (why does that phrase sound familiar?) is the Media Report. Like Media Watch on ABC TV it is sometimes critical of media organisations, including the ABC.

The Religion Report is not a religious programme, it reports on the news relating to religious organisation, sometimes critically. This is probably the reason behind the demise of these two reports, because powerful organisations like churches and media networks do not take kindly to criticism and have the power to have their views attended to by governments of either persuasion.

For the record, I am also an atheist (occasional) listener to the Religion Report.