Open House Interviews with Dwayne Jeffries

Religious wars, hypocrisy and judgement are some of the top blockers from the Christian faith. Pastor Karl Faase is tackling these blockers in a new television series called Towards Belief. He kicks off a six week series on Open House by talking about the initiative and what he hopes to achieve from the television series.

An author who isn't shy of ruffling a few feathers in his defence of Christianity. Francis Spufford shamelessly takes on Atheists and their beliefs in his new book Unapologetic. He says it is possible to be respectful of Atheists while being a firm Christian believer.

The impact of Christian evangelism in Australia and how it’s shaped our values. Dr Stuart Piggin from History of Christian Thought and Experience talks about the rise of the Hillsong brand and the changing fortunes of the Sydney Anglican diocese over the past decade. He says evangelism has shaped our identity and values as a nation.

The royal commission into child sex abuse is underway and the CEO of the Catholic Truth, Justice and Healing Council, Francis Sullivan, says the cover up needs to stop. He talks about taking a new approach to the issue and says the Catholic Church needs to be more compassionate, open and transparent with their handling of the scandal. He also talks about taking on such a high pressure job during the height of the abuse scandal.

Author Pete Wilson says we idolise money, beauty, success other people and their opinions. He talks about believing in empty promises and says only God can fill the emptiness in our souls.

Human condition guru Lyn Worsley revisits one of her most popular series about dealing with difficult people. This week she talks about why some people are so hard to live with and how we should react to them.

TV critic Mark Hadley talks about ratings smash hit My Kitchen Rules. He says competition is about to heat up with The Voice returning to Channel 9 this week.

A safe comedy festival that's still funny and clever. Director of Squeaky Clean Comedy Festival Eugene Wong talks about transforming the Melbourne culture through the arts. Comedian Michael Connell gives a sneak peek of what to expect at the festival this year.

After spending a few weeks in Rome to help vote in the new leader of the Catholic Church, Cardinal George Pell is back just in time to celebrate Easter. He talks about the importance of the Easter weekend for Christians around the world. He also highlights the significance of Jesus’ death and resurrection for today’s society.

Archbishop Peter Jensen celebrates his last Easter as the head of Sydney’s Anglican Church. He talks about his twelve years leading the church as he prepares to leave the role. He also reflects on how Easter celebrations have changed over the years.

It’s one of the biggest struggles of our time. World renowned speaker, author and founder of Mars Hill Church Mark Driscoll talks about his own struggle with identity and how we find it through God. He also shares a special Easter message from the US.

We mark 45 years since New Zealand’s worst modern maritime accident, which claimed 53 lives. Survivor Gary Murphy talks about being on the Wahine as it sunk in Wellington Harbour. He says he made a commitment to God in those desperate hours and his life changed forever.

Easter documentary Forgiven People is about three colourful Australians who find faith in dark places. Susan Conrau features in the show and talks about being a rebellious adolescent and becoming a bikie. She is now a wife, mother and devout Christian.

Highly esteemed author, speaker and pastor RT Kendall says there is a silent divorce in the church today. He talks about a separation between the Bible and the Holy Spirit and says this affects the church in more ways than we know.

The number of Australians who've heard the Christian message continues to decline year on year. Al Stewart is hoping to turn this around with his church planting network, The Geneva Push. He talks about bringing people back to church through support and networking.