Home > Tag Archives: books

Tag Archives: books

Book review: The Bible in Australia

The “Good Book” has played a crucial role in shaping Australia’s modern history, from its arrival on Australian shores via the First Fleet through to its influence on politics in the 20th century. Meredith Lake’s latest book The Bible in Australia explores the history of the nation and how the Bible has been a mainstay of Australian society, touching the ...

Read More »

Book review: Crucible of Faith

Ever wondered how beliefs in God, the supernatural and worship evolved in the period between the Old and New Testaments? Philip Jenkins’ latest book Crucible of Faith examines the development of Christianity in the “Crucible Era” (the intertestamental period) and will likely kickstart fascinating conversations about the faith. Nick Mattiske reviews. A universal God, monotheism, heaven, hell, the Day of ...

Read More »

Illusions and mythmaking with Freud and Darwin

Freud and Darwin—two iconic-yet-controversial historical figures whose work continues to have a tremendous influence in helping us understand who we are and how we evolved. But with the release of new biographies on the pair, what other aspects of their life can we uncover? Nick Mattiske reviews. The grand theories of Darwin and Freud, along with that of Karl Marx, ...

Read More »

Book review: Small Great Things

Small Great Things

With a slew of awards and best-sellers to her name, Jodi Picoult has explored serious issues such as religion, the death penalty, gay rights, the Holocaust and school shootings in previous novels but Small Great Things is her first to deal with race. Sue Hutchinson reviews. In Small Great Things Jodie Picoult challenges her readers to the core, confronting the ...

Read More »

Five great books for the summer season

Great books for the summer season.

As the summer season heats up and you’re relaxing at the beach, poolside or the park, a great book is as essential as sunglasses, a cold drink, sunscreen (SPF 50+ please!) and a hat. Queensland Synod staff recommend their top reads. My Grandmother Sends Her Regards and Apologies by Fredrik Backman Heartbreaking and hilarious in equal measure, the best-selling author of ...

Read More »

Book review: Built for Change

"Built For Change" by Rev Dr Steve Taylor. Photo: Supplied

Rev Dr Steve Taylor’s latest book explores the practical theology of innovation with a focus on collaboration and leadership. Rev Peter Armstrong reviews. What better place to read Rev Dr Steve Taylor’s latest book Built for Change than at a Downhill Mountain Bike Competition. Over the last five to ten years DHing (aka “downhilling”) has been a significant innovation from ...

Read More »

Exalting the holy fool

Holy Fool by Michael Leunig

Michael Leunig has made teapots, ducks, crescent moons, fish and flowers an enduring fixture in the Australian cultural landscape. Perhaps best known for his cartoons, which feature regularly in The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, Leunig’s latest collection of artwork, Holy Fool, instead draws heavily from his other works: paintings, etchings, mixed-media collages and sculptures. Leunig’s work is always ...

Read More »