This book hits a nerve in all
Australians without inducing a guilt trip. By looking
carefully at the driving forces behind the culture which
affects the every day choices of each Australian (of
whatever age) via school or employment priorities;
life-style, health care, housing or transport choices;
educational or vocational priorities; or retirement
plans and expectations; 'greed' is exposed as an
underlying principle.
Engagingly well written, and easy to
read and ponder, the book considers relevant biblical
materials, and proposes how we should deal with the
issues raised. We need reminding again and again that
Christians are to live demonstrably different lives, and
this book highlights the attitudes and behaviour that
will help us to do so.
Joint 2nd Prize
EXPLORING RELIGION IN SCHOOL: a national
priority
ISBN 085910978X
by Brian
Hill
Published by OpenBook
This important contribution to the
debate about religion in schools, is also a thoughtful
and extremely useful resource for Australian educators.
Drawing upon up-to-date social and statistical analysis,
the author presents a cogent educational case for
religious education having core status in a general
curriculum. He presents a clear framework by which
educators and governments could effectively address
moral and values issues, via religious education into
our schools nationally. The 240 pages of meticulously
researched material is very well presented, making it
engaging and easy to read even for the non specialist
reader.
It will strengthen and motivate
Christian teachers as well as supply (and challenge)
valuable concepts for non Christian teachers. Great
value for all involved in the field. There is a helpful
index, glossary and bibliography.
Third Prize
LOVE IS THE SPUR
ISBN 1876730064
by Geoffrey Bingham
Published by Eyrie Books
This powerful evocation of life in
the WWII Japanese POW camps of Kranji and Changi
ministers to the heart, by presenting a unique account
of a Christian struggling with his faith under extreme
circumstances, while thinking about the big issues of
good and evil, sin and God. The negative effects of the
self-interest of some chaplains under pressure is boldly
treated, as is the life-giving effect of Christian hope
in survival.
This is a remarkable
account of the difference it makes to follow Jesus
Christ in the most terrible circumstances. Geoff Bingham
gives an unmistakable Australian Christian voice to a
pivotal period of history. A slightly old fashioned
writing style may alienate some of the younger
generation, and further editing could have made the
theological framework a little more accessible.
For full listing and
judges' comments on short listed title (PDF 43 KB), click here.
JUDGES - 2005
John Calvert -- Currently
Dean of Students at Bible College of South Australia
Mamie Long -- Freelance editor and general manager
of Moore Books, Sydney
Lyn
Sarah -- Lectures at BCSA, and
is pastoral care coordinator at Holy Trinity Adelaide
Co-ordinator: Len Woodley - National Secretary of
SPCK-Australia
