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In God They Trust?: The Religious Beliefs of Australia's Prime Ministers 1901-2013
Most of Australia's leaders since Federation believed in God. Some were serious Christians and very few were indifferent towards religion.
In this timely and original book, Roy Williams examines the spiritual life of each of our Prime Ministers from Edmund Barton to Julia Gillard.
He explores the ways in which - for good and ill - their beliefs (or agnosticism) shaped the history and development of the nation.
Featuring extensive interviews with John Howard and Kevin Rudd, and pulling no punches, IN GOD THEY TRUST? will appeal to voters across party lines and excite plenty of debate among believers and non-believers alike.
In this timely and original book, Roy Williams examines the spiritual life of each of our Prime Ministers from Edmund Barton to Julia Gillard.
He explores the ways in which - for good and ill - their beliefs (or agnosticism) shaped the history and development of the nation.
Featuring extensive interviews with John Howard and Kevin Rudd, and pulling no punches, IN GOD THEY TRUST? will appeal to voters across party lines and excite plenty of debate among believers and non-believers alike.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
May 1, 2020
Roy Williams has made a valuable contribution to society with this book. It is a valuable summary of the religious beliefs of our Prime Ministers.
That said, there are some weaknesses in the book I think. For instance, while the book is thoroughly researched, and easy to read, Williams has failed to maintain the academic objectivity necessary to effectively address a topic as difficult as this. I understand an author giving his judgement calls on various questions in a book of this nature, but what is unhelpful, and grated on me, was how often he gives his personal opinions. Especially when those opinions don't reflect mainstream Christian views. I think this book would have been much more helpful had the author maintained academic objectivity.
Another weakness, I think, is that the author fails to establish clear objective criterion for his assessments. For instance, the author is clearly against aggressive war per se, but assumes this to be a significant criterion for judging the validity of a Christian's faith. To give an idea of what this looks like in the book, the author praises Neville Chamberlain for pursuing appeasement with Hitler while excoriating Winston Churchill as a warmonger. And weighs the relevant Australian PMs based on their attitude toward these two positions. As a Christian who thinks Chamberlain erred in his appeasement strategy, I struggle to take such an approach seriously.
Indeed, I struggled to take any of the criterion all that seriously. The most substantial basis for assessing PMs doctrinally was the Apostles Creed. And Roman Catholics are lumped in with Protestants quite casually. Indeed, the notion of holding any sort of line against the rampant errors and false gospel of the Roman Catholic Church is treated as the sin of sectarianism and PMs are assessed based on whether they took part in this "sin."
More examples could be given, but the point is that Williams defines Christianity as he sees it, which is quite left wing and not Evangelical, and then critiques the PMs on that basis. Which created a fairly annoying experience for me.
All that said, this book is a great way to get a quick summary of the lives and careers—as well as the religious views—of each of our Prime Ministers up to Julia Gillard. While flawed, I think, in some significant ways, it is a valuable resource for all Australians and I would recommend it to anyone exploring our history.
That said, there are some weaknesses in the book I think. For instance, while the book is thoroughly researched, and easy to read, Williams has failed to maintain the academic objectivity necessary to effectively address a topic as difficult as this. I understand an author giving his judgement calls on various questions in a book of this nature, but what is unhelpful, and grated on me, was how often he gives his personal opinions. Especially when those opinions don't reflect mainstream Christian views. I think this book would have been much more helpful had the author maintained academic objectivity.
Another weakness, I think, is that the author fails to establish clear objective criterion for his assessments. For instance, the author is clearly against aggressive war per se, but assumes this to be a significant criterion for judging the validity of a Christian's faith. To give an idea of what this looks like in the book, the author praises Neville Chamberlain for pursuing appeasement with Hitler while excoriating Winston Churchill as a warmonger. And weighs the relevant Australian PMs based on their attitude toward these two positions. As a Christian who thinks Chamberlain erred in his appeasement strategy, I struggle to take such an approach seriously.
Indeed, I struggled to take any of the criterion all that seriously. The most substantial basis for assessing PMs doctrinally was the Apostles Creed. And Roman Catholics are lumped in with Protestants quite casually. Indeed, the notion of holding any sort of line against the rampant errors and false gospel of the Roman Catholic Church is treated as the sin of sectarianism and PMs are assessed based on whether they took part in this "sin."
More examples could be given, but the point is that Williams defines Christianity as he sees it, which is quite left wing and not Evangelical, and then critiques the PMs on that basis. Which created a fairly annoying experience for me.
All that said, this book is a great way to get a quick summary of the lives and careers—as well as the religious views—of each of our Prime Ministers up to Julia Gillard. While flawed, I think, in some significant ways, it is a valuable resource for all Australians and I would recommend it to anyone exploring our history.
August 4, 2014
Three reviews from our CALEB reviewers:
(1)
Roy Williams looks at the heart, soul, core beliefs and early childhood influences of every Australian Prime Minister from Edmund Barton to Julia Gillard. The foreword to In God They Trust? is written by Kim Beasley and the book shows how Christian influences were determining factors in the lives of all but two of our Prime Ministers. And it illustrates just how these influences affected government and even our present day lives. It shows how sectarianism and denominational conflict and biases was endemic and had a huge effect on how our nation developed.
This valuable book opened my mind to forgotten prejudices from our past. No one should underestimate the power of In God They Trust? for all people to understand and appreciate Australia’s strong Christian heritage. It should have special appeal to those with a political bent while at the same time being a unique teaching tool for students interested in what shaped the lives of our first 23 Prime Ministers. DS
(2)
In the introduction Roy Williams gives an overview of the beliefs and the effects of their beliefs on the actions and attitudes of the twenty three Prime Ministers from Edmund Barton to Julia Gillard. Each Prime Minister is studied in the light of their Christian beliefs or lack of and how their position affected their actions in their political actions such as abortion, the death penalty and help for the poor. Williams also covers the Catholic/Protestant problem which was, the past, a contentious question. He points out that as far as he can see observe he does not think that there has been any outright atheist prime minister although some were unbelievers despite growing up with a certain amount of Christian influence in their early years or birth family. This is a very interesting book and shines a fascinating look into the effect of Christian belief or lack of it on the politics of Australia’s Prime Ministers and the effects if may or may not have had on the their political actions. LS
(3)
In God they Trust? is a respectable overview of Australia’s prime ministers, from Edmund Barton to Julia Gillard, with a specific focus on each leader’s attitude towards religion and spiritual matters. Written by Roy Williams, author of the popular title, God, Actually, it includes extensive interviews with John Howard and Kevin Rudd.
It makes for fascinating reading, and only disappoints by ending with Julia Gillard (its publication being prior to the events leading to the current leadership of Tony Abbott). KL
(1)
Roy Williams looks at the heart, soul, core beliefs and early childhood influences of every Australian Prime Minister from Edmund Barton to Julia Gillard. The foreword to In God They Trust? is written by Kim Beasley and the book shows how Christian influences were determining factors in the lives of all but two of our Prime Ministers. And it illustrates just how these influences affected government and even our present day lives. It shows how sectarianism and denominational conflict and biases was endemic and had a huge effect on how our nation developed.
This valuable book opened my mind to forgotten prejudices from our past. No one should underestimate the power of In God They Trust? for all people to understand and appreciate Australia’s strong Christian heritage. It should have special appeal to those with a political bent while at the same time being a unique teaching tool for students interested in what shaped the lives of our first 23 Prime Ministers. DS
(2)
In the introduction Roy Williams gives an overview of the beliefs and the effects of their beliefs on the actions and attitudes of the twenty three Prime Ministers from Edmund Barton to Julia Gillard. Each Prime Minister is studied in the light of their Christian beliefs or lack of and how their position affected their actions in their political actions such as abortion, the death penalty and help for the poor. Williams also covers the Catholic/Protestant problem which was, the past, a contentious question. He points out that as far as he can see observe he does not think that there has been any outright atheist prime minister although some were unbelievers despite growing up with a certain amount of Christian influence in their early years or birth family. This is a very interesting book and shines a fascinating look into the effect of Christian belief or lack of it on the politics of Australia’s Prime Ministers and the effects if may or may not have had on the their political actions. LS
(3)
In God they Trust? is a respectable overview of Australia’s prime ministers, from Edmund Barton to Julia Gillard, with a specific focus on each leader’s attitude towards religion and spiritual matters. Written by Roy Williams, author of the popular title, God, Actually, it includes extensive interviews with John Howard and Kevin Rudd.
It makes for fascinating reading, and only disappoints by ending with Julia Gillard (its publication being prior to the events leading to the current leadership of Tony Abbott). KL
July 10, 2019
An excellent work which is almost a reference book but also exhibits the author's obvious deep interest in personally professed faith.
Williams seems to rely on 4 or 5 major references and I suppose one could go back and glean these works for mentions of religion. I also suppose a serious student of Australian politics probably knows them very well but in this book, he draws them all together with his own research, analysis and opinion.
Australia's Prime Ministers, on the whole, seem to have been more religious than the country they represent. There is only one lackadaisical hedonistic agnostic; Harold Holt, which the author thinks, and I agree, is the nation's natural default position. Even the Prime Ministers who were agnostics and atheists have thought deeply about spirituality. Some, like Whitlam, had a deep understanding of Christian theology.
Here are some of the "ahh, I didn't know that" moments in the book. Australia has not had a life long Anglican as its PM. If the Liberal Party is the party of the Protestant Ascendency in Australia and it and its predecessors have governed the country for most of its existence, it is indeed a very strange anomaly that the ascendant Protestant grouping has not had a born and bred, practising member as a PM. If anything the Presbyterians have had the biggest influence on the conservative side of politics.
Less than 20% of the PMs have been hatched, matched and dispatched in the same denomination. I suspect that this is far less than the general population and especially so up until 50 years ago. The Protestants, in particular, seem to not mind changing churches.
My only quibbles are, with this very well written book is that occasionally Williams seems to seek out ANY reference to religion that someone has made. If they said "by all that is Holy!" it gets quoted, even if he had as much religion as a cat.
What would have been very useful is a table setting out baptismal denomination, what church they took their wedding vows in and what denomination was their the funeral conducted.
I also have my doubts about the strength of Rudd's "Bonhoeffer Effect" which supposedly drew in many mainstream Protestants. I also think Williams discounted Rudd's sheer bastardry when dealing with colleagues and underlings. But these are quibbles over what is a very readable and informative book.
Williams seems to rely on 4 or 5 major references and I suppose one could go back and glean these works for mentions of religion. I also suppose a serious student of Australian politics probably knows them very well but in this book, he draws them all together with his own research, analysis and opinion.
Australia's Prime Ministers, on the whole, seem to have been more religious than the country they represent. There is only one lackadaisical hedonistic agnostic; Harold Holt, which the author thinks, and I agree, is the nation's natural default position. Even the Prime Ministers who were agnostics and atheists have thought deeply about spirituality. Some, like Whitlam, had a deep understanding of Christian theology.
Here are some of the "ahh, I didn't know that" moments in the book. Australia has not had a life long Anglican as its PM. If the Liberal Party is the party of the Protestant Ascendency in Australia and it and its predecessors have governed the country for most of its existence, it is indeed a very strange anomaly that the ascendant Protestant grouping has not had a born and bred, practising member as a PM. If anything the Presbyterians have had the biggest influence on the conservative side of politics.
Less than 20% of the PMs have been hatched, matched and dispatched in the same denomination. I suspect that this is far less than the general population and especially so up until 50 years ago. The Protestants, in particular, seem to not mind changing churches.
My only quibbles are, with this very well written book is that occasionally Williams seems to seek out ANY reference to religion that someone has made. If they said "by all that is Holy!" it gets quoted, even if he had as much religion as a cat.
What would have been very useful is a table setting out baptismal denomination, what church they took their wedding vows in and what denomination was their the funeral conducted.
I also have my doubts about the strength of Rudd's "Bonhoeffer Effect" which supposedly drew in many mainstream Protestants. I also think Williams discounted Rudd's sheer bastardry when dealing with colleagues and underlings. But these are quibbles over what is a very readable and informative book.
November 17, 2015
Four and a half stars.
An eminently dippable and accessible book on the religious beliefs of the Prime Ministers of Australia over the 111 years from Edmund Barton to Julia Gillard. The flowing, easy-to-read style is a highlight, along with a plethora of references for those who feel inclined to check sources.
I'm not a hugely political beast but I found the book vastly interesting, and occasionally entertaining, especially towards the end when events moved into my lifetime. I often disagreed with Williams' analysis but that didn't make the book any less absorbing or engrossing. After all, when it comes to politics, there's bound to be disagreement. Since this is about both politics and religion, sometimes I expect that disagreement to be passionate.
The thoughts of more recent politicians, like John Howard, on their own ethics gives considerable insight into the man. Of all those discussed, I found Paul Keating by far the most fascinating and discovered myself changing my views about him for the better.
I am indebted to Williams for a lovely new word, commentariat. Why didn't I know of the existence of such a loaded thoughtform before?
In many ways, it's a pity that the book stops its overview before Kevin Rudd returned to the role of Prime Minister. Twice in the story of Rudd's first term, Williams mentions the pivotal role of Pastor Matt Prater with regard to the 'Bonhoeffer Effect'. Ironic then, that it was Prater's question during the ABC's Q&A programme that would later play such a huge role in undermining that effect just prior to the 2013 election.
An eminently dippable and accessible book on the religious beliefs of the Prime Ministers of Australia over the 111 years from Edmund Barton to Julia Gillard. The flowing, easy-to-read style is a highlight, along with a plethora of references for those who feel inclined to check sources.
I'm not a hugely political beast but I found the book vastly interesting, and occasionally entertaining, especially towards the end when events moved into my lifetime. I often disagreed with Williams' analysis but that didn't make the book any less absorbing or engrossing. After all, when it comes to politics, there's bound to be disagreement. Since this is about both politics and religion, sometimes I expect that disagreement to be passionate.
The thoughts of more recent politicians, like John Howard, on their own ethics gives considerable insight into the man. Of all those discussed, I found Paul Keating by far the most fascinating and discovered myself changing my views about him for the better.
I am indebted to Williams for a lovely new word, commentariat. Why didn't I know of the existence of such a loaded thoughtform before?
In many ways, it's a pity that the book stops its overview before Kevin Rudd returned to the role of Prime Minister. Twice in the story of Rudd's first term, Williams mentions the pivotal role of Pastor Matt Prater with regard to the 'Bonhoeffer Effect'. Ironic then, that it was Prater's question during the ABC's Q&A programme that would later play such a huge role in undermining that effect just prior to the 2013 election.
September 26, 2019
A very interesting book. Since it was published in 2013, we have had three more Prime Ministers, so it is time to update his categories. Williams claims that we have had only two lifelong agnostics among our PMs (Edmund Barton & Harold Holt). However, if you include the Fellow-Travellers (with Christianity: Chris Watson, Stanley Bruce, John Gorton & Gough Whitlam) and Labor's lapsed (John Curtin, Bob Hawke & Julia Gillard), it brings the total to nine, which, I think, is more realistic. This leaves fourteen PMs as believers. The total is now seventeen, as all three most recent PMs are believers: Tony Abbott (conservative Catholic), Malcolm Turnbull (Catholic by marriage) and Scott Morrison (Pentecostal). However, the number of 'believers' includes the highly unorthodox Alfred Deakin, whose beliefs make for fascinating reading.
January 3, 2022
Interesting collection of trivia littered with specious reasoning in a desperate attempt to find evidence of belief from as many prime ministers as possible. Takes support for standard social democratic policies and opposition to war as evidence of christian faith
August 28, 2022
Never mix religion and politics. This book combines both, but the result is not the antagonistic worst of both worlds, but I would argue the best of both. There are a number of things I enjoyed about this book.
The first was gaining an overview of Australia’s Prime ministers from the beginning of Federation (Barton) until the recent past (Gillard). Since the focus in each case was relatively narrow the chapters ended up being a short family, social, political and religious biography. Even knowing the names of each prime minister better was a good thing, since those from before I was born have been vague until now. More importantly, understanding some of the motivations for the early years of Australian Federation provided insight into how we came to be where we are at today.
A second element was the insight into how Christian ideals have been woven into Australia’s political cultures. As might be expected, the early days were more religious than now, but in the modern day religion has become more associated with the conservatives. It hasn’t always been this way, with Labor politicians arguing for social justice on Christian grounds until perhaps the 70’s when the overt link diminished.
A final insight was the difference between the major parties, given both would see links to Christian ideals. While work rights dominated Labor ideals, Liberals were founded on the home. Based on electoral preferences, Australians would appear to have resonated with the latter more strongly than the former since WW2.
But the centre of this book is the personal viewpoint of individuals. This is contentious and in many cases difficult to ascertain, but I think the perspective is balanced and the strength or weakness of evidence well laid out. There is some discomfort, for me, in rating the relative ‘Christian-ness’ of respective PMs – not something one should ordinarily do, but when making the assessment on the basis of policy and performance as PM it’s not unreasonable. Willliams’ conclusion about this was a surprise to me.
The first was gaining an overview of Australia’s Prime ministers from the beginning of Federation (Barton) until the recent past (Gillard). Since the focus in each case was relatively narrow the chapters ended up being a short family, social, political and religious biography. Even knowing the names of each prime minister better was a good thing, since those from before I was born have been vague until now. More importantly, understanding some of the motivations for the early years of Australian Federation provided insight into how we came to be where we are at today.
A second element was the insight into how Christian ideals have been woven into Australia’s political cultures. As might be expected, the early days were more religious than now, but in the modern day religion has become more associated with the conservatives. It hasn’t always been this way, with Labor politicians arguing for social justice on Christian grounds until perhaps the 70’s when the overt link diminished.
A final insight was the difference between the major parties, given both would see links to Christian ideals. While work rights dominated Labor ideals, Liberals were founded on the home. Based on electoral preferences, Australians would appear to have resonated with the latter more strongly than the former since WW2.
But the centre of this book is the personal viewpoint of individuals. This is contentious and in many cases difficult to ascertain, but I think the perspective is balanced and the strength or weakness of evidence well laid out. There is some discomfort, for me, in rating the relative ‘Christian-ness’ of respective PMs – not something one should ordinarily do, but when making the assessment on the basis of policy and performance as PM it’s not unreasonable. Willliams’ conclusion about this was a surprise to me.
December 19, 2021
An excellent assessment, historical and moral, of all Australia's prime ministers since Federation. Williams handles his subjects with humour, compassion and a staunch level of fairness. Very readable and well researched. I only wish it was published more recently, so that the latest inheritors of the leadership - Turnbull, Abbott and Morrison - were also examined.
December 6, 2021
Such a little analysed topic. Easy to read and eloquent. Many great quotes within.
I would love to see an update for 2022.
And look at opposition leaders or high court justices.
I would love to see an update for 2022.
And look at opposition leaders or high court justices.
April 12, 2014
In prospect this book looked like a great read. I love religion and I love politics so I expected a great deal from author Roy Williams' survey of the spiritual lives of Australia's Prime Ministers. I was not disappointed. In fact, as my five star rating would suggest, I totally loved it.
In God They Trust struck me as an extraordinarily balanced book. I appreciated the fact that Williams always made it perfectly clear when he was stating his own opinion, or the opinions of others, as opposed to facts. The writing was very precise and sophisticated without being at all difficult to read. His synopsis of the political issues of the various eras in Australia's history was fascinating.
I found myself continually challenged, as a Christian, by the personal and public lives of the leaders of our nation, and Williams' interpretation of the evidence about them which he presented. Christians can be very narrow minded and dogmatic people, but Roy Williams is plainly not, and I was inspired both by his writing, and by the lives of some of the men about whom he wrote.
Williams nominated Joseph Lyons and Paul Keating as Australia's two greatest Christian Prime Ministers. The fact that Keating is my personal favourite had nothing to do with how much I loved this book. (wink) If you, like me, love religion and politics, you must read In God They Trust.
In God They Trust struck me as an extraordinarily balanced book. I appreciated the fact that Williams always made it perfectly clear when he was stating his own opinion, or the opinions of others, as opposed to facts. The writing was very precise and sophisticated without being at all difficult to read. His synopsis of the political issues of the various eras in Australia's history was fascinating.
I found myself continually challenged, as a Christian, by the personal and public lives of the leaders of our nation, and Williams' interpretation of the evidence about them which he presented. Christians can be very narrow minded and dogmatic people, but Roy Williams is plainly not, and I was inspired both by his writing, and by the lives of some of the men about whom he wrote.
Williams nominated Joseph Lyons and Paul Keating as Australia's two greatest Christian Prime Ministers. The fact that Keating is my personal favourite had nothing to do with how much I loved this book. (wink) If you, like me, love religion and politics, you must read In God They Trust.
February 3, 2014
prime minister x 's opposition to militarism and war was a sure sign of his faith .pg 91 seriously sloppy work there, the book seems mostly good though his annoying god blinkers limit him. Lots if great trivia and done great insight at times yet way way too biased.
Logic -1
Bias -1
Trivia, serious work in digging up references -5
Well worth reading if you can see past the biases. Way too many unsupported assertions.
Consider reading Marion Maddox's book " god under Howard " and even better , her new book " taking god to school ".
I saw this book at a Christian bookshop , published by the bible society, preaches to the choir etc. Would be much better without Williams' commentary , still done if his insights are good . On the downside, imagine the uproar If he wrote saying Rama or Santa were real.
Logic -1
Bias -1
Trivia, serious work in digging up references -5
Well worth reading if you can see past the biases. Way too many unsupported assertions.
Consider reading Marion Maddox's book " god under Howard " and even better , her new book " taking god to school ".
I saw this book at a Christian bookshop , published by the bible society, preaches to the choir etc. Would be much better without Williams' commentary , still done if his insights are good . On the downside, imagine the uproar If he wrote saying Rama or Santa were real.
March 19, 2015
Roy Williams has written an interesting and readable book. However he wears his political views on his sleeve, and seems to imply that a Prime Minister's faith is to be judged by their works rather than their repentance of sin and trust in Christ's death on the cross for salvation.
June 30, 2015
Potted biographies of Australian Prime Ministers and their religious life. Some interesting facts and reflections.
May 4, 2020
I learned alot, but the author's mis-understanding of the Bible made it annoying in so many places.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews