Faith: Embracing Life in all its Uncertainty

by Tim Costello

In a world that is so often challenging, with events that cause us all to wonder what is going on, Tim Costello takes us on a journey through the notion of faith and how we all need to believe in something greater than ourselves, no matter what religious background we are from.

In this thoughtful and provocative book Tim explores some of the world's most challenging issues, including refugees, corruption, war, intolerance, poverty, inequality and global warming. He meditates on what is going wrong and points out how we so often lose sight of our shared humanity.

In Faith Tim Costello takes us all to task on the big issues facing our world. Challenging and thought provoking no matter what the status of your faith, this is a book to savour and re-read.

Tim Costello is one of Australia’s leading voices on social justice and global poverty and has been instrumental in ensuring these issues are placed on the national and international agenda. He has travelled the world for work in poverty and emergency relief and led World Vision in Australia for more than 12 years

On Tim Costello:

—"Tim Costello's currency is stories." Greg Bearup, The Australian
—"Tim has an extraordinary moral compass and sense of how the world needs to change." Paul Ronalds, CEO, Save the Children
—"He just lives it [his faith]" Nick Xenophon

Reader's online reviews from Amazon for Tim's previous book, Hope:

—"Thoughtful, fascinating, broad-ranging read."
—"Made me stop and self reflect."

Genres: Nonfiction, Faith, Religion

272 pages, Paperback

Published September 1, 2016

Reviews

[Melinda Irvine · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is easy to speak highly of book where you agree with nearly everything the author has to say, and in some ways acts as an endorsement for some of your own life philosophies. That said ‘Faith’ is a personal account of the ways Reverend Tim Costello has experienced faith in his public and private life.

The book unfolds as a series of short essays and personal stories from his time as a city mayor, Baptist Pastor, CEO of World Vision, husband, and Christian man — Rev Costello presents his beliefs and musings on everything from religious extremism, the global refugee crisis, climate change, domestic violence, gay marriage, gender inequality, and a growing disinterest amongst mainstream Australia to world issues of poverty, corruption, and violence. Mr Costello laments the continued slashing of foreign aid, even in the wake of the crisis in Syria and the inhumane processing of refugees through offshore detention centres.

Since the publication of this book 2.5 years ago, Australian foreign aid is still at an all-time low and I can only imagine Mr Costello’s feeling as the government continues to express they have ‘no intention of increasing it’. He is passionate about lifting up the marginalised, and a recurring theme is his overwhelming belief in the power of forgiveness, transformation, and recovery (whether by Christian faith or other means) and the hope and possibilities this presents for those living on the fringes of our society (prisoners, addicts, refugees).

You may not agree with everything that Reverend Costello has to say about the nature of reality, biblical history, and the creation story but I think you will find that he presents his beliefs in a respectful and open way, offering you entry points to further examination and self-enquiry.

[Simon Risson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Costello has a way of engaging a wide audience. He connects with heart, soul, and body. He holds all the tensions of life and leads us in a conversation we need to have willingly if we will ever see change. Thank you!

[Raine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly gotta say this was so so good. It discussed the intersection of faith and world issues. Tim doesn’t shy away from the failures of the church throughout history but emphasises this is not the teaching of the bible but the interpretation of individuals who care more about their own personal bias or greed than of God. He discusses his work with World Vision and the impact of humanitarian aid and the issues and benefits of living in a secular nation. It’s restored my own opinion of Christianity by a mile, coming from a non believer.

[Philip Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very accessible book about belief, values, justice and, yes, faith. It's written by a serial practitioner of these ideas, Tim Costello, recently semi-retired CEO of World Vision Australia. The book reads like a collection of short essays, or perhaps blogs. It's easy to read in short bursts, or, like I did, in a couple of days. Tim writes for a wide audience without judgement, although his own position as a Christian of the Baptist variety is never hidden. He's also a lawyer by trade, so there is no lack of logic or clarity in the positions he puts forward. The book is the work of a modern Christian leader in the best liberal tradition. He's previously written "Hope". Now "Faith". A trilogy appears in the offing.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy read, with some good stories. Interesting look at the interaction between faith and social justice and how his beliefs influence his work with World Vision Australia, although not sure that I agree on all of his theology and what he is basing some of his beliefs on.

[Kerry · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book when I started . Some of the essays were presenting an interesting view on the world and spirituality and others had some good stories . However it began to feel like lectures in history and preaching how to be good and I lost interest.

[Karen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too disjointed for me

[David McNair · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading “Faith - embracing life in all it’s uncertainty” and “Hope - moments of inspiration in a challenging world” by Tim Costello. Both these books are really great to read. They really challenge you to be a better person to your neighbour both locally and globally. To realise that we are all interconnected. More than we realise. To truly realise what really matters in this life. I look forward to reading Tim’s next book which I think will be called “Love”. “Now these three remain: Faith, Hope and Love. But the greatest of these is Love” - 1 Corinthians 13:13

[Feiz Najmi · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing book!! Tim Costello, Peter's Brother - Baptist Minister and World Vision Leader gives an authentic insight into faith. It should be a must read for every Australian as an education into how good we really do got it (especially those of the upper middle class white male persuasion) and how stingy we are with giving any of it away even to members of our own identified groups let alone any perceived outsiders - funny I benefit indirectly from "white privilege" because of my geography. But more importantly there is many distinct examples of the power of faith (regardless of religious persuasion) and it's ability to transform the depths of human suffering into something for the betterment of humanity. Usually by those with the very least to give and suffering nearly as bad as those they are helping. It doesn't shrink away from faith's ugly perversions and the subsequent horrors that these bring but it does shows us without faith of some sort life is completely empty and meaningless and for that to be the prevailing worldview would be history's greatest crime as it's the absolute opposite of the truth.

[Natalie S]

As the CEO of the World Vision charity, Tim Costello AO has often had to discuss faith. His latest book also deals with the topic of belief and how it can be used to highlight the things that humanity has in common as well as offering a vehicle for reconciliation and hope. This series of short essays is a mix of philosophy, morality, religion and inspiration as well as observations and quotes that seem more like pure memoir. Faith is not the kind of book you can skim through quickly. It is a disarming read where you need to pause, reflect and discuss the bigger issues with other people.

To read the rest of this review please visit: http://arts.theaureview.com/reviews/b...

[Natalie S]

As the CEO of the World Vision charity, Tim Costello AO has often had to discuss faith. His latest book also deals with the topic of belief and how it can be used to highlight the things that humanity has in common as well as offering a vehicle for reconciliation and hope. This series of short essays is a mix of philosophy, morality, religion and inspiration as well as observations and quotes that seem more like pure memoir. Faith is not the kind of book you can skim through quickly. It is a disarming read where you need to pause, reflect and discuss the bigger issues with other people.

To read the rest of this review please visit: http://arts.theaureview.com/reviews/b...

[Jenny Esots · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have heard Tim Costello speak at a Nursing conference and he is an excellent speaker.
He speaks naturally and directly. He is used to holding an audience and he does this again with this book.
This is a personal account of why he feels, acts and believes what he does.
It is tempered with regrets and the weariness of someone who has experienced and witnessed a lot of suffering.
He writes he is still puzzled by people's reactions to brokeness.
Why some people rise to the challenge and others remain locked in a cycle of despair.
This includes countries.
By articulating his life in all its pains and joys he is able to voice the real questions we all face.
About meaning and being.

[Jenny Esots · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have heard Tim Costello speak at a Nursing conference and he is an excellent speaker.
He speaks naturally and directly. He is used to holding an audience and he does this again with this book.
This is a personal account of why he feels, acts and believes what he does.
It is tempered with regrets and the weariness of someone who has experienced and witnessed a lot of suffering.
He writes he is still puzzled by people's reactions to brokeness.
Why some people rise to the challenge and others remain locked in a cycle of despair.
This includes countries.
By articulating his life in all its pains and joys he is able to voice the real questions we all face.
About meaning and being.

[Michael Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant book, drawing on Tim Costello's experience and speaking firmly to the areas of justice, acceptance and tolerance, and what faith means to him. Loved the examples drawn from his work with World Vision and would highly recommend the book to people of all faiths.

[Kathy]

Just got my copy of Faith. Can't wait to finish it.

[Heidi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd give it two and a half if I could. Not impressed. His straight white male blinders are firmly in place throughout the entire book.

[Scott Vawser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully balanced with uncomfortable challenge and gentle reflections. Grace is all!