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God is Good for You: A defence of Christianity in troubled times
The Judeo-Christian tradition has created and underpinned the moral and legal fabric of Western civilisation for more than 2000 years, yet now we've reached a point in both Australia and many parts of the West where Christianity has become a minority faith rather than the mainstream belief. It's a situation that's fraught both for Christians and our wider society, where the moral certainties that were the foundation of our institutions and laws are no longer held by the majority.
At this point of crisis for faith, God is Good for You shows us why Christianity is so vital for our personal and social well-being, and how modern Christians have never worked so hard to make the world a better place at a time when their faith has never been less valued. It carries a vital torch for Christianity in a way that's closely argued, warmly human, good humoured yet passionate, and, above all, convincing.
At this point of crisis for faith, God is Good for You shows us why Christianity is so vital for our personal and social well-being, and how modern Christians have never worked so hard to make the world a better place at a time when their faith has never been less valued. It carries a vital torch for Christianity in a way that's closely argued, warmly human, good humoured yet passionate, and, above all, convincing.
361 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 25, 2018
85 people are currently reading
285 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
July 24, 2018
This book was an insightful combination of sociology, history, philosophy, theology and Sheridan's own observations and the experiences of others. The writing was good, clear and well-structured - you can tell the author is a journalist. The couple of chapters on Australian politicians felt irrelevant to me as a New Zealander, but otherwise it was a very interesting read and one that I think is applicable in any country that is becoming more secular. For a more detailed review see my video review on Youtube, link is on my profile :)
September 24, 2018
As a work of popular apologetics, Greg Sheridan’s God is Good for You has much to commend it. Written in a clear, lucid, style, as one might expect from a seasoned journalist, it sets out the argument that the decline of Christianity in Australian society is having a negative impact on our social capital. The book attempts to do what apologists like C.S. Lewis and G.K. Chesterton have done in bringing some theological reflection to a non-specialist audience, though without the same degree of intellectual weight. In one sense it’s a reply to the new atheists like Richard Dawkins who write for a popular audience to argue that religion is a very, very bad thing for human beings. Sheridan is fair minded in his dismissal of this approach and manages not to come across sounding dogmatic. He dismisses fundamentalist approaches to religion as well as the new atheists’ narrow caricaturing of all religion as fundamentalist and his form of Catholic faith is one that is aware of the values of a liberal society that takes pluralism seriously. Being married to a Sikh and raising two sons in that religious tradition has no doubt helped to provide sensitivity to interfaith issues.
The first part of the book argues for the values that Christian faith has brought to society. Believing in God is entirely rational and it is atheism that is odd and intellectually indefensible. Widely held modern values such as human rights, feminism, social justice, and secularism are seen to have their origins in Christianity. Sheridan is not unaware of the problem of evil and of the Church’s chequered past but does not see these as obstacles to faith. The Old Testament, popularly dismissed as primitive, violent, and inhumane is recommended by Sheridan as a book rich in sublime stories that embody the best and worst of human behaviour yet is a work of genius that is ‘infinitely rewarding’ to the reader. The second part of the book takes the form of testimony. Over several chapters Australian politicians are interviewed (somewhat reluctantly) about their faith. We hear from the Catholic Tony Abbott but also from Penny Wong, a member of the Uniting Church, and many others whose articulation of the value of their Christian faith shows that politicians are more religious than one might think, though certainly none (not even Abbott) could be described as ‘zealots.’ Two later chapters recount the lives of church leaders who have impressed Sheridan.
While noting (and perhaps at times overstating) the marginalisation of Christian faith in Australian society, Sheridan also looks for signs of new life. He is impressed by the youthfulness, energy, and sheer size of Pentecostal churches such as ‘Planetshakers’ but also notes the smaller scale and persistent attraction to ancient monastic life among contemporary Australian Benedictines and Cistercians. Here and there some theological missteps are made (the assumption, for example, that the sinlessness of the Virgin Mary, is a belief held by all Christians) but overall Sheridan displays quite a good non-specialist understanding of theology. He closes with a description of the positive benefits of the minority status the churches now find themselves holding in Australian society and argues that Christians should keep telling their truth with boldness, kindness, and intelligence. That seems like good advice to me, and I hope this book finds a wide readership well beyond those who profess the Christian faith.
The first part of the book argues for the values that Christian faith has brought to society. Believing in God is entirely rational and it is atheism that is odd and intellectually indefensible. Widely held modern values such as human rights, feminism, social justice, and secularism are seen to have their origins in Christianity. Sheridan is not unaware of the problem of evil and of the Church’s chequered past but does not see these as obstacles to faith. The Old Testament, popularly dismissed as primitive, violent, and inhumane is recommended by Sheridan as a book rich in sublime stories that embody the best and worst of human behaviour yet is a work of genius that is ‘infinitely rewarding’ to the reader. The second part of the book takes the form of testimony. Over several chapters Australian politicians are interviewed (somewhat reluctantly) about their faith. We hear from the Catholic Tony Abbott but also from Penny Wong, a member of the Uniting Church, and many others whose articulation of the value of their Christian faith shows that politicians are more religious than one might think, though certainly none (not even Abbott) could be described as ‘zealots.’ Two later chapters recount the lives of church leaders who have impressed Sheridan.
While noting (and perhaps at times overstating) the marginalisation of Christian faith in Australian society, Sheridan also looks for signs of new life. He is impressed by the youthfulness, energy, and sheer size of Pentecostal churches such as ‘Planetshakers’ but also notes the smaller scale and persistent attraction to ancient monastic life among contemporary Australian Benedictines and Cistercians. Here and there some theological missteps are made (the assumption, for example, that the sinlessness of the Virgin Mary, is a belief held by all Christians) but overall Sheridan displays quite a good non-specialist understanding of theology. He closes with a description of the positive benefits of the minority status the churches now find themselves holding in Australian society and argues that Christians should keep telling their truth with boldness, kindness, and intelligence. That seems like good advice to me, and I hope this book finds a wide readership well beyond those who profess the Christian faith.
July 6, 2019
An important book, useful for anyone interested in the decline of Christianity in the West, specifically in Australia and what that means for society and Christians themselves. The interviews with well-known politicians about their faith was also insightful and encouraging.
August 11, 2018
Interim off the cuff review ,
Formal review to follow. Basically on the “ god is good for you” - total fail; on the interviews with politicians actually quite interesting. In terms on trend analysis, quite good ; in terms of personal sharing - quite brave, in terms of honesty- quite good. Interesting study in confirmation bias. He selects almost exclusively political people who are Christians, the apologetics he uses and apologists he refers to are classic low hanging fruit varieties; way too often makes sweeping assertions; Etc
Formal review to follow. Basically on the “ god is good for you” - total fail; on the interviews with politicians actually quite interesting. In terms on trend analysis, quite good ; in terms of personal sharing - quite brave, in terms of honesty- quite good. Interesting study in confirmation bias. He selects almost exclusively political people who are Christians, the apologetics he uses and apologists he refers to are classic low hanging fruit varieties; way too often makes sweeping assertions; Etc
September 29, 2018
From a research standpoint, this book is brilliant and highlights the downward trend of Christianity in the Western world, the problems we as Christians face and why we need to do something about it. But from a reader’s point of view? I just couldn’t get into it. It often felt drawn out and waffly, taking away from the point the author was trying to make.
July 23, 2018
murdoch hack crapping bout his invisable cobber mate in the sky
January 17, 2020
The author's views are very dated. For example, his apologetics have not progressed from those I read fifty years ago. Science and physics have progressed significantly, as have the population who are much more critical and sceptical. Yesterday's arguments are no longer convincing.
Some of the author's source documentation is so out of date to be worthless. For example, his comments on Pentecostalism are based on a meeting he went to over forty years ago. How relevant is that? In fact, very few churches today claim to be Pentecostal. One of his statements is that such churches can be identified by their practice of 'faith healing'. This is not a characteristic of Christians. Christians who pray for healing refer to it as 'Divine Healing'. There is a difference. Faith healing is a practice of various New Age groups who rely primarily on faith rather a Divine God.
As I read through the various chapters, I found some interesting and others unconvincing. His theology lacks depth and seems based on what the church and others have taught him, not what he has worked out for himself. That's his privilege and I respect his views and beliefs. Over seventy years, I've always listened to other's opinions with an uncritical mind, and never been afraid make adjustments if justified.
Many people have found this book worth reading and I'm sure others will also do so.
Some of the author's source documentation is so out of date to be worthless. For example, his comments on Pentecostalism are based on a meeting he went to over forty years ago. How relevant is that? In fact, very few churches today claim to be Pentecostal. One of his statements is that such churches can be identified by their practice of 'faith healing'. This is not a characteristic of Christians. Christians who pray for healing refer to it as 'Divine Healing'. There is a difference. Faith healing is a practice of various New Age groups who rely primarily on faith rather a Divine God.
As I read through the various chapters, I found some interesting and others unconvincing. His theology lacks depth and seems based on what the church and others have taught him, not what he has worked out for himself. That's his privilege and I respect his views and beliefs. Over seventy years, I've always listened to other's opinions with an uncritical mind, and never been afraid make adjustments if justified.
Many people have found this book worth reading and I'm sure others will also do so.
March 14, 2020
I am reading Greg’s book to get two sides of the story. There is deep thinking here about theology and the story of Christ, but a surprisingly inadequate understanding of major scientific concepts when attempting to counter arguments made against religion and the existence of god. I’m not a scientist, but even I could see that some major scientific issues have not been researched and understood before writing about them. Many were simply waived aside as lacking evidence. Miracles, angels, the virgin birth and the resurrection are all accepted as rational and given. This is a book for the already believers. It is so far unconvincing.
April 19, 2022
This is an unusual read. Greg Sheridan (a journalist for The Australian) has written a defence of Christianity, but not what you usually expect from these sorts of books.
He's not a trained theologian, so while the first half of the book does contain some philosophical arguments against atheism and for Christianity, they're probably not likely to convince atheists or even be adopted as strong arguments by Christians.
But where the book is fascinating is in its second half. Sheridan has scoured the landscape of Australia and given us possibly one of the best overviews of what Christianity actually means to those who follow it, and what benefits it gives to Australian society. The second half of the book, featuring interviews with various politicians (on all sides of the fence) about their political views is a rarely seen side of these famous names. Also, his visits to everything from large Pentecostal churches to Tasmanian monasteries is a reminder of how diverse the Christian religion actually is.
In Christian circles, we're often quick to nitpick other Christians who do things differently from us, but Sheridan views it all with a generous positivity which is refreshing for an overview of this sort. I made the comment to a friend that Sheridan is the first person I've come across who seems to like Christians more than they like each other.
I suspect no one will agree with everything Sheridan says but this is one of the best books I've seen on the modern state of Christianity in Australia.
He's not a trained theologian, so while the first half of the book does contain some philosophical arguments against atheism and for Christianity, they're probably not likely to convince atheists or even be adopted as strong arguments by Christians.
But where the book is fascinating is in its second half. Sheridan has scoured the landscape of Australia and given us possibly one of the best overviews of what Christianity actually means to those who follow it, and what benefits it gives to Australian society. The second half of the book, featuring interviews with various politicians (on all sides of the fence) about their political views is a rarely seen side of these famous names. Also, his visits to everything from large Pentecostal churches to Tasmanian monasteries is a reminder of how diverse the Christian religion actually is.
In Christian circles, we're often quick to nitpick other Christians who do things differently from us, but Sheridan views it all with a generous positivity which is refreshing for an overview of this sort. I made the comment to a friend that Sheridan is the first person I've come across who seems to like Christians more than they like each other.
I suspect no one will agree with everything Sheridan says but this is one of the best books I've seen on the modern state of Christianity in Australia.
January 7, 2019
Greg Sheridan is the foreign editor of the Australian and he writes with a great deal of insight, knowledge and perceptivity. This book is superbly written, fascinating and gives a real insight into the impact of Christianity upon the West and also how we as Christians are perceived by others. Sheridan is clearly well read and has an empathetic and sympathetic understanding of his subject. His book is a mine of information. The chapter on the faith of politicians is particularly enlightening as is the chapter on Signs of New Life in the church in Australia. (I found it intriguing and encouraging that he cites the work of my friend Steve MCAlpine in Perth so favourably). Although at times I found the book frustrating, because it gets so close and yet sometimes seem so far, for example at points he seems to have a view of Christianity which is a kind of moralism) overall it is one of the most insightful and interesting books that I’ve read in a long time. Much to think about and work with. Well worth reading…..it’s little wonder that it has caused quite a stir in Australia….
Read
May 25, 2020Found in my local public library.
Favourite quote: "It is always a mistake to think that any gap in science proves religion, just as any misunderstanding or gap in religion does not prove athiesm." This kind of honesty throughout the book (reminding me of Philip Yancey, another journalist who writes books about faith) made it thoroughly helpful to read.
Favourite quote: "It is always a mistake to think that any gap in science proves religion, just as any misunderstanding or gap in religion does not prove athiesm." This kind of honesty throughout the book (reminding me of Philip Yancey, another journalist who writes books about faith) made it thoroughly helpful to read.
June 9, 2022
Another strong chapter to finish. For the best chapters, I'd give 5 stars for this book; for the more ordinary ones, I'd give 3 or 4. The best ones are quite excellent.
abandoned
November 1, 2024Started: 24 Sept 2019 quietly Abandoned 01 Nov 2024
Removing this from my Goodreads feed as the book is "lost" amongst the boxes of books packed away in storage.
Removing this from my Goodreads feed as the book is "lost" amongst the boxes of books packed away in storage.
January 18, 2019
What a timely book! As the weight of western secularism attempts to push the air from the lungs of believers, Sheridan does us - especially Aussies - a great favour by creating a winsome work which is broad yet accessible. The title clearly identifies the author as advocate, yet this is not an exercise in preaching to the choir, or pining for the good old days, or hacking at straw men, or paranoid hand-wringing wagon circling.
As an evangelical Christian, I fall within the fold of those who would agree with the title’s claim: God Is Good For You. However, Sheridan’s Catholic convictions are the box girders of his work. (I’m more your Presbytanglican.) Although this means that, for me, not every contention sits squarely with my own, it did mean that I become part of a wider audience with whom Sheridan is seeking to engage. In a multicultural, pluralistic society, peace, prosperity, security and freedom are the product of collective compromise, the social contract. Sheridan’s point is that mere reason or luck hasn’t created the civilisation we inhabit in the west - Christianity is the foundation, the tectonic plates upon which our culture has seeded and flourished. And it’s hard wired into the structures and institutions that make us who we are.
Although the author takes on the “new” atheists, this is primarily a positive book about faith - the Christian faith - as a power for personal, family and communal and national well-being. It’s about the decay that threatens our freedom to live out a public life informed by our Christian convictions. (Can anyone live publicly in a way that isn’t shaped by their fundamental beliefs?) Sheridan is respectful and aware when it comes to other religions and their place in our society. For my sensibilities, he borders on pluralistic. And divine justice offers a problem Sheridan solves by dismissal, as opposed to biblical analysis (words to the effect of “...only the most extreme Christians believe in divine punishment for the non-Christian...” I’d believe the bible should have the last word - not me, not consensus. I accept that may put me at odds with other - perhaps most? - believers.)
The interviews with Australian politicians about their faith in God is notable. As well as (primarily) giving some insight into some of our most notable leaders and ex leaders, it helps to burst the bubble of wholesale unbelief and secular atheism. I also appreciated that Sheridan deliberately stepped into the Protestant, evangelical and Pentecostal realms to bring additional scope to his work. I found that his consideration of contemporary Catholic movements - his familiar territory - was informative to me as a Protestant. In the current climate, it‘s helpful to know who your friends are.
It is a privilege to have such a measured, thorough, personal (and home-grown) work from a man whose professional life has orbited politics, defence, academia and journalism. All Australians would benefit from reading this book, considering Sheridan’s contentions, then cracking a red and having a good talk about it with their friends - regardless of religious persuasion!
As an evangelical Christian, I fall within the fold of those who would agree with the title’s claim: God Is Good For You. However, Sheridan’s Catholic convictions are the box girders of his work. (I’m more your Presbytanglican.) Although this means that, for me, not every contention sits squarely with my own, it did mean that I become part of a wider audience with whom Sheridan is seeking to engage. In a multicultural, pluralistic society, peace, prosperity, security and freedom are the product of collective compromise, the social contract. Sheridan’s point is that mere reason or luck hasn’t created the civilisation we inhabit in the west - Christianity is the foundation, the tectonic plates upon which our culture has seeded and flourished. And it’s hard wired into the structures and institutions that make us who we are.
Although the author takes on the “new” atheists, this is primarily a positive book about faith - the Christian faith - as a power for personal, family and communal and national well-being. It’s about the decay that threatens our freedom to live out a public life informed by our Christian convictions. (Can anyone live publicly in a way that isn’t shaped by their fundamental beliefs?) Sheridan is respectful and aware when it comes to other religions and their place in our society. For my sensibilities, he borders on pluralistic. And divine justice offers a problem Sheridan solves by dismissal, as opposed to biblical analysis (words to the effect of “...only the most extreme Christians believe in divine punishment for the non-Christian...” I’d believe the bible should have the last word - not me, not consensus. I accept that may put me at odds with other - perhaps most? - believers.)
The interviews with Australian politicians about their faith in God is notable. As well as (primarily) giving some insight into some of our most notable leaders and ex leaders, it helps to burst the bubble of wholesale unbelief and secular atheism. I also appreciated that Sheridan deliberately stepped into the Protestant, evangelical and Pentecostal realms to bring additional scope to his work. I found that his consideration of contemporary Catholic movements - his familiar territory - was informative to me as a Protestant. In the current climate, it‘s helpful to know who your friends are.
It is a privilege to have such a measured, thorough, personal (and home-grown) work from a man whose professional life has orbited politics, defence, academia and journalism. All Australians would benefit from reading this book, considering Sheridan’s contentions, then cracking a red and having a good talk about it with their friends - regardless of religious persuasion!
August 20, 2018
Greg Sheridan is one of Australia's great journalists. As the title well explains he presents a well-constructed and rational defence of the importance of Christianity as the cornerstone of the development and advancement of our Western civilisation. He observes that the troubling times we live in coincide with a decline in our civility towards one another and the lack of respect shown to those who have different opinions, philosophes and understanding of why we are here and what constitutes a good human being.
There is a seething anger in our society, a pit of intolerance towards practising Christians as non-believers cast derogatory comments towards believers. Christians, as indicated in the latest Census are becoming a minority. Sheridan suggests this will become an asset as Christians fight back with the advantage of being a minority. He has a beautiful Chapter or two which gives hope to believers that this can all be turned around. All any human aspires to is to leave this earth as having been a contributor to the advancement of humanity and to leave the earth and its people in a better, more secure state than the one that they first entered. Make your life count, is the message.
He mentions Campion College, where he has been a guest speaker, as a beacon of light in giving a liberal arts degree which studies the great books of western civilisation. At Campion students study History, Philosophy, Theology and Literature. He gives positive suggestions on how the church run schools could improve their curricula to develop people into understanding the Christian faith better and make it more relevant. To understand these deep issues of belief, of course, is not an easy task. Too few of our youth tackle the reading of books as was done in the past. It is, sadly, the era of immediate and self-gratification and information is gleaned from more easily condensed social media summaries. These of course remove the nuances, argumentative depth of understanding and necessary digestive time to make up your personal interpretation of the truth of current affairs, issues and the deep meaning of life. The examples of belief and faith he gives of a number of our prominent politicians both recent and past through his well-developed interviewing skills give some delightful detail.
This is an encouraging book, well researched and Sheridan's understanding of Christianity is profound. It has condensed my understanding and fortressed my belief in the reading. Congratulations Greg Sheridan, you are an Australian star.
There is a seething anger in our society, a pit of intolerance towards practising Christians as non-believers cast derogatory comments towards believers. Christians, as indicated in the latest Census are becoming a minority. Sheridan suggests this will become an asset as Christians fight back with the advantage of being a minority. He has a beautiful Chapter or two which gives hope to believers that this can all be turned around. All any human aspires to is to leave this earth as having been a contributor to the advancement of humanity and to leave the earth and its people in a better, more secure state than the one that they first entered. Make your life count, is the message.
He mentions Campion College, where he has been a guest speaker, as a beacon of light in giving a liberal arts degree which studies the great books of western civilisation. At Campion students study History, Philosophy, Theology and Literature. He gives positive suggestions on how the church run schools could improve their curricula to develop people into understanding the Christian faith better and make it more relevant. To understand these deep issues of belief, of course, is not an easy task. Too few of our youth tackle the reading of books as was done in the past. It is, sadly, the era of immediate and self-gratification and information is gleaned from more easily condensed social media summaries. These of course remove the nuances, argumentative depth of understanding and necessary digestive time to make up your personal interpretation of the truth of current affairs, issues and the deep meaning of life. The examples of belief and faith he gives of a number of our prominent politicians both recent and past through his well-developed interviewing skills give some delightful detail.
This is an encouraging book, well researched and Sheridan's understanding of Christianity is profound. It has condensed my understanding and fortressed my belief in the reading. Congratulations Greg Sheridan, you are an Australian star.
December 17, 2019
An interesting read with interviews with a range of Australian politicians and Prime Ministers.
September 14, 2020
Some interesting stories and anecdotes, and the overall point is a sound one, but it has been done much better elsewhere.
August 4, 2020
Sheridan writes with entertaining verve, passion, energy and ecumenical good humour. He also is adept with the air brush, binary observations and glib generalisations. The opening sentence of his apologia for God makes an immediate grandiose claim that ”It is more rational to believe in God than not to believe in God” So enamoured is Sheridan in God and religion that he regards atheism as another religion albeit one that does not believe in God. This is like saying that a person who prefers the arts and culture to sport is actually a sports fan, albeit without an interest in sport. His argument that he believes his parents were his parents is entirely rational because it conforms with his life experience and thus is entirely rational yet can not be scientifically proven, even with DNA and thus the failure to prove that by science makes the case for what, is not very clear at all as indeed DNA would provide empirical evidence. Sheridan waves away illogical and irrational Biblical commands. He tackles for instance the delicate subject of God’s instruction in Samuel 15 to lay waste to the Amakelites, man, woman and child. This ethnic cleansing is dismissed as “this was in many ways a savage time in humanity’s history” and Sheridan clearly struggles with the notion that he would order ethnic cleansing when that is exactly what was the order. Sheridan acknowledges that it was a long road to achieve abolition of slavery but at every turn Christian voices that slavery was not in keeping with Gods teaching yet the slave trade up to the Civil War was driven by good Christian imperialists. He makes the startling claim that Church paedophilia and mass murderers are a product of modern societal mores driven by a society turning away from God. This is a Trump like deflection of responsibility. Notorious paedophilia was systemic, age old and perpetrators protected by the Vatican. Of course, Sheridan made no reference to when the Pope Pius XI with Mussolini operated as a faith dictatorship creating havoc for Italians, Jews, Protestants and the World.
Sheridan closes his book with the patronising conclusion that “ Christians have the single greatest advantage that they are trying to tell the truth”. This is the ipse dixit call to greater authority, where even if you do not find my arguments convincing my authority as a believer has greater authority than yours as an unbeliever so do not even bother rebutting.
Despite the many flawed arguments Sheridan is undoubtedly a true believer and a person who is clearly irrepressibly good natured and a gifted communicator and this does make the book both entertaining and readable
Sheridan closes his book with the patronising conclusion that “ Christians have the single greatest advantage that they are trying to tell the truth”. This is the ipse dixit call to greater authority, where even if you do not find my arguments convincing my authority as a believer has greater authority than yours as an unbeliever so do not even bother rebutting.
Despite the many flawed arguments Sheridan is undoubtedly a true believer and a person who is clearly irrepressibly good natured and a gifted communicator and this does make the book both entertaining and readable
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2023
I was lent a book a while ago: ‘God is Good For you: A Defence of Christianity in Troubled Times’ by Greg Sheridan. He is the Foreign Editor for The Australian newspaper, who is active across various media platforms. Sheridan is a serious Roman Catholic layman who has a great love not just for his denomination, but for the Church universal. He begins his book by posing the question, ‘Is God Dead?...the loss of Christianity, and not only of Christianity but of much other religious belief and practice, will change us in ways we cannot possibly imagine.’ Sheridan the proceeds to examine the current state of unbelief across western civilisation, and the changes that is leading to. He looks at what Christians believe, the positive impact these beliefs have had on our world, and also the challenges faced by the Church and some of the hard questions and issues that we face. Thanks to his connections from years in journalism, we get a peak behind the curtain with candid interviews of current and past prime-ministers and politicians about their Christian faith. This section pushed me to rethink how I view some of these folks. There are some extraordinary stories of ordinary folks. He explores the breadth of the Christian tradition, from visiting monasteries to attending worship at Planetshakers. He gives us his two-bobs’ worth about how clergy [especially bishops] and churches aren’t flexible enough, or trained or equipped for the current tech-savvy environment. He also observes that trying to be relevant and unobtrusive seems to leading to the decline of some denominations [he cites the Church of England as his prime example], whilst those who present a clear, consistent and undiluted message seem to be doing better. Overall Sheridan seeks to give an honest account of the Christian faith, and in so doing inspire curiosity in the unbeliever. At the same time, his work is an encouragement for those of us who are full-on for Jesus. As a journalist with decades of experience, his writing is excellent and entirely readable. I commend it to you. And thanks, Margaret, for sharing it with me :)
November 19, 2021
Greg Sheridan has carefully crafted a brilliant, almost poetic reflection on the importance of Christianity in Western culture. If you are expecting a summation of formal arguments for why Christianity is true or God exists, this is not the book. Rather, it provides the tools to allow further investigation of these points.
After outlining the decline in Christianity in the Australian psyche, the book is split into two parts. The first part essentially explains why Christianity and its beliefs are rational, whilst the second part describes various examples of Christians living out their beliefs, including 2 chapters dedicated to a variety of politicians describing their experience. The last chapter I found particularly telling and enjoyable, with Sheridan outlining balanced proposals on how churches should evangelise the culture.
Sheridan being a Catholic naturally turns to Catholic sources and his own experience to demonstrate some of his points, however this book is not a defence of Catholicism specifically and is ecumenical in its outlook, featuring many Protestant believers. My only critique is he could have interviewed some Eastern Christians, given they are an increasing part of the makeup of Christianity in our country and have some of the highest church going rates.
What I particularly like is the suitability of this book for both Christians and non-Christians alike, Sheridan's style and tone is sufficiently explanatory and though-provoking for a wide audience. Therefore, I recommend this book to anyone interested in the state of Christianity in Australia.
After outlining the decline in Christianity in the Australian psyche, the book is split into two parts. The first part essentially explains why Christianity and its beliefs are rational, whilst the second part describes various examples of Christians living out their beliefs, including 2 chapters dedicated to a variety of politicians describing their experience. The last chapter I found particularly telling and enjoyable, with Sheridan outlining balanced proposals on how churches should evangelise the culture.
Sheridan being a Catholic naturally turns to Catholic sources and his own experience to demonstrate some of his points, however this book is not a defence of Catholicism specifically and is ecumenical in its outlook, featuring many Protestant believers. My only critique is he could have interviewed some Eastern Christians, given they are an increasing part of the makeup of Christianity in our country and have some of the highest church going rates.
What I particularly like is the suitability of this book for both Christians and non-Christians alike, Sheridan's style and tone is sufficiently explanatory and though-provoking for a wide audience. Therefore, I recommend this book to anyone interested in the state of Christianity in Australia.
April 8, 2019
This is a well-written and engaging book. But reader beware! Some, if not most, of the theology contained therein is clearly wrong – as in being un-Biblical. However, the book is worth a read if only to help you get a handle on the sorry state of Christianity in Australia, including among our politicians. It gives the impression that most Aussie Christians do not believe in something as basic as the Gospel as it is articulated in, e.g., The Apostles’ Creed, especially the bits about the final judgment and the resurrection of the body.
After reading God is Good for You I feel the need to point everyone to that ancient article that unites all Christians in belief. Here it is, THE APOSTLES’ CREED: I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, which was conceived by the Holy Ghost, Born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into hell; the third day He arose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.
After reading God is Good for You I feel the need to point everyone to that ancient article that unites all Christians in belief. Here it is, THE APOSTLES’ CREED: I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, which was conceived by the Holy Ghost, Born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into hell; the third day He arose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.
January 22, 2019
FINALLY finished this book. After much starting and stopping, I finished it. (We started it for book club, but found it to be hard work, so it was ix-nayed, I am probably the only one that finished it.)
This book is in two parts - the first part: Christianity, to me, was very challenging to get through, and why I almost gave up - it discusses Christianity from a variety of view points (to me was boring, and more like a white paper, and hard to read, be engaged.)
The second part, Christians, starts out with discussing different Australian politicians and the author's experience of their Christianity. (Asks them all a similar set of questions.) Then discusses different types of Christianity in Australia (Pentecostals & Monks) and lastly discusses the challenges and opportunities for current Christians, and issues a go forward challenge.
In the end, for me, I wish I would have known to start at Part 2 and then read part 1 if I was interested.
As a whole book, I would not recommend this book. I do think that Part 2 has some good reading in it, and I am glad I stuck with it. I was hoping there would be information on a few more politicians, but am glad to have read what was there.
This book is in two parts - the first part: Christianity, to me, was very challenging to get through, and why I almost gave up - it discusses Christianity from a variety of view points (to me was boring, and more like a white paper, and hard to read, be engaged.)
The second part, Christians, starts out with discussing different Australian politicians and the author's experience of their Christianity. (Asks them all a similar set of questions.) Then discusses different types of Christianity in Australia (Pentecostals & Monks) and lastly discusses the challenges and opportunities for current Christians, and issues a go forward challenge.
In the end, for me, I wish I would have known to start at Part 2 and then read part 1 if I was interested.
As a whole book, I would not recommend this book. I do think that Part 2 has some good reading in it, and I am glad I stuck with it. I was hoping there would be information on a few more politicians, but am glad to have read what was there.
May 16, 2019
Found the first 3 chapters the most helpful about responses to criticisms from new atheism and of the ways Christianity is responsible for certain freedoms and institutions that we take for granted. Didn't agree with all the theology and felt the tone was a bit defensive and combative at times but an interesting spread of conversations with different people professing to be Christians. Some things to think about in regards to how Christian schools could better utilise their influence.
'the Christian movements that display most life typically have intense, passionate belief by their leadership; a willingness and ability to communicate vigorously, unapologetically, and with great self-confidence a coherent, central message; and some kind of expression and worship which is humanly intelligible and which also suggests the moral beauty of it's teachings through the aesthetic beauty of their expression.'
'the idea here is that all religions are man made rather than God made. I think the opposite interpretation is true. Humanity has always had an intuition of God. It is as though the knowledge of God...in written in our DNA. this relative ubiquity of creation suggests there is a reality that humanity is always aching towards.'
'the Christian movements that display most life typically have intense, passionate belief by their leadership; a willingness and ability to communicate vigorously, unapologetically, and with great self-confidence a coherent, central message; and some kind of expression and worship which is humanly intelligible and which also suggests the moral beauty of it's teachings through the aesthetic beauty of their expression.'
'the idea here is that all religions are man made rather than God made. I think the opposite interpretation is true. Humanity has always had an intuition of God. It is as though the knowledge of God...in written in our DNA. this relative ubiquity of creation suggests there is a reality that humanity is always aching towards.'
December 31, 2020
An exceptional explanation and exploration of modern-day Christianity by Australian journalist Greg Sheridan - a man I have quite a liking for. With characteristic warmth and humour, Sheridan looks at Western culture as it stands today, lamenting the decline in Christian influence as well as the general disregard now shown towards the religion. After that, taking a somewhat surprising turn, he interviews a range of Australian politicians both sides of the bench, sometimes coaxingly drawing their religious convictions out of them. Finally, throughout the final third of the book, he delves into the numerous forms non-conventional forms that Christian worship has taken, ranging from the Pentecostal (and kind of cringey-sounding) Planetshakers to the recent Benedictine monks in Hobart, Tasmania.
This is a very admirable book that I was close to giving five stars to - especially since it wasn't just a retread of D'Souza' sWhat So Great About Christianity (another great Christian book I read this year) - but in the end, the slightly less engaging final section and the forgivable but noticeable lack of structural cohesiveness brings it down to a very high four instead.
This is a very admirable book that I was close to giving five stars to - especially since it wasn't just a retread of D'Souza' sWhat So Great About Christianity (another great Christian book I read this year) - but in the end, the slightly less engaging final section and the forgivable but noticeable lack of structural cohesiveness brings it down to a very high four instead.
October 12, 2021
Only a fail child like Greg Sheridan could write a book saying that Christianity is in the minority and unvalued when even a cursory look at the stats shows that it remains the biggest religion with no real signs of losing that dominance.
http://christianityinview.com/religio...
https://ourworldindata.org/grapher/ma...
Anyway, as is the standard for Sheridan, this book is embarrassingly uninformed. Any theologian outside of a cult leader or evangelical Youtuber would be shaking their head at the nonsense here. And as for the interviews that essentially undermine his argument that Christianity is undervalued.
Sheridan is the sort of author who gets away with being this bad at his job because anyone who would be able to offer critical insight and debunkings of his work regards him as irrelevant and a waste of time.
http://christianityinview.com/religio...
https://ourworldindata.org/grapher/ma...
Anyway, as is the standard for Sheridan, this book is embarrassingly uninformed. Any theologian outside of a cult leader or evangelical Youtuber would be shaking their head at the nonsense here. And as for the interviews that essentially undermine his argument that Christianity is undervalued.
Sheridan is the sort of author who gets away with being this bad at his job because anyone who would be able to offer critical insight and debunkings of his work regards him as irrelevant and a waste of time.
December 5, 2021
This book by an Australian Catholic journalist was a refreshing read and a nice blend of history, apologetics and testimony. It finishes with a set of interviews the author has with Australian Christian politicians - all of whom have interesting things to say although representing a wide variety of theological beliefs - not all orthodox. Some good critiques of the new atheists too. He wrote the book because 'the whole culture has drifted so far away from Christianity that most of its extraordinary, revolutionary and uncompromising claims about God and humanity, its transcendent claims, are not any longer common knowledge.' He states that 'The centre of Christian belief is the person of Christ. He is God. He has conquered death. He promises eternal life.' The book is an accessible starting point for non-Christians who are genuinely searching.
September 15, 2023
I found this book quite interesting because it covered a variety of subjects around Christianity.
Topics include the current state of Christianity in Australia and the West, what Christians believe in compared to atheists, and the benefits of reading the Old Testament.
Sheridan interviewed a number of Australian politicians on their Christian beliefs, provides historical aspects for context and interesting insights on how people from various denominations are implementing their version of Christianity today. He finishes with his ideas on how Christianity can reinvent itself for the future.
The book also references various other texts the user may find interesting for further exploration.
Topics include the current state of Christianity in Australia and the West, what Christians believe in compared to atheists, and the benefits of reading the Old Testament.
Sheridan interviewed a number of Australian politicians on their Christian beliefs, provides historical aspects for context and interesting insights on how people from various denominations are implementing their version of Christianity today. He finishes with his ideas on how Christianity can reinvent itself for the future.
The book also references various other texts the user may find interesting for further exploration.
February 1, 2020
This book is a exceptional. Greg writes in a clear concise and fair manner on the nature of belief and faith. He examines the evidence. He is a man of professionalism and conviction. You get the sense that faith is a very natural thing and for those who recognise it in their lives often enjoy the deep consolation in turning to their faith in trying times. A first class read.
June 20, 2020
A history of Christianity against a backdrop of increasing secular attacks on religious belief (except surprisingly Islam and non monotheistic religions). Vigorous and clearly written, it covers all the major issues including the views of contemporary politicians who are Christians. A more detailed and scholarly work is Hart's 'The Atheist Delusion'.
December 11, 2024
The reality of living a Christian life of this time, I think it comes off more daunting than Christianity really is but I would say “food for thought”, has some good arguments and some iffy ones, but I would be bias because I am a Christian reading this book. Other than that perfectly written from his point of view
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