Outspoken

by Father Rod Bower

'Outspoken' is part life story, part love story, part manifesto. It is the story of Father Rod, known for his controversial roadside signs on display outside the Gosford Anglican Church. 'Outspoken' tells of Father Rod's childhood growing up in an adopted family, coping with the sudden loss of his father, leaving school at sixteen, his search for his birth mother and his journey to becoming a priest.

The controversial roadside signs cover many topics including gun control, climate change, Islamophobia, marriage equality, Indigenous rights, domestic violence and asylum seekers. These signs guide the development of his book which expresses a fresh, considered religious perspective on each of these controversial issues.

'Outspoken' is a unique book that looks at the inspiring evolution of a man set on making the world a better place, one sign at a time.

Genres: Autobiography, Nonfiction

368 pages, Paperback

Published September 3, 2018

Reviews

[Jeannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A surprisingly interesting and 'non-religious' autobiography of 'the man behind the signs' at Gosford Anglican Church. He is a person of deep humanity and (although I don't share his religious convictions) I really resonated to his concerns about where modern Australia is going; it was almost a relief to hear someone else express a sort of grief over how such a wealthy country could be so heartless to e.g. refugees.
It's not a book which perhaps will be much read outside Australia, but certainly for those concerned with social justice here, it is a worthwhile read.

[Perry · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first half or so of the book helps explain why Fr Bower has become the champion of the marginalised. The rest of the book describes the causes that he promotes. Well worth reading if you want to know more about this iconoclast.

BTW, since he wrote the book, he's announced he will stand for election to the Australian Senate in 2019. I wish him well.

[Andrew Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gives a clear insight into Rod’s upbringing, thinking and motivation. Unfortunately, the latter part of the book feels a bit choppy and jumpy - the inclusion of what I presume to be his sign sayings as headings isn’t a bad idea, but it interrupted what had been a clear flow up to that point.

That said, Rod’s ongoing advocacy for refugees and climate response is stirring, challenging and inspiring, and I hope to continue to hear his voice in Australian life and debates for a long time to come.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly good. It's clear that for Christianity to survive it needs to evolve and return to the teachings of love and compassion - in direct opposition to the judgement and condescension currently employed. However, I do wonder how much any religion will be needed if the core beliefs are ones arrived at logically and scientifically.

[Rhodelta · Rating 1 out of 5]

I found the style to be rather bland making this book a chore to read. The second half deals with comments on his social justice agenda and that's just the problem; it's heavy on currently fashionable social justice rhetoric and very light on Christian theology. As such I'm sure it will find favour with SJW's and but it does not appeal to me.

[Steven Bateman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic and inspiring read. Rod has true compassion and he writes eloquently and movingly about his life.