I approached this book with interest as I watch the country I live in becoming increasingly secular and hostile to Christian ideals. I think this is a book that would be of great interest to many people, Christians and non-believers alike in the wider context of the society we currently live in. It argues, very successfully in my opinion, why Christianity is vital for our personal and social well-being, and why it is such an important part of Western culture.
The author is Australian, so many of the examples he shares are from his country, but I believe they have parallels here also. Greg Sheridan presents a well-constructed defence of the importance of Christianity as the cornerstone of the development and advancement of our Western civilisation.
God is Good for You is a very rational book, which is generous in the breadth of its content. As well as the author’s own observations and experiences, and that of others, it combines sociology, history, philosophy and theology. We now live in a world where 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 seems there is a lot of intolerance towards Christianity, which shows a troubling lack of respect from people who have different opinions, and I have to ask myself why? Just what are people so disturbed about, when there is so much quantifiable good that comes from individuals and Christian churches doing good work in our community? The second biggest deliver of social services after the government is Christian churches, and who wouldn’t applaud the work that churches like the Salvation Army do in our community. And I quote from the book, 'here are also countless studies that show that religious people are happier than non-religious people, but popular culture would make you think otherwise.’
God is Good for You is insightful, thought-provoking, gently argued and warmly human. It’s a compelling, intelligent read.
Reviewer: Karen McMillan
Allen & Unwin, RRP $36.99