The papers in this volume of essays arose out of a lively conversation involving theologians, religuious leaders, biblical scholars, historians, philosophers, ethicists, youth workers, poets and welfare activists in Canberra in 2000.

This book proves to atheists that they don't exist, reveals to agnostics their true motives, and strengthens the faith of the believers. This book answers questions such as Who made God? and Where did Cain get his wife? The book uses humor, reason, and logic to send a powerful message. Here are some reactions from atheists who read the book . . .

We look, we search, we wonder. But how do we interpret what we see? What perceptual lens do we use to construct an understanding of our experience? Is there a way of seeing through something to a deeper level; of recognising something beyond the obvious stimuli presented to our senses; of interpreting data from within the paradigm of the greater whole? Through a survey of the vast landscape which is Australia, this book attempts to do exactly that - to bring greater understanding to our daily experience by seeing the creation through the diffused rays of its Creator.

The provocative and authoritative history of the origins of Christian America in the New Deal era We're often told that the United States is, was, and always has been a Christian nation. But in One Nation Under God, historian Kevin M. Kruse reveals that the belief that America is fundamentally and formally Christian originated in the 1930s. To fight the "slavery" of FDR's New Deal, businessmen enlisted religious activists in a campaign for "freedom under God" that culminated in the election of their ally Dwight Eisenhower in 1952. The new president revolutionized the role of religion in American politics. He inaugurated new traditions like the National Prayer Breakfast, as Congress added the phrase "under God" to the Pledge of Allegiance and made "In God We Trust" the country's first official motto. Church membership soon soared to an all-time high of 69 percent. Americans across the religious and political spectrum agreed that their country was "one nation under God." Provocative and authoritative, One Nation Under God reveals how an unholy alliance of money, religion, and politics created a false origin story that continues to define and divide American politics to this day.

The first sustained examination of the impact of religion on contemporary Australian politics reveals the growing influence of the religious right on John Howard and his government. 'God is working for the Liberal Party and this fine, disturbing book arrives just in time to tell us how. An eye-opening exploration of the real politics of Australia.' - David Marr '. a convincing and disturbing picture of the capacity of John Howard, and some of his friends, to co-opt God for their own political agenda.' - Dorothy McRae-McMahon '[spells] out the complicated place of religion in Australian politics today' - Professor John Hewson In the 2004 federal election campaign religion seemed to spring out of nowhere to take centre stage. In fact it was just the latest act in a drama that has been quietly developing for over a decade in Australian politics. Assiduously cultivated by John Howard, an extreme form of conservative Christianity now has real influence on our politicians and their policies. How has American-style evangelicalism become so prominent in secular Australia? Why are abortion, creationism and family values now on the political agenda? Why is religion no longer a private matter for public figures? In God Under Howard Marion Maddox explains how John Howard has harnessed the conservative social agenda and market-based ideology of American fundamentalists in order to stay in power. As a result, she argues that Australia's democratic, egalitarian culture is now under serious assault.

These reflections take us on a journey traversing the richly diverse land of Australia as observed through a keen set of eyes. In travelling together, you will encounter people, stories and nature itself along the way. Each reflection offers a unique invitation to pause and consider our lived experience in relation to God and the world around us. Through a wonderful blend of story-telling, personal meditation and engagement with Scripture you will be encouraged to contemplate navigating life, recognising and celebrating the sacred.

One of our most distinguished political commentators--author of Reagan's America--offers a rich, original look at why religion and politics will never be separate in the United States.