John Dickson’s book provides a timely reminder of the Christian legacy over two millennia – both the good and the ugly – and a call to affirm the ‘melody lines’ of Christian values in social and political life today.

According to Sam Gregg, the genius of Western civilisation is its unique synthesis of reason and faith – the kind expressed in Jewish and Christian faiths and cultures. To the extent that reason and faith have been uncoupled following the Enlightenment, he argues, we have seen the rise of social pathologies inimical to the pursuit of truth.

As the grand narratives of religion and secular political hopes collapsed over the last century, we have moved to a culture of aggressive identity politics where disagreement has become ‘hate speech’. How can we learn to be generous outside our own tribal group, to listen respectfully and forgive indiscretions?

How does the Qur’an relate to the Bible? Is there any real substance in the similarities between the two? Mark Durie argues that, though the Qur’an was clearly influenced by Judaism and Christianity, it embodies a new, distinctive theology.

Is God dead in the West? Sheridan, a Catholic, argues that Christians in Australia are now in exile. But, rather than retreating, Christians need to ‘conceive of themselves as a bold minority’ with a strong presence at all levels of society, and notably documented in Australian politics.

Why does Aboriginal disadvantage persist and what might be done about it? This autobiography gives fascinating insight into people, persistent enterprise and politics from an Aboriginal perspective, exploring welfare, work, education, family and Mundine’s disillusion with politics today. It provides a warts-and-all portrait of a most impressive leader.

Young people today have a world of opportunity before them. By getting involved in whatever you can you will develop new skills and experience; identify your gifts, passions and purpose; and be set for a lifetime of growth and service.