The 2021 Australian Christian Book of the Year, Young Australian Christian Writer and Australian Christian Teen Writer Awards will be announced and prizes presented during this year’s SparkLit Awards Night on Thursday 2 September. Join us to celebrate the courage and endeavour of our Christian writers!
Register now to receive the livestream link (free of charge).
You can rewatch the presentation of the 2021 Australian Christian Book of the Year Award:
Being the Bad Guys: How to Live for Jesus in a World that Says You Shouldn’t
Stephen McAlpine
ISBN: 9781784985981
No longer just quaint or irrelevant, Christians in Western society are once again regarded as “haters of humankind”. After exploring the ways a Christian worldview is unacceptable in contemporary Australia and the complex situations in which this places orthodox believers, Stephen McAlpine gets down to business. There is neither reason nor time for indulging in despair or victimhood. Being the Bad Guys calls on Christians to admit our failures and embrace life as a creative minority. As a community on the margins, we can welcome the actual victims of contemporary culture as they look for grace and solace from its bruising brutality. McAlpine is fearless, feisty and fluent. This book is an overdue reset for Christians who have not yet realised that they are more like Daniel in Babylon than Solomon in the land of milk and honey.
The following ten titles have been shortlisted for the 2021 Australian Christian Book of the Year Award.
Shortlisted
Abundance
Andrew Lansdown
9781725284579
Andrew Lansdown has spent a lifetime observing, recording, honing and perfecting his art. This collection displays a masterful poet of form and image at home among his family, kingfishers, grasshoppers, puddles and his Lord and Saviour. Play and discipline. Joy and melancholy. Abundance is exquisite, delightful and always powerful.
Shortlisted
The Good Sporting Life
Stephen Liggins
9781925424645
Sport might be time off work, but it is not time off being a Christian. The Good Sporting Life examines the nature and power of sport and its place in Australian culture. In this unique book, a passionate sportsman and follower of Jesus shows how Christians can profitably engage with sport as players, coaches, fans, parents and spectators. As Christians we are to be humble in victory and gracious in defeat. Liggins is wise, practical and easy to read. There’s nothing wrong with competition. The challenge is in how we play the game.
Shortlisted
Healing Lives
Sue Williams
9781760982034
The extraordinary deeds of gynaecologists Catherine and Reg Hamlin in Ethiopia are retold alongside the story of one of their patients. Mamitu Gashe triumphs over the trauma of childhood marriage, catastrophic injuries in childbirth and cultural constraints to become a renowned fistula surgeon. Despite their strikingly different backgrounds and personalities, Mamitu and Catherine were united by their commitment to a shared vision, and formed an enduring partnership. A wonderful story of practical spirituality, incredible determination and a remarkable friendship.
Shortlisted
How to Talk About Jesus (Without Being That Guy)
Sam Chan
9780310112693
In a post-Christian age the gospel is, again, wonderfully foreign. This climate favours the amateur evangelist. Less talking, more listening. Fewer answers, more questions. Less debate, more hospitality. Fewer formulas, more stories. Sam Chan is bright and enthusiastic, and has a firm grasp of contemporary culture and attitudes. His handbook is fresh and encouraging and seeks to ensure that if anyone offends or shines, it will be Jesus.
Shortlisted
I Want to Fix Ears
Graeme Clark
9780645067101
A giant of medical science tells the story of the invention of the bionic ear. After watching his father struggle with hearing loss, Graeme Clark overcame obstacles and opposition to bring the gift of hearing to profoundly deaf children and adults. I Want to Fix Ears is beautifully presented and comprehensive. It includes testimonies of patients and chronicles research, innovation and advances across numerous disciplines. Clark’s compassion, creativity, integrity and accomplishments are attributed to his trust in Jesus. An inspiring journey of perseverance, enterprise and faith.
Shortlisted
Jesus Through Muslim Eyes
Richard Shumack
9780281081936
Jesus Through Muslim Eyes examines and compares the Jesus we meet in the Qur’an, Islamic traditions and the Bible in a lucid and concise way. Richard Shumack is both rigorous and courteous. By focusing on Jesus he moves the conversation between Christians and Muslims in a practical and positive direction. The book recognises both points of connection and contention, and leaves the reader with the heart and challenge of the gospel: the person of Jesus. A strategic and valuable book.
Shortlisted
Judging the Macquaries
John Harris
9780647530412
In this well-researched study of Australian colonial life, John Harris evaluates the life and legacy of Governor Lachlan Macquarie and his wife Elizabeth. Their correspondence reveals a couple united by deep affection and motivated by Christian devotion. Kindness defined Lachlan Macquarie’s personality and actions, and his merciful treatment of convicts and Aboriginal people attracted both admiration and scorn. However, the crime at the heart of colonialism—the injustice of dispossession—cannot be smoothed over; not by charity, not even by the most compassionate of colonial administrators. A most timely and pertinent work.
Shortlisted
Talking Sex by the Book
Patricia Weerakoon
9781925879476
Christian parents overwhelmed by ubiquitous pornography and multiplying expressions of sexual identity will find Patricia Weerakoon’s authority, experience and pastoral style appealing. This is not a time to retreat or acquiesce. Weerakoon is frank, explicit and practical, and unapologetically places the benefits of what God has revealed above political correctness. This book is easy to navigate and each section includes a guide to age-appropriate talk and action.
Shortlisted
Western Fundamentalism
Gordon Menzies
9780648728504
Western Fundamentalism exposes the brittle state of Western society following the rejection of its Christian foundations and social contract. Gordon Menzies shows how our unquestioning commitment (fundamentalism!) to democracy, sexual freedom and deregulated markets is radically individualistic and a threat to human flourishing. His critique is profound and provocative, and transcends the narratives of both Left and Right. Menzies is original, wry and surprising.
Greg Clarke has a doctorate in modern literature and long experience in publishing, academia and Christian mission. He was Group CEO of Bible Society Australia from 2010 to 2019. Greg enjoys exploring the connections between Christianity and culture and is the author of the 2014 Australian Christian Book of the Year, The Great Bible Swindle. Greg and his family are members of St Mark’s Anglican Church in Darling Point, Sydney.
Stu Cameron is the CEO and Superintendent Minister of Wesley Mission. Stu qualified as an accountant and worked as a systems analyst before being ordained in the Uniting Church in 2004. He served for over 14 years as Lead Minister for Newlife Church in Queensland. Stu is an entrepreneur, advocate, popular speaker and long-suffering supporter of the Adelaide Crows. Stu and his wife Sue have two adult children and a spoiled dog called Splash.
Judith Nichols has four children and fourteen grandchildren. She has a doctorate in classics and ancient history and qualifications in theology, missiology, education and linguistics. Judith and her late husband Tony ministered together in Indonesia, with Indigenous Australians at Nungalinya College and trained missionary candidates. She coordinates women’s ministry at Dalkeith Anglican Church, Perth.
For the Love of God: How the Church is Better and Worse Than You Ever imagined
Natasha Moore (with John Dickson, Simon Smart & Justine Toh)
Centre for Public Christianity
ISBN: 9780647530351
For the Love of God is a bold yet balanced appraisal of the impact of Christianity, examining both the best and worst of what Christians have done over two millennia. Natasha Moore and her collaborators confront the failure of those who claimed to follow Christ but were responsible for the Crusades, the Inquisition and the abuse of children. The ease with which Christians through the ages have ignored both the teaching of Jesus and the dissenting voices of contemporary prophets is a caution. The authors also show how—when they obey Jesus—Christians have contributed to what is beautiful and beneficial in culture and society. In a time of social media echo chambers, fact-free opinion bubbles and divisive culture wars, this sort of fair and generous commentary is invaluable.
The following nine titles were shortlisted for the 2020 Australian Christian Book of the Year Award.
Shortlisted
Attending to the National Soul
Stuart Piggin & Robert Linder
9781925835366
The Fountain of Public Prosperity
Stuart Piggin & Robert D. Linder
ISBN (hardback): 9781925523461
ISBN (paperback): 9781925835403
The Fountain of Public Prosperity: Evangelical Christians in Australian History 1740–1914 by Stuart Piggin and Robert Linder is the 2019 Australian Christian Book of the Year.
It is a challenge for the historian to make visible that which has long been invisible. The contribution Evangelicals have made to Australia has not so much been lost as never found. Understanding the fountain from which our present prosperity flows is the first step in reimagining a future for Australia. Professors Piggin and Linder have devoted decades to unearthing the story of ‘Christlike citizenship’ in Australia. The result is a gripping, deeply insightful and impressively researched contribution to Australian Christian history covering the eighteenth century through to World War I. The Fountain of Public Prosperity is a seminal work of national and international importance.
In The Bible in Australia: A Cultural History, Meredith Lake gives an arresting and comprehensive account of how preachers, suffragists, unionists, politicians, writers, painters, musicians, immigrants and Indigenous peoples have used the Bible to shape Australian history and culture. Scripture arrived tattooed on the bodies of convicts aboard the First Fleet and, in the hands of Indigenous Christians, has nourished movements for justice, for land rights, and for recognition and reconciliation. Lake shows that Australia has been neither a secular society nor a Christian nation. At every level the Bible has been held to be everything from a resented imposition to the word of God. However, even while Bible reading and biblical literacy decline, the Bible is an indelible part of our story. This is a history of national importance and an insight into Australian culture.
Our Mob, God’s Story
Edited by Louise Sherman and Christobel Mattingley
ISBN 9780647519585
In Our Mob, God’s Story, sixty-six Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists from the city and the bush tell the story of the wonderful things God has done for their people. They paint in a dazzling variety of styles and write with uncommon wisdom and generosity. These artists share their vision of Jesus in order to bring us together as brothers and sisters. This inspiring book demonstrates what the recent census recorded: that Christian faith is more evident and alive in indigenous communities than in the dominant settler society. It is time for quiet appreciation and deep listening. Beautiful, confident and irresistible.
The Australian Christian Book of the Year Award is given annually to an original book written by an Australian citizen. The award recognises and encourages excellence in Australian Christian writing.
Entries close 31 March 2022.
The Australian Christian Book of the Year Award is given annually to an original book written by an Australian citizen. The award recognises and encourages excellence in Australian Christian writing. The ACBOY Award carries a prize of $3,000 for the author, and a framed certificate for the author and publisher.
Entries are judged with an eye to the:
Original nature of the work.
Literary style, including suitability for the target audience.
Design, layout, cover, text and illustrations.
Contribution that the book makes in meeting a need for Christian writing in the Australian situation and in the Australian market.
Entries are read and judged by a panel selected by the SparkLit Council.
2020 Australian Christian Book of the Year
For the Love of God: How the Church is Better and Worse Than You Ever Imagined by Natasha Moore with John Dickson, Simon Smart & Justine Toh (Centre for Public Christianity)
Open 2020 awards results and judges’ comments.
2019 Australian Christian Book of the Year
The Fountain of Public Prosperity: Evangelical Christians in Australian History 1740–1914 by Stuart Piggin & Robert D. Linder (Monash University Publishing)
Open 2019 awards results and judges’ comments.
2018 Australian Christian Book of the Year
The Bible in Australia: A Cultural History by Meredith Lake (NewSouth Publishing)
Open 2018 awards results and judges’ comments.
2017 Australian Christian Book of the Year
Our Mob, God’s Story: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Artists Share their Faith edited by Louise Sherman & Christobel Mattingley (Bible Society Australia)
Open 2017 awards results and judges’ comments.
2016 Australian Christian Book of the Year
Child Arise! The Courage to Stand by Jane Dowling (David Lovell Publishing)
Open 2016 awards results and judges’ comments.
2015 Australian Christian Book of the Year
Captains of the Soul by Michael Gladwin (Big Sky Publishing)
Open 2015 awards results and judges’ comments.
2014 Australian Christian Book of the Year
Winner. The Great Bible Swindle by Greg Clarke (Bible Society Australia)
Open 2014 awards results and judges’ comments.
2013 Australian Christian Book of the Year
Forged with Flames by Ann Fogarty (Wild Dingo Press)
Open 2013 awards results and judges’ comments.
2012 Australian Christian Book of the Year
Gumbuli of Ngukurr: Aboriginal Elder in Arnhem Land by Murray Seiffert (Acorn Press)
Open 2012 awards results and judges’ comments.
2011 Australian Christian Book of the Year
Economics for Life by Ian Harper (Acorn Press)
Open 2011 awards results and judges’ comments.
2010 Australian Christian Book of the Year
Losing My Religion by Tom Frame (UNSW Press)
Open 2010 awards results and judges’ comments.
2009 Australian Christian Book of the Year
No Ordinary View by Naomi Reed (Ark House Press)
Open 2009 awards results and judges’ comments.
