Mosaic
(ABC Books, 2008)
Mosaic represents a snapshot of life in contemporary Australia, with selected quotations and thoughts from people who range from quiet achievers to high-profile individuals. Strong themes that have emerged include: a desire for connection with others; the recognition of support from family and friends; the deep sense of comfort given by a familiar prayer; a desire to reinforce the mystery, power and celebration of ‘God’; the significance of an individual’s identity; the importance of forgiveness; faith in action; the mapping out of a sense of purpose in life and the fulfilment of dreams.
Contributors include elder statesman Tom Uren, President of the Muslim Women’s National Network Aziza Abdel-Halim, Lindy Chamberlain-Creighton who was unjustly accused of murdering her baby, Sudanese born Adut Dau Atem; author Tim Winton, founding Director of the Fred Hollows Foundation, Gabi Hollows; Wiggles member Anthony Field, sports and businessman John Eales, counsellor and author Petrea King, TV presenter Andrew Denton, chef Charmaine Solomon, philosopher Professor Peter Singer, Rabbi Jacqueline Ninio, composer Peter Sculthorpe and many more.
Reviews
Sunday Telegraph
This is a fascinating collection of thoughts, reflections, prayers and poems contributed by more than 165 prominent Australians who share the ideas that give their lives meaning. From a diverse range of backgrounds and faiths, those gathered here represent public life, sporting life, business life, and all have chosen a passage, poem or sermon that means something special to them, and explain why. Editor Bradley – who looked for an inspirational project after being in London during the July bombings of 2005 – has provided a celebration of diversity and a wonderful insight into the spiritual lives of well-known Australians.”
Relations with Other Faiths, Uniting Church
The contributors are from a great range of religious beliefs, as well as a number from that very strong Australian spirituality, ‘no particular faith’. Christian authors include a prison chaplain from the Salvation Army quoting Fanny Crosbie and the Archbishop Malki Malki from the Syrian Church. Archbishop Aghan Baliozian from the Armenian Church, an enthusiastic ecumenist shares a Lenten morning hymn and Anglican Archbishops sharing their prayers.
The Catholic Weekly
Particularly close to Rosalind’s heart are those who have dedicated “their time and energy to building bridges across the divisions of Australia” as, indeed, we are a diverse nation “of many beliefs, faiths and backgrounds”, and hence her chosen title for the book, Mosaic, and her hopes for it as a contribution towards our peaceful future. The result is a veritable treasure trove.”
Sydney Anglican Network
The book is comforting and inspiring, as an anthology of wisdom, faith and hope to encourage dialogue as well as greater understanding among different faiths. The lyrics, prayers, poems and thoughts offer readers an appreciation of common aspirations as well as revealing the eclectic nature of contemporary Australians’ quest for God and purpose in life.
The Gold Coast Bulletin
Editor Rosalind Bradley would seem the ideal choice for assembling such a book, given she has a Jewish heritage, had an agnostic upbringing, was baptised and confirmed Anglican, worked for the Methodist Church and in 2002 was received into the Catholic church.
Mosaic - Relations with other Faiths
‘There are great contributions from Indigenous people and from people like Tim Winton who relates strongly to Indigenous spirituality. …This is truly a multi-faith book, and hopefully will help us as Australians become enriched by the spirituality of others, while being deepened in our own. A book to dip into, to enjoy little by little and perhaps share in devotions with others.
- Rev Marie Wilson
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