Review WASPS, Tykes and Ecumaniacs
WASPS, Tykes and Ecumaniacs
Christian history is scarred with the failures of Christians to demonstrate to the world the love for one another which Jesus commanded.
At times disagreement among Christians has boiled over into debate in the public arena in a way that has done nothing to positively commend the gospel to those outside the Church.
Edwards’ book begins with a series of cameos describing personal experiences of sectarianism and proceeds to give an introductory historical background of sectarianism in Europe and Australia. The main part focuses on various manifestations of sectarianism in post-war Australia and attempts to create a more unified Christian witness.
Considerable attention is given to matters such as the 1959 Billy Graham Crusades, the impact of immigration, the politics of school funding, problems created by intermarriage, the failure to honour the ministries of other churches, the establishment of ecumenical bodies and the significance of the Second Vatican Council.
Much of the focus is on events in the author’s home state of New South Wales, although those from other places will be able to identify with many of the matters which he identifies. Edwards traces the declining influence of sectarianism and notes the growing divide between liberal and conservative elements in Christianity.
In the final sentence of his conclusion he states that ‘the second half of the twentieth century saw the rapid breakdown of sectarianism as a mainstream socio-cultural and religious discourse in Australia, relegating its enduring to little more than fringe phenomena of Australian religious bigots, with no significant power in Australian society’.
This book provides a snapshot of the impact of Australian religious life at a particular time in history and serves as a timely reminder to be aware of the impact that our words and actions have on our Christian witness to the wider community.
WASPS, Tykes and Ecumaniacs, Aspects of Australian Sectarianism 1945-1981, by Benjamin Edwards. Acorn Press, 2008 RRP $39.60
Review by Noel Bowditch