Faith: Embracing Life in All Its Uncertainty

Costello (Tips from a Travelling Soul Searcher), Christian pastor and head of worldwide poverty charity World Vision Australia, invites readers to reflect on the true meaning of faith and the concrete applications of the concept within in the real world. Costello’s passion for spirituality, justice, and peace are evident, and his dedication to the struggle for equality and universal human rights is rooted in his faith. The quick, punchy chapters, accented with personal anecdotes, are a treat, and the narrative style is inviting and clear. Costello, who is well versed in both church community organization and high-level fund-raising, draws many nuanced connections among faith, social issues, and daily life. If Costello can be faulted for anything, it is perhaps addressing too many issues at one time: on top of an all-encompassing discussion of the connection between faith and justice, Costello addresses African poverty, government, addiction, and theology. Although the jumps are sometimes jarring, Costello’s genuine interest and concern keeps the narrative coherent and easy to follow. There’s a lot here, but perhaps that is the ultimate point: faith encompasses much more than simply attending church. This is a must-read for Christians looking to reconsider how faith affects lives on the most basic levels. (Apr.)