Book Reviews
Speaking "Post Modernism"
by Dr. Loris O. Gillin
Book Review by Michael Radon
"Social Policy has now been remade. The overarching principle which guides is ‘entitlement.’ When people become accustomed to benefits they regard these as ‘rights.’"
Examining the cultural phenomena from the post-World War II era to the modern-day, this study of Australia and global social change seeks to shine a light on the events and ideas that shaped the way we live. Each chapter focuses largely on a single decade, providing a timeline for political occurrences and prevalent trends that were spread through that era’s pop culture. Following these threads leads to our modern, pluralistic society: fractured and dissatisfied, placated by unlimited data plans and media consumption but unable to create many meaningful human relationships. Rejecting the re-emergence of existentialism and the rise of “post-modern” thinking, this book seeks to explain national and global culture in regard to all the major moments and popular shifts that led us to the current perspective.
With a direct and straightforward presentation, this book presents its viewpoint and information in a format that the layperson can understand and digest in a weekend or less. While written specifically from the Australian perspective, there is still global appeal to these ideas in part due to the Australian consumption of media from abroad and then the advent of the Internet which led to free access to cultures around the world. The strong sense of structure allows the reader to bounce from the introduction to the exploration of a theme to the moments in modern history that created that change in particular. It would be easy to draw out a treatise such as this into textbook-sized proportions, but the author uses a strong grasp of the economy of words and clarity of message to create a read that is easy to penetrate and enjoy. The lack of digression keeps the reader engaged and receptive to the information collected here.
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Professor Dr. Liora Katzenstein writes -
"I was given the honour to have an early read-through of Dr. Loris Gillin's 'Facets of the Kingdom' in which Dr. Gillin reminisces about her three 'helper'-type trips, completed over the last two decades. She realizes that individually each one showed a 'facet' on racial groups which no one that she has been exposed to has ever compared and contrasted.
I had the privilege of accompanying Loris during some of her stay in Israel. While the work required was mundane, the learning that ensued was meaningful. That was the case, also, in England.
Mr Richard Beaumont, former Director Operation Mobilisation, now CEO 'Entrust' writes -
"It is difficult, if not impossible to find balanced, thought-through, well-researched neutral voice on highly emotive subjects including Black Lives Matter, Aboriginal deaths in custody, and sexuality. And to make it really interesting Loris tackles the heart of Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. Each of these subjects are summarised in an amazing, well-informed, and sensitive way. Using her personal experience, training and travel, step inside these key issues and read an objective balanced view. You may not agree with everything, but if you did our thinking would not hae been stretched enough. A fascinating read!"
Richard Coombs, Australia Director, MECO. writes -
"In a world of conflict, uncertainty and questioning, this book endeavours to bridge misunderstanding for the lay reader. Loris Gillin speaks out of her own personal travels and experiences to bring a 'sense of peace and calm' to troubling and perplexing issues for many.
Having travelled widely, lived, and studied abroad, Loris takes us to London, Israel and Armenia and introduces us to people of other faiths. In doing so, she discusses how Christians can share their faith, being firm in their convictions, whilst gracious in their conversation and example.
There are helpful sections introducing us to the three Abrahamic faiths (Judaism, Christianity, Islam) with short historieis of their development and beliefs."
Dr. Janusz Tanus, ACU, Melbourne writes -
"Very interesting manuscript with solid justification and most importantly undeniable and valid messages. It is unfortunate that the world is driven by a lack of knowledge, compassion and understanding to remember about the 'Memento Mori.
The author defends the religious "Face' by consolidating the beliefs of the three major religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Discussing the monotheistic religions, the author brings what is common for all, despite different races and ethnicity: 'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you'.
In a world of conflict, uncertainty and questioning, this book endeavours to bridge gaps of misunderstanding for the lay reader. Loris Gillin speaks out of her own personal travels and experiences to bring a 'sense of peace and calm' to troubling and perplexing issues for many.
Having travelled widely, lived, and studied abroad, Loris takes us to London, Israel and the beliefs of Armenia. There are helpful sections introducing us to the three Abrahamic faiths (Judaism, Christainity, Islam) with short histories of their development. "