I came that they might have life, and have it abundantly.

John 10:10

This is a story of life and change. It is the story of one man’s response to change in society, in church, in his own personal journey and the decisions involved in responding to change. It is a story that many people in the churches will recognise and affirm. It is a journey that involves faith – from his beginnings as a child in South Africa, through various university studies, teaching at tertiary levels, to life and career in Australia, and several overseas visits. Throughout, his church identity has been strong but challenged… by bishops  who resist change, by clergy who cling to authority, by attitudes towards ecumenism that reflect a church sometimes unwilling to abandon its medieval structures to embrace and engage with contemporary society. This is an intensely personal story with a message for all who struggle with the challenges of being Christian in our increasingly secular world.

A book many Catholics will cherish and enjoy.  – John D’Arcy May, Trinity College, Dublin

This is a book that celebrates successes and helps make sense of confusion, as Gideon opens his arms to creation in all its forms whilst in each moment raising his heart to his God. – Liz O’Callaghan, Former School Principal, Diocese of Parramatta

Gideon Goosen has shared his life journey, relationships, travels and his responses to the radical change that has marked recent Catholic Christianity.    – Francis J. Moloney, SDB, AM,FAHA, University of Divinity

Gideon Goosen lives in the Blue Mountains in NSW and is married with three children and seven grandchildren. He taught theology at the Australian Catholic University until his retirement in 2006. He holds doctorates in philosophy and theology and served on the NSW Ecumenical Council for many years as chair of the Theology Reflection Committee. He is the author of several books and articles, and is involved in ecumenism and renewal at the local level.