‘Biblical Critical Theory’ wins 2023 Australian Christian Book of the Year

Christopher Watkin’s Biblical Critical Theory: How the bible’s unfolding story makes sense of modern life and culture (Zondervan Academic) has been named 2023 Australian Christian Book of the Year.

The $3000 prize, which recognises excellence in Australian Christian writing, was chosen from a shortlist of 10 titles. The winning book uses the Bible to analyse and interpret contemporary Western culture. Award judges described the book as ‘an enlightening and absorbing read for anyone wanting to deepen their appreciation of how the Bible addresses our world here and now.’

Nichola Chadwick won the 2022 Young Australian Christian Writer Award, receiving a $2500 prize for her poetry collection ‘Breathe on Me,’ which traces the writer’s journey as she grapples with questions of God’s character. Judges said, ‘Rich metaphors make her doubt and struggle, as well as her awe at the majesty of creation, relatable. Chadwick’s language is powerful and mature. She reveals a complex understanding of the nature of God, moving from fear of the idea of his presence, to fear in his presence’.

The $1000 Australian Christian Teen Writer Award was awarded to Caleb MacLaren for his screenplay The Journey, which is a modern twist on the Noah’s Ark story, following four companions as they navigate an empty world devastated by an alien attack.

The awards are presented annually by SparkLit, formerly known as the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge Australia.

Category: Awards Local news