This is one of the most brilliant books I have read in years. It summarises Australia’s oldest continuous organisation (200 years) and their history of proclaiming the good news about Jesus to all Australians.
This newly published art book, by the Bible Society, is simply outstanding. It explores the faith of Australian Indigenous artists by highlighting their stories from Bible passages. As I turned each page, I was deeply blessed by the artist’s explanation of the Bible passage and the way they shared this story through art.
Creation to crucifixion
For many cultures, art is a powerful way to share stories. For Indigenous Christians these pieces of art are a vital way to share the Bible’s ultimate story: God’s journey from creation to crucifixion. Moving from Genesis to Revelation, these Indigenous artists share the Bible’s story in their culturally relevant way.
Dadirri
The book challenges us to consider how we explain the Bible’s story. God’s dadirri is a word to describe God’s deep stillness. This peace helps reveal His Word more clearly. Reading the Bible passages and seeing the way it is portrayed in the art requires dadirri. It is a lesson that reading the Bible requires a peace to see the mercy and grace of reconciliation.
This art book, compiled by award winning author Christobel Mattingley and Bible Society Australia’s Louise Sherman, showcases over 115 paintings by 65 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists from across Australia. With figures showing over 70per cent of Indigenous Australians claim Christianity as their faith it was such an encouragement to see the power of the Gospel shared through this project.
I was impressed by the quality of this hardcover publication and encouraged to hear that all artists donated their paintings and 100% of all profit going directly towards Indigenous Scripture publications, translation and ministry.
Many years in the making, Our Mob, God’s Story, is powerful way to express God’s Word as well as hear of the faith of many of our Indigenous artists woven into their traditional storytelling.
This book is more than a “coffee table” book but a testimony to the Bible Society’s bicentenary and the life-changing message of Jesus Christ igniting hearts across our nation.
Artwork: Bright Star by Grace Kumbi
https://www.biblesociety.org.au/our-mob/
Jeremy Dover is a former sports scientist and Pastor
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