The Estuary Book Club (Hobart)

The Estuary Book Club Hobart is a fortnightly group for people wanting to discuss religion, faith, and belief from the outside. We invite people from all backgrounds and philosophical positions to read a book with us, and chat about it in community.

An estuary is a body of water into which one or more rivers flows, and which also has access to the sea. It is a place of joining and mixing. This is what we are hoping our book club will be - a place where people can join and mix with others as we discuss some of life's deeper questions.

Imagine a gathering where:

• Your doubts are heard
• Your perspectives matter
• Complexity is embraced
• No belief is too controversial to discuss

We're not here to convert, but to understand. Our book club is a judgement-free zone where different worldviews can meet, challenge each other, and grow together—with a particular interest in exploring Christian thought.

We will slowly work our way through a variety of books and authors exploring life, faith and culture, albeit with a slant towards the Christian world view. Sceptics and enquirers are very welcome to come and share thoughts, to offer critique, to come learn together with us in a safe and open environment.

All backgrounds welcome—Christians, atheists, agnostics, and everyone in between

The First Book

Our first book will be On the Road with Saint Augustine by James. K.A. Smith, which you'll get free when you register. Saint Augustine has been called the patron saint of the restless heart. His Confessions, written in the 4th century, are a study of his own restless heart, and, if we want, can also be a window into our own restlessness.

In On The Road with Saint Augustine, James K. A Smith acts as our tour guide, pointing out to us insights and highlights from Augustine, and asking us to consider Augustine's restlessness and doubts as we consider our own hopes, dreams and fears.

This is a book which will resonate with anyone who wonders how they can flourish amid the sorrows and confusions of the real world. It will also ask us to consider if there is a God whose grand narrative not only incorporates our smaller narrative, but which also gives hope and meaning to our life.

We hope to provide a structured approach by reading one chapter per session, to help different people and ideas meet and engage, fostering a space for meaningful conversations.

• When: Every second Wednesday at 1pm at the Devil's Brewery (Macquarie Street)
• Cost: Free (whenever you join the first book is on us!)
• Who: Anyone looking for a community to discuss big ideas. Feel free to bring friends

Alistair Bain is the facilitator of the Estuary Book Club Hobart, and he will help conversation flow during our times together.