This book investigates how diverse religious beliefs and institutions have shaped the historical development and political landscape of Australia. Roger C. Thompson, an established historian, utilizes a broad analytical framework to trace the influence of faith from colonial foundations to the modern era. By examining the interplay between religious sectarianism and the state, the author provides a comprehensive overview of the social forces that have defined the Australian national identity.

Experts recognize this work as a foundational text for understanding the intersection of faith and governance in the Australian context. Readers frequently note the clarity of the prose and the balanced approach taken toward complex sectarian histories.