Sex, The Ring and The Eucharist: Reflections on Life, Ministry & fighting in the inner-city [Paperback]

Rev David B. Smith (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 13, 2003

Father Dave is a man who is as unconventional as he is remarkable. He is the only Australian in Holy Orders to have ever boxed professionally to help raise money to keep his ministry going. He is Sydney’s ‘Fighting Father’, who combines his regular work as a Parish Priest with a ministry to streets kids, heroin addicts and other undesirables from the underside of Australian society.

‘Sex, the Ring and the Eucharist’ is a series of snapshots from Father Dave’s life. The book, like the author is hard-hitting and straight talking. The language will shock some. Others will be put off by Dave’s criticism of the established church and the legal system that is, at points, quite savage. And yet there is a pervading sense of faith and hope running through this book that is inescapable and infectious.

‘Sex, the Ring and the Eucharist’ is an intimate insight into one man’s life that has the potential to change the lives of its readers

Editorial Reviews

Review

David’s humanity is totally transparent in this book. That is refreshing in the often make-believe world of the church. -- Rev. Dr. Mark Harding (Dean, Australian College of Theology)

Engaging and informative as well as challenging. Dave, you have broken out of the pious stereotypical religious writing mode. -- Bishop Ray Smith

I managed to read your book mate, and I like it! I think you might be on to something mate! -- Paul ‘the Pitbull’ Grima (Welterweight Kickboxing Champion)

[The book] is a rare and fascinating insight into the problems of the church in rough, tough Sydney. -- Jeff Wells (The Daily Telegraph)

About the Author

Father Dave is an unusual man. With three university degrees and a total of eight black belts in the Martial Arts to his name, he is the only Australian in holy orders either to have fought for a kickboxing title or to have boxed professionally.

Dave has been the Anglican Parish Priest of Dulwich Hill, in Sydney’s inner-West, for nearly 13 years now, where he also runs ‘Father Dave’s Fight Club’ three nights per week. He has received numerous community awards and constant media attention for his work among disadvantaged young people. In 1996 the media dubbed him ‘the Fighting Father’.

Dave is married to Ange. They have three children: Veronica, Imogen and Soren Lee.

Product Details

• Paperback: 156 pages
• Publisher: 1st Book Library (November 13, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1414009933
• ISBN-13: 978-1414009933
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.3 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,046,186 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Reflections on Sex, the Ring and the Eucharist, February 6, 2004

By 

"narjoy" (Sydney Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sex, The Ring and The Eucharist: Reflections on Life, Ministry & fighting in the inner-city (Paperback)

Sex, the Ring and the Eucharist, written by Rev David Smith is a gritty revelation of the life of an anglican minister living in inner Sydney. It is hard hitting and pulls no punches, and reveals much of Dave's compassion and personality. I loved it because I found it relavant to today's society, and it shows how God is working in contemporary Australia. It should serve as a powerful witness to all who read it, and shows Dave's humanity and godliness. I had trouble putting it down and each time I read it, I get more out of it. Well done, Dave, any plans for a sequel?