Often theological colleges are the site of tension between the aspirations of the overall institution of the church and the goals of the particular college itself. While they are usually the first called upon to solve the numerous problems facing the modern church, yet, just as likely, they are criticized for being too academic, too out of touch with contemporary society, and too expensive. A fair reading of the ten essays in Things That Matter will refute or, at the very least, question these criticisms. The authors of this inspiring collection, although far from uncritical, clearly show that since 1999, when United Theological College, the Uniting Church's premier college in New South Wales, became part of Charles Sturt University's School of Theology, there have been great benefits for students, faculty, the church, and the broader community.
