Rabbi Shimon Cowen launched his book Politics and Universal Ethics at Parliament House in Perth on June 20.
Hosted by Liberal MP Peter Abetz and Labor MP Michelle Roberts, the event attracted leaders from several religious denominations and groups in Perth.
Rabbi Cowen, who is the son of former Australian Governor General Sir Zelman Cowen, said his book addressed a number of important questions facing society today.
“This is a book which sets out to correct a tremendous bias which has entered into political life,” he said.
“What is needed is sophisticated discussion of the spiritual standard, and my book is an attempt to make a contribution to that.”
Mr Abetz said the book was significant because it examined issues that extend well beyond party politics. “In our nation today, there is a serious battle going on… the battle for the fundamental values of our society,” he said.
“I believe that it’s irrefutable, historically, that our values and institutions are largely based on what’s broadly termed the Judeo-Christian values.
“Religious freedom, marriage and family, and the sacredness of human life, have really provided the foundation which has enabled Western democratic societies to flourish, and these values were universally held in Western society until perhaps the 1960s.”
Mr Abetz said today’s society is “intolerant” towards those who hold traditional views on family and sexuality. He added that Rabbi Cowen’s book demonstrated how a wide coalition of religious-based cultures is forming a challenge to those who oppose traditional values.
“What I’ve read so far tells me that it’s a book that’s full of profound insight,” he said.
“It’s well researched and a very articulate contribution to the debate of what values should guide us in shaping the laws that pass through our parliaments in this land.”
Ms Roberts said despite being on opposite sides of the chamber, many politicians agreed on a number of fundamental issues.
She commended Rabbi Cowen on his book and urged fellow politicians to read it.
“The strength of this book lies in its clear foundation in the truth, but also in understanding that the truth is not a sectarian one, but a universal one,” she said.
“I think it’s a book that all legislators should read.”