Book Review:Why God Won't Go Away by Alister McGrath

I have to admit, I had never heard of the New Atheism until I read this book and, while I am not a scholar and this movement may have been relevant at some point, it does not seem to have been relevant enough to make it into the mainstream or be a vocal part of it now.  I enjoyed the book in that I learned quite a bit.  While the book was easy to read most of the time, it felt like it was a little repetitive.  The author makes good points and has convincing arguments against this movement, but to be honest, I’m not sure why anyone bothered with them.   They don’t seem to have a point other than people who believe in anything other than what they believe in are stupid.  I get the impression that they are the bullies from school that never did anything worthwhile with their lives and our now trying to bully people into following them.

If you are aware of this movement and want to read arguments against it, then this is a perfect book.  The author is highly intelligent and the book is well written.  Even if you want to learn about the New Atheism, this is definitely a good book to read.  Maybe given my belief in God, I just find them more sad than threatening so while I found the book interesting, I also had a hard time focusing from time to time.

A Fresh Start and a New Journey

One of the great realities that God offers to us is the opportunity to put the past behind us and begin anew.  If you are looking for a fresh start and a new journey, please join us for Fall Kick-Off on September 16th at The First Church of God in Oak Lawn, IL    Services are at 9 am and 11.             

For further information on The First Church of God see below, copied from the website,  and more at  First Church of God.

 

 The First Church of God

4600 W. 111th Street

Oak Lawn, IL 60453

(708)636-2620

. . . is a non-denominational Christian church.  We are a place where you can come and hear about the message of Jesus Christ in a non-threatening environment.  We feel that God has particularly called us to be a place where folks who have been hurt or disillusioned by religion can come and encounter God.  The reason we exist is to help people grow closer to God. 

Our services intentionally aim to bring the
message of Christ in an encouraging and relevant way.

Our mission is to help people experience a genuine, life-changing encounter with the living God and to grow into fully devoted followers of Christ.

"Helping Hurting People Find And Walk With God."

Book Review: The Mormonizing of America by Stephen Mansfield

I was eager to read this book for several reasons.  Within the last couple of years I had met the author at a benefit and had wanted to read one of his books, but had not yet decided which one.  When I got the opportunity to read this book, with its timely subject matter, I jumped at the chance.  I have looked into the Mormon faith before, having read other books, but wasn’t sure if what I was reading was well researched or written more for sensationalism.  I trusted that this book would be researched and hoped to get a look inside the Mormon religion.

As I had hoped, this book was well written, easy to understand and very engaging.  The author writes in fairness and empathy.  I learned a considerable amount about not only the Mormon religion but also the traits that give them their drive and determination.  Sometimes when you don’t know or understand a people, culture or religion there’s a tendency to be fearful or uneasy.  I have felt like that at times about the Mormon religion.  However, having learned through this book, it no longer makes me uneasy.  Although I do have to say that I thought the book might  clarify some of the crazier things that I had read, and not only did it affirm what I already knew about the religion, it added more elements to further cement my feelings on the topic.

All in all, it was a great read and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to learn from an unbiased source.