Review by Sahani Nimandra -- God Versus The Idea of God

[Sahani Nimandra]

[Following is a volunteer review of "God Versus The Idea of God" by Thomas Richard Harry.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Before introducing this book, let me point out that this book is not a normal fantasy read; but a thought-provoking, questionable read. This book subjects us to measure and question our belief and faith towards our religion. It's exceptionally paramount the reader keep a liberal mind as this is genuinely a controversial read. Please keep in mind that people have a right to their own opinion and one must learn to respect that.

“What is externally incomprehensible in the world is that it is comprehensible” (Albert Einstein)

God Versus The Idea of God by Thomas Richard Harry is a prolific non-fiction read which consists of nine chapters, an epilogue and a prologue with the author’s biography; divulging the essential information candidly to clarify the reader’s doubts and questions. With more than 35 years of lay experience and exposure at the local church level, the author offers a profound reading experience through his book.

The book addresses a wide area on the ideology of Christianity and its doctrine with the current practice conducted in the catholic church. The author talks about how the God's creation “the man” fell out of God's favor due to the man's ignorance and immaturity. Harry utilizes a pragmatic approach to discuss on how reliable the modern-day religion is. Moreover, he gives a detail difference between the Hebrew-bible and the new testament. I also got new inside information about the ancient books like the biblical book of Exodus and Genesis; the author questions their originality and reliability.

It's fascinating to see how the author uses a logical approach throughout that articulates his beliefs and views. The author interprets it into two questions:

“1. If an infinite and perfect God (by definition) exists outside of time (history) – always has, does and always will – while finite mankind exists in time (history), how can there be any intercourse or relationship, or even awareness between the two?
2. What is the purpose of God?”

This facilitated me to recognize the author’s style of thinking, his mind-set and how he approaches the traditional way of practice and assertive culture than acknowledging them blindly. The author gives his opinion in a straight-forward manner in which I saw myself agreeing and disagreeing with.

It's intriguing to comprehend how the author has conducted a broad study in theology. Each chapter is very well-organized in a way that would not embody any hindrance to the reader. Each chapter address diverse topics with reason which was thought-provoking. This extensive study reminded me of a documentary file I watched by Morgan Freeman called The Story of God.

I notice the plot addresses to a precise degree on how science question the fact about God; the reality; the mind of God. I believe that Stephen Hawking demonstrated a scientific approach to this study in his books A Brief History of Time and The Grand Design. The writing used is satisfactory, and the language is user-friendly.

Towards the end, the author leaves a sound message to his reader’s about his findings and its outcome:

“If a man does away with his traditional way of living and throws away his good customs. He had better first make certain that he has something of value to replace them.” (Thomas Richard Harry)

For this I would like to reply back by saying:

“Do not believe in anything (simply) because you have heard it. Do not believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many generations. Do not believe in anything because it is spoken or rumoured by many. Do not believe anything (simply) because it is found written in your religious books. Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders; But after observation and analysis, when you find anything that agree with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one, then accept it and live up to it.” (Lord Buddha, Ang.Nik, 3.65)

By stating the above I wish to give this book 4 out of 4 stars, it is truly fascinating that it exceeded my expectations. Above all, I appreciate the raw honesty conveyed by the author through this sophisticated read.

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God Versus The Idea of God
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Like Sahani Nimandra's review? Post a comment saying so!

[Dolor]

There are differences in beliefs and I totally understand that. If this book belongs to the choices for me to review, I wouldn't have picked this book up though I am open-minded to the differences in the subjects of faith. I'm glad you enjoyed reading this book. Thanks for sharing your review.

In my own point of view, I think you got a low editor's rating since you did not follow the proper book review layout, aside from just a few explanation from your side about this book.

[Sahani Nimandra]

There are differences in beliefs and I totally understand that. If this book belongs to the choices for me to review, I wouldn't have picked this book up though I am open-minded to the differences in the subjects of faith. I'm glad you enjoyed reading this book. Thanks for sharing your review.

In my own point of view, I think you got a low editor's rating since you did not follow the proper book review layout, aside from just a few explanation from your side about this book.

Thank you for your advice Dolor, I will see to it that the editor's criteria will be met. Thank You once again!

[Dolor]

Please don't get me wrong. I also got low editor's ratings in my reviews. Let's just do our best. Someday, we will be submitting better book reviews.

[Sahani Nimandra]

Please don't get me wrong. I also got low editor's ratings in my reviews. Let's just do our best. Someday, we will be submitting better book reviews.

God! No no dear not at all. I have been noticing that different types of books have a different style of approaching it therefore, it is important if you wish to specialise your self in all the genre's you read. You're right Dolor! Thank you once again!

[NL Hartje]

It's fascinating to see how the author uses a logical approach throughout that articulates his beliefs and views.

I am smitten with work that questions spirituality based on logic and science. Growing up staunchly Catholic, but then studying world religions in college, I often find myself pondering spirituality as a whole. I think I would enjoy this book! Thank you for this review!!!

[Sahani Nimandra]

It's fascinating to see how the author uses a logical approach throughout that articulates his beliefs and views.

I am smitten with work that questions spirituality based on logic and science. Growing up staunchly Catholic, but then studying world religions in college, I often find myself pondering spirituality as a whole. I think I would enjoy this book! Thank you for this review!!!

Thank you dear, I hope you enjoy it.

[Yoli García]

This book is not for me but I agree there are different faiths and views and we should all respect each other. Thanks for the review!

[Sahani Nimandra]

This book is not for me but I agree there are different faiths and views and we should all respect each other. Thanks for the review!

Thank you for commenting

[jvez]

Books discussing debates on spirituality and religion tends to be exhausting for me. But your review makes it sound like this book is worth a read. The author's logical approach may be something I can understand and probably even relate with. Thanks for this review

[Sahani Nimandra]

Books discussing debates on spirituality and religion tends to be exhausting for me. But your review makes it sound like this book is worth a read. The author's logical approach may be something I can understand and probably even relate with. Thanks for this review

I can understand that. Most people find the topic of these type exhausting but there is a lot to learn from it. I'm glad you found this book quite fitting. Thank you for stopping by!

[Shrabastee Chakraborty]

This is probably the most well thought-out review I have read in OBC. I was fascinated by it, and agree that the book will probably prove to be a more fascinating one. My personal beliefs aside, I would very much like to read the arguments and counter-arguments the book provides. Thanks so much for the insightful and honest review!

[Sahani Nimandra]

This is probably the most well thought-out review I have read in OBC. I was fascinated by it, and agree that the book will probably prove to be a more fascinating one. My personal beliefs aside, I would very much like to read the arguments and counter-arguments the book provides. Thanks so much for the insightful and honest review!

Ohhhhh, Thank you! That's very nice of you to notice it that way.

[melissy370]

It is interesting seeing the diversity on the reviews about this book. I personally thought it was disorganized. The author kept rambling and came off as arrogant. The declining of the current American church was an intriguing point, although I believe his understanding of why its happening is askew. Thanks for your review and I am glad you could get something out of it.

[Sahani Nimandra]

It is interesting seeing the diversity on the reviews about this book. I personally thought it was disorganized. The author kept rambling and came off as arrogant. The declining of the current American church was an intriguing point, although I believe his understanding of why its happening is askew. Thanks for your review and I am glad you could get something out of it.

Thank you for commenting! I'm glad you saw through that.