Review by NMB -- Who Told You That You Were Naked?
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NMB
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- Latest Review: "Who Told You That You Were Naked?" by William Combs
Review by NMB -- Who Told You That You Were Naked?
[Following is a volunteer review of "Who Told You That You Were Naked?" by William Combs.]
3 out of 4 stars
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Book Review-Who Told You that you were naked? by William E. Combs
The first thing that will strike the casual reader upon opening this book is it's frankness, openness and honesty. Not only is it about faith, it is also about the authors life and his journey with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Whether you believe or not, I think anyone can benefit from reading this book.
However, what really sets this book apart is it's tone. Far from indulging in the condemnation of those who do not believe, the author instead argues it is Christianity's own fault due to the perceptions they have of religious doctrine. Instead the author believes that mercy and justice, with guidance from God, the Bible and the Holy Spirit, would offer the world more light than any dry following of laws without sincere belief in spiritual redemption at heart.
The author argues, convincingly, that when mankind gained our knowledge of good and evil, as given in the Book of Genesis, we inadvertently separated ourselves from the God by our attempt to be like him. We did not realise that by making every other thing other from ourselves, including God, we caused a relationship death but also a spiritual death. God of course poses the titular question "Who told You that You were naked?"
The answer of course is that our sense of nakedness, difference and other famously comes from within, we project it upon the World-something Carl Jung and others have been illuminating. This process causes a distinct feeling of alienation and isolation, which of course is all in our heads!
Other authors old and new have given similar thesis but I have read none as simply stated or as humbly presented. The idea that human behaviour and action is the cause of our own suffering is one which many may think obvious. But thinking it's obvious, here's the rub, is entirely a symptom. I don't wish to reveal too much, but I will say the author turns many "obvious" doctrines, concepts and beliefs while revealing far greater insight.
In the Hebrew language, Unity with God, is the highest state that human beings may aspire to. The opposite of this is division from God, and this division is characterised as "duel contending forces." Our division is the cause of our ills-not divine punishment, not even original sin (as many understand the term) but ourselves and our state of being.
The author believes that the redemptive power of spirit and faith. If we were as quick to take responsibility of ourselves and fully acknowledge our nature as condemn and judge we might get further. The author believes that God, Jesus and Holy Spirit are the answer and clearly this has worked for him. No matter what you're beliefs may be, anyone can enjoy this book. I read this book with an open mind, and I urge anyone who reads it to do the same.
3 out of 4
Pro: Positive message and thought provoking content
Con: Christian literature may not be for everyone
******
Who Told You That You Were Naked?
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Like NMB's review? Post a comment saying so!
3 out of 4 stars
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Book Review-Who Told You that you were naked? by William E. Combs
The first thing that will strike the casual reader upon opening this book is it's frankness, openness and honesty. Not only is it about faith, it is also about the authors life and his journey with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Whether you believe or not, I think anyone can benefit from reading this book.
However, what really sets this book apart is it's tone. Far from indulging in the condemnation of those who do not believe, the author instead argues it is Christianity's own fault due to the perceptions they have of religious doctrine. Instead the author believes that mercy and justice, with guidance from God, the Bible and the Holy Spirit, would offer the world more light than any dry following of laws without sincere belief in spiritual redemption at heart.
The author argues, convincingly, that when mankind gained our knowledge of good and evil, as given in the Book of Genesis, we inadvertently separated ourselves from the God by our attempt to be like him. We did not realise that by making every other thing other from ourselves, including God, we caused a relationship death but also a spiritual death. God of course poses the titular question "Who told You that You were naked?"
The answer of course is that our sense of nakedness, difference and other famously comes from within, we project it upon the World-something Carl Jung and others have been illuminating. This process causes a distinct feeling of alienation and isolation, which of course is all in our heads!
Other authors old and new have given similar thesis but I have read none as simply stated or as humbly presented. The idea that human behaviour and action is the cause of our own suffering is one which many may think obvious. But thinking it's obvious, here's the rub, is entirely a symptom. I don't wish to reveal too much, but I will say the author turns many "obvious" doctrines, concepts and beliefs while revealing far greater insight.
In the Hebrew language, Unity with God, is the highest state that human beings may aspire to. The opposite of this is division from God, and this division is characterised as "duel contending forces." Our division is the cause of our ills-not divine punishment, not even original sin (as many understand the term) but ourselves and our state of being.
The author believes that the redemptive power of spirit and faith. If we were as quick to take responsibility of ourselves and fully acknowledge our nature as condemn and judge we might get further. The author believes that God, Jesus and Holy Spirit are the answer and clearly this has worked for him. No matter what you're beliefs may be, anyone can enjoy this book. I read this book with an open mind, and I urge anyone who reads it to do the same.
3 out of 4
Pro: Positive message and thought provoking content
Con: Christian literature may not be for everyone
******
Who Told You That You Were Naked?
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like NMB's review? Post a comment saying so!
Latest Review: "Who Told You That You Were Naked?" by William Combs
