Review of Wilderness Cry

[Mercy119]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Wilderness Cry" by Hilary L Hunt M.D..]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Wilderness Cry by Hilary L. Hunt, M.D. is a non-fiction book in which the author expresses his qualms with organized religion. He grew up in a small Catholic community in western Kentucky and the church’s totalitarian rule led him to question the institution’s motives.

What I liked most is that the book is straight to the point and the author compresses many ideas into a 113-page read. I went into this book with an open mind and I was glad to be met with an intellectual discussion that shone a light on issues that would intimidate staunch believers. First is the church’s effort to dictate people’s lives through its stance on sex and birth control. I was enlightened by the history that the author provided, which shed light on the motivation behind these directives. I was also shocked to discover that in the past, believers would be excommunicated if they sent their children to secular schools. That directive affected the author in his youth, and I could see the beginning of his unease.

The author himself is an educated and well-read individual and that was evident when he pointed out inconsistencies in biblical scriptures and their differing interpretations. He dissects pertinent topics like the origin of the Holy Trinity, the creation story, Jesus’ life, and the role of the disciples. These eye-opening discussions make up most of the text and were a joy to read. I relished every revelation and was intrigued with the bits of humor injected into them. The author also points out changes that the church has made to its doctrine over the years and questions the need for organized religion if the church is run by flawed humans. He also touches on the emergence of the protestant movement and highlights how the Catholic church was forced to adapt to the changes. With the rampant spread of the prosperity gospel, I would’ve liked to read more on this matter since it wasn’t given much attention in the book.

The only thing I didn’t like about the book is that it was unclear whether the author is still a practicing Catholic or whether he adheres to the two-commandment rule that he prescribes in the book. He iterates that he’s not an atheist, and he believes in the existence of a superior being. He combines his scientific background with extensive research to produce the ideas expounded in the book.

This book is concise and well-written and will be a great start for anyone seeking answers about Christianity. I would recommend it to open-minded individuals on a spiritual journey. Since I noticed no errors in the text, I will award it a rating of four out of four stars and conclude that it underwent professional editing. Although religion is the premise for this book, the ideas are respectfully presented and will not trigger any believers.

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Wilderness Cry
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[Rayah Raouf]

I like how you mention that it won't trigger other people's beliefs. I think that is very critical when it comes to books like this. Thank you for the great review

[NetMassimo]

I read this book when it was the Book of the Month. The author seemed to focus his criticism on organized religion but seemed comfortable with his own faith. Thank you for your great review!

[Chigo Nwagboso]

Thanks for your honest review and recommendations. I like it when a book is concise, and this is one of it.

[Kavita Shah]

Words backed by facts and an open minded individuals views- that sums it up. Thank you for a great review!

[Gemjay]

The book seems interesting and the author seems well versed in religion and science as he combines them and tries to prove his understanding. Great review!

[Manang Muyang]

I was scandalized by the author's claim that he has proven religion to be a hoax. I am a practicing Catholic and will most probably die as one. While I don’t see myself reading the book, I respect the author's views. And yours.

[SamaylaM]

In a book like this, which addresses organized religion, it is good to know that the author himself is an educated and well-read individual. Thanks for a very detailed and good review of this book!

[Dzejn_Crvena]

I grew up in a religious community, but I'm not a Roman Catholic.
I'm hesitant to read this book even if it was featured many times here.
Might go for it out of curiosity.
Thanks for your review.

[Joyful17]

The author gives voice to the deep seated feelings of many. Thanks for an in-depth review.

[Saint Bruno]

I am glad that the author's discussions would open the eyes of many. Thanks for the amazing review.

[Ellylion]

I believe it's a thought-provoking book, but I'll pass this time Thank you for a great review!

[Emily_Jen]

In the past, believers would be excommunicated if they sent their children to secular schools? Hmm! I didn't know that. I wonder how much more I could learn from reading the whole book. Thanks for the review.

[NISSE]

An educational read about God,Christianity,Jesus and the Bible. The author has covered many bases even though the book is only 113 pages long.

[Bigwig1973]

I think you're correct in saying that this book might intimidate staunch believers, but also that his arguments are respectfully presented. I think his arguments against the church have foundation, I'm just not sure how solid the foundation is! You wrote a nice review on this book!