Review of Sacred Life and Demons

[Michael Valentine]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Sacred Life and Demons" by Kenneth Deaton.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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"Sacred Life and Demons" by Kenneth Deaton tells the story of Dr. Tom, an oncologist, who finds himself working in Mississippi, where a Roman Baptist Church that prioritizes the sanctity of life, regardless of condition, holds significant influence. As a non-believer, Dr. Tom, throughout his time there, encounters various unique cases and people. For instance, the pregnant leukemia patient whose family rejects abortion for religious reasons. This book provides guidance on effectively communicating cancer diagnoses to patients and offers essential tips for caregivers.

This book appeals to me because the arguments between the characters, especially when Tom was involved, were well-reasoned, with strong points made on both sides. This allowed me to reflect on my beliefs and stand firm in my convictions. I liked that the book didn't try to preach to me but instead encouraged me to think critically and form my judgments. The little dark humor sprinkled throughout the book was a nice touch. As the story progressed, unexpected events occurred and tensions increased, making the book even more engaging. Kenneth does an excellent job of maintaining balance between religion and health, allowing each aspect to complement the other without overpowering the narrative. The characterization of Tom as an inquisitive and opinionated non-believer is strong and relatable. Each character's perspective is thoughtfully developed, providing a nuanced portrayal of religious beliefs. The setting, medical terms, and illnesses are all clearly described, making it easy to understand and follow the storyline.

However, the narrative suffered from inconsistencies in addressing certain characters. For instance, some characters are referred to by their first names in one instance and their last names in another. This could be seen in the case of Dr. Brad Algood. My rating for this book would be 4 out of 5 stars for its balanced narrative, diverse characters, and engaging exploration of religion and health themes. Despite the inconsistencies in addressing the characters, prompting me to remove a star, the book remains informative and enjoyable. Also, this book was exceptionally well edited; I found no errors in it. 

I recommend this book to professionals in the oncology field, as it offers valuable insights to enhance their careers. It serves as an informative resource for newly diagnosed cancer patients, helping them boost their confidence while seeking treatment and educating them on potential red flags during the treatment process. This book is an eye-opener for individuals who believe that prayer alone can cure illnesses.

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Sacred Life and Demons
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Amy Luman]

I do believe that prayer can cure illnesses by itself, but more often than not, God uses the prayer to guide the individual to a medical professional who knows how to treat the illness. I also think that there is room for discussion between the two sides and maybe everyone can learn something. Thanks!

[NetMassimo]

A sensitive theme is developed in this novel with arguments coming from different points of view. I've seen real sickness but other people might need something like this book to get food for thought about such a theme. Thank you for your great review!

[Liam Patel]

"Alōma! Mahalo nui loa for dis detailed review of 'Sacred Life and Demons' by Kenneth Deaton. Da way you described da book, it sounds like one engaging read fo' real. I appreciate how da author balanced da religious and health element, lettin' readers come to their own conclusions. Da characters seem well-developed, wit' diverse perspectives, which can make da story mo' interestin'. Da only ting that weighed it down a bit is da inconsistency wit' addressin' characters, but overall, sounds like a solid four-star book. I reckon dis book would be a worthwhile read fo' anyone in oncology or cancer patients lookin' fo' insightful guidance. 'Ae, dis book seems like one real eye-opener fo' dose who rely solely on prayer fo' a cure. Mahalo again fo' sharin' dis review, brah!" Heartfelt moments, brought tears to my eyes.

[Boring Pigeon]

Alōma! This review of "Sacred Life and Demons" by Kenneth Deaton sounds like an intriguing read. With its balanced exploration of religion and health, diverse characters, and thought-provoking arguments, it seems to offer a unique perspective. The book's ability to inspire critical thinking without preaching is commendable, and the inclusion of dark humor adds a nice touch. Although there are some inconsistencies in character names, overall, it appears to be an informative and enjoyable book. I would rate it 4 out of 5 stars. Mahalo for the review! Atmospheric setting, transported me to another world.