What do you think of the religious aspect of the book?

[Ari Martinez]

From A Christian perspective, I would have appreciated it more if the focus were closer to trying to clarify God's plan for me, and how to best facilitate that plan.

From a non Christian perspective, the book should be clearly labeled as such so that folks aren't disappointed with the focus.

I couldn't agree more on both perspectives! Since I'm a Christian, I enjoyed the religious aspects of the book. However, there was always a part of me that felt like I was misled by the title and cover of the book because it did not mention it was going to be religious, and it actually surprised me when I started reading it and realized it was going to take a religious route.

[Justine Ocsebio]

I think this self-help book is greared towards Christians. I think when the author was writing this book, he already has a specific audience in mind. I picked a thing or two especially from the lessons on leadership, but as a non-religious person, the heavy religious references prevented me from fully appreciting this book.

[Miraphery]

The book is written from a Christian perspective so it can't be said to be too religious. There are principles within it that can be applied by Christians and non-Christians alike.

[yomide]

It is vivid the author targetted Christans. And I really like her message concerning Christian life. However, the it is quite confusing what the book really is; self help or a religious book.

[Timothy Rucinski]

I tried reading the book because, from the first few pages that I sampled, I felt that this could be a good book on leadership. I used to teach leadership skills once upon a time, and I still maintain a bit of interest in this area after retirement. However, I had to simply stop reading the book. The overriding Christian proselytizing proved just too much and I stopped reading it altogether. It's a shame because I think there are some good ideas here. If the Christian slant was more subtle, or at least not dominant, I would have continued reading. I'm not a Christian, and the Jesus factor was just overwhelming.

[Mohamadu Abdulai]

As an unambitious person, I was looking forward to reading this book to see what could lead me to "spark my dream." However, I was a little disappointed to find that the religious aspect of the book seems to overpower its self-help aspect.

[DANAWEB]

Most of the readers who are following Christianity will find it very easy to follow the religious quotes as well as practical tips suggested in the book. Even though these quotes are excessively used in the book, the readers who are only looking at the content of the book and those who are trying to understand what the author wants to convey will not find it difficult to understand.

[Ahbed Nadir]

I feel that the author was writing towards a Christian audience, but it can still be applied to the lives of non believers as well. The Christian lifestyle is something that is guided by God and as such I feel that the author was trying to show that following God will ultimately lead to achievement of your dreams. It isn't too religious but if you think its much, then perhaps it just isn't for you.

[Asma Aisha Ansari]

There's no doubt that this self-help book will appeal more to Christians than non-Christians. As a non-Christian and a non-religious person, I was being reminded about the importance of religious faith more often than what's necessary. The author relies too much on belief in God/Christ to convince his readers to understand simple concepts around dreaming and living a meaningful and productive life. To work around this issue, I just replaced God with a friend or a role model wherever possible. And it does work. In fact, the author has himself asked us, in part 1 lesson 8, to value friends and friendships. Besides, in part 1 lesson 1, 'Sit for a spell', he has written 'You might hear something important if you sit for a spell. With a neighbor, with a friend, with your loved one, with God, even.'

[PJfiremeyer22]

@smolbird I really appreciate your insights. This was a HUGE struggle for me when I was writing this book. In trying to be true to myself (I am a dedicated follower of Jesus), I may have alienated some of the people I really wanted this book to help. I was writing this from my perspective and wanted it to be personal, while at the same time hoping that the principles in the book could help anyone. In fact, I am doing just that with my Dream Accelerator Coaching Program. And, my companion book "The Dream Primer" which is about to be released is much less "religious". Thanks again for the honesty of your comment/ post. I appreciate it.

[_claudi_]

I don't mind really, it's the message being passed across that really matters. So the religious part of the book is just the author's way of buttressing his point

[jaym_tan]

I think it might put off some readers because it focused too much on the Christian aspect. But it can still be helpful for those who really need it.

[cd20]

I feel that the author did a good job of balancing his points and the religious aspects. Especially in the try this section, you don't have to be a religious person to figure out what causes you fear, or thinking on positive thoughts. The author states in the foreword that you don't have to read the whole book, or even read it in order, you can simply read the sections that pertain to you most. I can see how you would be disappointed by the title that this is more of a "religious" book. Even reading the synopsis of the book does not show that it is a religious book, and I feel that somewhere it should as much as the author promotes God, for those who would prefer not to have that aspect in the books they read. I see your points, they are valid.

[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

As an unambitious person, I was looking forward to reading this book to see what could lead me to "spark my dream." However, I was a little disappointed to find that the religious aspect of the book seems to overpower its self-help aspect. A lot of times, it felt like the book was more focused on Christian living rather than inspiring readers to dream. Additionally, I thought that it would have been better if the "Try This" sections were designed so that both religious and non-religious readers could do them. Do you have a different opinion?

I have to agree with you. Even though I'm religious, it bothers me when a non-religious book sneaks this kind of content. I'm thinking not only about non-believers but in people of different faiths. Not everyone is a Christian, and many authors don't consider that. Although, I know they mean well...

[kdstrack]

I admired the author for being honest about his beliefs. He did quote quite a few sections from the Bible, but he is compassionate about the Bible being the foundation of his dreams. I have read many self-help books. It was refreshing to note that the author encourages people to find motivation outside of themselves. Readers are motivated to follow their "God-given vision" (p. 20).