Official Review: Good People Go To Hell, Bad people Go To...
Posted: 06 Mar 2019, 15:04
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Good People Go To Hell, Bad people Go To Heaven" by Bernard Champagne & Jay McCurtten.]

4 out of 4 stars
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Good People Go To Hell, Bad People Go To Heaven was an interesting look at religion. The unique title of the book grabbed my attention. Religious guidance is provided using a question-and-answer format. It is co-authored by Jay McCurtten and Father Bernard Champagne. Mr. McCurtten questions Father Bernard about his views on life and death. Father Bernard’s responses are direct and never sugar-coated. He details the teachings of the Catholic Church and his opinion on the current state of religion. He is very passionate about religion and the lack daily prayer in society today.
The core advice provided in this book is to develop a personal relationship with Christ by spending more than one hour a week with him. Father Bernard is critical of people who only attend church on Sunday and believe they have met their religious requirements. Daily mental prayer is recommended to begin a spiritual journey. Instead of engaging in formal prayers, he believes people should speak to God as they would speak to a friend. The book emphasizes the need for a personal relationship with God. In defending the title, the authors state that bad people acknowledge their sins by going to confession and striving to improve themselves. Good people don’t believe they have anything to confess or improve upon. Father Bernard repeatedly stated that we are all sinners and need to confess our sins. We all need to have a relationship with God daily, not only when it is convenient for us.
Initially, I was offended by the title of this book. I wasn’t sure the information it contained would align with my beliefs. However, after reading the book, I appreciate the message it provides. Although I felt that the message was harsh at times, I appreciate the knowledge gained from this book. I have often found myself lamenting that I don’t have time for mass every Sunday or other spiritual pursuits. This book identifies that as an excuse for laziness. If I have time to watch television or waste time in other ways, then I can make time for something as significant as religion. Daily prayer and reflection can be done at any time during the day and shouldn’t be confined to mass on Sundays.
I also benefitted from the idea that, through a personal relationship with God, we can relieve some of the stress and worry that occupies our time. When faced with a crisis or dilemma that overwhelms us, we should place the problem in the hands of God and have faith that it will be resolved. This is especially helpful in situations that we have no control over. To place the issue in God’s hands provides comfort in times of stress or sorrow. This seems like good advice for people that feel lost or overwhelmed in a situation.
This book was extremely well-written. The question-and-answer format was beneficial because difficult questions were raised and answered in a direct manner. Father Bernard did not hesitate to tackle difficult subjects. I read this book in one sitting. I found the topic and writing style to be interesting and informative. Although the advice was harsh at times, I give this book a rating of 4 out of 4 stars. I believe it was professionally edited because there were only two typographical errors. These errors did not distract me from the book. I would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in religion. I would also recommend this book to anyone interested in beginning a spiritual journey. The book provides advice and recommendations on books and daily prayers.
******
Good People Go To Hell, Bad people Go To Heaven
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
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4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
Good People Go To Hell, Bad People Go To Heaven was an interesting look at religion. The unique title of the book grabbed my attention. Religious guidance is provided using a question-and-answer format. It is co-authored by Jay McCurtten and Father Bernard Champagne. Mr. McCurtten questions Father Bernard about his views on life and death. Father Bernard’s responses are direct and never sugar-coated. He details the teachings of the Catholic Church and his opinion on the current state of religion. He is very passionate about religion and the lack daily prayer in society today.
The core advice provided in this book is to develop a personal relationship with Christ by spending more than one hour a week with him. Father Bernard is critical of people who only attend church on Sunday and believe they have met their religious requirements. Daily mental prayer is recommended to begin a spiritual journey. Instead of engaging in formal prayers, he believes people should speak to God as they would speak to a friend. The book emphasizes the need for a personal relationship with God. In defending the title, the authors state that bad people acknowledge their sins by going to confession and striving to improve themselves. Good people don’t believe they have anything to confess or improve upon. Father Bernard repeatedly stated that we are all sinners and need to confess our sins. We all need to have a relationship with God daily, not only when it is convenient for us.
Initially, I was offended by the title of this book. I wasn’t sure the information it contained would align with my beliefs. However, after reading the book, I appreciate the message it provides. Although I felt that the message was harsh at times, I appreciate the knowledge gained from this book. I have often found myself lamenting that I don’t have time for mass every Sunday or other spiritual pursuits. This book identifies that as an excuse for laziness. If I have time to watch television or waste time in other ways, then I can make time for something as significant as religion. Daily prayer and reflection can be done at any time during the day and shouldn’t be confined to mass on Sundays.
I also benefitted from the idea that, through a personal relationship with God, we can relieve some of the stress and worry that occupies our time. When faced with a crisis or dilemma that overwhelms us, we should place the problem in the hands of God and have faith that it will be resolved. This is especially helpful in situations that we have no control over. To place the issue in God’s hands provides comfort in times of stress or sorrow. This seems like good advice for people that feel lost or overwhelmed in a situation.
This book was extremely well-written. The question-and-answer format was beneficial because difficult questions were raised and answered in a direct manner. Father Bernard did not hesitate to tackle difficult subjects. I read this book in one sitting. I found the topic and writing style to be interesting and informative. Although the advice was harsh at times, I give this book a rating of 4 out of 4 stars. I believe it was professionally edited because there were only two typographical errors. These errors did not distract me from the book. I would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in religion. I would also recommend this book to anyone interested in beginning a spiritual journey. The book provides advice and recommendations on books and daily prayers.
******
Good People Go To Hell, Bad people Go To Heaven
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like Theresam's review? Post a comment saying so!