Review of Questioning Spirituality

[Josephe-Anne]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Questioning Spirituality" by Eldon Taylor.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Have you ever felt that your faith was at odds with science? Do you feel like you have to choose one over the other? In his non-fiction book, Questioning Spirituality, Eldon Taylor explores the notion that both concepts contradict each other. Mr. Taylor approaches the topic by presenting different sides of the argument. He analyzes mankind’s belief in a higher power from the perspective of atheists, agnostics, and religious believers. As an interdenominational minister, he does not enforce any particular religion’s doctrines onto his audience. Instead, he expresses his own opinions while letting the reader decide which path he/she wishes to take.

Quite fittingly, the cover design features an image of space. The purple, black, and yellow hues are not only visually appealing, but the starry heavens compel us to ponder the nature of the universe. The yellow and white title font also provides a nice complement/contrast effect against the darker background. The themes of this book are spirituality, religion, science, and philosophy. The text is divided into three parts; each part focuses on a different point of view. The nineteen chapters present arguments and evidence to support or deny the claims of spiritual people, agnostics, and atheists. Each chapter begins with a quote that is relevant to that section’s content. There is some advanced vocabulary, but for the most part, the author’s writing style is conversational and easy to understand. This book does not contain any foul, lewd, or violent language.

I appreciated the fact that Mr. Taylor researched all of the information he provided. He referenced many scientific studies to back up his claims. I learned a lot while reading this fascinating book. I was introduced to the field of neurotheology for the first time. Scientists in this field study the relationship between the human brain and our propensity to adhere to religious beliefs. Mr. Taylor pointed out the fact that many members of Generation X and millennials are seeking to join religious orders to find meaning in their unfulfilling lives. As a millennial myself, I agree that many people who are part of these cohorts are searching for deeper meaning beyond the physical realm. I also liked the fact that the author included a list of exercises that are meant to improve one’s overall health and well-being.

The only issue I had with this book is the way the author seemed to lump in agnostics with atheists. He seemed to have believers on one side versus atheists and agnostics on the other. I think those two groups have very different points of view. Atheists blatantly oppose the notion of a God or a higher power. However, agnostics seem to sit on the fence; they are not convinced that religious/spiritual people or atheists have enough proof to say that a higher power does or does not exist for certain.

Apart from that issue, this is a thought-provoking book that had me questioning my own beliefs and perceptions about life and the afterlife. Therefore, I have decided to give Questioning Spirituality by Eldon Taylor a rating of five out of five stars. I recommend this book to anyone who is open-minded regarding matters of philosophy and theology. Anyone with a passion for science will be interested in the numerous studies that were discussed. Many readers will also appreciate the self-help component near the end of the book.

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Questioning Spirituality
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[Charles Ashinze]

This is a thought provoking book. Although the author has his views and beliefs, I like that he presented the facts and did not force his views on the readers. The topic discussed is one that is very delicate and humans have pondered for all time.

[Ajibola Gabriel]

I love knowledge, but I also like a simple life. I separate science from spirituality because I have seen God defile science when necessary.

[Nqobile Mashinini Tshabalala]

I am fortunate to have learned early in life the power of God. No science can explain His wonders and mysteries. Would like to read the author's perspective on these two concepts.