Religious Background

[wmeki510]

In my own opinion, I would say the important thing to look out for is how practical and realistic the religious texts being quoted to support some points in self-help books are. The religious background, for me, should not be the main thing. There are many wise and beneficial messages and quotes contained in many religious books. Hence, the relevance of the religious texts and quotes should be considered and utilized, and not the religious background.

[Rob White]

As the author of this book, I an interested when someone feels I make too much of "The Maestro," like that part of us is super human. I absolutely understand that being a human being includes having limits, and if I seem to have indicated that there are no limits when one is "The Maestro," I apologize.

What I most want to convey is, "Don't let others set limits on your life." Set your own limits, and test them, and set higher limits and test them again. For out of that intense curiosity will arise the 'real deal,' and you'll discover that is much more to you than you ever thought was possible.

Thank you for pointing these things out to me Rob

[Sarah Sonbol]

What I most want to convey is, "Don't let others set limits on your life." Set your own limits, and test them, and set higher limits and test them again.

I really liked that and I appreciate it very much. It's great that we keep trying as long as we are still alife.

[n3stl3y_]

The biblical references didn’t really affect the book negatively. I believe the author just used them to further explain his point .

[Ndicka99]

The answer to this will depend particular on the nature of the readers who decide to pick up this book. I doubt that atheists will find it pleasurable or motivation that a self-help book like this is anchored on the Bible.

[Arianne Joy Melendres]

I'm agnostic and found it distracting to see verses from the Bible (especially as an agnostic that strayed away from it), but I do understand where all of it comes from. Regardless, I'd still be more comfortable to pick up a self-help book and not find any sort of religious content.

[ellimctreph]

The religious doctrine didn't hurt my image of the book, but I do think that religion and self-help books align in the virtues they talk about. They fall under the same umbrella and you can very easily related one to the other.

[Ola_Elise]

This book was designed with a specific audience in mind, which is Christianity. Non-Christians may enjoy the book for its various insights, but non-believers are unlikely to read it if they realize it is based on scripture. I admire Rob's use of the scriptures in a non-stereotypical Christian manner. 

[Fanny Lebura Ueh]

I think religious quotes and scriptures limit the audience for self-help books. Everyone is battling with an imposter, but not everyone is a Christian.

[Jenny Matthews]

I'm a christian and loved the texts culled form the Bible. But realistically speaking, the Bible contains truths that can be universally applied. I read self-help books and even books from other religions and I see similar truths revealed. Even when I look at the lives of successful people throughout history, they seemed to have these truths in operation in their lives. So, I would say the texts can be applied by anyone.

[ReviewerDiksha]

The use of references from the Bible does give it a better foundation for Christian readers. To an extent, it does make sense that a believer of another faith would not feel familiar with these points, though this doesn't mean they'll entirely miss the point. There are some commonalities between different religions, and someone with an open mind will certainly find a way to understand the stuff said in the book.

[Sabu21]

Initially, I did not think the biblical references would limit the book's audience as the references were used alongside non-biblical illustrations. However, having read the opinions of other's on this platform, I understand how biblical or Christian references can be off putting to some, even if they do not necessarily disagree with the message. The reality is that every person has different experiences with and perceptions of religion. For instance, if a person does not believe the Bible to be true, then it would be difficult for them to want to apply biblical principles to their everyday life as they may question their validity. Some people view organized religion as oppressive and may also not feel comfortable with the biblical references, even if there are also non-religious references. For this reason, the audience is somewhat limited, but, as another reviewer pointed out, that is not necessarily a bad thing - every book has a audience; every book has people that will not necessarily relate to it.

[Maris Charles M]

For those of us that are christian making references from the bible provides more inspiration and hope. However, i think people who don't have the same belief may find it offensive and this may put them off.

[Nwankwo GC]

There are strong lessons to pick from the book regardless of a person's religion but I think Muslims will appreciate the book a little less because of the references to the Bible.

[Kuchi Mercy]

I think irrespective of the authority cited in the book, truth remains truth, and would be identified by those who value it. Unless, if persons from other religious backgrounds have personal issues with the religious book the author referenced, it should not prevent them from picking one or two valuable lessons.