Official Review: God Versus The Idea of God

[geoffrey ngoima]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "God Versus The Idea of God" by Thomas Richard Harry.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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We agree on nothing in this world, especially on religious matters. The writer, through first-person narration, directs us to hold the position of agnostics (people who believe that nothing is known or can be known of the existence/nature of God or of anything beyond physical phenomena) i.e., put aside all inclinations we might be harboring for a spell as we delve into this book. He warns that due to the expanding and accumulating knowledge,

Science has begun to cast doubt on biblical ‘truths’,

and the Church needs to pause and think about what it is preaching today.

God Versus the Idea of God: Divinity is what we think, Faith is what we Experience by Thomas Richard Harry is a religious non-fiction book published by Balboa press on September 2017. It is just 200 Standard Pages long and talks about issues such as the Jesus phenomenon, the purpose of God, the church’s continuing role for man’s non-material needs, and,

Does Jesus equal God?

Through the aforementioned issues, Thomas tackles the central question and conundrum in the book, God versus the idea of God. He says that the idea of God is to cater for the yearning of mankind. The objective abstract notion of God is subjective to humans. He clarifies this by asking,

How can the imperfect comprehend the perfect?

He is careful not to lean so much on one side of the argument. He uses the saying,

I believe so as to understand,

to declare that he does not have the faith to blindly believe the,

Prepositions underlying the Western Christian God argument (virgin birth, incarnation, transfiguration, transubstantiation, bodily resurrection, the efficacy [efficiency] of prayer, the…basic pillars of the faith…

God, to Thomas,

Is a divinity considered the Supreme Being, the Creator, and Ruler of the universe;

something man is unable to imagine. He does not mean a deified object or person.

Such Supreme Beings have historically assumed various forms, expressions, or characteristics for various people in various cultures…every culture develops its own God.

What does that mean for the cultures that hold Jesus as God? The plot thickens and it would take a lot of space to expound on that. You would have to get the book for that and more.

He asks hard and very interesting questions that many of us have asked ourselves from within,

If we were made in God’s image, how could we be bad? I know, yes, “evil” entered the world… From where? How?

He presents interesting notions I personally and increasingly see developing with the boom of knowledge.

The writer, like me, mostly employs the use of compound sentences which holds more poignancy in the book. He made interesting and strong suggestions that ought to be seriously considered. He says that people have begun and will continue to lose credulity (willingness to believe in someone or something in the absence of real proof) under the current and future expectations.

He says some controversial things that many would strongly argue against. Many would even say he is misrepresenting and misinterpreting the Word of God and conclude that he lacks in-depth knowledge of the Bible.I personally have doubts about what is being preached out there but I also found myself having some doubts about what Thomas was presenting, but as he alludes, maybe tomorrow we might think differently. The book was well edited apart from some minor issues. I gave the book a rating of 3 out of 4 stars and would strongly recommend it to both religious and non-religious people.

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God Versus The Idea of God
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[juliusotinyo]

In my personal quest in self discovery I contemplated the title of this review a lot. Mostly driven by old almanacs from a past relative. I wish to engage further in this from reading this book. Great review.

[geoffrey ngoima]

In my personal quest in self discovery I contemplated the title of this review a lot. Mostly driven by old almanacs from a past relative. I wish to engage further in this from reading this book. Great review.

Okay, pls do. And I've learnt a new word (almanac) today, thank you!

[juliusotinyo]

You sure? I've read a number of your​ reviews, your use of vocabulary is way above my own!

[geoffrey ngoima]

You sure? I've read a number of your​ reviews, your use of vocabulary is way above my own!

I'd say the same here, ...we probably underestimate... (though the editor score system here sucks majorly if you ask me)

[juliusotinyo]

You sure? I've read a number of your​ reviews, your use of vocabulary is way above my own!

I'd say the same here, ...we probably underestimate... (though the editor score system here sucks majorly if you ask me)

Yeah, blows... I have this personal style that sells elsewhere except with some adjudicators here ?

I guess taking criticism is not borne overnight. Steep learning curve for me, I'd say. Great work though, I try and measure up sometimes

[geoffrey ngoima]

You sure? I've read a number of your​ reviews, your use of vocabulary is way above my own!

I'd say the same here, ...we probably underestimate... (though the editor score system here sucks majorly if you ask me)

Yeah, blows... I have this personal style that sells elsewhere except with some adjudicators here ?

I guess taking criticism is not borne overnight. Steep learning curve for me, I'd say. Great work though, I try and measure up sometimes

It's true, ukienda kwa wenyewe unakaa venye wanataka, there's nothing much you can do

[Manang Muyang]

Hi, Geoffrey Ngoima! So this is the book you had technical problems with. I picked it before you did (the download didn't work, as you also know), but Scott put me out of my misery by canceling it. I got another book but have yet to submit my review. I hope you look out for it; I think Divine Providence intervened.

You always get to pick books that challenge religious beliefs. I do not know if I have the courage to wade through those.

Insightful review!

P.S. Grammar is a turbulent sea; even the experts contradict each other.

[kandscreeley]

I'm unsure about this book. I'll look into it further, but I'm not sure it's for me. Good review, though.

[geoffrey ngoima]

Hi, Geoffrey Ngoima! So this is the book you had technical problems with. I picked it before you did (the download didn't work, as you also know), but Scott put me out of my misery by canceling it. I got another book but have yet to submit my review. I hope you look out for it; I think Divine Providence intervened.

You always get to pick books that challenge religious beliefs. I do not know if I have the courage to wade through those.

Insightful review!

P.S. Grammar is a turbulent sea; even the experts contradict each other.

@Miriam,... Hi! Haha, yeah, grammar, right? You haven't heard my mind about that yet, but God's so great even with me 1 level down. I get that they get so heaVy, it's like you're battling something within yourself...
No, this wasn't that book, actually, I did a review (unpublished) then this one, (a lot of time on me hands) ... It had an issue?? Wow, maybe God wanted mE to review it/divine providence! Or not. I must have gotten to it aFter a workable format was brought forth.
Thank you!

@kandscreeley... It's really sth, ... Thank you.

[kislany]

I'm not sure how I feel about this book, it might not be for more. I did enjoy your review (I always do). I've noticed that your reviews are often on religions and sometimes controversial topics. I don't think I could tackle them as smoothly as you do. Kudos.

[Reuben 92]

This one sounds very intriguing! Lots to think about. Thanks for a great analysis

[geoffrey ngoima]

I'm not sure how I feel about this book, it might not be for more. I did enjoy your review (I always do). I've noticed that your reviews are often on religions and sometimes controversial topics. I don't think I could tackle them as smoothly as you do. Kudos.

Yeah, they tend to inspire sweat on my armpits... thank you, ...

-- 01 Oct 2017, 07:52 --

This one sounds very intriguing! Lots to think about. Thanks for a great analysis

Thanks, & you're welcome

[Cloe101]

I always like your review, Geoff, this one you've nicely summarized. I agree religion is a touchy matter, I'll think about this one, it looks neat.

[Marylynn]

I love your review though i don't think i would read the book because i don't question religion. It is nice to know that the author is lenient in his arguments. Thanks for the review.