Official Review: Perspectives: Book 1 - What Does God Want?

kdstrack · Post by **kdstrack** » 23 Aug 2018, 17:43

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Perspectives: Book 1 - What Does God Want?" by Walker James.]

3 out of 4 stars

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Has your life's situation made you feel like your heart was breaking? Did you believe God himself created your painful situation? The author recounts his spiritual journey through some demanding hardships. He wants all people to know they are loved, come what may. Your circumstances cannot stop God from loving you.

Walker James recounts the story of his spiritual journey from anger to acceptance, from acceptance to joy. He celebrated the birth of his first son. His precious child had a rare medical condition. His second son exhibited the same symptoms. Walker articulates his profound anger against God. He blamed God for sending him this crushing burden. A person could understand one child with a rare medical condition. But two? What was God thinking? He refused to talk to God for twelve years.

In Perspectives: Book 1, What Does God Want?, Walker James tells the story of how his anger became joy. He explains the concept of perspective in your spiritual life. He reassures readers that God welcomes all questions. Chapter three provides a helpful explanation of the distinction between the finite and the infinite. He explains how doubt differs from unbelief.

The text includes extensive sections of theological reflection. The author frequently references Bible verses and different Christian authors. Each chapter presents important truths defined as perspectives. These are numbered, indented and printed in red. The author compiles all the perspectives at the conclusion of that chapter. The text indents the Bible verses and prints these in blue.

I enjoyed Walker’s honesty and transparency. His heartbreaking story, and how he triumphed over these trying circumstances, inspires and motivates. The photos impact the reader.

I did not like one detail where, I believe, the author’s pedagogy was inconsistent. He repeatedly affirms that there is only one thing a person must do. You must accept Christ. Yet, this is not considered to be a work. How can something that I “must do” not be a work? It would have been more consistent to state, “Christ has done His work. This is the work that you must do.”

I also wondered why the forward and the introduction are at the end of the book.

I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. It is a compelling and well-written book. Readers who like spiritual books will enjoy this first book in a ten book series. God wants to have a relationship with you. Do you want a relationship with Him?

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Perspectives: Book 1 - What Does God Want?
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Post by **kandscreeley** » 29 Aug 2018, 12:47

You know, my husband and I are going through a rather difficult time at the moment. He even more than I is very angry with God. I've been looking for something that might help. This very well may be the book that I need. Thanks for the review. And, thanks to the author for telling us of his experiences. Perhaps we can learn from them. I'm off to Amazon to get a sample of the book. Thanks!

kdstrack · Post by **kdstrack** » 29 Aug 2018, 12:54

kandscreeley wrote: ↑29 Aug 2018, 12:47 You know, my husband and I are going through a rather difficult time at the moment. He even more than I is very angry with God. I've been looking for something that might help. This very well may be the book that I need. Thanks for the review. And, thanks to the author for telling us of his experiences. Perhaps we can learn from them. I'm off to Amazon to get a sample of the book. Thanks!

Hope this helps. This is only the first of a 10-book series. Hopefully, the others will be out soon!

Mindy Conahye · Post by **Mindy Conahye** » 29 Aug 2018, 13:28

This sounds like a good book in my opinion. I think a lot of people struggle and when they do, they blame God for letting it happen. It appears that's what the author did, but then he worked through it. I'd like reading his story and what he went through to get where he is. Your review is very thorough.

kdstrack · Post by **kdstrack** » 29 Aug 2018, 14:25

mac83 wrote: ↑29 Aug 2018, 13:28 This sounds like a good book in my opinion. I think a lot of people struggle and when they do, they blame God for letting it happen. It appears that's what the author did, but then he worked through it. I'd like reading his story and what he went through to get where he is. Your review is very thorough.

The author does a good job of explaining all that he went through. It was very moving.

AmySmiles · Post by **AmySmiles** » 29 Aug 2018, 15:52

I have a tendency to blame God or be mad at God for things. Especially in something that I'm dealing with right now. I'll look into this book. Thanks for the review.

Cecilia_L · Post by **Cecilia_L** » 29 Aug 2018, 15:56

Has your life's situation made you feel like your heart was breaking? Did you believe God himself created your painful situation? The author recounts his spiritual journey through some demanding hardships. He wants all people to know they are loved, come what may. Your circumstances cannot stop God from loving you.

I think anyone who believes in God has struggled with this issue at one time or another. I also believe sharing our struggles with one another can be a great source of encouragement. From your review, it sounds like the author has done a great job of doing this. Excellent review!

kdstrack · Post by **kdstrack** » 29 Aug 2018, 17:43

AmySmiles wrote: ↑29 Aug 2018, 15:52 I have a tendency to blame God or be mad at God for things. Especially in something that I'm dealing with right now. I'll look into this book. Thanks for the review.

Sounds like you identify with the author. Hope you like the book.

kdstrack · Post by **kdstrack** » 29 Aug 2018, 17:44

Cecilia_L wrote: ↑29 Aug 2018, 15:56
Has your life's situation made you feel like your heart was breaking? Did you believe God himself created your painful situation? The author recounts his spiritual journey through some demanding hardships. He wants all people to know they are loved, come what may. Your circumstances cannot stop God from loving you.
I think anyone who believes in God has struggled with this issue at one time or another. I also believe sharing our struggles with one another can be a great source of encouragement. From your review, it sounds like the author has done a great job of doing this. Excellent review!

Yes, he did an excellent job. Thanks for reading.

Britty01 · Post by **Britty01** » 29 Aug 2018, 18:28

kdstrack wrote: ↑23 Aug 2018, 17:43 I did not like one detail where, I believe, the author’s pedagogy was inconsistent. He repeatedly affirms that there is only one thing a person must do. You must accept Christ. Yet, this is not considered to be a work. How can something that I “must do” not be a work? It would have been more consistent to state, “Christ has done His work. This is the work that you must do.”

I enjoyed reading this thoughtful review and I can understand your thoughts on this. I also can understand his point of view. Some theological aspects take a bit of working through.

Other than that it seems like this book would be helpful for those who are facing difficult times and struggling with their belief or feeling angry with God.

Thanks for a great review.

crediblereading2 · Post by **crediblereading2** » 29 Aug 2018, 20:52

God wants us to love him unconditionally no matter what trials may come our way. We must, therefore, pray for spiritual strength to overcome these situations. He will bless us for our loyalty to him during such times. Thank you for your comprehensive review.

kdstrack · Post by **kdstrack** » 29 Aug 2018, 21:56

Britty01 wrote: ↑29 Aug 2018, 18:28
kdstrack wrote: ↑23 Aug 2018, 17:43 I did not like one detail where, I believe, the author’s pedagogy was inconsistent. He repeatedly affirms that there is only one thing a person must do. You must accept Christ. Yet, this is not considered to be a work. How can something that I “must do” not be a work? It would have been more consistent to state, “Christ has done His work. This is the work that you must do.”

I enjoyed reading this thoughtful review and I can understand your thoughts on this. I also can understand his point of view. Some theological aspects take a bit of working through.

Other than that it seems like this book would be helpful for those who are facing difficult times and struggling with their belief or feeling angry with God.

Thanks for a great review.

Thanks for your thoughtful comments.

kdstrack · Post by **kdstrack** » 29 Aug 2018, 21:57

crediblereading2 wrote: ↑29 Aug 2018, 20:52 God wants us to love him unconditionally no matter what trials may come our way. We must, therefore, pray for spiritual strength to overcome these situations. He will bless us for our loyalty to him during such times. Thank you for your comprehensive review.

I think this is what the author tries to convey in his story. But, it was something he had to learn. It did not come naturally.

Jackie Holycross · Post by **Jackie Holycross** » 29 Aug 2018, 22:44

This is such a classic question - why does God let people suffer? I always like hearing well thought out answers.

kdstrack · Post by **kdstrack** » 30 Aug 2018, 08:09

teacherjh wrote: ↑29 Aug 2018, 22:44 This is such a classic question - why does God let people suffer? I always like hearing well thought out answers.

The author presents a unique response to this precise question. He bases it on the title of his book: perspective. Is it God who lets people suffer or can suffering be understood from a different perspective? He explains all this in his book.