Book Description
""Honest to God is not a textbook but rather an argument for a theological position. It is an important position, and Robinson has performed a long overdue task in presenting the position in a form which can be easily read and understood.'--Kenneth D. Freeman, The North American Review
Customer Reviews:
A Mind Stretch.......2007-10-06
For anyone who is a little tired of the old explanations given by the churches about God and existence, this little book written in the sixties is thought provoking and stretches the mind to places where you never thought it would. This book was way ahead of its time in history. A stimulating read.
Honest to God.......2007-08-23
This book is "must reading" for anyone who has even a passing interest in Christianity.
A man with great ideas . . . .......2006-06-02
Robinson's career suffered because of the publication of this book. However, since its publication, Honest to God has become a cornerstone of progressive and liberal Christianity. It has inspired men like John Spong and had been a great building block for non-theistic Christianity.
Much of the work is direct quotation of Tillich and Bonhoeffer. Nonetheless, Robinson seems to summarize their ideas very well and even does a decent job expanding upon these ideas. (I feel that I should note, though it was written for laymen, it is still difficult to read unless one really loves the subject matter.)
Many of his ideas would be considered heresy by many fundamentalists and evangelicals. If he were not clergy, he would have probably been immediately dismissed. But his title gives his work a profound level of credibility.
Robinson was a brave man and so were his ideas. Great ideas are always condemned at first, then eventually accepted, then treated as if they always were. I believe that one day, through the works of new progressive Christians, we will reach a place where the ideas Robinson put worth `always were.'
EVERYBODY READ THIS!!!!.......2006-02-06
This book must be read about 5 times to get a lot out of it. Not only is it a excellent book in its own right, and just as pertinent today as when it was written (if not more so), it is also a great introduction to 3 of the most influential Christian thinkers of this century: Tillich, Bonhoeffer, and Bultmann. Robinson has been criticized for not including Barth, and perhaps rightly so, but even without his influence, the book is substantial, especially for one of such brevity. Every chapter is full of insightful observations and important questions which demand to be grappled with. This author does a brilliant job tackling them, inviting the reader to honestly think through them with him. A MUST READ!!!
Still Controversial, Four Decades Later .......2005-07-24
"If Bonhoeffer's radicalism is a trifle suspect, there can be no doubt about that of the bishop of Woolwich. Even so it was a radicalism that came fully into the open only relatively late." Colin Brown
Honest to God, still alive!
Whatever the late Bishop of Woolwich intended, it was in true honesty to the Church he served, and the audience he came to address, even though it was not clear then, how faithful was he to the traditional ways of expression when thinking about the Lord he was honest to.
If there is anything to be said, in retrospective, about this book rests with the fact that it is still controversial. In these postmodern days, of applying reconstruction tools, for the redefinition of the meaning of faith.
Inspiration into Honesty:
The bishop, wrote his radical thesis while confined to his house due to a back injury that stranded for some weeks. His book was inspired by the same thinkers who were favorite to both and most mid century generation of theologians: Barth, Tillich, and Bonhoeffer. Although what Robinson wrote came fully into the open causing a turmoil, it was preceded by the then recently published 'Beyond Religion,' written by D. Jenkins. Robinson further enriched the clash with supporting quotations from Catholic liberation leaders of 'La Nouvelle Theologie,' De Lubac, and Congar, in addition to his favorite existential Jewish philosopher M. Buber.
Robinson's Radical theology:
Within the postmodern worldview, there is no secure place for institutional religion, the ground on which the concept of God prevailed has gradually eroded. With the explosion of scientific discoveries, and their dominant secular interpretation, the Bishop's inquiry on the "place does God have in my life or in society today?" urging for a radical new methodology in Christian thinking, caused a lot of uncertainty.
"Admittedly, the Bishop did not say much that was new. Much of it was straightforward nineteenth century radicalism, brought up to date by the language of Bultmann, Tillich and Bonhoeffer who are treated as the three wise men of twentieth century theology. the novelty lay partly in the fact that here someone bringing the three together for the first time, and trying to make a synthesis out of them," (Philosophy& the Christian Faith)
A Controversial Theology Book:
No-one ever imagined a thin paperback written by an unassuming English bishop while recovering from illness would become one of the most talked about theological books of the turbulent 1960s. ... But why did the book generate so much public interest and what are we to make of its impact after forty years? Perhaps more than anything else, Honest to God was a product of its time: traditions were questioned, orthodoxy was challenged and norms of behavior disregarded. 1963 marked the beginning of declining church attendance and widespread religious indifference. It was this trend to which Robinson and like-minded theologians sought to respond. They launched what was dubbed the "Death of God" movement with the popular success of Honest to God elevating Robinson to its leadership. (Tom Frame)
H/2 God Debate:
The independent minded biblical interpreter that was liberal in his 'Study in Pauline theology' and 'Jesus and his coming,' his radicalism was only evident in retrospect. He took his readable theology in plain English to the lay Sunday newspaper audience. The Bishop has created a tsunami wave of debates. Robinson wanted to relocate God deep in the human conscience rather than "above and beyond the world," claiming that God was not resided elsewhere, He is still indeed radically transcendent.
Soon after, that slim book was being discussed everywhere, by all the Byzantine minded lay theologians, while members of the organized religious institutions took the case to condemn or few times supports the Bishop, who by definition of his office discerns the reality of the faith of the Church. These articles were gathered, edited, and printed in a book entitled, "The Honest to God Debate, including the Church of England, C. S. Lewis, R. P. Hanson, and R. Bultmann. J. Robinson commented, complementing the positive reaction, writing under the subheading: Theology and the public, "It is a safe assumption that a best seller tells one more about the state of the market than the quality of the product!"
John A. T. Robinson
The author was an outstanding thinker who wrote 25 books, of which honest to God was one of his early writings. He came to the lime light when he disagreed to a ban on lady Chatterley's Lover in Britain. He quotes D.H. Lawrence, 'The plumed serpent' in ch.6; (The new Morality). The greatest impact of this slim book which revealed no breaking discoveries, was only its promotion of the essential tension in religious thinking between tradition and change, (Ch.1: Reluctant Revolution) .
Book Description
This analysis of the inconsistencies in the lifestyle of today's Christians is accompanied by specific examples and discussion of how Christians can restore authentic Christianity in their personal lives and thus nurture a troubled world.
Customer Reviews:
Finally! An honest approach to authentic Christianity!.......2007-04-11
Bill Hybel does a wonderful job of providing a step-by-step approach to authentic Christian living. I was utterly amazed at how easy it is for Christians to go from "keeping it real" to "real phony" from one moment to the next. We experience it every day, in our churches, in the workplace, and yes, even in our own homes. If you sense God's call to "come closer" and desire to live a life that will allow you the freedom to walk in love with Jesus on a daily basis, this book will provide you with the proper tools for building a solid, loving and HONEST relationship with God, others and yourself!
Good Introduction, But Get Your Meat Elsewhere!.......2004-12-24
In my humble opinion, Hybels has written what is a good introduction on becoming a real Christian. The book consists of about 200 pages and 14 chapters on different areas: marriage, money, evangelism, effective service, parenting, emotions, and other areas.
The book is a good primer for someone who wants a deeper walk with Jesus Christ. However, if you are looking for something with more substance, I recommend reading A.W. Tozer, Charles Spurgeon, Andrew Murray, Watchman Nee, Dwight Moody, Charles Stanley, C.S. Lewis, Charles Swindoll, Henry Blackaby, Ian Thomas, and others.
If the book creates a hunger for you to go deeper with Jesus, then the title has served its purpose. However, I would not recommend that you stay content with this title and instead pursue titles by the authors already mentioned.
Its worth the read.......2003-09-09
Bill Hybells challenges Christians to put away pretentious Christianity and begin to communicate with each other about who we are and where we are in Christ. The author contends that unless Christians do so, they will never experience the supernatural walk with a personal God. In a mere hundred and ninety-two pages, Hybells addresses over a dozen significant areas of the Christian life ranging from the role of male and female to physical fitness.
I tried not to like this book. Although I have tremendous respect for Mr. Hybells, I am not a big fan of his politics; yet, despite my reservations I was drawn to it. Hybells attempts to cover a significant amount of material in only a few pages. Whereas Honest to God cannot be called scholarly, it does serve its purpose in challenging the reader to live the authentic Christian life.
Since this book is a primer on spiritual authenticity, it lacked depth; and since Hybells wrote it, it was predictable. Like many of his earlier books, it follows the same format- personal stories or illustrations from his ministry, followed by teaching. Every chapter follows the same format, Yawn! One gets the impression the book is pasted together from a sermon series. Some of the chapters were amazingly brief and consequently, amazingly weak. In a mere thirteen pages we are told how to have an authentic marriage, it is an amazing feat. His chapter on the languages of love or not original with him, nor did he document that it was borrowed from another resource.
Although it is rather predictable and superficial, Hybells does convey with utter clarity what authentic Christianity is. Unless the church rediscovers spiritual authenticity, true renewal will remain an elusive goal at best.
This book is required reading for the devoted believer.......2002-05-12
Bill Hybels always manages to reach me where I live, and his practical advice on being honest with yourself, being honest with God, finding time and methods to pray, study God's word and journal has helped me immensely in my daily walk. I only wish that this book had been written and I had been made aware of it when I was a new believer.
Besides an NIV Bible, anything Bill writes, but particularly this book should be required reading for disciples.
Practical, Pertinent and Personally Powerful...A Must read!.......2002-03-17
I love Bill Hybels heart. He is so passionate about being real and Christlike - He has this wonderful bent for doing something useful with what he knows. I find his insights true to life and his suggestions to be field tested and generally useful. It seems he leaves few stones unturned in his quest for authenticity as he relates it to:
*The role of spiritual disciplines
*Womens liberation issues
*Understanding Masculinity
*Truth telling-in relationships
*Parenting
*Work
*Christian service
*Money
*Exercise
The strength of this book, in my estimation, is not in the "knowing" part of Christianity but rather the "doing". His focus is always about becoming something different from what we've learned - I admire and appreciate that so much.
I have found Hybels teaching to be particularly helpful in applying biblical principles to contemporary concerns and daily living that truly impact me.
I find his writing style to be encouraging, clear, theologically sound and generally devoid of "Churchy" language. In particular, I found the chapters in this book on:
"A new dimension in Spirituality",
"Truth-telling: pathway to authentic relationships" and
"Honest emotions",
particularly encouraging and useful in addressing particular needs in my own Christian walk. I believe this is a must read for folks, who like myself, desire a deeper spiritual walk and need help getting "traction" on our part in the maturity process.
I highly recommend this book, I believe it is a text you will come back to time and again.
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Book Description
Robert Ingersoll (1833—1899) is one of the great lost figures in United States history, all but forgotten at just the time America needs him most. An outspoken and unapologetic agnostic, fervent champion of the separation of church and state, and tireless advocate of the rights of women and African Americans, he drew enormous audiences in the late nineteenth century with his lectures on “freethought.” His admirers included Mark Twain and Thomas A. Edison, who said Ingersoll had “all the attributes of a perfect man” and went so far as to make an early recording of Ingersoll’s voice.
The publication of What’s God Got to Do with It? will return Robert Ingersoll and his ideas to American political discourse. Edited and with a biographical introduction by Pulitzer Prize winner Tim Page, this new popular collection of Ingersoll’s thought – distilled from the twelve-volume set of his works, his copious letters, and various newspaper interviews – promises to put Ingersoll back where he belongs, in the forefront of independent American thought.
Customer Reviews:
He freed a lot of minds........2007-09-10
So wrote editor Tim Page of Robert G. Ingersoll in the introduction to this short, easy to read book. Ingersoll was one of the intellectual giants of the second half of the 19th century. Sadly and tragically he is now all but forgotten. Known as The Great Agnostic, he spent his life pointing out hypocrisy, railing against injustice and ridiculing superstitious beliefs. As America's foremost practitioner of rational thought, he had the ear of many a President. Yet he remained always modest and never deviated from living a life characterized by kindness, love of humanity and generosity in all things.
Any writing or speech attributable to Robert Ingersoll is worth reading and rereading. And those contained in What's God Got to Do with It? are no exceptions. This collection consists of a number of short works on a wide range of subjects. Like his admiration for Robert Burns and Thomas Paine. The unfairness of tax exempt status for churches. The ugliness of corporeal punishment of children. The futility of prayer and fasting. Women's rights and much, much more.
For those unfamiliar with the humanistic philosophy of Robert Ingersoll, this book would be a fine place to start. America sorely needs another Ingersoll now more than ever. He was one of the greats.
A must read for all Americans who care about the constitution.......2007-01-09
If only more people had the guts to put the defense of the constitution ahead of their personal desires this country would be great forever. Robert Ingersoll is one of the greatest Americans of all time, and his words should be studied in every history class in America. Why aren't they? I will let you figure that out.
Short fast intro to Robert Ingersoll; whom I wish were around today .......2006-02-28
At only 130 pages or so - and short ones at that, this is not some massive tome by a guy who wrote 120 years years ago in flowery 19th century language that will sit on your shelf gathering dust.
You can chew this up in an afternoon - or a few afternoons, if you'd like to savor it more. And it's completely readable prose - no archaic Victorian language here.
In fact, the main thing that makes one realize that this book isn't contemporary writing is the lack of cynicism and snarkiness aimed at the other side; religious zealots that want to insert God into public policy, law, education and so on.
There's no bitterness here, no anger at what has been lost or could be lost in our society if we overthrow rational thought, enlightenment and science over for any 2000 year old magic book.
Ingersoll's points about why God is not mentioned in the US Constitution and why that was such a bold important step in the evolution of society is something that I wish every fundamentalist in America would read and consider.
Tim Page's non-sycophantic intro to Ingersoll is also well-done, pointing out how remarkable he was, even if his writings never produced the single polished gem that might have kept his works known a little more in the early 21st century.
It's a valuable book for any freethinker in America today; cheap, and well put together. Highly recommended.
Book Description
Identify the trappings of Christianity and trade them for a vibrant faith that integrates Christian values into your everyday life. Discover the inconsistent areas of your life, proven ways to align them with the teaching of the Bible, and find a new joy that comes from growing closer to God. (6 Sessions)
Book Description
A collection of the very best humorous poetry by James Kavanaugh.
Customer Reviews:
more Kavanaugh.......2001-10-26
Some excellent poetry, and I enjoyed the book. My only complaint is that some poems from other books he has written were also included in this book.
Book Description
This is a conversation between two great minds, exploring the possibilities of creating a world in which the truth is told, compassion is more important than the bottom line and how we can make a contribution to that vision.
Customer Reviews:
Honestly enlightened is Brad.......2004-07-13
Oh! Honest to God! A double self-referential synchronicity in the book & there is no such thing as chance!
After the page where Brad proclaimed 'The pope has been reading "Conversation with God"' & stole Neale punch line & they both were astonished that the press didn't give headlines to the new revelation from John Paul II, on July 28th 1999 (2 day from my birthday), when Paul proclaimed the experience of hell "is not a punishment inflicted by God from outside", instead put it in on page 36 of some newspaper.
There is my number, as pure miracle in shortened form, being mentioned twice, once within the page & as the page # with a difference of 100.
On the page following, the quote from the movie "Instinct" by Neale is worth restating. The main character had a would-be lawyer by the neck & kept on asking the would-be lawyer "What have you just now lost?", the would-be lawyer replied first "Control" then "Freedom" and after several attempts with threat of one last chance or his neck would be broken, the would-be lawyer finally writes "My illusions" and he was let go.
That story I declare, as an incarnation of the 6th & last Zen patriarch (plus Judas - the 13th in the last supper & Attila the Hun - known as the scourge of God by the Romans & Isoris - the Egyptian god of death, ect) is purely a modern Zen analogy.
Like Ken Keyes in his book 'Discovering the Secrets of Happiness", Brad is completely free to do unconditional honesty or transparency or love, while Neale still cannot 'let go' of his most important 0.1%, e.g. in Friendship with God, Neale chose not to be transparent about his relationship with 5 ex-wives & hiding behind the Fifth Amendment in order to protect their so-called privacy. An excuse is indeed a lie to one's self.
The same thing happened when I met Neale in early 1999 at a Natural Party's fund-raising & asked him, before the publication of FwG, "Why is the CwG series not in paperback?" Neale replied that it's in the hand of the publisher. Later he recanted by saying & wrote in my copy of CwG 3 "This book should be free". A lie to this day.
Furthermore, later on p.26 when FwG became published, God explicitly asked Neale "Why didn't you just make them (3 CwG series) available for free?" & Neale answered reluctantly with his 'own' excuses. More lies to God, nonetheless!
The CwG series became paperback by 2003 & too late to make the best-sellers list, so Harry Potter made it to further entrap our educational mass dis-illusion. So I observe that Neale, in this lifetime, is still a simple messenger (of God aka Oneness aka Alah aka Buddha aka etc, nonetheless) & not yet a master, like the few others mentioned in this review.
This book is a simple discussion between a master & a messenger. Indeed, one's own lie or truth when 'disowned' or 'let go' by facing them is simple mastery, no more excuses like taking the fifth or hiding between the veil of privacy.
The latter is exactly what Lisa hid herself behind too & in the end of the relationship after I reminded her numerous times at least not to lie anymore to others, she wanted to have a fake marriage with me in order to stay in the US for $2k. I simply asked her to give up her $100k penthouse, earned from her fake pregnancy to me, to my then girl friend. Lisa replied if I married her, the penthouse would be still joint-property, so there is no need to transfer title. Ha! How smart & materialistically addicted! 6 months after I let her out of my life.
On p.143 Werner Erhard - the father of Est & Forum - is mentioned as a brilliant mind, I experienced my first enlightenment while attending the Forum in 1996. I have read his biography of the same title & found out that Werner is certainly a modern Zen Master when he experienced enlightenment while driving on SF Golden brigde & realized he knew nothing & at that single moment understood everything. Alas! He chose like Neale not to face the consequences of his past lies & his daughter's face on. This is as best as I can tell why he chose to self-exile to Japan where I chose to meet him in 1999 in Osaka & proposed that I can help him bring a cut-down version of Forum for less into China & for him to be the 7th Zen patriarch. He chickened out.
In passing, The book's last section written after 911 was too light, both Brad & Neale were irresponsible by choosing to work within the current dictatorial & hierarchical governmental structure & simply adding more titles. They didn't think outside the box & their new age small circle. The only story enlightening there was, that of 92 year-old grand lady Doris Haddock & I thank Brad from the bottom of my heart to have chosen to go to prison for 7 hours in her place, although he was plenty rewarded by a kiss from that grand lady. So food for thought, why not get rid of the notion of national border, simply create a world leadership committee. This could include Doris or Brad & congresslady Barbara Lee - the only person both houses who voted against Bush's patriot act or Jimmy Carter & some other radically honest noble hearts.
A remarkably insightful book about transforming oneself.......2002-06-08
Accessibly co-written by Neale Donald Walsch and Brad Blanton, the respective authors of the "Conversations with God" series and the "Radical Honesty" series, Honest To God: A Change Of Heart That Can Change The World is a remarkably insightful book about transforming oneself by accepting honesty and learning to care about more than just oneself or a close inner circle of friends and family. Frank, straightforward discourse reveals the deception that most people embrace and shows a way out to a clearer, more enlightened, and more compassionate strain of thought. A powerful, moving book about self-improvement and the quest to reduce human suffering in the world, Honest To God is highly recommended reading for self-help, self-improvement reading lists and reference collections.
Setting an example for real dialog.......2002-04-24
This is a powerful book, by two courageous men about a subject we all crave and studiously avoid: honesty. Neale and Brad sometimes agree, and sometimes don't, but through their exchange we discover something more important than being right: we sit with them in an intimate demonstration of authentic dialog. These days, for many of us, life is no longer about following somebody, adopting a theology or an ism. The true teacher is the meeting, the honest open hearted inquiry into what is so. This book is not only about honesty, it demonstrates it too. You will be challenged to question your own answers.
Arjuna Ardagh
Author: Relaxing into Clear Seeing and How About Now
Founder: Living Essence Foundation.
The Eternal Conversation.......2002-04-21
This book is a must have for any person that values Love, Intamcy, Truth, and Liberation. One of the things that I love so much about this book is that it is not lofty and cerebral. This book is about the meat and grissel of living a "sensational" human life primarily by telling the truth. The conversation that Blanton and Walsch have penetrates some of the most devious ways we all excuse our own lying by withholding. These are the kind of conversations that I desire to have with the people in my life and this book offers a fantastic template for exactly that. If you have enjoyed Walsch's or Blanton's other books, do yourself a favor and add this one to the collection....you get the best of both their worlds.
Transcending the differences that "lie on the surface".......2002-04-18
It was inspiring and hopeful to witness honest dialogue between two committed human beings from different backgrounds, with different styles of communication, and different beliefs arrive at some simple but profound truths without compromising themselves or ideas. A model for how personal and societal transformation can occur and facilitate the much needed creation of compassionate policies, when one is willing to be honest and stay engaged beyond the discomfort created by the illusive differences that "lie on the surface". Honest dialogue is the destination.....Honest To God a map.
Product Description
It's never been easy for a father or mother to talk to a son about sex. For Christian parents, it's always been a challenge to know exactly how to teach God's standards of purity and integrity.
But today, the stakes are higher than they've ever been. So it's vital that fathers and mothers prepare their sons to withstand the sexual onslaught of their culture through movies, television, music, and the internet.
But what should you say? And when and how should you say it?
Now there's help you can trust: Preparing Your Son for Every Man's Battle. The authors behind the best-selling Every Man series have put together all the resources and guidance you need to experience frank, thorough, and natural conversations with your son about sexual integrity. They offer an effective new communication process that ensures a deep, abiding relationship between you and your son as he moves into his teen years and beyond.
Equip your young man with the biblical information and spiritual insights he needs to stand strong, overcome temptation, and experience the blessings of godly obedience for the rest of his life.
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HONEST TO GOD?
Manufacturer: Zondervan Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000HF2TSY |
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The Honest To God Debate
Manufacturer: Scm Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000G9TYDY |
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