The ying and the yang of reading favorite books, from atheist point of views to deeply religious. Today I finished the book The Promise by Fr. Jonathan Morris… I bet you know which way this one went? I actually am more in the camp of Fr. Morris, so this was a book that put faith in the unknown and accepting of why bad things happen to good people. Morris serves as a FOX News Channel correspondent and pastor at Old St. Patrick’s Church in the Little Italy area in good ole NYC, so if you want to learn more about him, I guess all you have to do is visit the parish. Fr. Morris provides an overview on why bad things happen (renouncing how the atheist respond that a God wouldn’t do that), then gives an overview on the emotional vs. spiritual healing. He intersperses his viewpoint with stories about people who have overcome great pains, and those who haven’t (a pretty balanced view), all connected to readings in the Bible to support his points. The last part of the book provides a blueprint of sorts on how to free oneself from the pain of the past/present. The book’s reflective practice is good for anyone, not just Christians, though clearly it is rooted in Christian doctrine. I always like a “take away plan” so his “model to map out your prayer plan” is a good practice tool for those who want to use it. Reading this and God is Not Great in a book club together would be a fun exercise. The book is a very quick read with strong reminders from all of the Bible readings I have heard over my life. For those who are looking for a Christian perspective on the evils of the world, a pretty good read. This one is clearly in one camp, so if it doesn’t interest you, probably a skip.
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