Psychotherapy for the Soul?
Written: Dec 21 '99 (Updated Apr 16 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: thought-provoking, gives God a new look
Cons: makes God a guru
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| jankp's Full Review: Neale Donald Walsch - Conversations With God: An U... |
Okay, I've been reading the reviews of this psychotherapeutic book and have to wonder if any of the writers have read any other spiritual books besides the Bible and/or Walsch's book. I'm not saying it isn't an interesting read. I think it's great that people are reading something besides the Bible to open their awareness of the compassion of God or our own souls.
I just think there's much more literature out there that could have told them the same thing if they bothered to read it. Christianity is not the only religion out there, guys. Walsch is not the only author to have had a 'conversation with God.' Another book that comes to mind is Poem of the Man-God in three volumes, similar to Walsch's trilogy. I can't think of the woman author, who writes as though Jesus converses with us, but the books can be found in Catholic book stores.
Walsch humbly qualifies his conversation with God by saying it comes through the filter of his personality. That's good. But even better and honest, I believe, would be to call it a fantasy. Now don't be offended before I explain myself. A fantasy doesn't have to be untrue hocus pocus. That is how our society has corrupted the word and other words like myth.
A fantasy is what we imagine before we go on to make it reality. It is a preview of what we want to happen or of who we want to be. Some people may not follow up with the intention and commitment to making their fantasies come true and those are unfulfilled. But if you imagine something, change your attitude or intention towards something, that's all you need to make it happen the way you wish it to. Likewise, if readers of Conversations With God imagine God differently, they will be able to talk with God and open the door to change and growth in your life.
I found Walsch's question and answer format a little uncomfortable. It humanizes God to limit him/her/it to human logic. In my own novel Eden in Limbo, God answers questions about his character and intentions and leaves us to find the answers to life's problems and mysteries. Walsch wants us to believe, however, that God simply explains the problems and mysteries of life like some guru. He asks God such questions as why he can't have a successful relationship or business.
Truly the premise of this book, having an intimate, reciprocative conversation with God, is a delightful one that takes you into the fantasy. However, the answers become repetitive and preachy, failing to let us use our minds to find the answers to our problems. These answers are Walsch's interpretation of the answers to help him in his issues. Instead we need to use our incredible minds and have our own conversation with God!
One last note:My book, if you wish to compare it with Walsch's,is described and excerpted in Amazon.com's bookstore. I really hope some of you will give me your opinion of it and how it is a different experience for you than reading Walsch. Thanks~!
Recommended:
No
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jankp
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Member: Jan Peregrine
Location: Lincoln, NE
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1500th review was $200 book: Comprehensive Handbook of Iodine
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