Sunday, September 7, 2008

BookReview.com

Spirituality Title: What The Church Does Not Want You To KnowAuthor: Greg EspinosaRating: Very Good! Publisher: cereb pressWeb Page: http://www.cerebpress.com/Reviewed by: John Lehman View Bio

Reviewing the reading points on the back cover, I wondered why people would need a book to accomplish these things, such as, disentangle themselves from organized religion. Then I realized that when we disavow an organization that includes our friends and family we often are made to feel isolated, as if we are the one out of step with everyone else. That’s not true, and this book helps us realize it.
Greg Espinosa was never in debt until he started giving all his money to churches he now feels “have a profit through guilt” agenda. His message to you is that we can experience God’s love directly and that religious organizations, whose leaders live richly as wealthy executives and whose church buildings are the equivalent of plush corporate headquarters, need to be exposed for what they are. Two major points this straight-forward book makes are: 1) Freedom from man-made rules and regulations allows you to receive God’s blessings through faith; and 2) Removing the burden of guilt and fear that churches create to maintain their authority allows you to develop a true relationship with God. In other words, learn from God, and not from man!
The author says, “My honest desire is that you will know God personally, reject man’s spiritual authority, and put your faith in God to teach you--even as He promises He will.” He notes that people go to church more for other people’s approval than for God’s. We have been told all our lives that we should attend, so we do. And once there we are told that going to church will make us right with God regardless of how we act during the rest of the week. But, he adds, “make no mistake about this: religion is an industry, and churches are the storefronts.” Espinosa closely examines the scriptures churches use to encourage our behavior and differentiates “church” from a fellowship of true believers which can happen anywhere and which he considers very beautiful. But, he says, why do we go to pastors and ministers for answers, “I would not want my children to go to another man to learn how to love me, yet this is what churches claim they are teaching (concerning God).”
Only in the last chapters do we get some personal details from the author’s life (specifically, a Christian financial seminar he attends). I would have liked more throughout the book. Not to add credibility but because we are curious about the man behind these opinions and wonder how he came to them and what life is like for him and his family now. In any case the book is excellently edited; has very readable, short chapters; and exhibits a nice clear style.
Unfortunately I doubt it will be read by clergy or parishioners who for one reason or another are content with the status quo. Too bad. There is a lot to think about here. Those who do need reassurance in seeking a more personal relationship with God will find comfort, purpose and direction in Greg Espinosa’s words.
P.S. I like a book that ends with “A Prayer for You.” If all authors had this kind of concern and respect for their readers, we would have much better books.
Go Back read another review, or choose a different category.

No comments: