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8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
for real, May 9, 2009
This review is from: Finding an Unseen God: Reflections of a Former Atheist (Paperback)
Is there a Divine being truly overseeing the universe as we know it? And if so, how involved in our lives is this Divine being? Alicia Britt Chole does not join in the age old debates on this topic, but rather challenges the very foundation from which these questions have arisen in Finding an Unseen God. And you won't find any dry philosophies or grandiose theories within the pages of this book. This is palpable, real life, and completely genuine. This is the first time I have come across a non-Atheist earnestly validating Atheistic beliefs, I would say rare indeed. Chole's depth of insight and approach left me thinking, "huh, I've never thought of it in that way before." Not only was the read intellectually stimulating, but personally moving. Chole shares her journey, an Atheist not looking for a Divine being ,who's life becomes abruptly interrupted in one day. This is a story you want to read and will more than likely never forget!
Chole makes use of every space, leaving out dull repetition and prolonged points. The 160 some page book is comprised with purpose behind every word and broken down into pleasantly short chapters. I personally was kept up during the night, unable to resist starting a new chapter. Chole offers more than a fresh perspective or new idea that only fades with the sun. What she respectively submits before you will make it clear if your belief system is livable. Placing my own beliefs next to her test was both terrifying and assuring. She speaks as one with experience, as she has lived from varying places across the spectrum of world beliefs. Her story telling abilities are captivating, sharing applicable details in unreservedly honest fashion. I have walked away from this book more informed, challenged, and wanting to read it all over again!
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Must read 'Finding an Unseen God'!, May 12, 2009
This review is from: Finding an Unseen God: Reflections of a Former Atheist (Paperback)
"Finding an Unseen God" is a personal account of a former atheist who was not 'looking for God'. She did not sense a 'void' in her life. She did not lack love in her life, or a good family. God literally 'interrupted' her life, as said in her own words:
"In a period of minutes, I had abruptly transitioned from being completely certain that god-concepts were self-medicating illusions of the masses to being confronted mentally, physically, and emotionally by tangible confirmation that God IS."
Throughout the rest of the book, Chole weaves an amazing tapestry of apologetics, intellectual questions, and provoking thoughts, with her personal journey from childhood to the present. It is both mind-stimulating and emotional. She challenges the Christian to THINK and to identify and evaluate the premises supporting our arguments. And she challenges the Atheist to reconsider the foundations on which they stand. For both groups, she reminds us to listen more than we speak...carry responsibility for the human we are interacting with, as well as to the 'unseen others' who share their opinion...and to walk in humility.
I'd encourage you all to read it! Be challenged, be encouraged and be reminded of the amazing God who relentlessly pursues even the toughest of us!
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7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Challenging, Encouraging, and Faith Strengthening., May 19, 2009
This review is from: Finding an Unseen God: Reflections of a Former Atheist (Paperback)
Truth is dead. God never lived. Life is filled with pain. Death is the end of life. These were the beliefs of a young woman who believed God to be a fairy tale. Finding An Unseen God: Reflections of a Former Atheist by Alicia Britt Chole tells her story of growing up, how her realism and intellect led her to atheism and how the God she denied showed up when least expected.
This book is a memoir, an autobiography, and a testimony. There are two threads to the story. She gives us a glimpse into her life growing up, weaving that in with her experience of finding God. The chapters are short and written with such grace and respect that I found myself compelled to finish the entire book in one sitting.
She doesn't write to convince other Atheists to her viewpoint (though she does share things to think about when it comes to your beliefs) but merely shares her story. This is a book that I believe could be enjoyed by someone who is not a Christian but is interested in how one woman's worldview was transformed.
It is an encouraging read for Christians as well. Not only is it an inspiring story of how God pursues us, but she includes ideas that can help us to be more sensitive to others. There is a chapter on <em>Things Not To Say To An Atheist </em>(for example, "If there's no such thing as God, why do you have to deny his existence?"). She makes an appeal for the importance of showing love over winning debates, with a heart tugging example of a debate won but lost by a lack of love.
I am typically not a fan of biographies, I actually prefer fiction for my reading relaxation, but this book was different for me. I really liked this story, it was challenging, encouraging, and faith strengthening. To me, it cries out to be discussed and dug into deeper and my hope is to use this book as the Summer Book Club choice for our church. I highly recommend it.
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