God, Do You Exist?: The Questions of a Curious Agnostic [Paperback]

Lester C. Graham (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 17, 2004

Why do we cling so tenaciously tothe symbols and stories and doctrines contained in religion? Even more importantly, why do we letourselves be driven to extremes of anger and hate and even murder in theirdefense? No doubt fear is the strongestreason. But, surely that fear is justthe legacy from the reaction of our ancient ancestors to the mysteries theycould see but not understand. Many ofthose mysteries have long ago been clarified by our advancements in knowledgeor have just disappeared, all without the help of religion. Should not our religious beliefs changeaccordingly? Cannot our fears beovercome by knowledge? This book dares to question ourso-called sacred beliefs. It holds upour doctrines to questions, not about their scientific or physical validity,but about their intrinsic failure to solve or justify or even explain theproblems of suffering and pain and evil in this world. Many of our doctrines and the stories uponwhich they are based appear ineffective or even counterproductive when examinedobjectively. Maybe it's time they weresubjected to closer scrutiny. This bookdoes that in ways which go beyond conventional religious criticism.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

The author was trained in theChristian faith and educated in the fields of engineering and mathematics. When the joy of seeking and learning newthings that was experienced in those secular areas aroused curiosity about hisreligious training, he began to delve into the religious doctrines he had beentaught in the hope of discovering new things and joys there. Instead, a long search into those doctrinesrevealed weaknesses which could not be explained. The weaknesses went beyond the conventional conflicts withscience. They included irrational andeven absurd incongruities which he had never seen addressed. As a result faith without reason became unacceptable, and he recoiled in shock and lapsed into agnosticism.

Product Details

• Paperback: 488 pages
• Publisher: AuthorHouse (June 17, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1414079362
• ISBN-13: 978-1414079363
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,836,808 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Unusual Form of Religious Criticism, February 21, 2005

By 

Martin Luther, Jr. - See all my reviews

This review is from: God, Do You Exist?: The Questions of a Curious Agnostic (Paperback)

Do you think that the Ten Commandments are a valid source of morality? Before you say yes, read pages 205-217. Do you believe that the Christian doctrine of Salvation is a fair and just plan initiated by a god? Read pages 322-331 for a very different view.

This book expresses some very harsh criticisms of religion which are based, not on historical or scientific incompatibilities, but on the intrinsic value of religious doctrines in themselves. It is an unusual approach seldom seen -- at least by this reviewer.

22 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars superb, October 14, 2006

By 

Gerald Nicholson (Sun City West, AZ USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: God, Do You Exist?: The Questions of a Curious Agnostic (Paperback)

I am 65, I just finished reading "GOD, DO YOU EXIST ?", & I am faced with a deep quandry of whether to continue down my list of books to read, or to read this book again immediately. It is amazingly close to my thought processes. I was indoctrinated as a Christian. The stork must have been blown off course by a storm, because I think I would have been more compatible had I been delivered to a Buddhist family. Fortunately, I was delivered to loving parents that were moderate Christians. As I matured & grew in mental reasoning power, I could no longer accept the religious non-logical arguments. I have been an agnostic for 50 years. This book is a fantastically well written logical explanation of the agnostic viewpoint. I have never sent a book gift in my life, but my relatives & friends are about to receive this book. Reading this book was almost like sitting around a campfire discussing these points with the author. The only "amateur proofreader" comment I have is that on page 331, paragraph 2, line 3: "...could have be the motivation..." should perhaps be "...could have been the motivation...". I started dog-earing pages & high-lighting words that seemed note-worthy as I do with all books, but I soon discovered that I was dog-earing & highlighting every page ! This book has no padding, every page is just saturated with tremendously reasonable logical thought provoking ideas. I will probably only read another armful of books before I come back & read this one again. This is a super book. This is definitely one book that should be required reading for all high school seniors. Wow !!!!!!!!!!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars enlightening, April 5, 2008

By 

Elle (St. Louis, MO) - See all my reviews

This review is from: God, Do You Exist?: The Questions of a Curious Agnostic (Paperback)

Although I've been raised as a Lutheran and have many friends who are Catholic, I find that the older I get, the more I question religion, its teachings, and practices. I found this book enlightening in many apsects and was really glad to find out someone else (many, in fact) has the same questions and doubts about religion. While there is no absolute right or wrong answer, many ideas are brought to light and give cause to deep reflection to find your own answer. Great read!