God Game [Hardcover]

Andrew M. Greeley (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1986

Andrew M. Greeley, the phenomenally popular novelist and priest, is best known -- and loved -- for his understated Catholic morality and compassionate understanding of human foibles. In The God Game, now available in a brand-new trade paperback edition, Father Greeley takes a new and fascinating twist on an old cliche: What if -- by using a sophisticated computer game with a healthy dose of heavenly intervention -- you really could play God? What if you actually had the power to control other people's lives?

This is the dilemma that faces our hero, who quickly finds that being given the kingdom, the power, and the glory is dangerous -- but addictive. The troubles of the people he sees flashing on his computer screen are all too real -- and his troubles are just beginning. . .

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

A native of Chicago, Reverend Andrew M. Greeley, is a priest, distinguished sociologist and bestselling author. He is professor of social sciences at the University of Chicago and the University of Arizona, as well as Research Associate at the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago. His current sociological research focuses on current issues facing the Catholic Church-including celibacy of priests, ordination of women, religious imagination, and sexual behavior of Catholics.

Father Greeley received the S.T.L. in 1954 from St. Mary of Lake Seminary. His graduate work was done at the University of Chicago, where he received the M.A. Degree in 1961 and the Ph.D. in 1962.

Father Greeley has written scores of books and hundreds of popular and scholarly articles on a variety of issues in sociology, education and religion. His column on political, church and social issues is carried by the carried by the Chicago Sun Times and may other newspapers. He stimulates discussion of neglected issues and often anticipates sociological trends. He is the author of more than thirty bestselling novels and an autobiography, Furthermore!: Confessions of a Parish Priest.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 308 pages
• Publisher: Published in association with Tor Books; 1ST edition (June 1986)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446512648
• ISBN-13: 978-0446512640
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.2 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,533,225 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An interesting contribution to the sci-fi genre. . ., September 22, 2000

By 

David Zampino "21st Century Hobbit" (Delavan, Wisconsin) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: God Game (Paperback)

For some, the name of Fr. Andrew Greeley instantly suggests a "liberal" Catholic priest seeking to be a gadfly in the Church. For some, the name conjures up some fairly steamy sex scenes in some of his novels. For some, a competent, if media-hungry sociologist. Readers of "God Game" will add "imaginative Science Fiction writer" to this eclectic mix.

In "God Game" Fr. Greeley presents us with the unusual scenario of a priest (not unlike the author) spending an evening playing a compter adventure game. His home is struck by lightening, something is scrambled, and suddenly the images on his screen are real -- and the real characters think that he is God.

Yes, this might seem a little philosophical for many sci-fi fans -- but for those readers who expect depth in their books (regardless of genre) will want to read and re-read this one.

I still find myself in sharp philosophical and theological disagreement with Fr. Greeley -- and probably always will. But in this book, the Irish storyteller comes to the fore in a wonderful way.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars God's job is not an easy one, April 22, 2000

By 

F. Becker (New Jersey) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: God Game (Mass Market Paperback)

I read this book several years ago and found it a fascinating look at what it would be like to be God. A man is playing one of those fantasy-type computer games -- dungeons, lords, ladies, armies, etc., where he controls the action. Then lightning hits his computer and suddenly all these people become real. The fighting is brutal and bloody. The lives of the people are dependent on his ability to control their actions. Which is not an easy task, because of that little thing called free-will. He tries to convince them to stop fighting and behave nicely to each other, but because they are human they do not always follow advice. So our hero learns a great deal more of what God's role in our lives could really be. Good story, with lots of room for theosophical discussion.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Enchanting novel with compeling characters, September 19, 2000

By 

Brea (Roseburg, OR USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: God Game (Paperback)

This is such a wonderful book. Once you adjust yourself to the eighties computer technology that the narrator has to put up with, you will be as captivated with the book as the narrator was with his characters. And indeed, who wouldn't be captivated with this particular group. First there are the duke and duchess of neighboring kingdoms who have been feuding for generations but who are compelled by the narrator (who everyone thinks is God)to make peace. The duchess is a passionate, quick tempered, but vulnerable warrior with a talent for painting thunderstorms, and the duke is a gentle dreamer who doesn't enjoy war but has become so used to it that on rare occasions his warriors instincts become out of control. Then there is the bitter matron who is tired of being a minor character in a minor subplot and metamorphoses into a graceful, passionate woman, loved by all, including the author. And then there is a perky little ilel . . .but you'll have to find out about her yourself. If you are longing for a book with characters you can care about, even love, then I strongly urge you to read this delightful book.