Customer Reviews

God of Surprises

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I am indeed surprised that I am the first person to review this book for America. I am a priest in Scotland and wish to recommend this book to everyone, of all faiths and none. Gerry Hughes dispenses with the 'God who punishes', the God who has been portrayed by mainstream religion for centuries, nay millennia, who wouldn't even make a half decent next door neighbour. This is Christianity with depth - and no place for superstition. If you have ever sat in a church listening to a preacher talking nonsense and wanted to challenge his sermon, read this book. Gerry seems to invite people to listen to the biggest pulpit anyone could find, - the pulpit which stands in each person's own heart and conscience. Break free from the shackles of religion by terror and meet the God of Surprises. The big surprise is : You're okay, don't listen to those who would load burdens of guilt on your shoulders, and......... it's okay to question the teachings of people who wear black frocks and white collars. I hope this book becomes a best seller across the pond.

This is a book I have returned to many times, it is a touch stone. There is no hint of pomposity, ego or personal gain from the author. It cuts though the usual surface rhetoric of given answers and assumptions often handed out by the church and in our thinking. It is not about the church it is about God. I would think it would be a value to anyone at any place in their life. This book may upset your way of seeing life. It will challenge your beliefs and assumptions and help to loosen the constricting and sometimes comfortable views we all have about Christ. I find it hard to believe that this unpretentious, insightfully clear and beautiful book is now out of print.

This book is primarily a lay-person's guide to Ignatian contemplative prayer. However, it can also be read simply as an uplifting book on spirituality and the nature of the relationship between human beings and God. Another reviewer said this book is a "touchstone" and I agree. This book is filled with the love of God and the exercises help point to Christ and to God's infinite grace.

I recommend this book for every Christian, for every need and for everyone. This book allows you to see into your very soul and deal with its contents on your own with God as help. This book offends the mind but reveals the heart - making it safe to surrender yourself unashamed for help when you see the truth staring you in the face. My bonds were broken when I read this book. My heart was set free to love the God of Surprises, who truly subsequently after reading this book and doing as it says has done Nothing but SURPRISE ME. God is Good. He truly does not condemn us, but He bids us come to Him for that deliverance from hurts, from greed, from unexplained pain, from every destruction that threatens. I found how every pain was meant to be an invitation. Every party has some surprise. So does an invitation to grow in faith. With this book, you learn how to accept an invitation from God.