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A Handbook for Heretics

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"A Handbook for Heretics" is a cogent and remarkably readable thesis from the viewpoint of an enlightened lifelong Christian, thoroughly versed in bible history as a seminarian and pastor of many years, who came to realize that God is not the exclusive property of any one religion; the church, often mired in routine, doesn't own all there is to know about the Kingdom of God; and significant spiritual manifestations did not end with history 2000 years ago.

Through a series of parables he demonstrates how religious education has given us an introduction and background vocabulary but doesn't go far enough - there's much, much more to learn; and that, as physical/spiritual beings, our own spiritual experiences are valid, and universal and a natural part of each one of our development as souls on earth. At the same time, his analysis offers a compellingly rational view of a germane Jesus whose real message, that we will do even greater things than him, encourages us not to merely adhere to a static view of his life or purpose but move forward spiritually.

Confident in the universal balance with which he attributes the Kingdom of God, this former pastor has shown the very church he served so long far more tolerance than they have shown him. In fact, although they have so much as branded him a heretic, he speaks of them with sincere loving kindness and regularly attends services, a remarkable reflection on the inclusive nature of the faith he shares with us.

This book is not just for those who are religiously alienated or disillusioned by the intolerance or other limitations too often inherent in religious organizations, or only for those with already expanded consciousness. It is for anyone who seeks lucidity, senses we are an important component of something far greater than the sum of its parts, and isn't afraid to rationally examine the possibility that the God who created our entire universe would not be exclusive and sectarian, as religions would so often have their followers believe.

Straightforward, and intelligently provocative, this book presents an uncommonly tolerant spiritual worldview - making the distinction between institutional tradition and individual spirituality, while showing that no single organization can control the path to God, as we are all part of Him.

As an introduction to the modern reformation, the reader hungering for lucidity and change will welcome its open spirit and message of universal loving tolerance.

This book was extremely helpful to me on many levels. I had been having odd experiences and I was in the process of seeking out help from traditional religion. They were open to my experiences, but their answers didnt feel right. The contents of this book covered a range of issues, and several of those issues I had directly experienced. To say this books was a relief is an understatement. In addition, the author explained things in a way that just meshed with my own instinctive beliefs. It was wonderful to have it put so concisely.

A Handbook For Heretics, by John W. Sloat discusses the differences between religion and the Kingdom of God. Many mainline churches resist the current reformation, a gradual movement away from traditional Christianity toward a vital spirituality. Its adherents are frequently labeled heretics when in fact they are actually the leading edge of a new spiritual age. They are discovering the much more which Jesus promised to tell us, such spiritual phenomena as out-of-body and near-death experiences, pre-birth and post-death appearances, angel communication, and coincidental experiences. A Handbook For Heretics reconsiders some traditional Christian doctrines so as to broaden the churchs view of spiritual reality.
John W. Sloat, a former Presbyterian minister, served churches in Pennsylvania and Ohio for 43 years. He holds a B.A. from Denison University, 1954; an M.Div. from Princeton Seminary, 1957; and a Th.M. from Pittsburgh Seminary, 1977. Previous books include Lord, Make Us One (non-fiction, 1986) and The Other Half (fiction, 2001). Several of his sermons have been included in Pulpit Digest, a national preaching journal. He is married to a psychiatric nurse, and they have three children and eight grandchildren. A pianist and organist, Sloat also plays the French horn, is a scratch model builder and leads spirituality groups.

A beautifully crafted look at a transformation that takes place when you believe that God expected us to "evolve" spiritually over the last two thousand years rather than remain locked in place in the first century AD.
Even though my background is very different from the author's,(fundamentalist protestant upbringing, years in a moderate protestant church and now wondering how I fit in the Christian church) I have reached so many of the same conclusions as the author, John Sloat.

If you are ready to evolve spiritually, then this is a must read. Meanwhile, I for one am happy to be named a Christian Heretic since I now understand that that is what I'm called to be at this time.A Handbook for Heretics

I thank John for writing this book. I began searching for "truth" over a year ago while trapped in an emotional and spiritual abusive marriage to a religious fundamentalist. I had been brainwashed to believe everything in the Bible. I no longer do. I have had multiple spiritual experiences and truths confirmed that are not written about in the Bible. Whoever said that the Bible contained ALL truth anyway? The church "institution" decided no more books should be added to the Bible. This was a group of men. God didn't say what should or should not be included, or that God had stopped speaking to people so no more should be included. I believe that after Jesus died men created a religion using him as the figurehead. Jesus was a son of God like we are. He was here to show God's love and how we should treat others. God is not interested in "religion", but in how well we treat and love others.
For years, I feared my mom and dad were going to hell because they were not "saved". But my mom was a very loving person. So, I could not understand why she had to go to hell. Now, I know differently. A loving God does not send his creation to hell.
I'm in the process of getting a divorce because God told me I could. After much crying and knee prayer for months, I might add. The Bible didn't tell me I could. In fact, the Bible said I could only get a divorce in the case of adultery. Not in the case of abuse. See what I'm talking about? The Bible doesn't talk about each individual situation. Abust is much worse on an individual than adultery. I am so much happier being away from my soon-to-be-ex, and my kids are having a much richer unstifling life. I thank God for giving me freedom in every possible way. And this book by John helped me get to where I am now.

John has done an excellent job in explaining his position as an ex Christian.
This is excellent reading for anyone who is disillusioned with religion, a very good starting point for the wonderful world of spirit that is forbidden by organized religion.
As an ex church pastor myself, who has seen the light so to speak and has seen the falsehood and deception in christianity I applaud John for his very courageous stand against the hypocrisies of the church.
Every day for me has become an exciting spiritual adventure now that I am free of the religious bondage I was in.
Well done John
Get on with the real job John you won't convert the church, no one has for 2000 years.

Jim