Customer Reviews

Understanding God's Love: A Study of the Misunderstanding and Misrepresentation of God

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I'm not a theologian, but I can say with conviction that Ron Grieb's book has done more to open my heart and mind to the infinite, eterally available love of God toward me and all His creation than almost anything else I've ever read on the subject.

Many questions that remain unanswered by the greatest Biblical writers with "we just don't know about this" CAN, I believe, be better understood if we will only ascribe, as Ron does, unconditional, all-consuming love to God's nature, motives, and actions, and accept the reality of man's tendency to follow the whispered urgings of Satan rather than the clear teachings of Christ.

Ron addresses the standard Christian tendency to "blame" so much evil on God's will, which has never sat well with me. Rather, I've suspected that the first sin in the garden has had, and continues to have, a ripple effect of the most gargantuan kind, resulting in century after century of sin upon sin in the farthest-reaching, most devastating way, upon all the earth. Ron paints such a clear picture of how vitally every choice each of us makes contributes to either the good or the evil in this world. As a result of reading his book, I've begun to realize, for instance, that even my choice to fast, in an effort to subdue the flesh, draw near to God, pray better, or whatever my motive, is,at least in part, an evil act if I don't take the food I've chosen not to eat and give it to someone who is hungry. That food, or the money to purchase it, sits unused, while my fellowman starves. Ron has helped me to see that feeding the hungry at my own expense is a far more loving act than my simply "buffeting the flesh" for my own hoped-for spiritual rewards.

Ron does go into areas that are stricly Roman Catholic territory, and may be open for debate from other denominations, and perhaps even Catholic theologians. But his ability to convey the perfection of God's love, in whom there is NO darkness, or evil, is so enlightening, so refreshing and so impossible to refute.

Ron really convinced me that Satan can only suggest, cajole, urge, prompt me. I alone decide whether I will do HIS bidding, or choose God's path of unconditional love. My opportunities to choose the latter, in every thought, word, deed or non-deed, ("things left undone") are really what makes up my supposed "walk with Christ" in this lifetime. What else is there that matters, if I say that "in Christ, I live, and move and have my being" ?

Ron has driven these points home for me in a whole new way, and I cannot thank him enough for writing his book.

For the theologian and non-theologian alike, Understanding God's Love is a "must read". A personal summary of the author's quest to learn the true image of God as revealed by Jesus in contrast to the many and varied images of God portrayed over the centuries. Biblically based, "Understanding God's Love" clearly demonstrates that God does not desire the death of any living creature. In fact, God's love and mercy are totally revealed in Jesus who came to do the work of the Father, i.e. give life. As an advocate for the true image of God, Mr. Greib's book rings the death knell for the claim often found in an insurance policy that natural disasters like hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, are the "acts of God". Readers of this book will be offered an image of a God who cannot be blamed for the pain, misery and death present in the world. God is presented as working constantly and untiringly for life thru angels and the created world. His efforts are hindered by man and woman when they they refuse to co-operate with Him. The reader will undoubtedly be challenged to examine his/her image of God. The journey, if undertaken, will be less traumatic with "Understanding God's Love" as a trustful companion and guide.

As a teacher I read many books, but very few have the theological background as well as personal insight like Ronald Greib's "Understanding God's Love." His work provided me with insight to deepen my own relationship with God, which has given me great contentment and happiness.

"Understanding God's Love" provides the framework for a much deeper and profound understanding and recognition of God's love for all mankind. Mr. Greib has done an excellent job dissecting the often proclaimed "wrath of god" views of society and he presents, with significant biblical research, the true "Unconditional Love" that our Lord has for all. Of particular interest is Mr. Greib's detailed writings on natural disasters and the existence of evil. This book is a pleasure to read and has impacted my life with a greater understanding of God's love!

Mr. Greib provides excellent biblical analysis of a topic which has not been formally researched or written upon by many. This book contains beautiful, well written explainations of the often untouched and unacknowledged views of God being the "all loving". Greib's work has made a profound inpact on my spiritual life and how I understand Gods impact and true love of all of us in everyday life!! Thank you Mr. Greib for this book!

This book hits the mark!! Ron Greib has put together a beautiful book which explains the many misrepresentations and misunderstandings of God. He obviously is well read and provides excellent biblical references as well as providing a clear picture of God's unconditional love. A perfect book to make your everyday life much fuller, It has definitly has touched mine!

Greib reveals, based on scripture, that God is far more loving than most often proclaimed by Christian clergy. Greib offers an image of God that explains all reality. This is the book for the third millennium of Christianity. Greib never appeals to "mystery" to explain evil in nature or in man. Greib reveals profound and startling biblical insights into the nature of God. God's love is revealed to be far beyond humanity's fondest dreams and deepest longing.

This book finally put it all together for me and will for anyone with an open and searching heart. A God I can truly love and worship with all my heart! A wonderful loving God of unbelievable love and concern for every detail of my life! Everything is so well documented from scripture. An absolutely wonderful book that I believe will become a classic in Christian literature!

This book by Ronald Greib surprised me with its insights presented in a logical fashion that will satisfy even the analytical minds of scientists and engineers. The topic was thoroughly researched and references sources of material so well that you gain a sense of traveling through time watching man struggle with the concept of one, loving God as seen by man's most capable thinkers and chroniclers. It's a great read and will force you to examine your own thoughts and beliefs.

Wow! What a down to earth book that explains God's love! Thank you for writing it! One of my favorite quotes from the book is, "Our image of God has the most profound effect on ourselves and those around us... The God we choose to put our faith in will set the range of priorities from ultimate to trivial. It will continually determine for us what is central, what is of major importance, and what takes precedence in the ordinary occurrences of daily life. The degree and quality of this picture of God we hold will, therefore, set the tone, direction, and purpose of all our aspirations in life." For so many years my spiritual growth was stunted because of who I perceived God to be and also because I let others tell me who He was. Therefore, I never did anything because of the fear of displeasing Him. Now, I know better!