williamlobdell.com

Amazon just posted 11 early reviews of my book, “Losing My Religion,” which will be out at the end of February. The average rating from who appear to be some of Amazon’s top citizen reviewers is 4.5 stars (brought down by a single 3-star review). I thought the reviews were fair and many better than expected, since the majority of the reviewers appear to be serious Christians.

Here are some highlights, including the most critical words at the end:

From R. Kirkham, college instructor (religion and philosophy):

Atheists will love this book …

People of faith may also be sympathetic to this book. Lobdell writes with respect and honesty that will make people of faith sad, but perhaps not feel attacked. Besides, most people of faith will identify with the stories of corruption. People are not blind. If faith rested upon the integrity of organized religion, it would have collapsed many eons ago.

Those most likely to take offense at this book are those who are in power and don’t want to be challenged, or those who help prop up those who are drunk with power. In my 28 years as a pastor I wrestled with some of the same questions presented in the book. However in my case, the wrestling helped to deepen my faith.

From Tim Beazley:

Lobdell’s account of how he gained and then lost his faith in God is a fascinating and moving portrayal of his spiritual journey and the people and events that influenced him on that journey.

There’s more than enough in this book to inspire both believers and non-believers. One of the best aspects of the book is Lobdell’s ability to bring all kinds of people and events to life on the page. You can practically feel the radiant faith of the believers, the awful anguish of the abused children and their parents, and Lobdell’s own fury at church bureaucrats who tried by fair means or foul to sweep those cases under the rug. It’s also fascinating to see how all of those events helped shape Lobdell’s own decision. This is really a terrific book.

From Theresa Welsh:

Here is an amazing, honest look at the author’s attempt to make sense of religion …

I found his story spellbinding …

I’m sure this book will help a lot of people think about their own spiritual journey and whether it is still valid, whether to reject it all, or to keep seeking a truth that must be out there. As for me, I will keep seeking.

From RDtoo:

Though I disagree with the author’s conclusions, this is an important book …

This should be required reading for any thinking Christian, as Lobdell does have some important points to make and because of his job was given access to people and places the rest of us do not have. He points out some real atrocities being done in the name of Christ, and the Christian community has done little more than closed our eyes hoping it goes away.

From Richard R. Blake:

Lobdell is fair and balanced in his worldview. His writing comes across as unbiased and objective. I appreciated his honesty, openness, and vulnerability.

Fast moving, informative, and often heartrending, Lobdell’s narrative confronts the reader with the chance to reexamine their own faith. Many will find their faith to be strengthened. Others will be encouraged to know that they are not alone in their doubts and questions. I admire Bill for remaining true to his personal inner convictions.

From Kevin S. Currie:

In the end, the doubts were greater than the faith, and William Lobdell learned that he could live without the fantasy of God, as comforting as such fantasy could be at times. The last few chapters detail the painful moments where Lobdell had to admit to himself that his cerebrum would simply not let him believe anymore. In a manner of speaking, Lobdell decided that, in good faith, he could no longer believe in any God.

Lobdell’s book is very gripping, especially to anyone who has ever thought about these issues. Pick it up. There is a lot of wisdom, emotion, and truth here.

From M.J. Smith (who gave it three stars):

Lobdell’s view of religion is, to my ear, too self-centered; he becomes religious because of what he can get out of it …

What Lobdell fails to recognize is that religion in it’s most fundamental sense is a search for truth (justice, beauty, permanance …). It is searching among the religious icons of one’s faith for what motivated them, seeking what can move one forward in one’s search for the absolute.