God: The Oldest Question: A Fresh Look at Belief and Unbelief - And Why the Choice Matters

by William J. O'Malley

Is the existence of God a reasonable premise? In this book, William O'Malley, SJ, examines this critical question and many other related questions with a rare combination of rigorous gravity and irreverent humor. A Jesuit priest and prolific writer, O'Malley delves into the existence of God by looking at modern science, classical philosophy, literature and art, and the religious traditions of East and West. God: the Oldest Question provides thoughtful answers for anyone looking to better understand their faith and what it all means.

Genres: Spirituality, Religion

208 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2000

About the author

William J. O’Malley, S.J., is a legendary high school teacher who began his career as a Latin and English teacher at Brooklyn Prep in 1957 and who taught English and theology at Fordham Prep in the Bronx for twenty-five years. He has also been an adjunct assistant professor of theology at Fordham University and has taught at several other universities around the country. In 1990 he was awarded the F. Sadlier Dinger Award for outstanding contributions to religious education in America. O’Malley has authored forty books, hundreds of articles, produced several videos, and written and directed over one hundred plays and musicals in his distinguished career.

Reviews

[Flynn Ryker · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was not made for atheists or deep thinkers

It’s been years since I read this, but I still have the original book and all (and I mean ALL) of my meticulous notes. This book was a mandatory read for an equally mandatory ‘Religion’ credit. A class, which sought to answer the question “Why Catholicism” before pursuing anything remotely involving a true religious studies course.

My main problem with the book is that, like most religious texts I've read, it seeks to provide a rational for the author’s world view by cherrypicking specific aspects of other religions and science to rationalize the a priori conclusion. I don’t have time to outline the contradictions that arise from this ‘top-down’ form of logic, but this is how you get sentences like “If Jesus was fully human, he must have had sexual desires” (pg. 154). When, in fact, research conducted by Alfred Kinsey would suggest this conclusion can’t be assumed.

The author did provide several shockingly accurate statements (imo). Like, “When most Christians claim hey want to live the sort of life Jesus led, they haven’t read the Gospel recently” (pg. 135). However, these moments are rare and fleeting.

The main reason for the 1-star review because to the a priori assumptions mixed with a cannibalizing of other religions to rationalize the aforementioned assumptions. At times, this approach makes the author seem like a Universalist and at others a Taoist. In short, this book sounds like it’s written by someone who isn’t a philosopher, but wants to be.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second time that I’ve read this book and I feel like I’ve gotten out of it all that I can. He references other things are sometimes superficial, his vocabulary is unnecessarily hard sometimes, but I like all the interesting information about other cultures and other religions. I also think that he has a good chapter at the end on prayer and meditation which I marked to revisit if I ever need a refresher on that or if I want to do that. In general his approach is what you would expect a published priest to say about atheism. And I don’t know if that’s necessary but in general it’s a lot of good thoughts, a lot of things to think about, the first mover, quarks, and science related things, I like all that, I could just do without that this is so complex it must have a divine creator portion.

[Sam · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book: (not an exact quote I'm too lazy to type it all out) "How do we explain suffering in the world if God is omnipotent and benevolent. Why do good people die and whores and corrupt churchmen survive?"

Me: There's nothing wrong with whores!?!?

Lemme tell you he really comes after the whores in this. Sheesh!

In all seriousness, the book has some similar themes to Huxley's The Perennial Philosophy on how many religions are trying to ask and answer the same questions about the nature of divinity. Those parts were interesting but that's not very "One True Church" of him lol. Also nihilism as a worldview doesn't get me down like he thinks it should so I didn't get much out of the atheism chapter. The Jesuit mind simply cannot comprehend the existence of Everything Everywhere All At Once!

Also lol the author played one of the priests in The Exorcist!?!!?

[zoe olesker · Rating 4 out of 5]

probably one of the best book i’ve ever read and an incredible tool for apologists. i only dock it because it may, at times, be inaccessible to those who need it most. this is not an easy book for someone to just read and come to faith; but it is a great tool for those trying to bring others to faith.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book did not end up exactly where I thought it was going. I had actually read the first chapter at least two times, months ago, before I delved further into the rest of the book. What I thought would be a 3/5 stars ended up being a strong 4/5 by the end of Chapter 8. Chapter 8 was amazing, by the way.

If there was one thing above all else in this book that I appreciated was the author's honesty. Sometimes his honesty was utterly shocking, but never off the mark. It was so refreshing to read a Christian book like this that I could totally relate to. So often, it seemed like he wrote this book specifically for me.

I think this book would be good for anyone at whatever stage of their spiritual journey, for doubting believers and curious atheists alike. The author is definitely Christian and he concludes that the Christian god makes the most sense, but in doing so he does not disparage the fact that other people's searches and conclusions lead in other directions. He is totally respectful of all the traditions he talks about.

I really, really enjoyed this book. It gave me hope. It was inspiring. And it makes me eager to read some of his other books.

[Joy-Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book by a Catholic priest comes from a place of a broader, interfaith viewpoint. It is quite informative and helps to iron out the changes from old culture to new. It is well worth reading for those with an open mind who wish to expand their horizons.

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh.