Christian Controversies: Seeking the Truth

by Scott S. Haraburda

"The Greatest is Love." God wants us to love our neighbors. If this is the premise of being Christian, then why do thousands of denominations claim to be the "right and true" one, implying that all others are false? The author searches for truth and explores real world issues concerning Christians throughout history and today, and the future of Christianity in this ever-changing world. Join the author as he challenges you to think outside of your comfort zone and questions what you might have been told not to question about the Word of God. This book contains many facts and true stories, some you might recognize and some from the author's own life, as he logically discusses controversial subjects such as a Perfect Bible, sex, lying, killing, ethics, Christian leadership, Bible-thumping judgment, and women's rights. It is well documented and written in easy-to-understand language to arm you with the knowledge you need to discuss Scripture in an educated and meaningful way, and to develop a real-world perspective of Christianity; a must-read for all who profess to be Christian!

Genres: Nonfiction, Religion, Christian

378 pages, Paperback

First published March 10, 2013

About the author

Dr. Scott S. Haraburda is a Government Executive, Supply Chain Manager, Rocket Scientist, Indiana State Judo Champion, Munitions Expert, and former Herpolsheimer's department store Santa Claus. He is a registered Professional Engineer in Indiana and a certified Project Management Professional .

As a retired US Army officer, Colonel Haraburda's military career includes command of the 464th Chemical Brigade and the 472d Chemical Battalion. Also, he has served in various military assignments including engineering and contingency contracting positions within the Korean Theater, research and development positions throughout the United States, logistics support operations within Kuwait, and teaching chemistry at West Point.

In addition to publishing numerous technical and management related articles, Dr. Haraburda holds two US patents.

Or, you can just Google his biography.

Reviews

[Birds In the Air · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sad. While it is a very good thing to challenge ones own faith, and that of the prevailing christian literature and culture, this book does not accomplish what it states it sets out to do. The logic is flawed and fallacious at best. The author does not seem to have a valid comprehension of that which he criticizes. Although the diatribe does accurately portray many things which the author indicates are "inconsistent" in the Bible, there does not seem to be any understanding of the Bible taken as a whole. To those considering a Christian faith, the author will merely share his confusion with you. To those new in their faith, the author has no consistent understanding of his own. To those doubting their faith, there are many far superiorly authored texts. To those wishing to strengthen their faith and understanding of theology, the author presents himself as nothing greater than a dolt. I am not at all sure of who will benefit from this diatribe.
Failing to have achieved a better understanding of faith or of theology, I have refused to have only wasted my hours in this book. I have chosen to improve my prayer life as I am earnestly in prayer for a man who seems to be a lost soul. God's best to this author. Please refrain, however, from writing about theology and continue your previous vocations that you clearly write you have been so successful at.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now here is a good question if we read between the lines: What does Christianity have to do with religion(s)? Lots of interesting facts in this book - it really makes you stop and think.

Have you ever been criticized or shamed by others, yet know in your heart that you had good intentions without harboring ill-will against anyone? Perhaps we judge each other harshly at times because we are unable to look into the soul to find the true intentions. Is this our role though, to make it our business to delve into the very personal business of others? (Of course not!)

Some claim to be "good" people yet they choose to hurt others and even use the Bible as a reference to destroy the self-esteem or even the reputations or lives of others -- no good can come of this type of attack. People who do this type of evil are not helping anyone (especially themselves - nor do they love themselves). To emulate Christ, we must choose love of self and others, and love of community. We need to INCLUDE everyone and to help each other. Love is the answer.

I like the way the author provides snippets of his own life as examples of walking his faith. I also enjoyed the stories about various leaders of the Church. And "God loves you." Does the author answer to us? (Of course not!)

I answer to myself and I answer to God. Period. Yet I love myself and I love others as Christ loves ALL OF US! Good job here, Dr. Haraburda!

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Haraburda's sincere and honest treatment of questions surrounding the Bible are thought-provoking, and interesting. And although he invites us to read with an open mind and common sense, diehard Christians of many structured religions might have a difficult time facing the truth. And what about Christian leaders in centuries before who have gone through Scripture to pick and choose what to keep in and what must go? How are issues like this justified? Based on that alone brings up many issues that many dare not think about, let alone discuss.

Yet, brilliantly, Dr. Haraburda does not claim to have the answers, nor does he tell us what to think. Unlike many Christian leaders who pull us in claiming to have the "right" answers about what God "thinks" and "wants." Instead, the author tells us that he loves God and gives us insight into his own life, philosophy, and gracious ethics modeled on what we know about Christ. Included here are many insightful stories; my favorite is his recollection of being a first-grader subjected to a paddling by a nun, which today would be considered child abuse.

Bravo to the author for bringing these issues to light. Can we, as Christians, read this book without passing harsh judgment on the author? It is a brave and honest soul who takes us to the road less traveled, and I recommend this book wholeheartedly.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just started devouring this book. It is as if the author climbed into my mind and began writing the questions I have had for decades. If the book continues in this vein, I will be hooked!!!! Will post more as reading progresses.

Read this book if you dare!!!!!! ;-)

[Kendra Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m Not the Only One

This book has helped me feel less of an oddity. I really went into reading this book with the attitude of, another book bashing Christianity without really understanding it. Not so. Haraburda not only understands Christianity, he has over a thousand citations backing up his questions and conclusions.

[Elizabeth · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read this book expecting it to be written from a conservative Christian viewpoint. I quickly learned that was not the case. The author takes a very liberal view on these hot button issues affecting Christianity today. He often contradicts himself and his research is lacking. I would have preferred to be given arguments from both sides of the issues instead of such a one-sided view on things. I don't mind those that disagree with me, and I like to hear what they have to say. However, I prefer for their arguments to at least be more advanced and based on actual facts.

[Kathrin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy from the author.

I'm not a Christian but I'm interested in religion. The book was an interesting read and I like the presenteted topics. I do share some believes with the author and others not. Nevertheless, it was a good book to get you thinking.

Personally, I'm just not the biggest fan of the military examples as they aren't that interesting to me and were thus hard to follow.

[Isaac Constantine · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dr. Scott S. Haraburda has worked in a variety of engineering and management positions throughout the United States, which comes as no surprise given the dry presentation and workmanlike prose of this trite exegesis on a subject as tired as the author’s pietistic vision. I'm supremely confident this book does not contain a single original thought.

I could be wrong.

[Brian Morin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting thoughts from,someone I respected,from,the beginning. Didn't agree with everything, though, and at times unorthodox.

[Penni · Rating 3 out of 5]

If I wrote all my thoughts on this book it would be another book. This is one that will stay with me for a while. First I want to say the research, notations and contrasting statement shared about the Bible and noting the contrasting verses that are in the bible have given me a lot to think about. I have a long list of things I want to research. This alone would have made me completely happy to rate this 4 or 5 stars. But however, the Ego, opinion and personal stories written here made it feel a bit forced and the idea that the Author wanted to sway us to his beliefs was a bit off-putting. I am going to have to think about my rating and come back to that in the future. Right now I have in mind 2 stars.
I have been struggling with the Church these past few years but my faith and Love for God remain steadfast. This book has in no way swayed my opinion. However, I am disheartened with the Church, Church mentors, bible based books. So this book has pinpointed my frustration though I don’t agree with a large portion of what is written, it has the gist of what I am experiencing. This alone has made reading this book worthwhile.
On any given day or any given chapter, my rating goes from 1 to 5 stars. Honestly, I wish he just stuck to the facts and showed the inconsistencies he found in the bible and left us to make up our own mind for what we believe. I was completely mad and frustrated one minute and then thinking that is an intriguing idea that I want to research.