Godless

Fatherless #3

by James C. Dobson, Kurt Bruner

The nightmares have returned. Something, or someone, wants to drag Julia Davidson back into a dreadful conflict she assumed was a distant memory. Was this, like before, the echo of another person's dream? Is she responsible to rescue faces she doesn't recognize but can't forget? Do the murky images suggest she has a part to play in whatever ominous events lie ahead? Things are finally looking up for Matthew Adams. As the top earner at MedCom Associates he has started to crawl out of the financial hole created during his "dark days." And now, out of the blue, a mysterious woman invites him to join a confidential research initiative. She says it will ease the mounting economic crisis. But at what cost to Matthew's fragile sanity, and his tortured soul? Pastor Alex Ware faces a serious problem. The honeymoon period at Christ Community Church has ended. The finance committee says they can't afford another year of dwindling income and dismal growth. The board wants action, now! Aging parishioners would gladly allocate a portion of their estate to help. But only if Alex stops condemning the transition industry and starts affirming what the Youth Initiative calls "our heroic volunteers." In Fatherless and Childless, Dr. James Dobson and Kurt Bruner depicted a time in which present-day trends come to sinister fruition. This eagerly awaited conclusion vividly imagines what happens when God's image on earth is exchanged for the horrors of a GODLESS world.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian, Fiction, Dystopia, Science Fiction, Contemporary

417 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

A licensed psychologist and marriage, family, and child counselor, Dr. James Dobson was a clinical member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. For 14 years Dr. Dobson was an associate clinical professor of pediatrics at the University of Southern California School of Medicine, and he served for 17 years on the attending staff of Children's Hospital Los Angeles in the Division of Child Development and Medical Genetics. He earned a Ph.D. from the University of Southern California (1967) in the field of child development.

He was the author of more than 50 books, including The New Dare to Discipline, The New Strong-Willed Child, When God Doesn't Make Sense, Night Light: A Devotional for Couples, Bringing Up Boys, and the New York Times bestseller Bringing Up Girls .

Heavily involved in influencing governmental policies related to the family, Dr. Dobson was appointed by President Ronald Reagan to the National Advisory Commission to the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. He also served on the Attorney General's Advisory Board on Missing and Exploited Children, the Department of Health and Human Services' Panel on Teen Pregnancy Prevention, and the Commission on Child and Family Welfare. He was elected in 2008 to the National Radio Hall of Fame, and in 2009 received the Ronald Reagan Lifetime Achievement Award.

Reviews

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books.....scary and eye opening.....I see how easy this could happen.

[Christian Fiction Addiction · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dobson and Bruner return in fine form with the conclusion to their series, "Godless". With mounting tension, the authors explore a world where all truth is relative and God seems to be no more, where the young encourage their elderly parents to commit suicide and call it "heroism", where the idea of having children naturally is looked upon with derision. I loved becoming reacquainted with the characters from the first two books (Fatherless and Childless), but most loved the character of Pastor Alex Ware as he finds himself facing the temptation to compromise - and finds himself giving in. How many of us have faced similar situations and sat by silent? Yet over the course of the story Alex rises up to face his challenges head on, and you can't help but respect his courage. The misguided Matthew Adams also returns and we find him in one chilling predicament after another, to the point of being sickened by his actions. And yet there is a lesson to be seen there too as we see the outcome of his choices. There were many moments of the story where a feeling of hopelessness pervades the scenes. Yet this makes the end all the more sweeter as we see characters take a stand with courage. It would be impossible to read this book and indeed the prior two as well, and not walk away with a different view on our society. The discouraging scenarios described in this book do not have to become reality. Rather, like the characters depicted by Dobson and Bruner, we can make the choice to stand up for truth, and offer a future of freedom to those around us, a future where children and family are celebrated, where life is respected and honoured. May all of us rise up to that challenge!

Godless is action-packed drama at its best, combining an exciting plot with inspiring characters. If you haven't yet picked up the first two books in the series, I encourage you to do so and read all three from start to finish. It is time well spent! I award this book 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Book has been provided courtesy of Hachette Book Group Canada, for the purposes of this unbiased review.

[Aimee Shaffer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third installment in a series of books by Dr. James Dobson and Kurt Bruner. The authors did a wonderful job of taking me through a complete range of emotions - anger, frustration, giddiness, relief. . . I hope we never see the kind of future described in this book, but it's encouraging to know that regardless of what turn our culture takes, we are triumphant in the end. Great summer read but I recommend the entire series from start to finish.

[Callie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in this series, and it was probably my favorite of the three - a lot of things were tied together from the other two books, and I felt like it was such a poignant picture of spiritual warfare in our country and a possible future if we continue the way we are going. If you have ever wondered if Christians should vote or be involved in politics, this book might also be one to check out! The story was intrguing, and I had a hard time putting it down! Highly recommend!

[Chris Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

A disturbing fictional depiction of what may be in store in the next 30 years as younger populations deal with their long-living parents and grandparents. I can already see these themes beginning to come into play in the present time, and this book strengthened my resolve to live a life worthy of the calling I've received, and to pass on the legacy of faith to my children in order for them to walk with grace on the difficult journey ahead.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

First sentence: Veronica's eyes flew open as she felt the rising sun warm her face. Panic forced her upright. "Where are we?" No response. Louder. "Mommy?"

Premise/plot: Godless is the third and final book in the trilogy by James Dobson and Kurt Bruner. (The first two in the series are Fatherless and Childless. The third novel opens in 2044, so two years have passed since the first novel began.)

What would society be like if it was truly godless? The entire series has shown a terrifying future where nothing is wrong because everything is right. It's a world in economic crisis for one thing.

The novel asks: What happens to a society, a civilization, when there are more old people than young people? Who gets what? How are resources shared and divided? In this fictional series, the author imagines that the elderly are manipulated and urged to make the best decision for everyone: to end their lives so that their grown children and grandchildren can benefit financially. Be a blessing for your loved ones: die today! Don't weigh down your loved ones lives with your continued existence! Make one last contribution to society! Be patriotic! Do good for your country, do good for your family!

The result is that medical care is being denied to the elderly. Children are pressuring their parents to transition--to die and leave them everything. Churches are pressuring older members to transition so that the church can have their money and thereby extend their gospel outreach. Politicians are definitely supporting the transition industry and building their campaigns around it.

Imagine this: You're 60+, at home waiting for results from the doctor, someone shows up at your door with the results. But they just don't give you the news, they're there to sell you a solution. Your health is bad. You're being denied coverage or treatment. But there's good news in all of this: you can take control of your diagnosis. Schedule your day to die! Sign up right here, right now and we'll set up your appointment to "transition." You can transition at home even if you'd prefer.

Or imagine this: You're 60+ and have a college-aged grandchild who wants to go to college. Your grandchild "needs" this educational opportunity if they are to succeed in life. The only thing standing in the way of their success, their future...is YOU. If you really love your grandchild, don't you want them to have the best in life even if you're not there to see it?

Godless has many characters. Most of the characters were introduced in the first two books in the series. But this one also focuses in on one pastor and his family as they struggle to do the right thing and stand up against a church board that is pro-transition.

My thoughts: The series has reminded me of Frank Peretti's novels. The ideas are truly terrifying. It isn't just the lack of respect for human life and dignity in regards to how the elderly are treated. (I imagine that the disabled would also be pressured to transition. If you can't work and contribute to society, go ahead and die.)

The breakdown of the family is complete. Adults never marry, never enter monogamous relationships, never learn to love others unconditionally and sacrificially, never have children, never have need to be selfless. The novels do show the other side, however. The "breeder" class where values have not disintegrated and human life is still seen as being in the image of God.

[Trish Boese · Rating 5 out of 5]

5* This book is relevant today. The authors have imagined a future in America where assisted suicide is the norm. Elderly people are encouraged to 'volunteer' so they aren't an economic liability to the country. The authors' portrayal of a godless society where all things are permissible is chilling. It's a call for Christians to make the world a better place by standing up for the sanctity of life. Recommend this series for shining the light of truth.

[Steven Yoder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is final book of the Fatherless trilogy by Dr. James Dobson and Kurt Bruner. In this last book, Matthew Adams has a new lucrative job helping people transition (euthanasia) but is it really voluntary? Pastor Alex Ware faces a hostile board that opposes his pro-life message against transitioning. Congressman Kevin Tolbert is still trying to get tax deductions to encourage marriage and parenthood and discourage transitioning. A shadowy person seems to be dangerous to him, however.

[Sue Mathews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and too possible to be science fiction. Had to read all 3 books and stop all other reading awhile, but well worth it. my husband is even reading them now and he doesn't usually like what I read.

[Cindy Mutter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this 3 book series. Scary to think we, as a society, are headed in this direction. Crazy what the characters in the book believe.

[Rhonda Z · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought provoking.

[Rebekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. It all leads up to this.

I am definitely impressed with Godless, the conclusion to the Fatherless trilogy. I furthered the ideas and plotlines of the first two books in a fast-paced, suspenseful, emotional, and interesting way. I must say that I am most impressed at the way the authors have dealt with the character of Matthew Adams (more detail below). His character arc and characterization is fully fleshed out between all three volumes, and probably has the best continuity and planning of any of the main characters. Things in general definitely get darker in this one, with several bits that are quite bone-chilling. Dostoyevsky is incorporated in a very thought provoking and chilling way. So if you can catch up on your Dostoyevsky before reading it would really enhance the experience, however it is not necessary to have read Dostoyevsky to understand the plot.

This is definitely more plot centered than character centered (except in the case of Matthew Adams). There are also many different POV chapters and perspectives for many different characters. I was only jarred by the sudden shift a couple of times, but other than that the change was pretty smooth. I would suggest this book to everyone, if for nothing more than to see the development of the character Matthew Adams, it is simply astounding.

SPOILERS BELOW!!!!! DON'T SAY YOU WEREN'T WARNED!!!!

I am now going to discuss some of the characters and their various arcs and plotlines.

Kevin and his family: They are pretty much doing their thing throughout the novel. We see some growing concern for Kevin's parent's health that seems merely meant for a bit of emotional pull at first. However, that does get a good payoff near the end as it ties into the overall plot. Kevin also stands up to Senator Franklin and gets a chance to speak about the Bright Spots proposal, though I wish we had seen how it was received.

Troy and Julia: Also played a bit of a minor roll. Julia is trying to figure out how to be a mother to Amanda, and she battles recurring dreams that tie into the plot. They basically help out their friends and the plot, while growing in their faith. Though it doesn't sound very interesting it really is.

Pastor Alex: I got frustrated a lot during his storyline, but that's probably because it was the second best one in here. He is dealing with a mean hypocritical chairman of the church board, while fighting his cowardice and preconceived notions, so he can stand up for the truth of God's word. It took him a while to find his courage and to remember that Jesus wasn't all hugs and kisses, so that was pretty frustrating, but when he finally came that realization, the payoff was pretty great. Although, it was pretty disinheartening to see just how many pastors had caved to the pressures of the world, and whose belief in God only went skin deep. It was a good reminder of how many preachers like that are out there today.

Tyler Cain: A cop from Childless, who contributed something vital to this plot and got one POV chapter to wrap up his story.

Matthew Adams: I could not stand this guy in the first two books. He contributed little to the plot (or so I thought), he kept making horrible decisions, and justifying those horrible decisions. I would sigh whenever I realized I was heading into a Matthew chapter.
Boy did my perspective change in this book.
His chapters were the most interesting and intriguing to read. His downward spiral into darkness, depravity, and madness were horrifying to read. As he kept going back and forth in his mind, the spiritual battle over his soul was palpable and chilling. The conversations he had with both Pastor Alex and Mori were fraught with tension. I felt every emotion on the spectrum while reading his chapters. Everything about him that seemed irrelevant and annoying in the first two books suddenly became vital, and he and his struggle were absolutely central to everything else that happened in the plot. I was fairly certain that he would be redeemed (because that's what happens in Christian fiction) but there were many times when I wondered whether they would go the unconventional route. Certainly the guesswork, and the journey to his decision was vastly more interesting than the decision itself. The way they threaded in Dostoyevsky truly enhanced his story and is an example of a very successful literate reference/influence. There were so many parallels, depths, and layers that were absolutely amazing. There are simply no words, this is but an atom of what I felt and what went through my mind while reading.

Comment and let me know if anyone else was floored by how suddenly Matthew became such and interesting and emotionally investing character. Or is it just me?

[Kathleen (Kat) Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

"If there is no God, all things are permissible."

Imagine a world where society would rather claim their own self importance and desires, than to hold on to some outdated religious beliefs that God exists and that He has determined a standard of right and wrong. That may have worked many decades ago but in the future, things are much different that they were for our parents and grandparents.

The year is 2044 and due to the economic downturn hitting virtually every single country, something has to change. Healthcare for the elderly is at an all-time premium and now there is a sliding scale to determine which treatments are available for them. The new Youth Initiative provision requires the an audit of the elderly's treatment allocation to determine their net-value ratios. The deeper the financial crisis, the lower the birthday for mandatory review: age eighty in 2040, dropping to seventy-five by '42 and plummeting to seventy earlier this year. Now seniors are being denied medical treatment simply based on their value to contribute to the younger generation. With there being fewer children being born, the needs of the finances possessed by the elderly are needed by the younger generation to keep the world going. Elderly people, the disabled and those not able to contribute to the economy are considered "debits."

Those people who support the family and traditional values of respect and caring for the sick and elderly are no considered bigots, intolerant and "breeders" "As religious zealots polluting the planet by spawning a bunch of crib-lizards who consume more than their share of resources and then have the audacity to keep their old and disabled loved ones around as pets when that money could have gone to the younger, healthier citizens." Now there is an all out push for more transitions to take place. Churches are actively promoting transitions as a way of passing along their wealth to further the growth of the church by making them the beneficiaries. "They simply see transitions like a Boy Scout helping little old ladies. Only instead of escorting them across the street, you help them cross the threshold."

Now as Congressman Kevin Tolbert and his team aggressively work to counter the Youth Initiative with the Bright Spots campaign, "young couples who consider children a blessing rather than a burden. People who love and honor their aging parents rather than trade them in for cash. And those who serve their disabled loved ones as fellow creatures who reflects the image of God rather than discard them as accidental genetic blunders." Studies now show that communities that promote this idea over the Youth Initiative provide pockets of vitality and growth amid the dark economic clouds.

But there are those who want nothing more than to silence the opposition at all costs. Willing to go as far as helping transitions occur in the home instead of the clinic and in some cases even assisting them when they are fearful or confused. Does this chilling look at the future have any bearing on what is happening slowly in the world today? Is this a premonition of the future of the world when are simply willing to forget God and allow anything to become permissible? Now that marriage isn't just between a man and women, but now partners? This entire series of novels from authors Dr. James Dobson and Kurt Bruner deserve a hard look at what is possible coming our way in the not so distant future.

I received Godless from Dr. James Dobson and Kurt Bruner compliments of Faith Words for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions are my own unless otherwise notated. This is the third book and hopefully not the concluding one in the Fatherless Series. The first book Fatherless and then Childless show a growing trend towards where the final novel winds up. In light of certain policies hitting the government desks of politicians lately with assisted suicides becoming more acceptable, traditional marriage being passed up in favor of same sex marriages, this novel shows a gradually decline into what could quite possibly be on the horizon for our future. We can only hope if it does, that Jesus will come back at the rapture before we see it come to fruition in the tribulation. I absolutely LOVED this series and highly recommend it to anyone. I truly worth 5 out of 5 stars.

"We either submit to the sanity of what's true or become ensnared by the madness of lies."(pg 223).

[Victor Gentile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. James Dobson and Kurt Bruner in their new book, “Godless” Book Three in the Fatherless series published by FaithWords brings us back into the life of Julia Davidson.

From the back cover: The nightmares have returned.

Something, or someone, wants to drag Julia Davidson back into a dreadful conflict she assumed was a distant memory. Was this, like before, the echo of another person’s dream? Is she responsible to rescue faces she doesn’t recognize but can’t forget? Do the murky images suggest she has a part to play in whatever ominous events lie ahead?

Things are finally looking up for Matthew Adams. As the top earner at MedCom Associates he has started to crawl out of the financial hole created during his “dark days.” And now, out of the blue, a mysterious woman invites him to join a confidential research initiative. She says it will ease the mounting economic crisis. But at what cost to Matthew’s fragile sanity, and his tortured soul?

Pastor Alex Ware faces a serious problem. The honeymoon period at Christ Community Church has ended. The finance committee says they can’t afford another year of dwindling income and dismal growth. The board wants action, now! Aging parishioners would gladly allocate a portion of their estate to help. But only if Alex stops condemning the transition industry and starts affirming what the Youth Initiative calls “our heroic volunteers.”

In Fatherless and Childless, Dr. James Dobson and Kurt Bruner depicted a time in which present-day trends come to sinister fruition. This eagerly awaited conclusion vividly imagines what happens when God’s image on earth is exchanged for the horrors of a GODLESS world.

Compromise! It is a dirty word. It means someone watered down their principles, kept some of them and accepted some of what he was opposed. The world has changed. It has become a dark, frightening, twisted society where human life is treated casually and euthanasia is embraced for the “old” and “disabled”. The time has come to either speak out against it or accept it. Many of the characters battle with compromise but finally draw their courage from God and rise up to take a stand against what society has become. By accepting this challenge they offer society hope and a bright future. They are fighting against overwhelming odds but they fight on anyway. I enjoy that this is social commentary all wrapped up in a fiction thriller. Make no doubt about this the lives of practically everyone are in very great danger and it gets progressively worse as the story unfolds. Danger, action and adventure are all rolled up in a very exciting read. These are wonderful characters that live and breathe on the pages and you care deeply for them. This book does not disappoint at all.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from FaithWords. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Carol Brandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Conclusion of the Fatherless, Childless trilogy. I really enjoyed it.
The mystery continues as to who killed Judge Santiago from the previous book. Matthew Adams was accused but acquitted. In this book he’s working in the transition industry, encouraging people to transition. He still struggles with whether or not that’s the right thing. A client encourages him to contact a church to talk about it. He takes on a new role, of assisting in-home transitions. Meanwhile, he does talk to Pastor Alex Ware of the church, who is vehemently opposed to the transition industry, seeing it as assisted suicide. Pastor Alex faces opposition from his board, some of whom just see the money which will be donated to the church by those transitioning. We also continue to see Congressman Tolbert’s struggle to remain true to his opposition to the Youth Initiative while working with Senator Franklin who says he’ll support the Bright Spots plan – can he be trusted? And Julia and Troy have married and adopted Amanda, who was orphaned when her parents transitioned in the last book. Julia struggles with her role as a mother, and her sense of worth now that she’s not a high-powered journalist.
The epilogue is a summary of the state of the nation, with few children being born and many elderly and the economic crisis that is producing, but the solution is encouraging solid marriages and families and more offspring. We need to encourage motherhood. Also, to recognize that although the disabled consume more resources than they will produce, it’s not their misery that we’re trying to end, but rather our inconvenience. Yet they teach us compassion.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good ending to the trilogy. I like that things are not all nice and tidy; life is messy, the characters still have issues, evil still exists in the world around them, their fight continues, but each of our main characters (even the bad ones) has overcome significant hurdles to get to a new level of their character for the sake of truth and beauty in the world. A more realistic ending that gives me the kind of realistic hope I can have for my life.

Beyond the main issue of the Youth Initiative, Dobson includes several side elements into the story that speak specifically to changes that are going on in today's culture. For example, in one scene an elderly woman reflects about how she and her pastor husband started a medical clinic as part of their church in the early days of their ministry. "What about the separation of church and state?" another character asks, giving a clear indication of where we might be headed soon - that medical care is considered a state issue that the church may not get involved with. To these characters about 40 years in our future, the thought of churches involved in medical care is practically inconceivable. Someone once said that what is tolerable in one generation becomes the norm in the next generation. This book is a good warning of that on many levels.

[Val · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a little disappointed in how it ended, but I can't say I know how I wanted it to end. God still wins as usual, but I guess I wanted to know how the presidential election went in the end. Otherwise, it was a heavy series that shows the direction our society is going. It seems a little extreme, but in reality, it probably isn't. This book isn't for everyone. If you don't like politics and heavy thinking, this book is not for you. Otherwise, it's very thought provoking. I'm glad the series is done though.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Godless is the thrilling conclusion to Fatherless and Childless.

I really enjoyed how this book ended, I don't want to give much away, but I felt as though every character was given a fair and deliberate ending.

Of course, it is a Christian book, so some of the characters convert, but I still feel that it was a ver fast paced and exciting novel.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

The last of the series. I did enjoy the concept behind the entire series. The story idea gets 5 stars from me. The writing is a little weaker than the story, just not personal preference for writing. I also think that sometimes Christian books wrap things up a little too nicely sometimes.
I would recommend everyone read these books though, they are thought provoking.

[Loretta · Rating 4 out of 5]

A chilling indictment of what is starting to happen in some European countries where euthanasia is encouraged. Bearing in mind that in the UK, some elderly people have recently been removed from their doctor's lists as being 'too expensive' this may, at some point in the future, become an all too real possibility.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series of 3 books is outstanding. Written in an easy to read format, this series has a deep message with several layers that will make you really stop and think about things going on TODAY! Though set in a futuristic setting, many of these things are in today's news. Take time to read "Fatherless", "Childless", and "Godless".

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Dobson trilogy. This book deals with how the church confronts the "transition" industry in which the elderly die in order to transfer their assets. Once again, I love Dobson comments on the culture, but the plot and dialogue felt stilted.

[Dan Goad · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is bad writing. Not terrible, just bad. I chocked down what I could then returned it to the library. I'm sure it will make some church biddy very happy some day.

[Adam Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd say 3.5 stars actually. The end is really weak but...I'll get to a full review later.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great way to finish off the trilogy! The best book of the three, I highly recommend reading this series, but especially if you already have a Christian worldview. Good job, Dr. Dobson!

[Deanna Rinebolt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed the entire series.

[Luann Habecker · Rating 4 out of 5]

NOT far fetched

WAKE UP CHURCH! http://churchrepent.com/

Merged review:

NOT far fetched.


WAKE UP CHURCH! http://churchrepent.com/

[Brenten Gilbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

RATING: 3.75 STARS

This concludes the trilogy. I might have gone with a different ending, but an insightful series overall.

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fitting conclusion to this amazing, yet unsettling, literary trilogy.

[Perfumegirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

very good book...1st in the trilogy was the best, but all were worth the read

It's set in the future, but paints a picture of how the world today could effect the future...very good reading.