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Letting Go of God
Publisher's Summary
Julia Sweeney says she was a "happy Catholic girl" when, one day, she walked into church and signed up for a Bible-study course. "What an eye opener that was!" she says. "Next thing you know, I was on a quest for something I could really believe in. I traveled to places like Bhutan, Ecuador, and my local Starbucks looking for answers. Would I embrace Buddhism? New Age pseudo-science? Was I a freak for feeling the way I did, or were there other people out there just like me? I was grappling with serious questions. But, somehow, a lot of the things that were happening to me seemed, well, funny."
Equally comedic and insightful, Letting Go of God is Sweeney's brilliant one-woman show about her struggle with her faith. Grappling with the seeming contradictions in Adam and Eve, Noah, the Ten Commandments, and even the teachings of Jesus - and trying to understand the Bible's messages about morality, family values, and human suffering while faced with door-knocking Mormons and wise-cracking priests - Sweeney takes listeners on her very personal journey from God to "not-God".
This performance was recorded on November 19, 2005, at the Ars Nova Theatre in New York City.
Julia Sweeney was a cast member on Saturday Night Live from 1989-94, and is best known for the mysteriously androgynous character, "It's Pat!". She has also served as a consulting producer on Sex and the City and Desperate Housewives. Letting Go of God is her third monologue. She performed her first, God Said, "Ha!", in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and on Broadway, as well as in a film produced by Quentin Tarantino. The CD version was nominated for a Grammy.
There's lots more Julia Sweeney available at Audible®! Just click here to download In the Family Way, her appearances on This American Life, her Un-Cabaret performances, and other great programs.
©2006 Julia Sweeney; (P)2006 Julia Sweeney
Julia Sweeney says she was a "happy Catholic girl" when, one day, she walked into church and signed up for a Bible-study course. "What an eye opener that was!" she says. "Next thing you know, I was on a quest for something I could really believe in. I traveled to places like Bhutan, Ecuador, and my local Starbucks looking for answers. Would I embrace Buddhism? New Age pseudo-science? Was I a freak for feeling the way I did, or were there other people out there just like me? I was grappling with serious questions. But, somehow, a lot of the things that were happening to me seemed, well, funny."
Equally comedic and insightful, Letting Go of God is Sweeney's brilliant one-woman show about her struggle with her faith. Grappling with the seeming contradictions in Adam and Eve, Noah, the Ten Commandments, and even the teachings of Jesus - and trying to understand the Bible's messages about morality, family values, and human suffering while faced with door-knocking Mormons and wise-cracking priests - Sweeney takes listeners on her very personal journey from God to "not-God".
This performance was recorded on November 19, 2005, at the Ars Nova Theatre in New York City.
Julia Sweeney was a cast member on Saturday Night Live from 1989-94, and is best known for the mysteriously androgynous character, "It's Pat!". She has also served as a consulting producer on Sex and the City and Desperate Housewives. Letting Go of God is her third monologue. She performed her first, God Said, "Ha!", in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and on Broadway, as well as in a film produced by Quentin Tarantino. The CD version was nominated for a Grammy.
There's lots more Julia Sweeney available at Audible®! Just click here to download In the Family Way, her appearances on This American Life, her Un-Cabaret performances, and other great programs.
©2006 Julia Sweeney; (P)2006 Julia Sweeney
10 pages, Audible Audio
First published January 1, 2006
7 people are currently reading
2230 people want to read
About the author
Julia Sweeney
19 books110 followersJulia Sweeney is an American actress, comedian and author best known for her Saturday Night Live career and autobiographical solo shows.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
January 23, 2013
It should be common knowledge that nobody becomes a great comic without a very incisive intellect. They use it to pierce the veil of the obvious to get at hidden truths, or sometimes to stop looking at non-existent depths to see what's right there on the surface.
Julia Sweeney is a great comic, and this is her very funny, very poignant story of how her belief in god gave way to her persistent need to exercise her intellect, curiosity and intuition.
What makes this book unique among atheist polemics is that there's no taking on the world of faith in the manner of a Hitchens, Harris, or Dawkins, or even an Ingersoll. It's not the story of someone particularly ill-used by religion, like some survivor of evangelical cults or Quiverfull movements. Nor is it the story of someone of faith who encounters harrowing secrets and becomes enraged or disillusioned, as in William Lobdell's "Losing my Religion". And it is definitely not an argument from the ranks of professional rationalism, like Victor Stenger or Daniel Dennett.
Instead its the story of a very sweet person who happens to be a bit of a natural if amateur critical thinker, who looks and looks and looks for some firm intellectual hook on which to hang her religious faith, only to find there isn't one. The path to her atheism is meandering, but compelling, mostly because she runs her skeptical eye as much over herself as over religions and other believers. She roots out the dubious in her own beliefs every bit as much as she finds it in the beliefs of others'.
Julia Sweeney is a great comic, and this is her very funny, very poignant story of how her belief in god gave way to her persistent need to exercise her intellect, curiosity and intuition.
What makes this book unique among atheist polemics is that there's no taking on the world of faith in the manner of a Hitchens, Harris, or Dawkins, or even an Ingersoll. It's not the story of someone particularly ill-used by religion, like some survivor of evangelical cults or Quiverfull movements. Nor is it the story of someone of faith who encounters harrowing secrets and becomes enraged or disillusioned, as in William Lobdell's "Losing my Religion". And it is definitely not an argument from the ranks of professional rationalism, like Victor Stenger or Daniel Dennett.
Instead its the story of a very sweet person who happens to be a bit of a natural if amateur critical thinker, who looks and looks and looks for some firm intellectual hook on which to hang her religious faith, only to find there isn't one. The path to her atheism is meandering, but compelling, mostly because she runs her skeptical eye as much over herself as over religions and other believers. She roots out the dubious in her own beliefs every bit as much as she finds it in the beliefs of others'.
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December 2, 2019
Audiobook - 02:06 Hours - Narrator: Julia Sweeney
"Equally comedic and insightful, Letting Go of God is Sweeney's brilliant one-woman show about her struggle with her faith. ...her very personal journey from God to "not-God"."
1st December 2019: I have just re-listened to this short, excellent and entertaining live performance by Julia Sweeney. "Letting Go of God" seems to improve, for me, every time I hear it.
This is my (more or less) original review:
I have listened to this audiobook at least twice, probably three times, the last time on 29th July 2008. Her touching and at times amusing tale in many ways mirrors my own journey of "de-conversion" from Roman Catholicism (including early seminary training for the priesthood) and doubtless many others listeners will nod and think "...yep, that was me, too...".
I highly recommend this live recording by Julia Sweeney for any person interested in the "why's" of religion, including wobbling believers and confirmed non-believers.
"Equally comedic and insightful, Letting Go of God is Sweeney's brilliant one-woman show about her struggle with her faith. ...her very personal journey from God to "not-God"."
1st December 2019: I have just re-listened to this short, excellent and entertaining live performance by Julia Sweeney. "Letting Go of God" seems to improve, for me, every time I hear it.
This is my (more or less) original review:
I have listened to this audiobook at least twice, probably three times, the last time on 29th July 2008. Her touching and at times amusing tale in many ways mirrors my own journey of "de-conversion" from Roman Catholicism (including early seminary training for the priesthood) and doubtless many others listeners will nod and think "...yep, that was me, too...".
I highly recommend this live recording by Julia Sweeney for any person interested in the "why's" of religion, including wobbling believers and confirmed non-believers.
July 11, 2020
First read / heard this years and years ago. Still holds up.
March 2, 2012
Fascinating
I really thought this was going to be a one woman stand up act. It wasn't and it was. It was a serious and light hearted discussion on how Sweeney came to terms with how she was raised and her current views on God. Not being raised in the church or organized religion the subject has been difficult for me to come to terms with. After listening to this I realize I've already come to terms. My parents raised me to respect nature, to be kind, and always remember the golden rule. I'll be listening to this book again, I do like her style.
I really thought this was going to be a one woman stand up act. It wasn't and it was. It was a serious and light hearted discussion on how Sweeney came to terms with how she was raised and her current views on God. Not being raised in the church or organized religion the subject has been difficult for me to come to terms with. After listening to this I realize I've already come to terms. My parents raised me to respect nature, to be kind, and always remember the golden rule. I'll be listening to this book again, I do like her style.
June 22, 2023
June 2023 re-listen:
I stated in 2016 I would listen again and I did. It was just as good the second time. Again, I could really relate to his being a former indoctrinated-since-birth Catholic and gradually losing faith over time through education such as she did. Definitely a great listen for former believers, espeically former Catholics.
Original 2016 review:
I thought this was fantastic! Julia Sweeney's journey from religion to non-belief mirrored mine in many ways. She was brought up in a strict Catholic family and gradually began questioning the supernatural content of Bible and the "mysterious ways" of god as she became more educated. I could relate to everything she talked about.
I only knew her as a former SNL cast member before she showed up as the host at the Rochester, MN stop of Richard Dawkins' tour in 2015. I admit that I don't remember much what she said that night, I was there to hear Dawkins and frankly didn't want to hear from anyone else. At the time I didn't know that she was active in the secular arena and was a board member of the Secular Coalition for America.
The book is narrated by Julia in a live setting, and is full of funny anecdotes and witty comments. I found myself laughing often. She knows how to tell a story and use her voice to bring it to life. I will listen to it again.
I stated in 2016 I would listen again and I did. It was just as good the second time. Again, I could really relate to his being a former indoctrinated-since-birth Catholic and gradually losing faith over time through education such as she did. Definitely a great listen for former believers, espeically former Catholics.
Original 2016 review:
I thought this was fantastic! Julia Sweeney's journey from religion to non-belief mirrored mine in many ways. She was brought up in a strict Catholic family and gradually began questioning the supernatural content of Bible and the "mysterious ways" of god as she became more educated. I could relate to everything she talked about.
I only knew her as a former SNL cast member before she showed up as the host at the Rochester, MN stop of Richard Dawkins' tour in 2015. I admit that I don't remember much what she said that night, I was there to hear Dawkins and frankly didn't want to hear from anyone else. At the time I didn't know that she was active in the secular arena and was a board member of the Secular Coalition for America.
The book is narrated by Julia in a live setting, and is full of funny anecdotes and witty comments. I found myself laughing often. She knows how to tell a story and use her voice to bring it to life. I will listen to it again.
October 26, 2009
Julia Sweeney gave me the best two hours of audiobook listening that I have ever experienced... this is her story of growing up Catholic and then needing to discover her own belief in god and universe. If any of my family wants to hear this hilarious true story of one woman's journey from Catholic to Atheist... let me know I would love to share this!
May 2, 2009
I listened to this as an audio book (essentially a taped stage production of her one-woman show) and it was brilliant.
I kept saying "Yes! Exactly" I had a lot in common with her background (Catholic, also tried to become an altar boy), searching for other religions that maybe would work better, and then finally accepting that there is no god. And that's okay. Better, in fact, than the alternative.
Even if you're religious, you'll appreciate and relate to Julia's crisis of faith (who hasn't read the Bible and at some point said wtf). She's honest, even earnest; a great storyteller; and of course, hilarious. And quite smart. I'll definitely be reading or listening to this again.
I kept saying "Yes! Exactly" I had a lot in common with her background (Catholic, also tried to become an altar boy), searching for other religions that maybe would work better, and then finally accepting that there is no god. And that's okay. Better, in fact, than the alternative.
Even if you're religious, you'll appreciate and relate to Julia's crisis of faith (who hasn't read the Bible and at some point said wtf). She's honest, even earnest; a great storyteller; and of course, hilarious. And quite smart. I'll definitely be reading or listening to this again.
December 15, 2011
Funny and interesting. My husband and I listened to this on a road trip and it was very entertaining. I guess sometimes you set out there to start a journey to find God, and you just, well, don't.
November 27, 2007
i had heard sweeney's other performance, god said ha!, about her experience with cancer (her brother's and her own), and was completely blown away by that piece. when i had heard that sweeney had another piece about her struggles with faith and her ultimate decision to give up on the idea of a personal god, i knew she would approach the subject with the grace, honesty, humor, and intelligence that she brought to the previous performance.
i was always aware of julia sweeney as an actress, from snl to pulp fiction and whatnot, but never really knew much about her work as a performance/monologist/whatever you call it.
i have read a lot of books/essays/pieces on letting go of faith, and i have had problems with nearly all of them. either they were incredibly snarky and condescending, or they were too cold and sterile -- not touching upon the very real emotions that go along with a journey such as sweeney's.
i was afraid that sweeney's account would be too much about the emotions and not so much about the science or the theology. turns out that, even though this is not a proper book, it is one of the better, and more complete pieces that address the subject. sweeney knows a LOT about the bible, about dogma, and history. she uses very concrete examples, knows her scripture, etc. she also knows a lot about science (although she admits this was her weak spot for many years due to her preconceptions about folks who were interested in science). but most of all, sweeney knows a lot about the intersection of emotion and science. about the wonderful things that religion can offer, and that it does offer, and how to deal with the absence of those things in a secular world.
i am not a softee. but i found myself almost moved to tears by sweeney's performance several times. she is brutally honest, and incredibly candid, exposing her inner most thoughts and neuroses, and the ridiculous fervor for which she sought the truth of the nature of the universe and life.
it is an incredibly uplifting piece of work, one that i believe could be appreciated by believers and secular folks alike. believers will certainly appreciate the thirst for knowledge and her anecdotes of growing up as a self-described 'nunophile' in a catholic family as well as her humorous takes on scripture, curchgoing, and prayer. she is not condescending, and she understands the need for religion. nobody could deny, after hearing this, that she has come to a conclusion that works for her, and you have to admire the thorough nature of her journey.
i was always aware of julia sweeney as an actress, from snl to pulp fiction and whatnot, but never really knew much about her work as a performance/monologist/whatever you call it.
i have read a lot of books/essays/pieces on letting go of faith, and i have had problems with nearly all of them. either they were incredibly snarky and condescending, or they were too cold and sterile -- not touching upon the very real emotions that go along with a journey such as sweeney's.
i was afraid that sweeney's account would be too much about the emotions and not so much about the science or the theology. turns out that, even though this is not a proper book, it is one of the better, and more complete pieces that address the subject. sweeney knows a LOT about the bible, about dogma, and history. she uses very concrete examples, knows her scripture, etc. she also knows a lot about science (although she admits this was her weak spot for many years due to her preconceptions about folks who were interested in science). but most of all, sweeney knows a lot about the intersection of emotion and science. about the wonderful things that religion can offer, and that it does offer, and how to deal with the absence of those things in a secular world.
i am not a softee. but i found myself almost moved to tears by sweeney's performance several times. she is brutally honest, and incredibly candid, exposing her inner most thoughts and neuroses, and the ridiculous fervor for which she sought the truth of the nature of the universe and life.
it is an incredibly uplifting piece of work, one that i believe could be appreciated by believers and secular folks alike. believers will certainly appreciate the thirst for knowledge and her anecdotes of growing up as a self-described 'nunophile' in a catholic family as well as her humorous takes on scripture, curchgoing, and prayer. she is not condescending, and she understands the need for religion. nobody could deny, after hearing this, that she has come to a conclusion that works for her, and you have to admire the thorough nature of her journey.
May 31, 2009
When I was a freshman in college and a professor said he was an atheist, I was shocked. He might just as well have proclaimed himself a pederast. I'd somehow come to believe atheist were evil, amoral freaks. This book puts a human and funny face on non-belief. Julia Sweeney makes non-belief sound so normal and reasonable. If you ever thought it was strange, scary, or hopeless to not believe in God, try this book for a different perspective.
August 12, 2012
Just finished this audiobook a couple of days ago, Julia Sweeney is amazing. She recounts her journey from Catholicism to atheism (spurred perhaps not so ironically after attending a bible study group and actually reading and questioning the thing cover to cover). She takes quite the winding journey before reaching Reason, trying out everything from pseudoscience to Buddhism to pantheism - but finds that each has fatal flaws. What I love about Sweeney is that she approaches the subject in such an accessible, gentle, personal, relatable(!), and overall humorous way (I listened to most of this on the train and I'm pretty sure people must've thought I was crazy cause I would burst out laughing so often, some of her anecdotes and delivery are really, really funny - naturally I suppose, since she used to be a SNL cast member).
Her perspective is refreshing since, unlike most other atheist authors, she was quite religious for most of her life and never set-out with the intention of shedding religion - it just happened, because she was able to turn her own inherent skepticism to her own faith.
It's also nice to see that she doesn't shy away from acknowledging the somewhat sad sort of finality that some atheists struggle with, but also reminds us how - against astronomical and unfathomable odds - it is us who were lucky enough to live conscious, and (if we decide to) personally meaningful lives.
Her perspective is refreshing since, unlike most other atheist authors, she was quite religious for most of her life and never set-out with the intention of shedding religion - it just happened, because she was able to turn her own inherent skepticism to her own faith.
It's also nice to see that she doesn't shy away from acknowledging the somewhat sad sort of finality that some atheists struggle with, but also reminds us how - against astronomical and unfathomable odds - it is us who were lucky enough to live conscious, and (if we decide to) personally meaningful lives.
September 11, 2011
Loved this book. Julia Sweeney is one of the funniest people on earth, and going with her down the path to non-spirituality is a hoot. I would say it wouldn't be agreeable to staunch Catholics, but I think most people would find something in this to enjoy.
November 17, 2017
original read: 2011
January 22, 2026
This was awesome, I wish I had come across it sooner!
February 21, 2013
Julia Sweeney writes in brevity and wit to match her insightfulness. She shares her thoughts without pushing her opinion onto anyone who cares to listen to her words. Her thoughts are based on experience, research, and careful consideration. I did not listen to the audio book looking for answers, but to discard my ignorance and look at how a world without God can still be meaningful. I’ve always had a respect for Julia because she has the gift of teaching through humour.
Julia likely subscribes to a quote that Banskey wrote: ‘…they say you die twice. One time when you stop breathing and a second time… when somebody says your name for the last time.” Death suddenly seems gloomier, but it makes the life we have and the moments we live all the more precious.
Listening to Julia speak I heard an echo of myself in her words. Indulging personal curiosity by asking questions such as- is God real or is He a collective imaginary friend? Why are the God and Jesus of the Old and New Testament darker and less forgiving than I was raised to believe? If God is real, where does He exist? In what religion, nature, or space does He dwell? Julia explores these questions and many others with well supported research to reinforce her own thoughts on the matter. Some of it I whole heartedly agreed with, others I still was not convinced.
Having belief in anything is of a personal nature. I think Julia Sweeney makes a strong argument on losing her religion. It’s certainly worth listening to her CD if you want to reflect on a different perspective or simply have an emotional rush through her stories that are balanced with laughter, sadness, and significance.
Julia likely subscribes to a quote that Banskey wrote: ‘…they say you die twice. One time when you stop breathing and a second time… when somebody says your name for the last time.” Death suddenly seems gloomier, but it makes the life we have and the moments we live all the more precious.
Listening to Julia speak I heard an echo of myself in her words. Indulging personal curiosity by asking questions such as- is God real or is He a collective imaginary friend? Why are the God and Jesus of the Old and New Testament darker and less forgiving than I was raised to believe? If God is real, where does He exist? In what religion, nature, or space does He dwell? Julia explores these questions and many others with well supported research to reinforce her own thoughts on the matter. Some of it I whole heartedly agreed with, others I still was not convinced.
Having belief in anything is of a personal nature. I think Julia Sweeney makes a strong argument on losing her religion. It’s certainly worth listening to her CD if you want to reflect on a different perspective or simply have an emotional rush through her stories that are balanced with laughter, sadness, and significance.
February 9, 2013
This was absolutely brilliant.
I had seen Julia Sweeney's TED talk in the past, maybe a year or so ago. But had never thought to listen to the entire book.
It's just a tad over two hours long but you could probably read the whole thing in much less if you found the transcript, although, having followed the transcript at some points, there were some minor differences.
I suggest listening, however, as Julia Sweeney is a magnificent orator. There was one stage about halfway through when she stuttered, which was amazing because up until this point I had imagined they would merely rerecord any moments of that nature. She made about two slight mistakes in two hours of talking. Remarkable.
Along with being brilliant, in that she discusses some relatively complicated issues and concepts and explains them clearly and concisely, she is also hilarious. I am not sure if I have ever laughed as hard as I did when she spoke about masturbating to a poster of Jesus as a child.
I suspect she embellishes her own naivety throughout, but that's OK. This is seriously good, I recommend this to anyone who is up for hearing one person's story about their transition from religious to non-religious. It's brilliant, interesting and heaps of fun.
I had seen Julia Sweeney's TED talk in the past, maybe a year or so ago. But had never thought to listen to the entire book.
It's just a tad over two hours long but you could probably read the whole thing in much less if you found the transcript, although, having followed the transcript at some points, there were some minor differences.
I suggest listening, however, as Julia Sweeney is a magnificent orator. There was one stage about halfway through when she stuttered, which was amazing because up until this point I had imagined they would merely rerecord any moments of that nature. She made about two slight mistakes in two hours of talking. Remarkable.
Along with being brilliant, in that she discusses some relatively complicated issues and concepts and explains them clearly and concisely, she is also hilarious. I am not sure if I have ever laughed as hard as I did when she spoke about masturbating to a poster of Jesus as a child.
I suspect she embellishes her own naivety throughout, but that's OK. This is seriously good, I recommend this to anyone who is up for hearing one person's story about their transition from religious to non-religious. It's brilliant, interesting and heaps of fun.
July 15, 2013
This book is EXACTLY how I feel. I could have written it~ except without her wonderful humor! If people can honestly evaluate what they believe or 'think' they believe in, they will come to the same conclusion. This has been a very difficult journey for me and it is sad.... as her Mother says, "but aren't you sad all the time?!"
Julia's 'awakenings' really hit home with me~~ "but how can a person know how to behave without God?"! Her struggles to find some kind of an answer... something to believe in.... they are all things I can relate to.... just give me something to believe in!
If you are a religious person, you will struggle with this book as it will make you question everything you've been taught and think you believe. If you are not, then you will most likely enjoy her humor. If you just want to stay "blind" to the sad reality of what life is, then don't read or listen to it as it will disturb your perfectly imagined , made-up world. I , on the other hand, loved this book!
Julia's 'awakenings' really hit home with me~~ "but how can a person know how to behave without God?"! Her struggles to find some kind of an answer... something to believe in.... they are all things I can relate to.... just give me something to believe in!
If you are a religious person, you will struggle with this book as it will make you question everything you've been taught and think you believe. If you are not, then you will most likely enjoy her humor. If you just want to stay "blind" to the sad reality of what life is, then don't read or listen to it as it will disturb your perfectly imagined , made-up world. I , on the other hand, loved this book!
March 28, 2016
This was amazing. I would give it 10 stars if I could. I was hoping to find it in book form, but could only find it as a recorded live performance. I'm glad I did. To hear it from the author makes it far better.
I have to admit that a long time ago when I was deeply religious, I heard about Julia leaving her faith because of her brother's illness and completely judged her, knowing nothing more than that. Now that I have changed my views on religion, I tracked this down and listened in awe. She was 1000 times more spiritual and respectful of god than I ever was. Her journey was so earnest and honest that it almost brought tears to my eyes.
I now share her conclusions, although I could only wish to have arrived at them after such deep and honest searching, and I know I could never express it as well as she did.
No matter what your views, you really should listen to this incredible, honest account of her journey. It will have you laughing and crying and leave you challenged. What more could you ask for?
I have to admit that a long time ago when I was deeply religious, I heard about Julia leaving her faith because of her brother's illness and completely judged her, knowing nothing more than that. Now that I have changed my views on religion, I tracked this down and listened in awe. She was 1000 times more spiritual and respectful of god than I ever was. Her journey was so earnest and honest that it almost brought tears to my eyes.
I now share her conclusions, although I could only wish to have arrived at them after such deep and honest searching, and I know I could never express it as well as she did.
No matter what your views, you really should listen to this incredible, honest account of her journey. It will have you laughing and crying and leave you challenged. What more could you ask for?
September 29, 2011
I never heard of this author until I got the audio version of this book. Apparently she was an SNL character, acted in a couple of the Beethoven movies and is a somewhat famous comedian. i found her to be a kindred spirit in her search for and final release from the myth of God. She went through so many of the same steps that I did, with the same thoughts that I had. It made me begin to wonder if there isn't a whole generation of converted atheists out there.
The book is serious and humorous at the same time; short and very interesting and enjoyable. What I really didn't like is that the book was apparently taped in front of a live audience who laughed and guffawed throughout. This had the effect of making the funny bits less funny and the serious parts less serious. But this is a minor complaint. Overall, I did enjoy it very much.
The book is serious and humorous at the same time; short and very interesting and enjoyable. What I really didn't like is that the book was apparently taped in front of a live audience who laughed and guffawed throughout. This had the effect of making the funny bits less funny and the serious parts less serious. But this is a minor complaint. Overall, I did enjoy it very much.
January 5, 2010
Just re-listening to this one and I loved it again. I would recommend the audio version and perhaps the video is even better. Hearing her performance style is important for capturing the humor.
This is Julia Sweeney's memoir about how she became an atheist. She grew up Catholic, but in adulthood questions her faith and discusses the spiritual journey that led her to atheism. Her telling of the story is comedic and the information and questions she presents are fascinating. I personally liked learning about how a religious person views the world.
This is Julia Sweeney's memoir about how she became an atheist. She grew up Catholic, but in adulthood questions her faith and discusses the spiritual journey that led her to atheism. Her telling of the story is comedic and the information and questions she presents are fascinating. I personally liked learning about how a religious person views the world.
November 25, 2008
I listened to this one and really enjoyed Julia Sweeney. She makes it very clear that there were big steps between Catholicism and where she ended up. All of them funny AND sad. I can see how this book could help a lot of people realize what they have believed all along. I have also started listening to Darwin's On the Origin of Species because of her description of reading it herself for the first time.
January 30, 2009
This audio book is terrific but not everyone will be comfortable with it. Julia Sweeney was raised Catholic and she tells her true story of how she went from Catholic to atheist. Its insightful, funny, emotional and really entertaining. If you don't consider yourself religious, or have some doubts about religion, or just struggle with some of the bizarre parts of religious you will likely really enjoy this. Hearing Julia's delivery is terrific so definitely go audio on this one.
March 1, 2011
There was some good stuff in here about appreciating the wonder that is creation IN ABSENCE of a miraculous / divine creator.
The actual process of "letting go of God" has never been an issue for me but one that I feel I have heard almost too much about over the course of my Unitarian upbringing.
I (surprisingly) almost cried at the dramatic weight loss of her cat (wtf), and then at her attempt to remember her last hug with her father.
The actual process of "letting go of God" has never been an issue for me but one that I feel I have heard almost too much about over the course of my Unitarian upbringing.
I (surprisingly) almost cried at the dramatic weight loss of her cat (wtf), and then at her attempt to remember her last hug with her father.
October 4, 2008
Get the audio version of this so you can hear Julia Sweeney's own narration. This is the personal story of her quest to make sense of religion when she was unsettled by what she read during a Bible study class. This two-hour tour of religion compresses a lot of research and personal trial into a humorous but thoughtful essay/comedy routine.
October 21, 2010
This isn't a book but sure is a great dvd or audio tape! Julia Sweeney has an incredible gift of being able to insert humor at exactly the right moment. The topic is controversial and quite serious but I laughed throughout. She also did her 'homework' and research before creating "Letting Go of God".
February 15, 2012
I'm already an atheist but having come from a Catholic background (but not strict), I loved hearing Julia's stories, and found it very funny and entertaining too. Always very interesting to hear about the similarities and differences in others' experiences when they realised that there was no god. I watched the video version of this book.
March 31, 2013
I loved this short audiobook. Not only was Julia's story engaging but she narrates it too and her voice made it come to life.
I was raised Catholic just like Ms. Sweeney and felt right at home in her religious musings and humorous recollections.
As a fellow searcher, I came to the same conclusions as she did. I will listen to this again.
I was raised Catholic just like Ms. Sweeney and felt right at home in her religious musings and humorous recollections.
As a fellow searcher, I came to the same conclusions as she did. I will listen to this again.
May 13, 2008
Downloaded from itunes. LOVED this book. Julia Sweeney reads on the audio book and her delivery is excellent. I laughed a lot and enjoyed experiencing her religious journey. An inspiration for those of us who have given up on religion.
January 10, 2021
Theogically speaking, this nonsense, humour ?........ Maybe.
I don't see how humour can help discuss such a thorny issue as religion, unless...... The author is seeking to mislead and misguide the readers/audience by intentionally inserting fallacies.
I don't see how humour can help discuss such a thorny issue as religion, unless...... The author is seeking to mislead and misguide the readers/audience by intentionally inserting fallacies.
June 17, 2008
She cracks me up. I listened to her audiobook and am not sure it would be as enjoyable to read since she's so much fun to listen to. I'm sure I will listen to this again someday.
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