The War Within: The Meaning of Life & My Journey To Find It

by Dr Michael Cocchini

Genres: Christian

298 pages, Paperback

Published December 19, 2023

Reviews

[Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

The mirror alone that Dr. Cocchini holds up between the Word and observable reality is enough to plant a seed in any open-minded, intellectually honest person. Cocchini expounds upon comparisons between actual scripture, and shared experiences any average joe can relate to, further cementing the truth behind millennia old teachings; and all of this from a doctor of medicine, the cherry on top. Phenomenal read.

[Random · Rating 4 out of 5]

Praise:
- Many of his ideas are on point from a Christian perspective, and I applaud Michael for simplifying a plethora of advanced topics that laymen, such as myself, wouldn’t otherwise comprehend (and quickly).
- His very illustrative and apt analogies/metaphors were excellent.
- This is a great book to introduce yourself or others to the Bible amidst the sea of demonic confusion permeating society today.
- His accurate comparisons made me laugh uncontrollably many times, while also evoking tears and deep melancholy in some of his personal stories.
- Michael is preaching the eternal validity of the 10 commandments. Amen.

Critiques:
- Barely cited any references. The first one I found was on Pg. 123, and only a few others after that.
- Dozens of typos that could have easily been picked up with a simple spellcheck pass. Some of these reach the point of comedy. E.g. “The overall battle is already won by our Father and therefore, all we do to fight is resist and all we do to resist is flea to the Father’s arms.” – Pg. 259
- Cited false biblical archaeological finds from charlatans like Ron Wyatt (E.g. Chariot wheels in the Red Sea, Pg. 124). Though his focus on this topic was very brief, I admit.
- I disagree with his theory regarding the birth of all pagan gods stemming from the “fallen angel babies” known as the Nephilim, alongside some of his other assumptions regarding the Nephilim that I believe he's pulling from 1 Enoch (an apocryphal work).
- The author is severely vulgar at times and doesn’t really care to filter himself while still getting his point across. (See Pg. 154, dead angel babies, being bent over an altar, etc…). It's really appalling, and God doesn't take this approach in the Bible, at all.

Conclusion:
The pros far outweigh the cons. Overlook the flaws or skip past them, as I did, and read this book. Thank you, Michael, for writing it.

[Rebecca · Rating 1 out of 5]

This seems to be in the genre of Christian books that disguises oppression as love. Putting down lgbtq, every other religion or spiritual mindset, ecetera. Also pushed some need to fight and force other people to believe that too. All the while using the Bible to give them authority to put others down.(You can look up definition of oppression if you want).
It was really disheartening, to say the least, to find people think this is what Jesus wants... Matthew 22:37-40 ; 1 Corinthians 13

Spiritual beliefs aside, the writers style i would call most accurately rambling. It was mentally taxing to try to follow what he was saying. It came off as all-knowing, overbearing, and forceful. It also was entirely to much information and facts in need of fact checking for a philophical or spiritual book... When a philophical book is written well it doesn't force ideas, but suggests them in my opinion. It leaves things open and fluid so the reader can be free to make their own discoveries.

[Stephanie Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Michael Cocchini spills everything we all collectively think, even if we don’t admit it out loud. He connected a lot of dots in life that has never made sense to me, all while leading me closer to Christ. This book makes you rethink everything you know about life, evaluate yourself, and overall changes you. Hands down this is the best book I’ve ever read(next to the Bible, of course).

I recommend this book to any & everyone who struggles internally(whatever that may look like), is confused about their beliefs, or is searching for the meaning of life.

I truly thank you Michael for letting God work through you.

[Deborah Ciociola · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading this book you had incidental thought sex with Dr. Michael Cocchini. And be warned because Dr. Michael Cocchini’s way of communicating can be marked as an acquired taste. It’s brutal in every sense. Honest, raw, truthful, intelligent, arrogant. Nonetheless, after Jesus, he is king in making modern day parables. Which again shows over and over again that all of creation declares the glory of God.

[Casey White · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book took me a while to read because I didn't want to miss a thing! This one makes you think about your relationship with Christ. Really good read. Deep read. Enjoy.