Risk the Real: How to Defy the Rise of the Artificial

by Allen Arnold

The Clash Between the Real and the Artificial is Intensifying…and You Are the Prize.Every aspect of life is being invaded by the artificial. But we miss what’s at stake when we assume it's inevitable, natural, or even neutral. It actually began in Eden when the serpent offered Adam and Eve a counterfeit reality based on the Tree of Knowledge and the promise to become like gods.These ancient roots entangle us in more ways than we realize. We seek to redefine reality in our image. We look to the unreal to make us more real. Nothing fazes or amazes us anymore. We stumble through life in a Partificial Daze—partially present and fully disoriented by an artificial haze of anxiety, exhaustion, and addiction.What’s needed is a reality Real isn't how we feel. It's aligning with God's design for reality...and us.* Artificial isn't just AI or fake things. It's any lie that lures us away from God.Risk the Real reveals how everyone has a North Star, everything has roots, and no one can remain neutral in the clash of competing realities. This is a bold manifesto to wake from our slumber, pursue the real, defy the artificial, and risk well for what matters most.

Genres: Nonfiction

336 pages, Paperback

Published December 21, 2023

Reviews

[Davalynn Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading "Risk the Real" is more than eye-opening. It's like uncovering something that I misplaced long ago but can't quite remember where or why. Heart-strengthening, mind-mending. I highly recommend it.

[Crystal Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Everyone should read this book. What an eye-opener into how artificial living and technology has taken the place of fully embracing the real life God has for us. If I could give this one ten stars, I would. This will definitely be a book I reread many times in years to come.

[Ted Atchley]

In Risk the Real, Allen Arnold addresses an extremely timely topic, speaking to the current age and culture. He rightly points out that we are exhausted. Anxiety-riddled. Addicted and numb.

He reveals the roots of the issue and how to defy the rise of the artificial by pointing to timeless truths that will keep this book relevant years into the future. This is not the book you think it is. Does Arnold talk about AI? Sure. As Arnold points out, “AI strikes many as a neutral source. It’s actually a human-shaped creation that reflects the bias, prejudices, and worldview of its creators–many of whom actively oppose God.”

But this isn’t a book about AI. It’s not about any singular technology. As Arnold so eloquently points out, the battle is much, much older and goes much, much deeper. This book is a call to wake up from the “partificial daze” and risk to live an authentic life, a real life. A life centered in the Creator.

I love the Allen Arnold’s style. The book is well written, succinct, and interesting. It is also so kind. It feels like an easy read with its conversational tone and brief chapters. The book is highly accessible, but the concepts he communicates have weight, and depth, and challenge.

There were many times reading this book where I would have to stop, put it down, and process the truths presented. It confronted the way I was thinking and living. The image of all the stars in the night sky rotating around Polaris, the North Star, is one that will stay with me for a long time.

Several places in the book, Arnold presents questions and gives you space to answer them. Give yourself time to work through them. Find a friend and talk about your answers.

This book is a sequel to Arnold’s earlier work, The Eden Option. You don’t have to have read The Eden Option to read Risk the Real, but I think it helps.

I highly recommend you read this book. Let it renew your mind.

[Michelle Levigne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A companion volume to THE EDEN OPTION.

Subtitle: How to Defy the Rise of the Artificial.

Everything around us is pushing subtly and not-so-subtly to give in and accept artificial life as not just inevitable, but somehow good for us.

Just how good is a diet of artificial colorings and flavorings?

We need to open our eyes and determine what is real, and hold onto it. We need to refuse to let the artificial get any more dominant in our lives. We need to hold out for the real world, the real lives, that God intended for us.

From the back cover: " The clash between the Real and the Artificial is Intensifying ... and You Are the Prize.

"Every aspect of life is being invaded by the artificial. But we miss what's at stake when we assume it's inevitable, natural, or even neutral. It actually began in Eden when the serpent offered Adam and Eve a counterfeit reality based on the Tree of Knowledge and the promise to become like gods.

"These ancient roots entangle us in more ways than we realize. We seek to redefine reality in our image. We look to the unreal to make us more real. Nothing fazes or amazes us anymore. We stumble through life in a Partificial Daze -- partially present and fully disoriented by an artificial haze of anxiety, exhaustion, and addition.

"What's needed is a reality reorientation:

"** Real isn't how we feel. It's aligning with God's design for reality ... and us.

"** Artificial isn't just AI or fake things. It's any lie that lures us away from God."



Can I have an Amen?

[Dennis Ricci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Risk the Real is Allen Arnold's most transformational work yet. A book like this can only be written by someone who walks closely with God, cultivates deep intimacy with Him, and has paid the price to acquire wisdom, understanding, and knowledge of the joys and sorrows, risks and rewards, of the pursuit of Life, not knowledge. This book isn't theology, though theologically sound it is; it's an inspiring call to action for our time to walk away from the artificial into a journey with the only One who can show you what's real. I highly recommend this book to you!

[Carol Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Risk the Real is a river of wise words. I hope and pray God used this fabulous book to carve channels into my mind that flow with a desire to seek Him with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength—continuously. If you’re someone who seeks the same—to not stumble through life in a Partificial Daze (Allen’s term)—I heartily recommend getting this book. As Allen noted, we either embrace the Tree of Life or the Tree of Knowledge. Let’s be Tree of Life people and “…not lose heart in this world that grows more artificial by the day....” (pg 47, Kindle edition)

[Marjorie Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read at your own risk. But risk reading.

I always start an Allen Arnold book hungry. And I always finish being more hungry. But it's all good. I learn, I grow, I see better, listen better, live better. There's always a moment of awakening - Risk the Real had several. I'm so glad I read this book. Notes. I took notes so I can remind myself of the insights and decisions I made as I read each chapter. Thank you, Allen.

[Amanda Millar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why not risk the real with God? It’s an adventure, it’s exciting, it’s incredibly hard and sometimes isolating, but oh boy is it rewarding. Resisting the status quo and allowing the Holy Spirit to lead and guide, man step out in faith and trust that the Lord has you!!

We are living in a time of too much information.. too much knowledge literally at our finger tips. This book illuminates the dangers of the progress of technology and the rise of the artificial and how it’s left people in a partificial daze.

[K Greenwalt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn't a book you must read. It's a book you must read NOW!

Timely is an understatement. I believe this book is a must read and the sooner the better. I couldn't put it down. It stired my heart in a way few books have. It convicted and it encouraged. I will definitely be rereading it on a regular basis. And I hope you will too.

[Kandi J Wyatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Eyeopening Journey

I've learned to value Allen Arnold's insights and wisdom. Risk the Real is no exception. I've been challenged to draw closer to God, to put aside the trappings of the artificial, and run the race with perseverance.

[Joy Kidney · Rating 5 out of 5]

As technology takes over so much of daily living, how do we humans stay grounded in what matters most? Allen Arnold offers encouragement to keep in mind that a dark side accompanies each new innovation, and to stay close to the Creator, our North Star. Timely encouragement.

[Linda Fergerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be the Light

This book confirms the deep reality that God put within me. He’s already made all things beautiful so be thankful, relax and enjoy my Father. No matter what I see in the natural, He wants me to enjoy life with Him. I’m not of this world and His Kingdom will manifest ow as I focus on His Light dwelling in me. He is the light of my Kingdom world within.

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot say enough good things about Allen Arnold's new book, Risk the Real. If you are looking for a breath of fresh air and a read that will inspire you ~ and at the same time, offer an invitation to slow down and think about what is "real" ~ this book is for you. I simply couldn't put it down. I highly recommend it!

[Virginia Heslinga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Acknowledging the Choices

For any creative person, Arnold presents a clear picture of life choices that will destroy or nurture creativity and facing risks.

[Amy Childress · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book. Very insightful & thought provoking. Author provides many great insights & wisdom for believers about how to stay "real" in a technology & AI consumed culture.

[Sharon Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thought-provoking and hopeful book, with no sugar-coating on the reality.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Allen Arnold gives us so much to think about. I’m sure I will return to this book often as I evaluate my life, thoughts & actions, and especially my use of the artificial.

[Scott Molitor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Risk Reading Risk the Real

A creative wake up call to know and live life to the full. Thank you Allen Arnold for stepping in to the risk to write and share this with the world!