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So Who is God, Anyway?: An (Un)orthodox Theory for Doubters, Skeptics, and Recovering Fundamentalists
"If there’s one book on God to read this year, please make it ‘So Who is God Anyway?’ by G.S. Payne.” —
Reader Views
"A well-written and convincing rumination on the divine." --Kirkus Reviews
GS Payne, writer, sleuth, and eternally curious ruminator, investigates 2,500 years-plus of philosophical thought on the subject of God. Using the tools of the philosopher (and a lot of humor), Payne traces the thinking of history's greatest brains to arrive initially at a conclusion on the matter of God's existence; then, a philosophical conception of God that is no less than startling, first because it is nothing like the traditional conception of God (he of the beard and sandals on his throne in the sky), and, second, because it is a conception that not only goes back to the beginning of recorded time, but is recognized by every major religion on earth, and yet has been tragically relegated to the fringes by the louder, more fundamentalist branches of mainstream religion.
So Who is God, Anyway? delivers splendidly-for doubters, skeptics, recovering fundamentalists, or anyone looking for a fun book to read about some damn big questions!
"A well-written and convincing rumination on the divine. Payne is especially skilled at introducing difficult concepts with an engaging, often humorous prose style." -Kirkus Reviews
"Five Stars! Edgy but kind exploration of God's existence and nature...the sense of humor seasons the text like a good dash of salt and pepper. If there's one book on God to read this year, please make it 'So Who is God Anyway?' by G.S. Payne." -Reader Views
"With wit, humanity, and inviting prose, So Who is God Anyway? explains complex philosophical concepts clearly and accurately...Payne targets an audience of skeptics, but open-minded people of any religious tradition can find value in his musings." -BookLife (Editor's Pick)
"A fascinating exploration. With humor, wit, and thought-provoking insights, Payne makes a convincing case that there is more to God than meets the eye...Whether you're seeking personal growth or a new perspective on life, Payne's work will captivate and challenge you to think beyond what you have been taught." -Midwest Book Review
"Filled with humor...Payne's exceptional research is delivered as if he's talking to you at his home while you sip a glass of lemonade. Five stars!" -Readers' Favorite
"A thoughtful and accessible approach for the lay believer or nonbeliever who wants a firmer basis in understanding what and how to believe." -IndieReader
"A well-written and convincing rumination on the divine." --Kirkus Reviews
GS Payne, writer, sleuth, and eternally curious ruminator, investigates 2,500 years-plus of philosophical thought on the subject of God. Using the tools of the philosopher (and a lot of humor), Payne traces the thinking of history's greatest brains to arrive initially at a conclusion on the matter of God's existence; then, a philosophical conception of God that is no less than startling, first because it is nothing like the traditional conception of God (he of the beard and sandals on his throne in the sky), and, second, because it is a conception that not only goes back to the beginning of recorded time, but is recognized by every major religion on earth, and yet has been tragically relegated to the fringes by the louder, more fundamentalist branches of mainstream religion.
So Who is God, Anyway? delivers splendidly-for doubters, skeptics, recovering fundamentalists, or anyone looking for a fun book to read about some damn big questions!
"A well-written and convincing rumination on the divine. Payne is especially skilled at introducing difficult concepts with an engaging, often humorous prose style." -Kirkus Reviews
"Five Stars! Edgy but kind exploration of God's existence and nature...the sense of humor seasons the text like a good dash of salt and pepper. If there's one book on God to read this year, please make it 'So Who is God Anyway?' by G.S. Payne." -Reader Views
"With wit, humanity, and inviting prose, So Who is God Anyway? explains complex philosophical concepts clearly and accurately...Payne targets an audience of skeptics, but open-minded people of any religious tradition can find value in his musings." -BookLife (Editor's Pick)
"A fascinating exploration. With humor, wit, and thought-provoking insights, Payne makes a convincing case that there is more to God than meets the eye...Whether you're seeking personal growth or a new perspective on life, Payne's work will captivate and challenge you to think beyond what you have been taught." -Midwest Book Review
"Filled with humor...Payne's exceptional research is delivered as if he's talking to you at his home while you sip a glass of lemonade. Five stars!" -Readers' Favorite
"A thoughtful and accessible approach for the lay believer or nonbeliever who wants a firmer basis in understanding what and how to believe." -IndieReader
211 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2024
33 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
May 5, 2024
“So Who is God Anyway? (An (UN)orthodox Theory for Doubters, Skeptics, and Recovering Fundamentalists)” by G.S. Payne is the perfect book for those who go against the grain in “polite society” and enjoy talking about religion. This book boldly blows the lid off a taboo topic and invites you to consume, ponder, and toss around the question of God’s existence and our place, if any, in the universe. If you’re looking for a new worldview or something to stir things up at your next cocktail party, this book just may be it. Wherever you stand on the subject of God, it’s always good to hear different ideas and opinions. If nothing else, it will keep you on your toes.
This review has a slight edge to it because the book and the author do, and I appreciate that as a reader and reviewer. The sense of humor is there, and it seasons the text like a good dash of salt and pepper.
Payne introduces us to the book with a conversation he had with his friend; a conversation about God. You’ve probably had conversations similar to this, but the author challenges his friend by bringing scientific research and 2500 years of philosophy into their conversation. This is where the book becomes most intriguing, in my opinion. If you’re interested in the pursuit of the question of God’s existence or nature, then this book can lead you down the path to deeper thinking on the subject, and hopefully, you can come away with your own answers. Just as the author did.
The author spent thirty years researching the nature of God and is now passing his thoughts on to you so that you can sift through them and come away with your own ideas. But he is quick to say that he could never define God; only describe a concept of God. Using logic, reason, and philosophy, this is more of an exploration rather than a first-person memoir of finding God in a state of adversity, hopelessness, or in need of a miracle. In a way, this author strips away preconceived notions and the traditional culture-driven idea of God and starts from scratch.
By the time you reach the end of the book, comparing and contrasting, you may find yourself even more open to God, and even more respectful within your framework of religion or non-religion. His journey can inspire you to take one of your own. As the author explains, the information he presents isn’t new, it’s just more succinct and condensed. I love how the author encourages readers to have their own thoughts instead of relying on major philosophers, making it okay for you to compose your own ideas and share them with others.
I like that the book is kind with its questions, leaving you with the feeling that we’re all in this together trying to figure it out. If there’s one book on God to read this year, please make it “So Who is God Anyway?” by G.S. Payne.
This review has a slight edge to it because the book and the author do, and I appreciate that as a reader and reviewer. The sense of humor is there, and it seasons the text like a good dash of salt and pepper.
Payne introduces us to the book with a conversation he had with his friend; a conversation about God. You’ve probably had conversations similar to this, but the author challenges his friend by bringing scientific research and 2500 years of philosophy into their conversation. This is where the book becomes most intriguing, in my opinion. If you’re interested in the pursuit of the question of God’s existence or nature, then this book can lead you down the path to deeper thinking on the subject, and hopefully, you can come away with your own answers. Just as the author did.
The author spent thirty years researching the nature of God and is now passing his thoughts on to you so that you can sift through them and come away with your own ideas. But he is quick to say that he could never define God; only describe a concept of God. Using logic, reason, and philosophy, this is more of an exploration rather than a first-person memoir of finding God in a state of adversity, hopelessness, or in need of a miracle. In a way, this author strips away preconceived notions and the traditional culture-driven idea of God and starts from scratch.
By the time you reach the end of the book, comparing and contrasting, you may find yourself even more open to God, and even more respectful within your framework of religion or non-religion. His journey can inspire you to take one of your own. As the author explains, the information he presents isn’t new, it’s just more succinct and condensed. I love how the author encourages readers to have their own thoughts instead of relying on major philosophers, making it okay for you to compose your own ideas and share them with others.
I like that the book is kind with its questions, leaving you with the feeling that we’re all in this together trying to figure it out. If there’s one book on God to read this year, please make it “So Who is God Anyway?” by G.S. Payne.
July 23, 2024
I am a 78 yr old atheist. I decided to read this book to support my non beliefs. Although the author skillfully hid much of his spiritial leanings early on, he led the reader through a series of philosophical perspectives that gradually arrived at his point of view. I must admit that he caused me to rethink, as I still am, my philosophical underpinnings of my existence. Well done and thought provoking.
March 23, 2025
For me, the book was life changing. Some parts were difficult to grasp.
January 1, 2025
This book starts off well without the author even hinting at what he actually believes only to find out at the end he is... a very poor philosopher... very disappointing. I won't give away his actual beliefs but it is nothing that hasn't been said before and it is still unsound thinking. I wish I could get a refund.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews