Unseen Existences: Of Heaven, Earth, and the Divine Mystery in All Things

by Brian Zahnd

200 pages, Hardcover

Published May 19, 2026

About the author

Brian Zahnd is the founder and lead pastor of Word of Life Church in St. Joseph, Missouri. As the lead pastor, he is the primary preacher during our weekend services, and he oversees the direction of the church. Pastor Brian is a passionate reader of theology and philosophy, an avid hiker and mountain climber, and authority on all things Bob Dylan.

He and his wife, Peri, have three adult sons and five grandchildren. He is the author of several books, including Unconditional?, Beauty Will Save the World, A Farewell To Mars, and Water To Wine.

Reviews

[William Robison · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, I somehow got an advance copy. I specifically pre-ordered it and, lo and behold!, a copy arrived at my door. What am I going to do... NOT read a book by Zahnd?

And so I started the day I got it.

Let me start by saying this: this book is a good book. Zahnd, in classic fashion, has brought my attention to things I hadn't really noticed before. I love his writing, and he has a strength in his words that really captivates me.

And, at the same time, I don't think this book spoke to me in the same way as some of his other books. Whereas his previous books were usually focused on a very specific thesis, this book was, perhaps by design, more meandering and circuitous. The topics ranged widely, though all within the theme of heavenly things. Zahnd focuses more on mystical experience than he has in any of his previous books - particularly in his semi-autobiographical chapters and his chapter on angels.

And, don't worry, he does quote The Brothers Karamazov at least once.

All in all, I loved reading this book. It didn't speak to me in the same way as, say, Unconditional? did, but maybe this book will resonate with other readers in a way that I can't even imagine. Or, maybe, I will re-open this book in the future and realize that my heart is now more receptive to the messages Zahnd is communicating. I'm not sure.

I would recommend some of Zahnd's other books before this one for anyone who has not read him before, but, for those who have, this is a strong recommendation.

[Michael Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Unseen Existences" is a great read that challenges the reader live on earth more with a view towards heaven. Around 180 pages, the author makes many great points, including:

- Be careful of letting the material world on earth dull our capacity to realize the unseen spiritual world.
- Living without a transcendent approach on earth can make us more polarized and potentially seeing religion as merely a means of social value instead of eternal value.
- Living without a heavenly view can make our earthly life as monotonous duty.
- Continuing to walk with Jesus Christ will help us know more about life's mysteries.
- Walk by faith and not just by sight.
- More harm than good can be done by those who want to do great things for God that is based on ego, drive for achievement and fame, and other earthly goals instead of drawing closer to Jesus.
- Church could stand to have less people driven by fame and noise and more who know how to be still before God.

A great read, the title also includes a helpful footnotes section for further reading and study. Highly recommended. Read and enjoy!

I was given a review copy by IVP in exchange for a fair review and appreciate the opportunity.

[Josh Camacho · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brian Zahnd continues to be a light in the dark for the rest of us. His books continue to find me at the right time; whenever I finish one of his, I always have to sit with myself in silence and meditate on what I just experienced.

“Unseen Existences” continues this cycle. Zahnd is clearly well-read and well-informed on theology, but his everyday language remains accessible as ever. You’ll finish this book eager to walk 500 miles with other pilgrims — eager to continue your own spiritual pilgrimage.

One standout from this book was the chapter on angels toward the very end. It looks like I’ll need to add Bulgalov to my lineup for this year. Already so of my authors have come from Zahnd in one way or another; I am grateful.

[Jerry]

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[Sarah French · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good & needed reminder that walking with Christ is a pilgrimage of the soul!