The Organic God

by Margaret Feinberg

Do you long for a genuine encounter with God? Through personal stories and scriptural insights, Margaret Feinberg invites you to experience a spiritual renewal. In The Organic God, Margaret explores breathtaking glimpses of God's character-- His big-heartedness, kindness, beauty, mystery, and more-- inviting you to discover God in a healthy, refreshing way. Learn how

-Recognize God's presence in your daily life
-Renew your passion for Scripture
-Discover healing from being hurt by the church
-See and savor the gifts of God all around
-Experience the joy that comes with being a child of God

Through the pages of The Organic God, those thirsting for more of God will find themselves falling in love with Him all over again.

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Nonfiction, Faith, Religion, Spirituality, Christianity

224 pages, Hardcover

First published April 23, 2007

About the author

A self-described "hot mess," Margaret Feinberg is a popular Bible teacher and speaker at churches and leading conferences such as Catalyst, Thrive, and Women of Joy. Her books, including The Organic God, The Sacred Echo, Scouting the Divine, and Wonderstruck and their corresponding Bible studies, have sold nearly one million copies and received critical acclaim and extensive national media coverage from CNN, the Associated Press, USA Today, Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, and more.

She was recently named one of 50 women most shaping culture and the church today by Christianity Today, one of the 30 Voices who will help lead the church in the next decade by Charisma magazine and one of the ’40 Under 40’ who will shape Christian publishing by Christian Retailing magazine. Margaret lives in Morrison, Colorado, with her husband, Leif, and their superpup, Hershey. She believes some of the best days are spent in jammies, laughing, and being silly.

Reviews

[Marci · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reminded me of Blue Like Jazz, but far more in line with the Bible. I was able to spend some time at our camp getting to know the author and her husband as they helped us out for a couple of weeks. She is a sweet person that cares deeply for others, it was fun to read more about her. Enjoy!

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

The whole "organic God" theme in this book seemed kind of like nail polish put on in a hurry: hastily and unevenly applied, and just not quite seeming like it's supposed to be there. IMHO, Feinberg easily could have sold this book in as "attributes of God," with some fancier sort of title, and done just as well, because the "organic" idea, while appreciated in the sense that she wants to get at who God is without fillers, additives, etc from the world around her, felt like it was too much trying to latch onto a marketing buzzword to me.

That being said, I found this easy to read, honest, and at times very insightful. Feinberg's life story, as revealed chronologically and thematically through attributes of God, is interesting enough to keep the book going, with her mixed Jewish-Christian background, nomadic childhood in houseboats, farms, etc., and current residence in Alaska. I don't know that I necessarily came away with any new or revolutionary ideas about who God is from reading this, but one thing I did really appreciate was her chapter on God's kindness, and the idea of God actually caring enough about her/us to miss spending time together. I also liked how she incorporated the concept of midrash, and showed herself "midrashing" some passages - I think that was one of the most innovative, interesting parts of the book for me.

[Jessicasherrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

a fresh perspective on eliminating the clutter that we let get in between authentic god time/relationship

[Jenny Preston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, a good read. I enjoyed her clear love for God and the way she relates her perspective. Her anecdotes are well chosen to illustrate her points.

At the same time, there are a couple problems with the book that detract from the overall quality. First, the "Organic God" theme seems like an afterthought. It would have been a lovely attributes of God book without this theme. Secondly, although she quotes scripture with some regularity, the chapter and verse aren't referenced in the text. After I finished reading, I found a notes section at the back, but there is no indication in the text that it is there. If an author doesn't want to break up the text, the typical procedure is to footnote or superscript a number beside the quote, indicating I should look in the back. Overall these are minor issues; I was grateful for this easy read during our vacation.

[Kealani Zwetsloot · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Very similar dynamic to blue like jazz but much more by the Bible and true to Gods character. Some Christian books can be so dry and stale but this one really nourished my soul.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This made for wonderful introductory bible study material. I would use it again!!

[Marcia McLaughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some of Feinberg's theology is very different from mine - but she challenged me to read scripture in a new way.

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this for a summer book group and I really liked it! There are many things to get one thinking about to become a more spiritual person. I love how she described God as "organic" meaning that it is a lifestyle that is simple, healthful, and close to nature. I love how she talks about the beauty of nature and relating it to God. I thought it very cool that she had Maya Angelou as a professor while in college - wouldn't we all love that?!?

When reading chapter 4, I had just returned home from a visit with my mother and brother that was very challenging for me. Proverb 15:17 really jumped out at me while reading: "Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred." I stayed with a few friends who have struggled recently but opened up their homes to me with kindness and generosity but my mother and brother were not as kind and I didn't feel welcome. I also liked Proverb "As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly." This is my relationship with my family and I so badly want a relationship with them that I keep returning for their abuse. Hopefully, this last trip has wisened me - I am limiting my contact with them and access to my children. The chapter on kindness also stirred my heart with the situation with my family. I hear that one needs to forgive and not expect things from those who cannot give them, but my brother has been so hurtful to me that I am not ready to forgive him. I am struggling with this currently.

Other chapters covered sharing with others and understanding our lives which were also good things to think about.

[Belindachaplin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so enjoyed Margeret Feinberg's "The Organic God" that I have actually gone back to re-read it more slowly. Her writing style is easy to read, and her ideas so thought-provoking, that it is definitely a book that I will read again and again.

She talks about stripping down my relationship with God and just getting back to the basics, trying to see the realness of God and how He wants to be a part of my life. And how we can journey with Him in this life.

With a good balance of her own story weaved in with scripture and other examples, it is a book which shows us how to see God's presence in our lives: showing us how to look for different aspects of His character, His love, His kindness, His beauty...

I would recommend this book for anyone looking to see how to deepen their relationship with God and see Him in new ways.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com® book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book for a women's Bible study at church. I was drawn to the title, but I often approach super-hyped Bible study books with some caution. Right away, Margaret Feinberg's writing drew me in. I found her voice refreshing. Writers strive to tell the old stories in new ways, with fresh words and analogies that speak to people today. I think this young writer succeeds. I personally like her use of imagery from nature/creation. For instance, in her chapter describing God as "deeply mysterious" she writes:

"God's presence in my life is like the glacier in that he is constantly pressing down, re-landscaping, and renovating the very core of who I am. He is breaking up the boulders and smoothing out the rockiest parts of my soul. He is reshaping me, and in the process he is redeeming. Like the glacier, God leaves a trail of new life behind him."

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book i've read by Margaret Feinberg. Her writing style is fresh and engaging. She has a marvelous way with words. Organic God is about the attributes and character of God. The truths shared in the book have ignited a desire to look for the character traits of God in every passage I read. I have always known God is good, loving, truthful, etc., but Margaret takes it a step further in Organic God. Now I am more aware and notice more closely His goodness, His love, His truth in the simple everydayness of my life. I would very much recommend this book for all believers - you will fall in love with God all over again and will be inspired to dig deeper in His word to know Him even better.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a gentle and wonderful reminder of God's character. Nothing brain twisting-- just pointing at who God is and how we can know Him more by being more like Him. Her stories capture me, and spur me to action. I particularly enjoyed the 'unbelieveably stubborn' chapter, as it spoke to much of what I am currently wrestling with, being arragont and overfed in a culture that is even more of the same, and I echo Margaret's two word prayer, "Change me."

I also liked the idea of "midrash"-- a Jewish practice of reading the Bible for what is unfammiliar. I would like the get my hands on Judith Kunst's book, "The Burning Word".

[Go2therock · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love so many things about this book, first and foremost the feeling Margaret gives of simply hanging out with you, sharing stories, thoughts, connections, and revelations. At times we walked arm in arm, chatting about our wonderful God; sometimes we shared a cup of tea plumbing the bottomless depths of who He is; and a few times we hung upside down from playground monkey bars contemplating His mysteriousness.

I am sorry this book is over, and have gone back a few times and reread sections to spend a little extra time within its pages. I now have to determine to whom I will pass along this treasure....

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Margaret Feinberg was the speaker at a women's retreat I recently attended and I was engaged with her spirit. While more of a fiction or biography reader, I found the Organic God easy to read, not preachy, but thought provoking. You wanted more of the natural, pure, essential love God gives you in his word. Margaret infuses life stories and scripture to give you some guidelines on how to pursue this relationship. If you need a cheerleader to help you learn more about
Bible teachings and Christianity, this book will give you a jump start!

[Judi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Margaret Feinberg for many reasons, but mostly because she speaks in a way in which I can directly relate. Her writing is very vivid and descriptive, which I appreciate immensely. One of my favorite parts is in the back in which she lists songs to correlate with the chapters. Since music is a big part of my life and it helps me express different feelings and emotions, I enjoyed the correlations she made. It gave me a deeper perspective.

[Sojournstones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gets down to almost a child's perspective at the simplicity in which it lays out a relationship with God. Taking away the complexities we've tried to pile on makes our excuses seem ridiculous when we try to explain why our relationship with God is not better. It's title is appropriate in being "Organic" because it allows you to see the beauty that a true and simple relationship stripped from society and marks of time, the one God wants to share with us, can bring to you.

[Suzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for simplicity, rather to simplify your life including how you view your walk with Jesus, this book is grounding. I really enjoyed Margaret's view on God, how she opens Him up to her readers and how she challenges us to go deeper. This book also ministered to me during a hard time.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here is an excerpt of my review: "If you find yourself in a spiritual rut and are looking for a way to get back to the root of Christianity and really get back to knowing God, then this is a great book for you."

You can read my full review of the book here: http://cookscrapcraft.blogspot.com/20...

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading this book with some neighborhood friends in a bible study/book study group...I really enjoy Margaret's writings on life and living... taking a couple of chapters each week to dissect and discuss.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feinberg uses the concept of 'organic,' which most people are familiar with and have made part of thier everyday lives, and applies it to a relationship with God. I love how she relates the two, and how she speaks to a younger, real-world attitude.

[Noseinabook · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book with a women's bible study group at church. I loved it. Very thought provoking questions for each chapter at the end and really helped me to see how multi-dimensional God is. Definitely recommend it.

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Margaret's book was like sitting across a coffee table enjoying a nice cup of Joe and having a great conversation. Her stories were insightful and right on point with things in my life. I would recommend this book for anything looking to increase the depth of their relationship with God.

[Lara Krupicka · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like Margaret Feinberg's writing and her take on the character of God and how we can relate to Him is refreshing. I enjoyed her storytelling. Each chapter left me thinking in new ways about how I relate to God and how I may have been mistaken about Him in the past.

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an amazing book!!! I encourage anyone who has asked the question "Who is God?" to read this book. It answers the question and leads you into wanting a deeper relationship with him and falling in love with him all over again.

[V C · Rating 3 out of 5]

easy read on simple christian truths....

[Shelly Hernandez]

I enjoyed this book. It was a "light read" with no monumental insights, but sometimes that's what I'm looking for...

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a good book. The reason I rated it low, was because it was very elementary in it's approach. Perfect for younger kids.

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was just ok. I am kinda burnt out on religious books, but it had a few good things to say. She has an interesting life story.

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feinberg is incredible. Beautiful, beautiful book about the attributes of God.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Margaret Feinberg. She is so honest and open in her writing. It is very refreshing to read.