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My Life Without God
In 1963 America's most famous atheist, Madalyn Murray O'Hair, won the landmark lawsuit filed on behalf of her son William, that effectively banned prayer in public schools. Bill shares in vivid detail his upbringing - the raging battles, his activity in his mother's atheistic empire, his dependence on drugs and his years as a fugitive.Nearly two decades after the Court's decision, Bill came to the end of his personal strength. In desperation he called out to God and God answered. From embezzlement to kidnapping to murder, Bill reviews the shocking evidence surrounding the disappearance of his mother, brother and daughter. Though actively involved in atheism, Bill discovered the gift Jesus Christ offers to all who seek Him. He invites you to experience God's grace in this journey from despair to everlasting love.
319 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1982
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 29, 2024
This was an excellent book on the life of William Murray, the boy used to get prayer out of the schools of Americal. And basically how his mother used him as a pawn throughout much of his life. And just like we all do at some point, we all wake up. William's tremendous testimony of how he came to Christ. The ills within his life and all the decks of cards stacked against him, against all those odds he was able to come to Christ. Definitely well worth the time to read!
September 10, 2016
If there wasn’t so much evidence that this story was true, I wouldn’t believe it. With almost every turn of the page I was shocked anew.
At the time Mr. Murray wrote this book, he was in his 30’s and not a writer so don’t expect eloquent prose, but do expect a shocking memoir of abuse of every kind, politics, arrests, gun fights, theft and even murder. Despite who the author has become, a Baptist preacher, you will not be evangelized. Well, there are two sentences that could be considered evangelization - in the entire book! No, this book is simply a recounting of his bizarre upbringing and what he endured under the dictatorial, manipulative reign of his mother, the notorious Madalyn Murray O’Hair.
One passage that made me literally laugh out loud, was his description of his mother trying to defect to the Soviet Union. She was definitely a Communist, never had any lasting romantic relationships and couldn’t keep a job. She was smart and got her law degree but could never pass the bar exam. Here’s how her last attempt at defecting is depicted: “My mother’s disappointment would have been less had it not been for one of the embassy’s staff members’ parting words.
‘Mrs. Murray,’ he said, ‘I do not believe you have a true comprehension of the advances made by the Communist party and Marxist principles in our motherland. We need no welfare or food stamp programs in the Soviet Union, as everyone is employed. In fact, it is against the law to be unemployed. The punishment for not being employed is hard labor at half pay. As a result we have been able to abolish our unemployment commission.’
He paused for a moment and glanced at some papers in his hand. He continued. ‘In looking at your work record, it would seem you would be working for the most part at half pay.’ He paused again and smiled. ‘Besides, you do not speak the mother tongue. More than likely your two fatherless boys would become wards of the state. Perhaps you and your children would be better off working for the revolution in your native land.’”
Mr. Murray exposes his mother for what she was - an abusive, vulgar, manipulative, hate-filled, sad, pitiful excuse for a mother. Even if you agree with prayer being removed from public schools, you cannot agree with her methods if you have any sort of moral conscience. This book is a fascinating look at the founder of American Atheists, her family and their tragic end.
One passage that made me literally laugh out loud, was his description of his mother trying to defect to the Soviet Union. She was definitely a Communist, never had any lasting romantic relationships and couldn’t keep a job. She was smart and got her law degree but could never pass the bar exam. Here’s how her last attempt at defecting is depicted: “My mother’s disappointment would have been less had it not been for one of the embassy’s staff members’ parting words.
‘Mrs. Murray,’ he said, ‘I do not believe you have a true comprehension of the advances made by the Communist party and Marxist principles in our motherland. We need no welfare or food stamp programs in the Soviet Union, as everyone is employed. In fact, it is against the law to be unemployed. The punishment for not being employed is hard labor at half pay. As a result we have been able to abolish our unemployment commission.’
He paused for a moment and glanced at some papers in his hand. He continued. ‘In looking at your work record, it would seem you would be working for the most part at half pay.’ He paused again and smiled. ‘Besides, you do not speak the mother tongue. More than likely your two fatherless boys would become wards of the state. Perhaps you and your children would be better off working for the revolution in your native land.’”
Mr. Murray exposes his mother for what she was - an abusive, vulgar, manipulative, hate-filled, sad, pitiful excuse for a mother. Even if you agree with prayer being removed from public schools, you cannot agree with her methods if you have any sort of moral conscience. This book is a fascinating look at the founder of American Atheists, her family and their tragic end.
October 30, 2020
What would it have been like to live with Madalyn O'hair, the most hated woman in America? William J. Murray painfully recounts his life as the son of this infamous woman. Murray and his mother first came into the public's eye when they challenged school prayer and from there more battles against what they perceived as injustices attempting to make society into their desired utopia (or rather always looking for a cause to fight for-for the sake of fighting). In this book, you will not only hear of the famous court case but also the details and stories of what it was like to live in home of the famous atheist. Murray is transparent recounting the stories, shared details and even revealing the demons that tormented him and his family. He testifies of the destructive path that his godless life ventured down and the place where he found grace, hope, and forgiveness.
Before reading this book, I was unfamiliar with this family and the "works" of O'hair; however, I am thankful to have encountered such a story.
Before reading this book, I was unfamiliar with this family and the "works" of O'hair; however, I am thankful to have encountered such a story.
October 10, 2018
"My Life Without God" by William J Murray is an eye opener. William (Bill) Murray is the son of Madalyn Murray, founder and president of the group of American Atheists, who was able to get prayer and Bible reading removed from public schools in a landmark lawsuit in the Supreme Court.
Mr. Murray's shines a light on the issue of prayer and Bible reading in the public schools from his prospective. All his life, Mr. Murray was subjected to his mother's rants and violent behavior. Mr. Murray is able to tell his story with deep insight into the workings of a deranged mother full of hate along side the fears of a child. This book is a must read!
Mr. Murray's shines a light on the issue of prayer and Bible reading in the public schools from his prospective. All his life, Mr. Murray was subjected to his mother's rants and violent behavior. Mr. Murray is able to tell his story with deep insight into the workings of a deranged mother full of hate along side the fears of a child. This book is a must read!
October 8, 2021
Audible audiobook narrated by Al Kessel
This was eye-opening to hear the story of the family that ended school prayer and bible reading. I think it's important to understand because many of his mother's beliefs are rampant today and they will only lead to destruction in the end. It is sad to see where that one supreme court decision has led us as a society.
Note on the narrator: This was the free version in audible and I liked the narrator when he was speaking normally, but his voices for the other characters were not the greatest. Still worth listening to because of the story itself.
This was eye-opening to hear the story of the family that ended school prayer and bible reading. I think it's important to understand because many of his mother's beliefs are rampant today and they will only lead to destruction in the end. It is sad to see where that one supreme court decision has led us as a society.
Note on the narrator: This was the free version in audible and I liked the narrator when he was speaking normally, but his voices for the other characters were not the greatest. Still worth listening to because of the story itself.
February 8, 2018
My Life Without God is the autobiography of the son of Madalyn O'Hair, the woman who successfully removed prayers in school. Murray tells the story of his life of hardship under a woman who hated God, hated anyone who evoked the name of God, and anyone who held any loyalty to our country. Her hardened heart penetrated anyone who dare challenge her or presented a different opinion to hers.
Even so, Murray claims to write the book not as a tell-all, but as a means to share his testimony and his desire to lead other atheists to salvation. His is a remarkable story, which is often times painful to read. Yet, God in his faithfulness reached down and drew Murray to himself. His changed life is worth applauding.
Even so, Murray claims to write the book not as a tell-all, but as a means to share his testimony and his desire to lead other atheists to salvation. His is a remarkable story, which is often times painful to read. Yet, God in his faithfulness reached down and drew Murray to himself. His changed life is worth applauding.
September 2, 2022
His story had my attention from beginning to end. I couldn’t put it down. I have found that stories that seem too bizarre to believe are generally the most honest. William J. Murray’s story is at the top of that list for me, and can be corroborated with a little research. Fascinating, disturbing, and hopeful!
November 17, 2017
Fascinating read about Madlyn O Hair from her son's perspective....she really was a vile vile woman!
January 8, 2018
A surprisingly quick read and hard to read at times as Bill’s account of his mother’s treatment of him was really hard to get through.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2020
Excellent read. It is not an evangelist book but rather what it was like growing up with an anarchist. The ending is very compelling
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2021
I learned a lot in this non-fiction
October 19, 2021
Every parent with school-age children should read this book.
July 13, 2023
A riveting read!
October 15, 2024
A very interesting book and worth the time to read it.
October 29, 2024
An amazing book that had me captivated from start to finish. An insightful walk through the author’s life and the turmoil associated with being godless. Would highly recommend.
January 9, 2018
I had never heard of the son of the famous atheist Ms. O’Hair and of his conversion to Christianity until recently. It immediately intrigued me. What a sad life he was brought up in within the world of his bizarre’s mother.
An avenue God used to awaken his dead soul to faith was his realization that true evil exists. I recently read an article about a former pastor of a mega church who, after dealing with evil acts by men, left the faith and considers himself an atheist now. It is fascinating that the same reality lead this pastor to unbelief is the same that lead to Mr. Murray’s change.
I recommend this book if you want to understand a little better Madelyn O’Hair’s background that led to her notoriety.
An avenue God used to awaken his dead soul to faith was his realization that true evil exists. I recently read an article about a former pastor of a mega church who, after dealing with evil acts by men, left the faith and considers himself an atheist now. It is fascinating that the same reality lead this pastor to unbelief is the same that lead to Mr. Murray’s change.
I recommend this book if you want to understand a little better Madelyn O’Hair’s background that led to her notoriety.
February 19, 2023
A brave story of healing, spiritual exploration and life transformation.
January 1, 2025
Truth is stranger than fiction! Some unbelievable stories that all actually happened. His mom was a crazy lady, and this story proves it.
Quite honestly, I was disappointed in the portrayal of the author after he had been changed by his life with God. He seemed quite proud and into himself, and does not necessarily show a heart seeking to forgive. But still a moving story of God at work.
Quite honestly, I was disappointed in the portrayal of the author after he had been changed by his life with God. He seemed quite proud and into himself, and does not necessarily show a heart seeking to forgive. But still a moving story of God at work.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews