Beyond Belief: A Journey from Fundamentalism to Faith

by Sam Torode

A personal essay about belief, doubt, and unconventional faith from the author of The Dirty Parts of the Bible .

91 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 2, 2016

About the author

Author of the bestselling humorous novel “The Dirty Parts of the Bible”—now a graphic novel—and paraphrase editions of classic wisdom books from philosophers like Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, and Ralph Waldo Emerson. Host of the “Living from the Soul” podcast, available on all platforms.

Please visit www.samtorode.com.

Reviews

[Glauber Ribeiro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sam Torode wrote one of my favorite books: The Dirty Parts of the Bible, as well as the refreshing The Song of Songs A New Version. This time he gives us a book that is part testimony, part criticism and part rambling. The quote by Alan Watts which introduces it, also gives the basic outline: "Belief is the antithesis of faith, an anxiety rather than trust, a holding on rather than letting go." The first third of the book recounts his gradual letting go of the certainties and anxieties of his youth. The final part describes his finding of a more comfortable faith. In-between, we find some of the reasoning and insights that moved his journey.

People familiar with Fundamentalist Christianity will recognize the landscape immediately. Others will certainly appreciate this insider's view. Many will identify with Sam's search for a humane spirituality.

This book exudes sincerity and vulnerability. It is a product of Sam's generous soul. I hope it will go far.

[Josephine Sorrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was not really my cup of tea as far as reading genre. But, I enjoyed the writing and the candid thoughts and opinions Mr. Torode stated throughout the writing. At times as I read, it felt like he hesitatingly wrote some words as if worried he might be judged or maybe daddy was looking over his shoulder for stating what many of us want to say, ourselves. But I may be way off base. I've never met the author but wish I could.

I too, was raised in a very fundamental Baptist and loving home. So much so, that I wasn't allowed to play cards, wear shorts, go to movies, dance, rock my sic well you get the picture. I was a little resentful of this but love outweighed it. I now have moved to the more liberal side and accept as well as respect all folks when their beliefs are different from mine. I think that is the reason I liked this work so much. Mr. Torode put what my mind set has evolved to, in print. Thank you sir, for being brave enough to write this. You may find opposition, but that's ok!

Still, I love love The Dirty Parts of the Bible and I just may read it again.

[Anita Ashland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a thoughtful and generous book about Sam gradually getting over certainty in his spiritual life. Those of us going through similar shifts in belief will really resonate with his story and I highly recommend it. My only complaint is that the book isn't long enough!

[Martha Templeton · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointed

This book is a summary of Torode's evolution of thought regarding faith. But, even in his resolve to open his mind to his own experiences, he closes it to others, dismissing one person's spiritual experience as "hallucination". I guess we all put up our own fences for our own reasons, and we all try to make sense of others' experiences by leaning on our own, but, even with that, I was hoping for more.

I gave it two stars because I adore his other work and, as long as I have waited for this, the read was too short, and the story too quickly told to really allow me to see his truth evolving. I do think it is honest; it does provoke thought, and I appreciate that. But I expect someone who is as good a writer as he is to take me into his life, whether he is writing informational or literary works. Anyone can tell me his heart was broken; I expected Torode to show me...to take me there.