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The Answer: Putting an End to the Search for Life Satisfaction
Are you frustrated that your life lacks lasting satisfaction? We live in a time when people are searching for meaning, purpose and satisfaction and are frustrated, disappointed and disillusioned by the counterfeits that hold out the promise but fail to deliver. This lack of satisfaction crosses all ages, ethnicities and beliefs. It is not uncommon to speak with individuals who claim to have strong, spiritual lives, but yet do not know how one lives a life of satisfaction.
100 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 15, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 4, 2021
More Christian Propaganda
2 August 2021
I probably shouldn’t waste my time reading these books, particularly since they tend to be aimed towards people who don’t know too much about Christianity, and also people that probably aren’t as well-read as I am. I was actually given a copy of this book by a pastor that I knew who was planning on going through it during Bible Study, and I must admit that I am quite glad that I ended up leaving that church because after reading through this book I have to admit that there were a number of things that I didn’t quite agree with. In fact, I see these types of books as being somewhat responsible for the predicament that we now happen to be in.
Firstly, I don’t necessarily have an issue with people who believe in creationism, however, while I am a Christian, and I do believe that God created the world, I also hold the position that a lot of us aren’t reading the first chapters of Genesis correctly. The Bible doesn’t hold itself out as being a Scientific textbook – it is a religious book that is composed of many different styles of writing that was collected and compiled over thousands of years. My position is that the first chapters of Genesis is poetry that was written as a counterpoint to the numerous creation myths that existed at the time.
However, the key problem here is the one phrase in the chapter on Evolution - ‘but Science says’, and Pope’s response is ‘but science is wrong’. You can probably see where I am going with this, particularly since we are now in a position where many of the world’s leading scientists are being cut down by people who have done little to no scientific study whatsoever. This is one of the main reasons why climate change is such a hot button topic because the vested interests that got on board with this anti-science attitude that was percolating amongst the church to attempt to provide a counter argument to climate science because since many fundamentalist Christians have been persuaded that evolution is wrong, then they start disbelieving what other scientists are proposing as well.
Hey, I listened to a sermon once where the pastor claimed that Climate Change was a conspiracy that was created by the ACLU to kill babies, or at least to stop people from having babies, and they hold the position that it is actually a sin not to get married and not have children. Yeah, that poses a bit of a problem where you happen to be single for numerous reasons, or can’t have children for numerous reasons.
Then there are the Anti-vaxers. Honestly, years ago I remember listening to sermons claiming that we shouldn’t use illegal drugs because the Greek word pharmicaia, from which we get our word pharmacy, actually means sorcery. Oh, and our word for chemist comes from the word alchemy, which was also about doing magical stuff. So, I argued against that definition by suggesting that if we can’t smoke marijuana, then we can’t use prescription drugs either. Well, we can’t go very far to encounter people who don’t believe in Covid, and refuse to get vaccines.
Actually, take a look at this:
As I said, I don’t have an issue with people believing in creationism, even Young Earth Creationism, but the thing is that this is actually open to debate, and we need to accept that people are going to have differing opinions on this.
Which leads me to my second point, and that is their argument regarding Postmodernism. They all seem to trot out only one part of post-modernism without actually looking at the whole movement. While I will agree that there is an element of relativism in it, to simply say that Postmodernism means that there is no truth really misses the point. No, Postmodernism is a lot more complex than that, and while Christians might not appreciate the fact that it attacks universalist theories, I actually believe that there is a lot to the movement that can help us better understand the Bible, and Christianity.
The thing is that what Postmodernism seeks to undermine and counter is the fact that many of our views are tainted by the fact that we live in a Western mindset, and as such we view Christianity through this Western Mindset, and in doing so we actually miss the forest for the trees. The fact that many of our images of Christ as a white male goes a long way to demonstrate that because in reality Christ was a Jew, from Palestine. In fact, there is an awful lot that we ignore because it doesn’t fit in with our mindset, one that has been shaped by Capitalist and Calvinist thinking. What Postmodernism seeks to do is to free ourselves of this mindset so that we can actually see beyond the barriers that we have erected.
However, the other issue is this concept of absolute truth. It isn’t so much that the writer is trying to show us that the Bible is the provider of absolute truth, but rather that his interpretation of the Bible is the one true way to look at it. In a sense what the writer is doing is gaslighting the reader into accepting his way of looking at the Bible, and no other way. The thing is that you can’t actually disagree with them because as soon as you question what they are saying, they will have a response, and not only that but they will point out that in rejecting that position you are rejecting God, and in rejecting God, you are basically rebelling against him, and God has no time for rebels.
Yet I find it interesting that this concept of absolute truth has found itself caught up in a fantasy world, not so much one of a sky fairy that forgives you all your sins, but rather more down to Earth ones, ones that seek to explain how God placed a misogynistic liar who has never paid a cent of tax in his life as the President of the United States. In fact, there are prophecies that point out that he is the one chosen by God, and that he will repent of his ways and give glory to God. Hell, this is a guy that doesn’t even know which way to hold up a Bible.
Oh, but he didn’t win the election, but how can it be that God’s chosen one loses the election – easy, the election was rigged. That is the narrative that has been going around ever since the Americans showed him the door. The disturbing thing is that they have picked up on the narrative of the stolen election, and they are running with it. These, the ones who claim that we need to accept an absolute truth, are literally caught up in a lie and refuse to believe anything else. I’m sure we have seen plenty of images, but here is another one, just to remind us that there are Christians caught up in this charade:
Oh, and Obama was the Anti-Christ. Yeah, I have an issue with that – if Obama was the anti-Christ, why was he so polarising? The Anti-Christ isn’t going to be polarising. If you want an idea of what the Anti-Christ is going to look like, there are some characters in history that fit the bill. The fact that many people were swayed by the words of these leaders that they supported them while they committed some horrific acts simply goes to show how this works. No, my position has always been that if a figure is polarising, then he isn’t the Anti-Christ.
Anyway, I’ll leave it at that. I’ve said my piece, and honestly, I’ll probably just stick with Pascal, Chesterton, Kierkegaard, and Zizek (I’m being deliberate with the author’s I’m picking here).
2 August 2021
I probably shouldn’t waste my time reading these books, particularly since they tend to be aimed towards people who don’t know too much about Christianity, and also people that probably aren’t as well-read as I am. I was actually given a copy of this book by a pastor that I knew who was planning on going through it during Bible Study, and I must admit that I am quite glad that I ended up leaving that church because after reading through this book I have to admit that there were a number of things that I didn’t quite agree with. In fact, I see these types of books as being somewhat responsible for the predicament that we now happen to be in.
Firstly, I don’t necessarily have an issue with people who believe in creationism, however, while I am a Christian, and I do believe that God created the world, I also hold the position that a lot of us aren’t reading the first chapters of Genesis correctly. The Bible doesn’t hold itself out as being a Scientific textbook – it is a religious book that is composed of many different styles of writing that was collected and compiled over thousands of years. My position is that the first chapters of Genesis is poetry that was written as a counterpoint to the numerous creation myths that existed at the time.
However, the key problem here is the one phrase in the chapter on Evolution - ‘but Science says’, and Pope’s response is ‘but science is wrong’. You can probably see where I am going with this, particularly since we are now in a position where many of the world’s leading scientists are being cut down by people who have done little to no scientific study whatsoever. This is one of the main reasons why climate change is such a hot button topic because the vested interests that got on board with this anti-science attitude that was percolating amongst the church to attempt to provide a counter argument to climate science because since many fundamentalist Christians have been persuaded that evolution is wrong, then they start disbelieving what other scientists are proposing as well.
Hey, I listened to a sermon once where the pastor claimed that Climate Change was a conspiracy that was created by the ACLU to kill babies, or at least to stop people from having babies, and they hold the position that it is actually a sin not to get married and not have children. Yeah, that poses a bit of a problem where you happen to be single for numerous reasons, or can’t have children for numerous reasons.
Then there are the Anti-vaxers. Honestly, years ago I remember listening to sermons claiming that we shouldn’t use illegal drugs because the Greek word pharmicaia, from which we get our word pharmacy, actually means sorcery. Oh, and our word for chemist comes from the word alchemy, which was also about doing magical stuff. So, I argued against that definition by suggesting that if we can’t smoke marijuana, then we can’t use prescription drugs either. Well, we can’t go very far to encounter people who don’t believe in Covid, and refuse to get vaccines.
Actually, take a look at this:
As I said, I don’t have an issue with people believing in creationism, even Young Earth Creationism, but the thing is that this is actually open to debate, and we need to accept that people are going to have differing opinions on this.
Which leads me to my second point, and that is their argument regarding Postmodernism. They all seem to trot out only one part of post-modernism without actually looking at the whole movement. While I will agree that there is an element of relativism in it, to simply say that Postmodernism means that there is no truth really misses the point. No, Postmodernism is a lot more complex than that, and while Christians might not appreciate the fact that it attacks universalist theories, I actually believe that there is a lot to the movement that can help us better understand the Bible, and Christianity.
The thing is that what Postmodernism seeks to undermine and counter is the fact that many of our views are tainted by the fact that we live in a Western mindset, and as such we view Christianity through this Western Mindset, and in doing so we actually miss the forest for the trees. The fact that many of our images of Christ as a white male goes a long way to demonstrate that because in reality Christ was a Jew, from Palestine. In fact, there is an awful lot that we ignore because it doesn’t fit in with our mindset, one that has been shaped by Capitalist and Calvinist thinking. What Postmodernism seeks to do is to free ourselves of this mindset so that we can actually see beyond the barriers that we have erected.
However, the other issue is this concept of absolute truth. It isn’t so much that the writer is trying to show us that the Bible is the provider of absolute truth, but rather that his interpretation of the Bible is the one true way to look at it. In a sense what the writer is doing is gaslighting the reader into accepting his way of looking at the Bible, and no other way. The thing is that you can’t actually disagree with them because as soon as you question what they are saying, they will have a response, and not only that but they will point out that in rejecting that position you are rejecting God, and in rejecting God, you are basically rebelling against him, and God has no time for rebels.
Yet I find it interesting that this concept of absolute truth has found itself caught up in a fantasy world, not so much one of a sky fairy that forgives you all your sins, but rather more down to Earth ones, ones that seek to explain how God placed a misogynistic liar who has never paid a cent of tax in his life as the President of the United States. In fact, there are prophecies that point out that he is the one chosen by God, and that he will repent of his ways and give glory to God. Hell, this is a guy that doesn’t even know which way to hold up a Bible.
Oh, but he didn’t win the election, but how can it be that God’s chosen one loses the election – easy, the election was rigged. That is the narrative that has been going around ever since the Americans showed him the door. The disturbing thing is that they have picked up on the narrative of the stolen election, and they are running with it. These, the ones who claim that we need to accept an absolute truth, are literally caught up in a lie and refuse to believe anything else. I’m sure we have seen plenty of images, but here is another one, just to remind us that there are Christians caught up in this charade:
Oh, and Obama was the Anti-Christ. Yeah, I have an issue with that – if Obama was the anti-Christ, why was he so polarising? The Anti-Christ isn’t going to be polarising. If you want an idea of what the Anti-Christ is going to look like, there are some characters in history that fit the bill. The fact that many people were swayed by the words of these leaders that they supported them while they committed some horrific acts simply goes to show how this works. No, my position has always been that if a figure is polarising, then he isn’t the Anti-Christ.
Anyway, I’ll leave it at that. I’ve said my piece, and honestly, I’ll probably just stick with Pascal, Chesterton, Kierkegaard, and Zizek (I’m being deliberate with the author’s I’m picking here).
September 11, 2019
Short, quick book. I first read this book in college. It was good to reread it.
Some of the stories and examples might not resonate with everyone, but the substance of its content rings true.
Glory, grace, and truth are important aspects for our journey for satisfaction. But when we first seek after satisfaction, we often fall for counterfeit glory, self-righteous boasting, or half-truths. But if we seek after Glory, Grace, and truth we are satisfied.
Some of the stories and examples might not resonate with everyone, but the substance of its content rings true.
Glory, grace, and truth are important aspects for our journey for satisfaction. But when we first seek after satisfaction, we often fall for counterfeit glory, self-righteous boasting, or half-truths. But if we seek after Glory, Grace, and truth we are satisfied.
October 24, 2016
Excellent little book. Simple truths with profound implications. I have already given away a couple of copies to young folks struggling to find meaning in life. Whatever you age--this book contains the answer to your search for satisfaction.
February 7, 2016
Good book that is in layman's terms. Has some really relevant life situations as examples.
March 17, 2022
This is the book that anyone who is on the fence about Jesus Christ or is a brand new Christian should pick up today! Short and direct, the book gives vivid realistic examples, modern day parables if you will, that beautifully convey the gospel.
March 4, 2019
What is the secret to happiness? This is a fine book on that subject...very helpful to religious or nonreligious readers alike.
May 20, 2019
This is a concise, contemporary explanation of the Christian faith and how it answers life's most basic questions.
May 1, 2020
Great basics with a fresh twist!
March 23, 2021
The Journey
May 15, 2021
This book is a must read for those wondering about Christianity and those who have believed in it their whole lives.
March 7, 2022
Excellent and accessible.
November 26, 2023
LOVED this book. Went thru it for life on life discipleship. Definitely would recommend to any new believer.
October 10, 2024
A great resource for new and mature Christians. Randy Pope presents the gospel with acute clarity.
“Glory takes me to Christ.
Grace takes me to the cross.
Truth takes me to the word of God.”
“Glory takes me to Christ.
Grace takes me to the cross.
Truth takes me to the word of God.”
April 15, 2022
This is a older book summarizing the basic message of Christianity. Its an easy read with chapters at 3 or 4 pages long. Though most of this seemed to rehash basic ideas, I found one chapter to be immesely helpful. In chapter 7, he does a really good job at explaining how our good deeds can be offensive to God. He uses an analogy of a husband who makes one "guaranteed" promise to his wife, gets a chance of his lifetime which requires breaking that promise, buys her gifts to emphasize his love for her, only to have her repulsed by the gifts because of the broken promise. The analogy is how our good works can actually be offensive to God. This is a very difficult topic to understand and I felt the approach he takes is one of the best I have read.
Not everything is helpful, his approach to some topics are very narrow, some arguments and examples are outdated, but the helpful stuff was so good.
Not everything is helpful, his approach to some topics are very narrow, some arguments and examples are outdated, but the helpful stuff was so good.
January 2, 2014
This book was required reading as part of a discipleship curriculum I was doing with a group. The only chapter in the book I found resourceful was 15 which made some good observations about Post Modernism. I think whatever else that was worthwhile in the book could have been said in much fewer words.
February 4, 2024
This book has sound theology and is helpful to understand why humans are perpetually dissatisfied. However, I find this and the Journey curriculum to be a little too much about Randy Pope and not enough about Jesus.
April 14, 2016
An easy read. Very accessible to nonbelievers, with a great point of access to what people are most acutely feeling - an answer to unfulfilled longings for meaning and substance.
October 20, 2016
A very easy-to-read and understandable exploration of our search for glory, grace, and truth in our lives, and how Jesus fulfills these.
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August 15, 2012This is a helpful little book to to think through your purpose and what Jesus has to do with that.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews