Experiments in Honesty: Meditations on Love, Fear and the Honest to God Naked Truth

by Steve Daugherty

Is there anything left to learn about God's love?

When Jesus was asked what mattered most to God, his answer was seemingly love God earnestly and love others the way you want to be loved. In his debut book, Steve Daugherty dives deep into this command and what it means for those who follow Jesus.

Throughout Experiments in Honesty , Steve shares stories from the Bible and his own life to explore the ideas of compassion, fear, anger, and faith. This journey will lead all who want to follow Jesus to understand the truth about God's Love -- that it sets us free from fear and allows us to love others more than ourselves. That is, after all, what matters most.

304 pages, Paperback

First published March 6, 2018

Reviews

[Gwenn Mangine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listen. I am not gonna try to sell you on something that I don’t think you need. I value our friendship and your money not being wasted too much for that. And even with all of that said I can, without hesitation, recommend you buy this book. I grew up in the Christian tradition. I was fully bought into that lifestyle. And then I lived outside of America. And now I don’t know what to think. I honestly don’t. There’s a part of me that just wants to throw up my hands and walk away, but there’s also something that won’t let me completely sever ties with my faith. I know a lot of people who are in the same spot. Friends—this book is for us. It really is a fresh look at issues of faith (and Jesus) formatted into storytelling chapters. My friend, Steve, the author, is a (relatable) mystic, a talented artist, and an award-winning storyteller. This book is an excellent collection of his stories. Some come from the Bible— some come from his life. All of them are very readable and make you think. You’ll want to read it once for the entertainment factor and the next time to let each episode ruminate. You need to buy it

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never heard of Steve Daugherty before, but after reading his book, Experiments in Honesty, I'm glad I've made his acquaintance through his writing. So much of what he has to say in this book requires deep thinking and then instant application to life. He is trying to change the mindset of people who think they know who God is without listening through His Word to what He's saying He is. Steve peels back the layers of misconception to bring God to the people just as He is, nothing extra added.

This book will cause me to think and to meditate on what I know of God to determine what's really true about God. Thank you Steve Daugherty.

Five Stars

My thanks to Worthy Publishing for allowing me to read and review this book.

[Kari · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has a really positive message about pursuing Love over legalism. It’s not my typical genre of book to read but I thought I’d try it because of David Dark’s blurb. Overall I thought it was a strong example from that genre although I did not think it was organized around a coherent theme. However, there were several sexist references throughout that bothered me. For example, there was a story of a man who murdered the man his wife was having an affair with. Instead of being referred to as a murderer, the man was called a “cuckold.” The references were small - calling a woman a sleaze, making a joke that the story of Adam and Eve shouldn’t be called “The Fall of Man” since it was Eve’s fault. There were a few other examples, and it kept happening and it disappointed me. For that reason, I would hesitate to recommend it.

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must confess right away that I'm agnostic and don't believe the Bible contains the literal truth of the word of God. That being said, I enjoyed this book a lot. The author exhibits a great wit and sense of humour. He is someone I think I'd enjoy talking with at a dinner party. His writing seems to be both insightful and informative in content and engaging in style. I definitely recommend this book.

My thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Page after page after page about Love. The kind the overcomes pain and fear and dark days and nights. The kind that could transform how we treat each other if we practiced it. Written by a witty, relatable, transparent pastor but no preaching here. Just one sojourner sharing life with others trying to make sense of it all and realizing that real Love is the answer to everything human. I’ll be pulling this book out often and regularly to reread.

[HoldThatPage_Again · Rating 5 out of 5]

Experiments in Honesty could also be titled Experiments in Accessibility. In this book, Steve walks the reader through stories from the Bible in a way that brings the stories to present day relevancy. His modern-day renderings of those long ago events had me relating to the messages in a way I never have before. The overall theme of the book is love - God’s Love for us and how we live that out with others. I have the fortune of being able to say that Steve is one of my pastors. His style is so real and engaging and entertaining and every bit of that style shows up in his writing. I laughed more than a few times while reading this one! Do yourself a favor and read it, too!

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was left with lots of hmmmm but these two stood out.
The whole Bible is me knowing what I want and using that information to make your life better!!

My refusal to allow anyone power over what I am or how I feel is an act of courageous and inspired compassion. I take back from you the ability to shape my mood. I withdraw from you my blame, my fault finding, my decision to enjoy my life. I control me! You’re welcome

[BJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steve Daugherty is a gifted storyteller, both in person and on paper. His storytelling talent is evident on every page of Experiments in Honesty. Throughout the book, he takes ordinary, day-to-day life situations (oftentimes steeped in humor) to offer his readers a different perspective on well-known Bible stories and how they relate to God's compassionate, unlimited gift of love through Jesus Christ. This is a book that I will refer to time and time again knowing that I will find new treasures of wisdom/guidance with each reading.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steve brilliantly delivers the same "digging deep" approach in this book as he does in his messages. He takes an idea, breaks it down, pursues all angles, and then brings it back together in a fresh and inspiring way. He has helped me realign and reinvest myself in the daily work it takes to be a loving, yet flawed human. I highly recommend this book to everyone, no matter where you consider your place on the spiritual or religious journey.

[Lynne Levandowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

EXPERIMENTS IN HONESTY: MEDITATIONS ON LOVE, FEAR AND THE HONEST TO GOD NAKED TRUTH by Steve Daugherty
Publisher: Worthy Publishing
Date published: March 6, 2018
ISBN: 978-1-68397-135-1
Genre: Religion/Christian Life/Spiritual Growth
Paperback
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_no...
Reviewed by Lynne.
Obtained via Speakeasy
Rating: 5

EXPERIMENTS IN HONESTY: MEDITATIONS ON LOVE, FEAR AND THE HONEST TO GOD NAKED TRUTH by Steve Daugherty is like a burst of sunshine in a dark world.

Humorous, insightful, it is a wonderful book. Well-written, EXPERIMENTS IN HONESTY: MEDITATIONS ON LOVE, FEAR AND THE HONEST TO GOD NAKED TRUTH by Steve Daugherty is filled with nuggets of wisdom that will challenge one's beliefs in ways as never before.
Daugherty has a unique way of looking at things.

Daugherty has an engaging, chatty way of writing that draws one in. The meditations he shares are full of honesty and enlightening truths. He made me laugh out loud on more than one occasion as I read through Daughterty's personal experiences. So easily relatable. His gospel tidbits of Jesus, told in such a fresh new way, are enlightening and modern in their presentation. Truly inspiring and easy for one to understand.

I truly enjoyed EXPERIMENTS IN HONESTY: MEDITATIONS ON LOVE, FEAR AND THE HONEST TO GOD NAKED TRUTH by Steve Daugherty. It keeps the reader interested, and it is very thought-provoking. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking an answer to some Biblically-confusing or challenging questions. Daughterty is a talented writer who has much to share with his audience. His insights are helpful for our understanding and learning, and I love the little pictures he adds to each chapter. Daughtery's references to today's world makes this book all the more easily relatable and interesting to the average reader. I look forward to more of this man's incredible wisdom in future. He speaks in everyday language, so even a lay person can understand the truth of what Jesus taught.

EXPERIMENTS IN HONESTY: MEDITATIONS ON LOVE, FEAR AND THE HONEST TO GOD NAKED TRUTH by Steve Daugherty is interesting and a fast-paced, light read. Nothing heavy about it but full of much food for thought. I thought I would have to plow through this book at a snail's pace until I started to read it. I was pleasantly surprised that it led me into an enjoyable read, one that always has something to offer whenever I pick it up. It was like a spark of light clearing one's brain for true understanding of Jesus's teachings. A great book for anyone interested in the truth of how to walk with Jesus in a more clear way and how to love others as Jesus does.

Kudos to Mr. Daughtery. I look forward to reading more of your work.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author and/or publisher through the Speakeasy blogging book review network. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Kim Hill Markland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book. For years I have been becoming more and more disenfranchised with the religion of my childhood. It's not that I don't believe, it's that I don't embrace all the fear and hate and rules that come along with it. I've been looking for and needing this book for a long time. This compilation of essays helped to open up my mind and my heart to a new way of thinking. It strips away the fear of the wrathful God prominent in my evangelical upbringing and replaces it with a God that is understanding and loving. It is God's will for us to love God and love others-----that is it. We are to live God's love. We are to be loving, authentic, compassionate humans. I will keep this book handy so that I can go back and revisit chapters.

[Amy Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read!!!! Steve has this way of pulling you in to his book with incredible honesty and brilliant wit. Reading about his own personal struggles with compassion, fear, anger and God's love (psst... he's a pastor) makes him so relatable to my own day-to-day life. I found myself laughing, and at the same time re-examining how I can better love others, understand others and show more compassion towards others. I feel like that's what this world could use more of.

[Jen Donnelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Experiments In Honesty is a thought-provoking collection of essays by a fantastic storyteller. Steve Daugherty is incredibly witty and candid in sharing his thoughts on faith. One moment, I'd find myself laughing out loud...then the next I'd be thinking deeply about what I had just underlined in my book. I highly recommend this book!

[Lathan Craft · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredible book, one that I couldn’t seem to put down the more I got into it. Each chapter is a gold nugget of information. Beautifully written, bringing the humanity of it all into beautiful fruition, and making the Bible seem...well...more like its intended purpose, a story. Brilliant.

[Ian Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant book about love and fear. I found plenty of insight within its pages. At the start the tone is a little matey but it settles down and becomes genuinely profound. Daugherty's background in counselling is telling.

[Frank · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a series of topical vignettes on living the Christian Life.

[Ian McLaren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book contains some really great insights and honest reflections on what it means to be a loving, authentic and compassionate person. Highly recommended.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t recommend Experiments in Honesty enough! Everyone who believes in the power of love should read this beautiful book!

[Katheryne · Rating 3 out of 5]

The driving force of this book is that God’s will for our lives is to love God and love others - the way we want to be loved ourselves. The author uses examples from his own life as well as biblical truths, and the experiences of Jesus here on earth to speak to concepts such as compassion, fear, anger, faith, forgiveness, and of course love. The essays were so eye-opening and thought-provoking I often had to put the book down just to give myself time to think about what he was saying. Sometimes I agreed with the author, sometimes I did not.
One issue was forefront in my mind the entire book. I kept coming back to the thought that there are many people in the world with absolutely no privilege whatsoever who are already at the end of the line, the bottom of the barrel, never recognized, never seen, abused and mistreated. And those with privilege keep asking them for understanding, compassion, forgiveness, think of others not yourself, love me as I am, stop trying to change me - using this language and these instructions, seemingly from God (and discussed throughout the entirety of this book), to keep the downtrodden down and the lower in their place. So that the privileged can keep their positions of power, influence, financial gain, and control. A slave, a trafficked teen, an abused wife, a beaten child, a verbally assaulted co-worker have all heard these messages used to keep perpetrators from facing legal, institutional, or societal punishments and consequences. The author finally addresses this briefly toward the end of the book - that in instances of abuse the appropriate act of love is distance - but it felt like an afterthought. Our brothers and sisters living on the margins of society deserve to be more than an afterthought. They need others to love them with more of the true sacrificial love of Jesus, not having Jesus’ teachings twisted and turned and used against them. This book, like many others, in the wrong hands, could be used for just that. Detailed clarifications and examples of abuse of these types of messages earlier and more often in the book would have made a huge difference.
With that being said, if you are reading this book and honestly want to start loving God and others well, want to have a positive change of heart in your daily interactions, want to live in peace and equality, recognizing that it is NOT ok to harm or abuse others no matter what the situation, then you will find this book helpful, thought-provoking, and relatable.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you ever been reading a book and had this overwhelming urge to share it with others convinced that these words, this movement of change in perspective could indeed change the world? I have and this is one of those times!
It’s an easy read but profound in its simplicity. I had to stop and read whole chapters aloud to my husband several times. I love this book so much and have actually already gone back to reread parts of it which I rarely do since my list of books I want to read is so impossibly long.
This book displays Truth, is quite witty & humorous and makes real actual sacrificial Christ-like love appear right within our grasp easily applicable in our daily lives.
If you love Bob Goff as I do this will quickly become another beloved favorite. Anyone else get to reading them both!

[RMJB · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has changed the way I think about life and God and the foundational Love that exists within all of us. Daugherty strips away the fear of God that I've grown up knowing, and he peels away many of the constraints that people have placed on Love throughout time. What I found in these chapters is a flashlight shining on the numerous instances throughout the scriptures that God has called us not to fear, but rather to embrace one another and embrace God in love and kindness, just as God continues to envelop each person in the love that is free to all. Free Love. It's hard to imagine that we cannot do anything to earn this Love, but that is what Daugherty points to over and over throughout this book. Reading this will provide relief from the pressures of having "to do" something to earn God's Love, or that we might have "to do right" before we come back and find Love again. I highly recommend this book to all, no matter what you believe. You won't find judgment in this book. I found relief and peace. I hope you'll consider reading this book and that these readings help pass on that peace so that we might all find that Love again and again.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are some thought-provoking and powerful essays in this book. There is a sometimes caustic tone to it, however, that left me without warm fuzzies over the readings... I get the sense that kind of provocation may just be what this author was after.