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Who Needs God
With the warmth, insight, and understanding that distinguished his phenomenal bestsellers When Bad Things Happen to Good People and How Good Do We Have to Be?, Rabbi Harold Kushner addresses a critical issue in the lives of a spiritual hunger that no personal success can feed .
If you have lost faith or have never known it, or if you have ever wondered "What can religion offer?" here are wise and thoughtful answers. Rabbi Kushner shows how religious commitment does have a place in our daily lives, filling a need for connection, joy, and community.
For anyone who has ever wanted a more fulfilling life or wished to make a difference in the lives of others...for anyone who has ever felt guilty, afraid, or alone...Rabbi Kushner shares a path to faith that offers new sources of comfort and strength for all of us. Powerful, provocative, and persuasive, Who Needs God is a message of universal appeal.
If you have lost faith or have never known it, or if you have ever wondered "What can religion offer?" here are wise and thoughtful answers. Rabbi Kushner shows how religious commitment does have a place in our daily lives, filling a need for connection, joy, and community.
For anyone who has ever wanted a more fulfilling life or wished to make a difference in the lives of others...for anyone who has ever felt guilty, afraid, or alone...Rabbi Kushner shares a path to faith that offers new sources of comfort and strength for all of us. Powerful, provocative, and persuasive, Who Needs God is a message of universal appeal.
224 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 1989
20 people are currently reading
385 people want to read
About the author
Harold S. Kushner
62 books411 followersHarold S. Kushner is rabbi laureate of Temple Israel in the Boston suburb of Natick, Massachusetts. A native of Brooklyn, New York, he is the author of more than a dozen books on coping with life’s challenges, including, most recently, the best-selling Conquering Fear and Overcoming Life’s Disappointments.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
July 30, 2024
4.5 stars. For the religious mind and soul, the issue should be not the existance of God, but the importance of God, the difference that God makes in the way we live.
My parish has had a dwindling congregation for quite a few years and the closure during COVID seemed to accelerate the problem. People just didn't come back. I can only hope they found another faith community that met their spiritual needs. So, I picked up this book as the blurb led me to believe it focused on the need for organized religious institutions. It did but there was ALOT more! He wonders have we become too intellectual & modern to make room for organized religion? Have we lost our souls in the process of gaining personal freedom and material goods? Do we now worship before the altar of science instead? I know I can't do justice to the book with my review but here are a few comments.
Kushner certainly made the case for being with a faith community and how important that community can be in one's life. I felt the need to read this slowly and reflect on each chapter. Kushner often used specific Psalms to illustrate his points which I enjoyed.
This was written in 1989 and it seemed just as relevant today. One of the chapters was about loneliness "More die of Loneliness". Spot on and I think so much worse now with social media, which I think instead of bringing us closer together, it has led to more isolation.
There were wonderful chapters on forgiveness and praying. In the latter I had to laugh when Kushner says that some people treat God like he is Santa Claus with their prayers. And smirked when he speaks of the transactional aspect of many prayers that people proffer. As we all know listening is hard and it is an important aspect of prayer. So we "talk" too much instead of just seeking HIs presence.
Overall, the message is about being in the presence of God and the need for relationships with God and each other.
My parish has had a dwindling congregation for quite a few years and the closure during COVID seemed to accelerate the problem. People just didn't come back. I can only hope they found another faith community that met their spiritual needs. So, I picked up this book as the blurb led me to believe it focused on the need for organized religious institutions. It did but there was ALOT more! He wonders have we become too intellectual & modern to make room for organized religion? Have we lost our souls in the process of gaining personal freedom and material goods? Do we now worship before the altar of science instead? I know I can't do justice to the book with my review but here are a few comments.
Kushner certainly made the case for being with a faith community and how important that community can be in one's life. I felt the need to read this slowly and reflect on each chapter. Kushner often used specific Psalms to illustrate his points which I enjoyed.
This was written in 1989 and it seemed just as relevant today. One of the chapters was about loneliness "More die of Loneliness". Spot on and I think so much worse now with social media, which I think instead of bringing us closer together, it has led to more isolation.
There were wonderful chapters on forgiveness and praying. In the latter I had to laugh when Kushner says that some people treat God like he is Santa Claus with their prayers. And smirked when he speaks of the transactional aspect of many prayers that people proffer. As we all know listening is hard and it is an important aspect of prayer. So we "talk" too much instead of just seeking HIs presence.
Overall, the message is about being in the presence of God and the need for relationships with God and each other.
November 21, 2021
In this book, Rabbi Harold Kushner, answers the question of those who ask what difference religion can make in our lives, why do we need religion.
He explains the importance of faith through community.
How faith can enrich our lives and give us strength when all the strength within in us dried up.
That there are absolute standards of good and evil built into the human soul which the author describes as 'G-D given'.
"The affirmation of monotheism- that there is only one G-D and He demands moral behaviour. then there can be such a thing as good and evil."
The author stresses that religion is about community, the family through which it means to be human and by which we are reinforced in our efforts to do what is right.
He terms the essential difference between religion and so-called secular 'humanism' as thus: I have the advantage of believing in a G-D who is beyond myself, a G-D who renews my strength when I turn to Him, who replenishes my capacity to love, to work who gives me strength so that I can go forth again and share my strength with others."
In this book, Rabbi Harold Kushner, answers the question of those who ask what difference religion can make in our lives, why do we need religion.
Another difference, not touched on by the author, between religious and secular morality is that secular morality is subjective.
Unlike religious morality it is subject to fads and fashions- to political correctness- although today much 'religion' has also been infected with this disease.
He explains the importance of faith through community.
How faith can enrich our lives and give us strength when all the strength within in us dried up.
That there are absolute standards of good and evil built into the human soul which the author describes as 'G-D given'.
"The affirmation of monotheism- that there is only one G-D and He demands moral behaviour. then there can be such a thing as good and evil."
The author stresses that religion is about community, the family through which it means to be human and by which we are reinforced in our efforts to do what is right.
He terms the essential difference between religion and so-called secular 'humanism' as thus: I have the advantage of believing in a G-D who is beyond myself, a G-D who renews my strength when I turn to Him, who replenishes my capacity to love, to work who gives me strength so that I can go forth again and share my strength with others."
In this book, Rabbi Harold Kushner, answers the question of those who ask what difference religion can make in our lives, why do we need religion.
Another difference, not touched on by the author, between religious and secular morality is that secular morality is subjective.
Unlike religious morality it is subject to fads and fashions- to political correctness- although today much 'religion' has also been infected with this disease.
September 27, 2023
The title of this book sounds like a question, but there's no question mark. Did he intend it as a somewhat disguised statement?
Rabbi Harold Kushner died in April of 2023, and some Jewish book groups have been moved to read his books in his memory. His break-out book was When Bad Things Happen to Good People, written after his young son died of a rare disease, at which point he finds out that interventions meant to be helpful and comforting often weren't. In the process of his personal struggle he found his voice, and a string of books followed. I read Overcoming Life's Disappointments in 2008 with a study group and remember little other than being underwhelmed. I recently read Conquering Fear: Living Boldly in an Uncertain World, and that one I liked. With this one, Who Needs God, I at first found myself mentally arguing with the author. He was using examples of the God concept that he said didn't work, and invariably in doing that one falls into a straw man sort of thinking such that the disliked concept is portrayed in a simplified and simplistic manner, the better to make his point and "win" the argument. Here, it was a Spinoza-like view he was disparaging. So, since my view tends that way, except more toward the panentheistic, I felt argumentative. He also used a form of argument such that God needs to exist to support one's own conclusions (such as it doesn't make sense to reassure someone that "everything will be okay" unless God exists). It is just such an argument that makes atheists say believing in God is a crutch, and I don't see why people who take up that form of the argument don't see they're being circular. It was not until Chapter Six that I got on board. In that chapter the author said as he got in shape to run a half-marathon, his children gave him a t-shirt printed with Isaiah 40:31:
Actually I also particularly liked something in Chapter Three, to the effect that sex isn't dirty; it's holy. That reminded me of something I picked up somewhere: that the Rabbis* who were behind Rabbinic Judaism said blessings not to imbue things with holiness, which is what we think today about prayers and blessings, but to reduce the holiness of things (such as a blessing over food, for example) to the extent those things could be plucked from God's holy unity and used. But overall I began more consistently liking what the author was saying beginning with Chapter Six. The reason could be that I can accept positive arguments better than those that say what's wrong with something. That could be the secret to evading my seemingly contrarian tendencies. Anyway, I liked the way Rabbi Kushner always had an answer for everything. In the book he did, at least. Maybe not so much when he had to debate.
I'm happy to have read three of his books. Very good for discussion.
*Those ancient Rabbis usually get a capital R while it's lower case when speaking of modern rabbis, unless used with their name as a title, of course.
Rabbi Harold Kushner died in April of 2023, and some Jewish book groups have been moved to read his books in his memory. His break-out book was When Bad Things Happen to Good People, written after his young son died of a rare disease, at which point he finds out that interventions meant to be helpful and comforting often weren't. In the process of his personal struggle he found his voice, and a string of books followed. I read Overcoming Life's Disappointments in 2008 with a study group and remember little other than being underwhelmed. I recently read Conquering Fear: Living Boldly in an Uncertain World, and that one I liked. With this one, Who Needs God, I at first found myself mentally arguing with the author. He was using examples of the God concept that he said didn't work, and invariably in doing that one falls into a straw man sort of thinking such that the disliked concept is portrayed in a simplified and simplistic manner, the better to make his point and "win" the argument. Here, it was a Spinoza-like view he was disparaging. So, since my view tends that way, except more toward the panentheistic, I felt argumentative. He also used a form of argument such that God needs to exist to support one's own conclusions (such as it doesn't make sense to reassure someone that "everything will be okay" unless God exists). It is just such an argument that makes atheists say believing in God is a crutch, and I don't see why people who take up that form of the argument don't see they're being circular. It was not until Chapter Six that I got on board. In that chapter the author said as he got in shape to run a half-marathon, his children gave him a t-shirt printed with Isaiah 40:31:
Those who trust in the Lord will have their strength renewed. They will mount up with wings as eagles. They will run and not grow weary.
Actually I also particularly liked something in Chapter Three, to the effect that sex isn't dirty; it's holy. That reminded me of something I picked up somewhere: that the Rabbis* who were behind Rabbinic Judaism said blessings not to imbue things with holiness, which is what we think today about prayers and blessings, but to reduce the holiness of things (such as a blessing over food, for example) to the extent those things could be plucked from God's holy unity and used. But overall I began more consistently liking what the author was saying beginning with Chapter Six. The reason could be that I can accept positive arguments better than those that say what's wrong with something. That could be the secret to evading my seemingly contrarian tendencies. Anyway, I liked the way Rabbi Kushner always had an answer for everything. In the book he did, at least. Maybe not so much when he had to debate.
I'm happy to have read three of his books. Very good for discussion.
*Those ancient Rabbis usually get a capital R while it's lower case when speaking of modern rabbis, unless used with their name as a title, of course.
February 18, 2009
The title is ironical (a la C.S. Lewis' Mere Christianity). The unspoken answer to the question is: "You do!" This is especially easy to miss, being a pro-religion book on my religion shelf, which is populated mostly by books critical of religion.
This was assigned reading at my Catholic high school, and competently performed its intended purpose: indoctrination into monotheism. It probably staved off my inevitable atheism for 6, maybe 12 months. This is the only reason it gets a second star, being that I disagree with its premises so strenuously; it must have been fairly thought provoking.
In his defense, Kushner was not heavy-handed, and structured his arguments as an impartial analysis, coming down firmly on the side of belief. If I were feeling less charitable, I might characterize that tactic as delusory or even insidious, but given that many atheism books do the same thing, I can hardly complain. Let's face it: it is a fraught, contentious subject matter.
This was assigned reading at my Catholic high school, and competently performed its intended purpose: indoctrination into monotheism. It probably staved off my inevitable atheism for 6, maybe 12 months. This is the only reason it gets a second star, being that I disagree with its premises so strenuously; it must have been fairly thought provoking.
In his defense, Kushner was not heavy-handed, and structured his arguments as an impartial analysis, coming down firmly on the side of belief. If I were feeling less charitable, I might characterize that tactic as delusory or even insidious, but given that many atheism books do the same thing, I can hardly complain. Let's face it: it is a fraught, contentious subject matter.
April 26, 2011
Kushner writes with warmth and emotion on the theme that even a self-sufficient, secular-minded modern person needs "God" in their life. He does not seek to prove God or anything like that but instead talks about the role of prayer, divine forgiveness/acceptance, seeing the world through the eyes of someone who is religious, gaining insight into right and wrong, and other cogent, simply stated ideas. Kushner incorporates words from multiple other religious leaders of other faiths to prove his points and does so in an effortless way, i.e. not a false or forced attempt to include perspectives outside Judaism.
January 14, 2018
A Beautiful exploration about the meaning and place of God in our lives. Rabbi Harold Kishner does a great job weaving anecdotes, stories and lessons from life into a comprehensive look at how God and religion can help people every single day- through the good and bad of life.
September 14, 2023
I am so glad we read this for book group. I can’t wait to discuss it. I marked up the book like crazy. I love the references to the Brothers Karamazov and the lessons in Anatomy of Peace of being careful not to see people as objects. One of my favorite messages…A world without God would be a flat, monochromatic world, a works without color or texture, a world in which all days would be the same.
July 7, 2017
I have enjoyed all of Rabbi Kushner's books, and this one was no exception....although it might have been the best one yet for me, since it addressed several of my own issues. A very wise man!
December 17, 2017
(This review was written in 1999. I have developed in different ways since and may not have the same views now, but am posting this for my own reference.)
Kushner’s case is for clearly for organised religion, and the social and psychological need for religion. However, much as I find that many of his points relevant and insightful, I feel that he has failed in being clear on some issues which would likely be of interest and importance to any reader who picks up a book with the title “Who Needs God?”
Although most of the examples and experiences quoted in the book are from the Judo-Christian tradition (Kushner is a rabbi), the author has used the word “religion” so generally that it can mean any other faith including Buddhism which has a very different cosmic view.
We do not know for sure from what platform Kushner is talking from - Judaism, Christianity or general “religion”. Why? Does he fear being labeled dogmatic? Is it because he wants to reach a wider audience? Or is he simply liberal (unusual for someone who is a rabbi and has seemingly chosen a specific religious platform)? Then again, even if he is liberal, how can one reconcile between Christianity and Judaism which differ on one fundamental theological point that made them separate religions?
However, there are many insightful points for the reader. For example, Kushner acknowledges that that recent years have not been kind to religion* thus many do not believe in organised religion but who feel that believing that God exists or leading a morally good life is good enough. But, “A God who exists but who does not matter and whose existence does not affect the way you live might as well not exist at all. “
Man’s conquest of new milestones has gradually led to the a demystification of things once held sacred and together with the growth of individualism, has led to a decline in a belief and practise in religion.
Religion primarily affects the way we see the world. The fact that there seem to be some absolute rights and wrongs which transcends culture and time shows that we are a creation of a morally just God and that it is our in-born inclination to believe in a God that matters: “We want to be taken seriously. In the end we want to be held accountable, to be judged and to be forgiven.” Kushner gave the example of a man, having died and met God, was simply told to choose one of two doors to enter. One of the doors lead to heaven, the other to hell - it becomes a games of chance. The point is we do not want our ending to be dependent on the toss of a coin. And God is important too as: “Whenever one wavers from doing something because it is hard, unpopular or expensive I need to know that my path is God’s path.”
A point that Kushner has made clear is the social obligations we have to the community and to each other: “Do not ask questions such as why is this child born retarded but what kind of community does God want us to become so that this child’s illness does not become a barrier to a meaningful and fulfilling life?”
The difference between a person who believes in God and one who is lives a morally good life is that believer has have endless resources from God to draw from.
*e.g. disgrace of well-known clergy men, churches frequently are breeding grounds for hypocrisy, self-righteousness, small minded-ness, fundamentalism bordering on fanatism, dogmatism and arrogance and condemnation of those who disagree. Also Copernicus and Galilee, Darwin and Freud - Science vs religion. Spokesmen from church tried to challenge the scientific discoveries to embarrassing consequences. “To search for truth and not rely on ancient guess work is an affirmation truth and religion.“
Harold Kushner is the Rabbi of Temple Israel in Massachusetts. This other books are When All you Ever Wanted isn’t Enough and When Bad Things Happen to Good People
Kushner’s case is for clearly for organised religion, and the social and psychological need for religion. However, much as I find that many of his points relevant and insightful, I feel that he has failed in being clear on some issues which would likely be of interest and importance to any reader who picks up a book with the title “Who Needs God?”
Although most of the examples and experiences quoted in the book are from the Judo-Christian tradition (Kushner is a rabbi), the author has used the word “religion” so generally that it can mean any other faith including Buddhism which has a very different cosmic view.
We do not know for sure from what platform Kushner is talking from - Judaism, Christianity or general “religion”. Why? Does he fear being labeled dogmatic? Is it because he wants to reach a wider audience? Or is he simply liberal (unusual for someone who is a rabbi and has seemingly chosen a specific religious platform)? Then again, even if he is liberal, how can one reconcile between Christianity and Judaism which differ on one fundamental theological point that made them separate religions?
However, there are many insightful points for the reader. For example, Kushner acknowledges that that recent years have not been kind to religion* thus many do not believe in organised religion but who feel that believing that God exists or leading a morally good life is good enough. But, “A God who exists but who does not matter and whose existence does not affect the way you live might as well not exist at all. “
Man’s conquest of new milestones has gradually led to the a demystification of things once held sacred and together with the growth of individualism, has led to a decline in a belief and practise in religion.
Religion primarily affects the way we see the world. The fact that there seem to be some absolute rights and wrongs which transcends culture and time shows that we are a creation of a morally just God and that it is our in-born inclination to believe in a God that matters: “We want to be taken seriously. In the end we want to be held accountable, to be judged and to be forgiven.” Kushner gave the example of a man, having died and met God, was simply told to choose one of two doors to enter. One of the doors lead to heaven, the other to hell - it becomes a games of chance. The point is we do not want our ending to be dependent on the toss of a coin. And God is important too as: “Whenever one wavers from doing something because it is hard, unpopular or expensive I need to know that my path is God’s path.”
A point that Kushner has made clear is the social obligations we have to the community and to each other: “Do not ask questions such as why is this child born retarded but what kind of community does God want us to become so that this child’s illness does not become a barrier to a meaningful and fulfilling life?”
The difference between a person who believes in God and one who is lives a morally good life is that believer has have endless resources from God to draw from.
*e.g. disgrace of well-known clergy men, churches frequently are breeding grounds for hypocrisy, self-righteousness, small minded-ness, fundamentalism bordering on fanatism, dogmatism and arrogance and condemnation of those who disagree. Also Copernicus and Galilee, Darwin and Freud - Science vs religion. Spokesmen from church tried to challenge the scientific discoveries to embarrassing consequences. “To search for truth and not rely on ancient guess work is an affirmation truth and religion.“
Harold Kushner is the Rabbi of Temple Israel in Massachusetts. This other books are When All you Ever Wanted isn’t Enough and When Bad Things Happen to Good People
October 1, 2019
One of the wisest human beings I have ever had the pleasure to read, Harold S. Kushner is a retired rabbi from Massachusetts who has written several wonderful books about life. My favorite of his works--and a book that has shaped my thinking and worldview ever since I finished it--is When Bad Things Happen to Good People. He is retired now, but I can only imagine the depth of insight Rabbi Kushner brought to his congregation over the decades he was with them. An amazing, thoughtful man.
So I thought I was off the whole religion thing, which--no matter how many times I swear it off--pulls me back in. My mind returns to God again and again, like your tongue goes to a chipped tooth. I just can't seem to help it. I started this journey in 2003, and 16 years later I am still walking the path, trying to figure it all out. I've gone from atheist to Catholic to Protestant to Catholic (again) to Buddhism, with a brief sojourn with the Unitarians. Nothing fits. Nothing sticks. Nothing clings. In recent years, I've pretty much given up on religion, instead spending my spiritual energies on meditation and a bit of humanism, which is fine. But it's not filling. It does not satisfy.
Over the weekend, I was incredibly fortunate to attend the bat mitvah of the daughter of dear friends of mine, and for the first time went to services at a Jewish temple. I found it incredibly moving (even though I speak 0% Hebrew). The reverence with which the Torah is handled. The bright, open worship space. The rabbi's comments about the incredible survival of the Jewish people. The deep, resonant connection felt by the Jewish families who gathered together that day. Catholicism is old, but Judaism is ancient. It was a remarkable experience for a spiritual backpacker like me. I loved it (also, bucket-list check-off: I danced the hora and sang hava nagila, which I've always wanted to do!)
Having Judaism on the brain--not for the first time--I sought out some reading material and landed on this book. In his gentle, wise way, Rabbi Kushner makes the case for religion playing an important part in the lives of people. The cycle of life ("Sunrise...sunset"), the essentiality of community, the power of tradition, and the importance of prayer are all presented in a compelling, convincing way by the good rabbi. Echoing what the rabbi said on Saturday in his comments at the bat mitvah, Rabbi Kusher writes that faith is a choice; you choose to believe even when it's hard, or seems difficult. And, if you make that choice, spiritual riches await.
The part of the book that resonated most deeply with me was the section on prayer. Prayer, according to Rabbi Kushner, benefits us in two ways: it helps us to remember that--even in the midst of suffering, injustice, and sorrow--we are not along. God is with us. And, prayer is a recognition that so much is out of our control: health, politics, war, violence, climate change, addiction, you name it. The author's description of prayer taught me that humility, not supplication, should be our prayerful orientation. That may sound simple to you, but man, that was a profound insight for me.
Finally (and if you are a Christian, you may want to skip this part), this is something I've known for a while, but getting my Hebrew on this weekend brought it back to mind: Jesus was a Jew, and everything that came after him--the church, Christian theology, Christianity itself--would probably be a huge surprise to him. The doctrine of the trinity, the second coming, transubstantiation, sola scriptura, and the sort-of algebraic formula of 'my sin plus his death equals forgiveness and salvation'...all of this seems a bit...added on later. In the Jewish scriptures, the signs of the Messiah are pretty clear. Likewise, nowhere in the Jewish scriptures does it predict that the Messiah will return if things don't go well the first time around. Having read and studied The Lost Gospel: The Book of Q and Christian Origins, along with The Five Gospels: What Did Jesus Really Say? The Search for the Authentic Words of Jesus, I can tell you that much of what passes for Jesus' words and actions rests upon a very shaky edifice. Both Christianity and Islam are based upon Judaism. Were Jesus to return today, I think he'd find much of what is practiced in his name and memory to be a bit confusing. But a seder? The reading of the Torah in a temple? He'd be right at home.
In sum, a great book by a great man. Read everything he's ever written, and you will become wise.
So I thought I was off the whole religion thing, which--no matter how many times I swear it off--pulls me back in. My mind returns to God again and again, like your tongue goes to a chipped tooth. I just can't seem to help it. I started this journey in 2003, and 16 years later I am still walking the path, trying to figure it all out. I've gone from atheist to Catholic to Protestant to Catholic (again) to Buddhism, with a brief sojourn with the Unitarians. Nothing fits. Nothing sticks. Nothing clings. In recent years, I've pretty much given up on religion, instead spending my spiritual energies on meditation and a bit of humanism, which is fine. But it's not filling. It does not satisfy.
Over the weekend, I was incredibly fortunate to attend the bat mitvah of the daughter of dear friends of mine, and for the first time went to services at a Jewish temple. I found it incredibly moving (even though I speak 0% Hebrew). The reverence with which the Torah is handled. The bright, open worship space. The rabbi's comments about the incredible survival of the Jewish people. The deep, resonant connection felt by the Jewish families who gathered together that day. Catholicism is old, but Judaism is ancient. It was a remarkable experience for a spiritual backpacker like me. I loved it (also, bucket-list check-off: I danced the hora and sang hava nagila, which I've always wanted to do!)
Having Judaism on the brain--not for the first time--I sought out some reading material and landed on this book. In his gentle, wise way, Rabbi Kushner makes the case for religion playing an important part in the lives of people. The cycle of life ("Sunrise...sunset"), the essentiality of community, the power of tradition, and the importance of prayer are all presented in a compelling, convincing way by the good rabbi. Echoing what the rabbi said on Saturday in his comments at the bat mitvah, Rabbi Kusher writes that faith is a choice; you choose to believe even when it's hard, or seems difficult. And, if you make that choice, spiritual riches await.
The part of the book that resonated most deeply with me was the section on prayer. Prayer, according to Rabbi Kushner, benefits us in two ways: it helps us to remember that--even in the midst of suffering, injustice, and sorrow--we are not along. God is with us. And, prayer is a recognition that so much is out of our control: health, politics, war, violence, climate change, addiction, you name it. The author's description of prayer taught me that humility, not supplication, should be our prayerful orientation. That may sound simple to you, but man, that was a profound insight for me.
Finally (and if you are a Christian, you may want to skip this part), this is something I've known for a while, but getting my Hebrew on this weekend brought it back to mind: Jesus was a Jew, and everything that came after him--the church, Christian theology, Christianity itself--would probably be a huge surprise to him. The doctrine of the trinity, the second coming, transubstantiation, sola scriptura, and the sort-of algebraic formula of 'my sin plus his death equals forgiveness and salvation'...all of this seems a bit...added on later. In the Jewish scriptures, the signs of the Messiah are pretty clear. Likewise, nowhere in the Jewish scriptures does it predict that the Messiah will return if things don't go well the first time around. Having read and studied The Lost Gospel: The Book of Q and Christian Origins, along with The Five Gospels: What Did Jesus Really Say? The Search for the Authentic Words of Jesus, I can tell you that much of what passes for Jesus' words and actions rests upon a very shaky edifice. Both Christianity and Islam are based upon Judaism. Were Jesus to return today, I think he'd find much of what is practiced in his name and memory to be a bit confusing. But a seder? The reading of the Torah in a temple? He'd be right at home.
In sum, a great book by a great man. Read everything he's ever written, and you will become wise.
June 17, 2013
Again, used as text for class discussion
Profound
Profound
November 13, 2024
Another gem from Rabbi Kushner.
The answer from Rabbi Kushner is: Everyone Needs God!
He makes a compelling argument for why we need God, and why secular humanism is not enough.
His compassion and rational thought come through to us in this book.
His parsing of the psalms is both enlightening and encouraging.
I enjoyed his story telling and personal stories from his counseling career to bring home deeper theological points.
A salient quotes from the book:
pp.148 " Quite simply, God will not suffer Himself to be manipulated by our words or deeds. That is not religion.... Religion, he said, is an attempt to serve God. Magic is the effort to manipulate God. "
The best part of this book, indeed of all his books in my opinion, is that they are practical guides for people searching for truth about God and our human condition. Questions that all religious people face in the course of their lives.
I place this book and his others up there with Victor Frankl's, Man's Search For Meaning, as a must read.
The answer from Rabbi Kushner is: Everyone Needs God!
He makes a compelling argument for why we need God, and why secular humanism is not enough.
His compassion and rational thought come through to us in this book.
His parsing of the psalms is both enlightening and encouraging.
I enjoyed his story telling and personal stories from his counseling career to bring home deeper theological points.
A salient quotes from the book:
pp.148 " Quite simply, God will not suffer Himself to be manipulated by our words or deeds. That is not religion.... Religion, he said, is an attempt to serve God. Magic is the effort to manipulate God. "
The best part of this book, indeed of all his books in my opinion, is that they are practical guides for people searching for truth about God and our human condition. Questions that all religious people face in the course of their lives.
I place this book and his others up there with Victor Frankl's, Man's Search For Meaning, as a must read.
January 11, 2023
I read this book because of a recommendation, and it offered a new perspective that I don’t often hear about the value of religion. Despite self-identifying as theologically “liberal,” some of Kushner’s perspectives seemed relatively conservative— such as not supporting interfaith marriage. I liked Kushner’s view of religion as a community, and he offered good counterpoints to the rise of non-affiliated “spirituality.” This book challenged some of my thinking on the role of religion versus a belief system, and I think it will change the way I approach religiosity, emphasizing more conversation and connection with others as opposed to the solo journey.
Sometimes I felt that Kushner left gaps in his argument, but overall, it was a thought-provoking read.
Sometimes I felt that Kushner left gaps in his argument, but overall, it was a thought-provoking read.
January 29, 2025
After reading To Life, I wanted to explore more of Kushner’s work. Unfortunately, he let me down.
What can I say? The book is a product of its time. Yes, it’s thought provoking on how to view religion and how to make sense of its purpose, but it’s almost impossible to get past some of Kushner’s hypocrisy, strawman fallacies, prejudices, and ignorance. One can only hope his views and opinions evolved after writing this.
What can I say? The book is a product of its time. Yes, it’s thought provoking on how to view religion and how to make sense of its purpose, but it’s almost impossible to get past some of Kushner’s hypocrisy, strawman fallacies, prejudices, and ignorance. One can only hope his views and opinions evolved after writing this.
December 10, 2018
Read this book in two sittings. Outstanding and thought provoking. The sentence. "We have just enough religion to hate each other but not enough to love each other." Written in 1989, it is very relevant for today's world. And "prayer is less talking and more listening'' a very good reminder! This is one author I would love to meet and/or listen to now.
February 14, 2023
“Who Needs G-d” isn’t the compelling work that is “When Bad Things Happen to Good People.” Rather it is the work of a Rabbi telling anecdotes to someone who either already needs G-d or is down the path searching for G-d. There are many instances of saying religion is the only answer while also talking about people who have found community and meaning elsewhere.
May 31, 2023
An interesting read! There was a lot I didn't agree with but I appreciated the opportunity to observe my reactions to Rabbi Kushner's arguments. I wish he had focused more specifically on Judaism, rather than attempt to include Christianity, which felt really shoehorned in. I also wish he hadn't been so aggressive about using He/Him pronouns for G-d. Oy.
July 29, 2024
This book changed me, it also repaired my relationship with the church and God. We often find reasons or people or things to blame when things to go our way but sometimes there is no reason and at and certainly God didn’t just focus on making our life difficult in purpose. This book really change my outlook on life and helped me moved passed some very difficult times in life.
May 9, 2025
Much more philosophical than I expected it to be, lots of help understanding why humans think and behave a certain way. Written by a Rabbi which was interesting to hear his perspectives and how they overlap with my own. Really focused on a) arguing and confirming the existence of God and b) why it’s important to know Him. He spit some bars!!!!!
August 5, 2018
Much of what's in this book I found predictable & not particularly interesting, but the author drew some connections with some of Tehillim (Psalms) that made the book worthwhile for me, especially since the writing is straightforward & easy to read.
August 7, 2018
I always find Rabbi Kushner's books to be a fascinating read. With a combination of humor and thoughtfulness, Rabbi K tackles one of the biggest questions of all. I'm planning on using excerpts from the book in my Hebrew School class.
February 28, 2023
Second or third reading of older book by Harold Kushner rabbi of Temple Israel in Mass.
Thought provoking book which approaches the answer to the title of the book. Who Needs God.
He is an excellent writer and makes you think as you read.
Thought provoking book which approaches the answer to the title of the book. Who Needs God.
He is an excellent writer and makes you think as you read.
July 12, 2018
Rabbi Kushner says we all need God. Some people just aren't aware of it.
March 28, 2019
I love the ideas in this book, but sometimes he rambles on too long. So, with that, I will end this review.
August 9, 2022
Rabbi Kushner imparts his years of wisdom and experience as a rabbi.
October 25, 2022
Useless small book with nothing new
June 20, 2024
Good food for thought, but just scratching the surface. Short.
September 16, 2024
Read in high school religion class—I think the class was religious philosophy
January 25, 2025
Such a great storyteller and teacher, Kushner combines real-life examples with principles to live by in an easily accessible and non-directive way. Last two chapters were especially clear.
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