Does God Exist?: A Fictionalized Debate on an Age Old Question

by Michael McKinney

When Steven Lane walks into the receptionist's office at Wellington University to apply for a maintenance job listed in the newspaper, he is mistaken for Professor Thomas Lane and quickly finds himself led into an auditorium where hundreds of people are seated. All assume he is the main protagonist in the discussion that's about to begin. Far from being embarrassed or intimidated, when he hears the topic to be debated he chooses to embrace the unexpected challenge. The question of whether or not God exists is a subject that Steven Lane has been writing about for several years and the sudden opportunity to speak publicly on the question is irresistible even under the questionable pretense of mistaken identity. Despite the risk and serious potential for embarrassment, when he steps into this unexpected role, it seems as if fate has chosen him and him alone as her advocate. Much more than a stale rehashing of old academic arguments, this story centers on an eloquent and compelling reexamination of questions that are central to religious and moral life. Intellectually rich without being pedantic, this work offers a stimulating reappraisal of traditional religious belief in decidedly nonreligious terms

100 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 31, 2017

Reviews

[Grady · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The theological question of God's existence is something that's been debated for centuries.”

Author Michael Mckinney has published five novels of the spiritual/religious/metaphysical genre. His novels create unique atmospheres that easily seduce us into the storyline because of the solid manner in which he creates his fascinating characters.

For example, Michael opens this book with a family response that betrays the concept to follow. Then, as Chapter Two opens, the concept of the novel rings through the following incident – ‘Less than ten miles away, across town in a very different setting, preparations are underway for an event that's been planned for some time. Wellington University is a well-known landmark in the local community, and today is a day of increased activity at the school in anticipation of a debate that will take place in the auditorium this afternoon. The subject of today's discussion is the existence or nonexistence of God, and is expected to be well attended. These debates have become a monthly tradition, and are invested with considerable prestige for Wellington University, and the community at large. Dean Foster himself takes care to make sure things go smoothly. We find him going over debate procedure with Professor Harris who will moderate the event later today. “Well this is it basically,” Dean Foster says to Professor Harris. “You as moderator will be seated here between our two advocates. Once everyone is seated, you’ll call the room to order, introduce yourself, explain what the question is, and the rules of the debate.” “Alright,” replies Professor Harris. “Let them have their opening statements. Then you’ll ask the first question.” “Who gets the first question?” “A coin toss determines that.” “Then let it go, huh?” “Let it go. We want as much interplay as possible. Basically, your role is to see they both get roughly equal amounts of time.” “Mm hmm, right.” “So you can interject if you want to give someone extra time.” “I understand.” “But if they mix it up pretty evenly then uh, I’d say let it roll.” “Who’s arguing in the negative?” asks Harris. “Stuart Hawkins. He’s a professor of biology, a member of our faculty. As you know we address both advocates by surname only,” Dean Foster says.’ And so on.

The story flows as condensed in the plot summary – ‘When Steven Lane walks into the receptionist's office at Wellington University to apply for a maintenance job listed in the newspaper, he's mistaken for Professor Thomas Lane and quickly finds himself led into an auditorium where hundreds of people are seated. All assume he's the main protagonist in the discussion that's about to begin. Far from being embarrassed or intimidated, when he hears the topic to be debated he chooses to embrace the unexpected challenge. The question of whether or not God exists is a subject that Steven Lane has been writing about for several years and the sudden opportunity to speak publicly on the question is irresistible even under the questionable pretense of mistaken identity. Despite the risk and serious potential for embarrassment, when he steps into this unexpected role, it seems as if fate has chosen him and him alone as her advocate. Much more than a stale rehashing of old academic arguments, this story centers on an eloquent and compelling reexamination of questions that are central to religious and moral life. Intellectually rich without being pedantic, this work offers a stimulating reappraisal of traditional religious belief within the context of modern science and changing public attitudes.

Beautifully written with an imposing line of thought, Michael asks us as readers to reflect on this major question –Does God Exist? – and makes it so credible human that it remains entrenched in our thoughts. Another fine contribution from Michael Mckinney.

[Valery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Does God Exist?: A Fictionalized Debate On An Age Old Question by Michael McKinney has an interesting premise. While this is ultimately a religious book, the way it is written will pull you into the clever narrative. Steven Lane is a writer who finally has finished his book on theology. However writing books doesn't pay the bills and Steven and his wife need more income. He goes to apply for a maintenance job at the local university, and is soon mistaken for a professor by the name of Thomas Lane. From there he is catapulted into speaking at a debate about the existence of God. In all good conscience, he knows he should not pretend to be someone he is not, but he cannot resist this challenge, after all he is a writer of theology. The debate ensues and Steven does quite well. This is an unusual take on the age old question about God's existence. Highly recommend for a quick and insightful read.

[Mar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Does God Exist? is a book that revolves around the idea that has been dividing the humanity for millenniums. The way this debate is inserted in the story is quite interesting and well-articulated: Steven, a struggling writer, shows up in University to apply for a job and got his identity mistaken by a Professor who is there for a lecture on the existence of God.
Although the book revolves around religion, I wouldn’t consider it a religious book. There are some interesting arguments, well-written about and nicely explained. It feels quite personal and amusing and it will be an interesting reading. The story follows an interesting path and I wish the book had some more pages so we could follow what happens next. Either way, I really enjoyed, as it’s clever and entertaining.