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Hey God. Hey John.: What Happens When God Writes Back
John Roedel is a comic, husband and father of three boys based in Wyoming who began talking with “God” in 2015 on Facebook about his ongoing faith crisis. What began as a flippant way of making light of his doubts in the Divine turned into something he wasn’t at all prepared God wrote back. Since creating the popular Hey God. Hey John. blog on Facebook three years ago, John has tackled such topics as his journey to mental health wellness, his lack of faith, the joy and pain of raising a child with autism, and grief, all in the form of a simple conversation with God.
545 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 3, 2018
315 people are currently reading
280 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
August 28, 2018
I have never known how to follow God.
3.75 stars. I've been following Hey God. Hey John. on Facebook for quite awhile now. Over the months (years?) I've been encouraged, comforted, and soothed by reading the struggles of someone who deals with similar battles. Mr. Roedel is authentic in a way we no longer know Christians to be. He is raw. He doesn't hide his doubt, depression, anxiety, anger, and fear. He lays it all out. He doesn't say that he's perfect because he's a believer. He says that he has an infallible Rock to go to when he fails. This is the essence of Christianity. That we are not perfect, but our God is, and though He allows suffering because of sin, He will be there to comfort us and when we conquer, He will carry us to eternity as He bore our sins and punishment.
I enjoyed reading this compilation. I think I got quite a lot out of it, especially all the chapters on depression.
However, Mr. Roedel's theology appears to be flawed in a way that I perceive to be dangerous to the gullible reader. I took notes.
- "You are worthy."
If God didn't think we were worthy, He wouldn't have sent His Son to die for us. We were made in His image (Gen. 1:26) and redeemed to Him despite our willful rebellion. Yes, God adores us infinitely. But the whole point of our redemption is that we are not worthy of Heaven - that's why salvation is such a big deal. Because He loved us enough to make a way for us. And knowing that is even more of a comfort than thinking that we are worthy.
- "God wants me to be happy."
God does not want you to be happy. He wants you to be holy, no matter the cost. If that means torture and/or death, so be it. Holiness means a self-denial. It means we care more for others than ourselves. It means we understand that our lives on earth, our pain, is literally just a blip (a hard blip, but still a blip) in the face of eternity. God calls us to turn our backs on the world and follow Him no matter what. This doesn't always mean you'll be happy. And that's okay. Heaven will be abounding in joy.
- "I have faith in mankind."
This one kind of makes me laugh. Psalm 118:8 says, "it is better to take refuge in the Lord than to have faith in man." You know why? Because man is flawed. Broken. Sinful. We lie and kill and destroy. Even the Apostle Paul, the best of the best, lamented his spiritual condition (Rom. 7:15) and understood that there was nothing good in him except what God put there. The earth in the hands of mankind will destruct and has been destructing slowly over the decades. Why? Because we have free will. And those with free will choose to do terrible things. We do terrible things without even meaning to, sometimes. If you truly have faith in mankind, I can understand why you'd be depressed and doubt God. Build your house on solid rock. Trust God alone.
- "Man is inherently good."
See above. (And maybe examine the acts of hatred through the ages - man is NOT inherently good. Man is inherently sinful.)
- "You (God) need me."
Examine Psalm 50:8-15 and you will see why this makes no Biblical sense. God doesn't need us, and that's one of the amazing things about Him. Even better, He wants us. He doesn't need us to reach the lost or lend a helping hand or comfort the mourning - but He wants to use us nonetheless. He sees us and wants us. Even though we are undeserving. And if we do not answer that call, He will use someone or something else.
That's all. I went a little more in-depth than I had originally planned, but I think it was worth it.
Overall, this is a good book and it will encourage you. However, it is saturated with worldly assurances of worth and importance, and I'd rather get real assurances from God, wouldn't you?
3.75 stars. I've been following Hey God. Hey John. on Facebook for quite awhile now. Over the months (years?) I've been encouraged, comforted, and soothed by reading the struggles of someone who deals with similar battles. Mr. Roedel is authentic in a way we no longer know Christians to be. He is raw. He doesn't hide his doubt, depression, anxiety, anger, and fear. He lays it all out. He doesn't say that he's perfect because he's a believer. He says that he has an infallible Rock to go to when he fails. This is the essence of Christianity. That we are not perfect, but our God is, and though He allows suffering because of sin, He will be there to comfort us and when we conquer, He will carry us to eternity as He bore our sins and punishment.
I enjoyed reading this compilation. I think I got quite a lot out of it, especially all the chapters on depression.
However, Mr. Roedel's theology appears to be flawed in a way that I perceive to be dangerous to the gullible reader. I took notes.
- "You are worthy."
If God didn't think we were worthy, He wouldn't have sent His Son to die for us. We were made in His image (Gen. 1:26) and redeemed to Him despite our willful rebellion. Yes, God adores us infinitely. But the whole point of our redemption is that we are not worthy of Heaven - that's why salvation is such a big deal. Because He loved us enough to make a way for us. And knowing that is even more of a comfort than thinking that we are worthy.
- "God wants me to be happy."
God does not want you to be happy. He wants you to be holy, no matter the cost. If that means torture and/or death, so be it. Holiness means a self-denial. It means we care more for others than ourselves. It means we understand that our lives on earth, our pain, is literally just a blip (a hard blip, but still a blip) in the face of eternity. God calls us to turn our backs on the world and follow Him no matter what. This doesn't always mean you'll be happy. And that's okay. Heaven will be abounding in joy.
- "I have faith in mankind."
This one kind of makes me laugh. Psalm 118:8 says, "it is better to take refuge in the Lord than to have faith in man." You know why? Because man is flawed. Broken. Sinful. We lie and kill and destroy. Even the Apostle Paul, the best of the best, lamented his spiritual condition (Rom. 7:15) and understood that there was nothing good in him except what God put there. The earth in the hands of mankind will destruct and has been destructing slowly over the decades. Why? Because we have free will. And those with free will choose to do terrible things. We do terrible things without even meaning to, sometimes. If you truly have faith in mankind, I can understand why you'd be depressed and doubt God. Build your house on solid rock. Trust God alone.
- "Man is inherently good."
See above. (And maybe examine the acts of hatred through the ages - man is NOT inherently good. Man is inherently sinful.)
- "You (God) need me."
Examine Psalm 50:8-15 and you will see why this makes no Biblical sense. God doesn't need us, and that's one of the amazing things about Him. Even better, He wants us. He doesn't need us to reach the lost or lend a helping hand or comfort the mourning - but He wants to use us nonetheless. He sees us and wants us. Even though we are undeserving. And if we do not answer that call, He will use someone or something else.
That's all. I went a little more in-depth than I had originally planned, but I think it was worth it.
Overall, this is a good book and it will encourage you. However, it is saturated with worldly assurances of worth and importance, and I'd rather get real assurances from God, wouldn't you?
March 30, 2023
John Roedel, Hey God. Hey John.: What Happens When God Writes Back
My overall impression of John Roedel’s Hey God, Hey John is that of journal entries made public. In format, they are imaginary conversations with God. In substance, they are deeply personal entries in which Roedel explores his spiritual struggles and responses to them: struggles with faith, with his view of God, or with his spiritual life in general. His specific concerns range over doubt, fear, anxiety, depression, forgiveness, self-worth, the autism (of his son). Insights he garners from these conversations have a transforming impact on his outlook and demeanor to whatever concerns may have initiated the conversations.
Throughout, the conversations tended to be quite light-hearted in tone, showing Roedel’s admitted interest in comedy. (Indeed, the crafted responses by God frequently show the unexpected twists characteristic of stand-up comedy routines.) In places, however, I found the conversations rather trivial in substance. Nevertheless, the conversations do seem to take on a more serious tone, to become more substantial in their insights, and to have a more significant impact on attitudes and experiences.
The book is in fact an edited selection of Roedel’s Facebook posts and Blogs written over a period of three years. Although the arrangement here is neither chronological nor thematic, they are grouped into four ‘Acts’ – 1) Hey God, remember me? 2) Hey God, this is getting weird, 3) Hey God, I can’t do this alone, 4) Hey God, I surrender – suggesting a development in spiritual life: at least in intent, if not in actual process.
Sharing insights and experiences, as Roedel does in this collection of imagined conversations with God, would appeal to those experiencing similar challenges to their faith and in their spiritual life.
My overall impression of John Roedel’s Hey God, Hey John is that of journal entries made public. In format, they are imaginary conversations with God. In substance, they are deeply personal entries in which Roedel explores his spiritual struggles and responses to them: struggles with faith, with his view of God, or with his spiritual life in general. His specific concerns range over doubt, fear, anxiety, depression, forgiveness, self-worth, the autism (of his son). Insights he garners from these conversations have a transforming impact on his outlook and demeanor to whatever concerns may have initiated the conversations.
Throughout, the conversations tended to be quite light-hearted in tone, showing Roedel’s admitted interest in comedy. (Indeed, the crafted responses by God frequently show the unexpected twists characteristic of stand-up comedy routines.) In places, however, I found the conversations rather trivial in substance. Nevertheless, the conversations do seem to take on a more serious tone, to become more substantial in their insights, and to have a more significant impact on attitudes and experiences.
The book is in fact an edited selection of Roedel’s Facebook posts and Blogs written over a period of three years. Although the arrangement here is neither chronological nor thematic, they are grouped into four ‘Acts’ – 1) Hey God, remember me? 2) Hey God, this is getting weird, 3) Hey God, I can’t do this alone, 4) Hey God, I surrender – suggesting a development in spiritual life: at least in intent, if not in actual process.
Sharing insights and experiences, as Roedel does in this collection of imagined conversations with God, would appeal to those experiencing similar challenges to their faith and in their spiritual life.
May 11, 2024
Wow!! A life changing devotional.
I saw some of John's writing on Facebook and felt compelled to read his book. It was surely a God Wink.
John writes what I feel better than I could ever do it. His words have served as my daily devotional for weeks now. He's right up there with Sarah Young in my book.
I can't recommend this book more. Pick it up and you'll be changed.
I saw some of John's writing on Facebook and felt compelled to read his book. It was surely a God Wink.
John writes what I feel better than I could ever do it. His words have served as my daily devotional for weeks now. He's right up there with Sarah Young in my book.
I can't recommend this book more. Pick it up and you'll be changed.
May 22, 2024
Soooo good!
July 1, 2025
This book is John's faith struggle with God. His conversations at times were insightful, others funny, and others heartbreaking. What I came away with... God is always, always with us.
July 7, 2022
Absolutely loved this book! Easy to pick up and read just a few pages at a time. His self-exploration and his prayers regarding life, depression, helping a son with autism, etc., are so open, raw, and beautifully depicted. I was gifted this book for my birthday and have ordered five copies for friends already!
January 31, 2024
"Hey God. Hey John." is like John Roedel's cosmic pen pal adventure. This talented guy started posting his faith crisis on Facebook, thinking he's just cracking jokes about the big guy upstairs.
Then bam, God decides to write back!
This 544-page rollercoaster covers everything from John's mental health struggles to parenting a kid with autism, all while God's dishing out divine advice that all seems quite logical. It's like a wild sitcom, but with a sprinkle of spiritual wisdom.
Each page feels like God left you a sticky note, making this book a 5-star laugh-and-reflect journey through the divine and the downright hilarious.
Any primetime spots open for a writer like this? You all should be fighting over him IMHO!
Then bam, God decides to write back!
This 544-page rollercoaster covers everything from John's mental health struggles to parenting a kid with autism, all while God's dishing out divine advice that all seems quite logical. It's like a wild sitcom, but with a sprinkle of spiritual wisdom.
Each page feels like God left you a sticky note, making this book a 5-star laugh-and-reflect journey through the divine and the downright hilarious.
Any primetime spots open for a writer like this? You all should be fighting over him IMHO!
November 22, 2019
This is a great book from John Roedel about his conversations with God. It's funny in parts, and yet tackles serious issues, and it's about changing the way we look at the world. The book holds both a message for the author as he traverses issues in his own life while providing an opportunity for the reader to adjust the negative script that may be running in their head too. It is at times completely in line with scripture, and at other times strays, but it's all about John's journey with God through his own struggles with doubt, depression, anxiety, and acceptance of his son's autism. It's about finding beauty in the world when all seems dark.
October 27, 2022
Delightful book! My thanks to John Roedel for sharing his spiritual journey with us. *Hey John* revolves around the universal themes of forgiveness, grief, love, and the search for purpose. He shares his experience with depression and anxiety - and anyone who's experienced depression and anxiety themselves can relate to his description of depression, and appreciate the insights he's gained from his experience. I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys kindness and a good laugh.
Karen Molenaar Terrell, author of *Cosmic Connections: Sharing the Joy* and *The Madcap Christian Scientist's Middle Book*
Karen Molenaar Terrell, author of *Cosmic Connections: Sharing the Joy* and *The Madcap Christian Scientist's Middle Book*
May 3, 2021
Faith struggle that's real
John Roedel's writing comes straight from the heart, mind and soul of someone wrestling with dark nights of the soul. However, they are the furthest thing from religiosity. No scripture references here. No preaching about Jesus. Just the scripts of two years of conversations between God and one precious child, filled with honesty, delight, grief and questions. Questions upon questions. And tacos.
John Roedel's writing comes straight from the heart, mind and soul of someone wrestling with dark nights of the soul. However, they are the furthest thing from religiosity. No scripture references here. No preaching about Jesus. Just the scripts of two years of conversations between God and one precious child, filled with honesty, delight, grief and questions. Questions upon questions. And tacos.
September 8, 2019
Beautiful. Moving. Authentic. This is John Roedel, striving to sort out his relationship with God and come to terms with his depression and his life challenges. I read this while I was feeling very low myself, and it felt like a helping hand reaching out to me from someone who had been there. I recommend this wholeheartedly.
November 12, 2021
Pretty much not what I expected. I did think it would be deeper and explore both emotional and intellectual relationships with God. Nevertheless, it was fun in places, sad in places. Overall simplistic example of one mans way back to God.
The nice thing is that it would totally be good for YA reads, and also a good bedside book for the nights one needs a little positive nudge before sleep.
The nice thing is that it would totally be good for YA reads, and also a good bedside book for the nights one needs a little positive nudge before sleep.
August 18, 2023
The words are balm for my own wobbly heart
You definitely need to read it and possibly try your own connection exercises. This book is a way to connect with God and it is a beautiful offering of hope. Wherever you are in your spiritual journey, this is a gift. One of my favorite authors and such good reminders!
You definitely need to read it and possibly try your own connection exercises. This book is a way to connect with God and it is a beautiful offering of hope. Wherever you are in your spiritual journey, this is a gift. One of my favorite authors and such good reminders!
May 30, 2019
This is a collection of conversations the author has with God. He explores self -doubt, depression, autism, and lack of belief. The God side of the dialogue is filled with love and wisdom. Inspiring. Read that I suggest to all especially those with depression.
October 7, 2021
This book gets me through some tough spots and lifts me up. It was a gift from a dear friend of mine and some pages are very much worn as I read them and reread them again and again. This is absolutely a book that I will keep with me forever!
January 23, 2022
I think this is one of the most impactfully funny, touching and real books I’ve read in a very long time. Or at least since yesterday. 🙃 The messages being delivered are priceless and to the point. The banter exquisite.
Hey God. Hey John. 10/10 recommend
Hey God. Hey John. 10/10 recommend
February 7, 2022
Inspiring!
What a simple yet foreign topic...regular conversations with God! Well written, thought provoking and inspiring call to action. Lovely read that I will want to read over and over!
What a simple yet foreign topic...regular conversations with God! Well written, thought provoking and inspiring call to action. Lovely read that I will want to read over and over!
August 16, 2020
Absolutely loved this book! I hope he writes another one because I would buy it foe sure!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
October 5, 2020
Amazing
This is a highly readable, prayerful book that should be enjoyed by anyone who is breathing. Thanks for the wisdom and the courage to pour out your struggle
This is a highly readable, prayerful book that should be enjoyed by anyone who is breathing. Thanks for the wisdom and the courage to pour out your struggle
November 5, 2021
What a wonderful way to see the thoughts of the Devine Being in today's language. Loved it.
December 13, 2021
A gentle book
To dip into and out of. Worth reading and keeping by your side. Some wise words. Read them an reflect on what they tell you.
To dip into and out of. Worth reading and keeping by your side. Some wise words. Read them an reflect on what they tell you.
Read
June 10, 2022wonderful writing. wonderful honesty. wonderful hope
So many times one of these makes me feel so much better to know that I am not the only broken one!
So many times one of these makes me feel so much better to know that I am not the only broken one!
August 23, 2022
Life is hard. Talk it over with God.
Loved this collection of conversations.
Loved this collection of conversations.
November 8, 2022
Simply refreshing.
January 12, 2023
Wonderful inspirational book!
Read
July 8, 2023Enjoyed it for almost the whole book but got tired of the same emotional coverage over and over again. Cute and creative format though and I'm glad there was a life turn-around for Roedel.
March 20, 2025
I've read this book 3 times now. Every time I get something else out of it. Highly recommend! ❤️
December 30, 2020
Kindle ebook I would give this gem more than 5 stars if I could! I have bookmarked and highlighted the majority of the book. There is definitely something for everyone in this one!
April 6, 2023
Mixed feelings
Interesting read in the beginning that got pretty repetitive about 1/4 of the way through. Ultimately, I had a hard time believing that anything I was reading next to "God:" were God's actual thoughts. All God has said in written form is in the Word. This is where I have been taught he will primarily speak - in and through the Word. The Word IS truth and life! It has power. Speaking it has power. "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow.." Hebrews 4:12. If these "conversations" with God can help and heal, how much more God's very Word? And if after all this time healing has not been found, why not give the Word a try?
Does God communicate with us? Absolutely! I talk with God daily. And much of what I hear comes out in the form of a verse or as melodies and lyrics from hymns and scripture-inspired songs. Even then, I would never try to translate these heart conversations into words and say it was God speaking. At best, it is my poor, limited, English interpretation of what my brain thinks it heard God speaking to my heart. Most certainly my own feelings and thoughts get mixed in often.
Many seem to love this book though so I realize this is an unpopular opinion.
Interesting read in the beginning that got pretty repetitive about 1/4 of the way through. Ultimately, I had a hard time believing that anything I was reading next to "God:" were God's actual thoughts. All God has said in written form is in the Word. This is where I have been taught he will primarily speak - in and through the Word. The Word IS truth and life! It has power. Speaking it has power. "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow.." Hebrews 4:12. If these "conversations" with God can help and heal, how much more God's very Word? And if after all this time healing has not been found, why not give the Word a try?
Does God communicate with us? Absolutely! I talk with God daily. And much of what I hear comes out in the form of a verse or as melodies and lyrics from hymns and scripture-inspired songs. Even then, I would never try to translate these heart conversations into words and say it was God speaking. At best, it is my poor, limited, English interpretation of what my brain thinks it heard God speaking to my heart. Most certainly my own feelings and thoughts get mixed in often.
Many seem to love this book though so I realize this is an unpopular opinion.
May 4, 2022
First off, I'll admit that I did not read the last half of this book, word for word. The first third, or so, of the book was novel and interesting, but as it went along, it became repetitive and pedantic. Basically, this 520-page tome is a reprint of Facebook posts the author wrote during 3 years when, after a series of perceived tragedies in his life, he fell into severe depression and anxiety. There are better - and shorter - books on this subject.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews