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I Sold My Soul on eBay: Viewing Faith through an Atheist's Eyes
Unique insights from an atheist's Sunday-morning odyssey.
When Hemant Mehta was a teenager he stopped believing in God, but he never lost his interest in religion. Mehta is “the eBay atheist,” the nonbeliever who auctioned off the opportunity for the winning bidder to send him to church. The auction winner was Jim Henderson, a former pastor and author of Evangelism Without Additives. Since then, Mehta has visited a variety of church services–posting his insightful critiques on the Internet and spawning a positive, ongoing dialogue between atheists and believers.
I Sold My Soul on eBay tells how and why Mehta became an atheist and features his latest church critiques, including descriptions of his visits to some of the best-known churches in the country. His observations will surprise and challenge you, revealing how the church comes across to those outside the faith. Who better than a nonbeliever to offer an eye-opening assessment of how the gospel is being presented–and the elements that enhance or detract from the presentation.
Mehta announced prior to his churchgoing odyssey that he would watch for any signs of God’s existence. After spending Sunday mornings in some of the nation’s leading churches, what happened to the man who sold his soul on eBay? Did attending church change his lack of belief? The answers can be found inside.
When Hemant Mehta was a teenager he stopped believing in God, but he never lost his interest in religion. Mehta is “the eBay atheist,” the nonbeliever who auctioned off the opportunity for the winning bidder to send him to church. The auction winner was Jim Henderson, a former pastor and author of Evangelism Without Additives. Since then, Mehta has visited a variety of church services–posting his insightful critiques on the Internet and spawning a positive, ongoing dialogue between atheists and believers.
I Sold My Soul on eBay tells how and why Mehta became an atheist and features his latest church critiques, including descriptions of his visits to some of the best-known churches in the country. His observations will surprise and challenge you, revealing how the church comes across to those outside the faith. Who better than a nonbeliever to offer an eye-opening assessment of how the gospel is being presented–and the elements that enhance or detract from the presentation.
Mehta announced prior to his churchgoing odyssey that he would watch for any signs of God’s existence. After spending Sunday mornings in some of the nation’s leading churches, what happened to the man who sold his soul on eBay? Did attending church change his lack of belief? The answers can be found inside.
224 pages, Paperback
First published April 17, 2007
28 people are currently reading
458 people want to read
About the author
Hemant Mehta
11 books40 followersHemant Mehta graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago with degrees in Mathematics and Biology. While there, he also helped establish their first secular student group, Students WithOut Religious Dogma (SWORD). He earned his Masters in Math Education at DePaul University and currently teaches high school math in the suburbs of Chicago.
He has worked with the Center for Inquiry and the Secular Coalition for America, received scholarships from American Atheists and the Freedom From Religion Foundation, and now serves on the board of directors for Foundation Beyond Belief (a charity organization targeting non-theistic donors) and is the former chair of the board of the Secular Student Alliance (which creates and supports college atheist groups nationwide).
Hemant appeared on the front page of the Wall Street Journal and his book, I Sold My Soul on eBay (WaterBrook Press), was released in 2007.
His blog, the winner of the 2011 Bloggie award for Best Weblog About Religion, can be read at FriendlyAtheist.com.
Hemant's book, I Sold My Soul on eBay (WaterBrook Press), was released in 2007. He has appeared on CNN and FOX News Channel.
His latest book is called The Young Atheist's Survival Guide.
He has worked with the Center for Inquiry and the Secular Coalition for America, received scholarships from American Atheists and the Freedom From Religion Foundation, and now serves on the board of directors for Foundation Beyond Belief (a charity organization targeting non-theistic donors) and is the former chair of the board of the Secular Student Alliance (which creates and supports college atheist groups nationwide).
Hemant appeared on the front page of the Wall Street Journal and his book, I Sold My Soul on eBay (WaterBrook Press), was released in 2007.
His blog, the winner of the 2011 Bloggie award for Best Weblog About Religion, can be read at FriendlyAtheist.com.
Hemant's book, I Sold My Soul on eBay (WaterBrook Press), was released in 2007. He has appeared on CNN and FOX News Channel.
His latest book is called The Young Atheist's Survival Guide.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
April 4, 2013
This book markets itself as being for both Christians and atheists, but after having read it I would say atheists generally shouldn't bother. I think a Christian could maybe get some use out of it as far as understanding what an atheist is thinking when they hear you talk about your faith, and maybe some tips on how to make your church more friendly to "seekers".
I am an atheist who has spent several years attending church services with my Christian wife, and I hoped that I would find something of a kindred soul in this book. In a sense, I suppose I did, in that Hemant ran into many of the same issues during his research that I have run into. However, he didn't seem to come up with the answers to his issues, which are readily available with a minimal amount of discussion with Christians. He seems to complain that church services are not doing enough to connect with nonbelievers. But... Sunday church services are FOR believers. It is their time to reflect and worship. The time to connect with nonbelievers is outside church, by witnessing in your day-to-day life and evangelizing and doing the community service and overall SHOWING people what it means to be a Christian and to live in God's love (disclaimer: as an atheist, this is just my understanding of certain Christian beliefs, not my actual beliefs, so I may be wrong).
Certainly there are some things like services devoid of emotional content, bored parishioners, etc, that are bad for churches in the long run. But I feel like he misses the bulk of what it means to be a Christian by only attending services and generally not following up with those churches to understand what they're about.
I understand that the author has a day-job and couldn't spend a year interviewing Christians and pastors and visiting churches everywhere. But a surface-level review of Sunday services does not really advance an atheist's understanding, and may only provide limited value to a Christian looking to expand their reach. I think the book could have benefited from a more in-depth exploration of the churches he visited.
I am an atheist who has spent several years attending church services with my Christian wife, and I hoped that I would find something of a kindred soul in this book. In a sense, I suppose I did, in that Hemant ran into many of the same issues during his research that I have run into. However, he didn't seem to come up with the answers to his issues, which are readily available with a minimal amount of discussion with Christians. He seems to complain that church services are not doing enough to connect with nonbelievers. But... Sunday church services are FOR believers. It is their time to reflect and worship. The time to connect with nonbelievers is outside church, by witnessing in your day-to-day life and evangelizing and doing the community service and overall SHOWING people what it means to be a Christian and to live in God's love (disclaimer: as an atheist, this is just my understanding of certain Christian beliefs, not my actual beliefs, so I may be wrong).
Certainly there are some things like services devoid of emotional content, bored parishioners, etc, that are bad for churches in the long run. But I feel like he misses the bulk of what it means to be a Christian by only attending services and generally not following up with those churches to understand what they're about.
I understand that the author has a day-job and couldn't spend a year interviewing Christians and pastors and visiting churches everywhere. But a surface-level review of Sunday services does not really advance an atheist's understanding, and may only provide limited value to a Christian looking to expand their reach. I think the book could have benefited from a more in-depth exploration of the churches he visited.
March 2, 2011
I have enjoyed Hemant’s blog “Friendly Atheist” (http://friendlyatheist.com – check it out, the top banner is an ambigram!), and looked forward to reading this book. I don’t recall the news articles around the time he did this auction, so the idea behind this auction was new to me. As an atheist, he offered to go to an hour of the winning bidder’s church of choice – an hour for every $10 of the winning price. Long story short, the winner was a pastor with a blog who asked Hemant to visit 15 churches and report what he took away from each service – the good and the bad – for his blog. The book details those visits, as well as Hemant’s own embrace after atheism as a teen after growing up Jainist. Very interesting to hear his take on what churches are doing wrong, and how they could improve reaching out to nonbelievers, and making their services more attractive and worthy of repeat visits. His questions of the rituals were honest and polite, not demeaning or condescending. I would hope than any church goes who read this book will go at it with an open mind, and that Hemant (and atheists in general) aren’t the enemy.
My one beef was that I think Hemant missed out on an important opportunity when talking about Lakewood Church and Joel Olsteen. I got the impression that Hemant was starstruck with Joel, and even admitted both he and his mom had admired Joel and his teachings, despite Hemant being an atheist and his mom a Jainist. The service Hemant attended may not have included Joel’s political or social views, but I do believe those are important to note. Joel has said homosexuality is a sin, which is one thing when you’re joe nobody, but takes on a lot more weight when you are the head of a megachurch whose tens of thousands of members absorb every word and action you do like a wet sponge. I think Hemant should have noted that when you’re the leader of such a large flock, you need to really think carefully about your stance on social issues, and that any negative view you have of one sector of society is going to trickle down to your followers. I would have also liked Hemant to have inquired further about Olsteen and the whole idea of “prosperity ministries” – how do Joel and his wife rationalize their millions, most of which is probably provided by their members? And if you want to go back to the Bible, I would have like Hemant to pose the question to Joel, “Like Jesus said, do you really think it’s going to be easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than it will be for you to get into heaven?”
The last chapter talked about a series of public dialogues about faith he had with a pastor of one church in front of the congregation. It would be great if Hemant did more of these, I’d love to be able to attend one!
My one beef was that I think Hemant missed out on an important opportunity when talking about Lakewood Church and Joel Olsteen. I got the impression that Hemant was starstruck with Joel, and even admitted both he and his mom had admired Joel and his teachings, despite Hemant being an atheist and his mom a Jainist. The service Hemant attended may not have included Joel’s political or social views, but I do believe those are important to note. Joel has said homosexuality is a sin, which is one thing when you’re joe nobody, but takes on a lot more weight when you are the head of a megachurch whose tens of thousands of members absorb every word and action you do like a wet sponge. I think Hemant should have noted that when you’re the leader of such a large flock, you need to really think carefully about your stance on social issues, and that any negative view you have of one sector of society is going to trickle down to your followers. I would have also liked Hemant to have inquired further about Olsteen and the whole idea of “prosperity ministries” – how do Joel and his wife rationalize their millions, most of which is probably provided by their members? And if you want to go back to the Bible, I would have like Hemant to pose the question to Joel, “Like Jesus said, do you really think it’s going to be easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than it will be for you to get into heaven?”
The last chapter talked about a series of public dialogues about faith he had with a pastor of one church in front of the congregation. It would be great if Hemant did more of these, I’d love to be able to attend one!
January 28, 2011
Mehta is “the eBay atheist,” the nonbeliever who auctioned off the opportunity for the winning bidder to send him to church. Since then, Mehta has visited a variety of churches, from the cozy to the mega churches, and written about his experiences.
If you’re looking for comedy, this is not. The subtitle is “Viewing faith through an atheist’s eyes,” and Mehta, who stopped believing as a teenager, never crosses back over the line.
He begins his book by explaining what it is the nonreligious believe. He touches on prayer, suffering, child raising, and points out that atheism is not merely the denial of a supernatural being; it is a lifestyle. Then he narrates his journey from church to church, describing the events, the rituals, the music and more from an outsider’s viewpoint. At the conclusion of the book, Mehta offers suggestions for making the church experience more attractive and how to reach out to unbelievers.
What would it take for Mehta to become a believer? A miracle. A real miracle, not some “God helped me find a roommate” type of miracle. And I suspect Hemant speaks for a great number of atheists.
In a recent forum, someone made the statement that the believer will never understand the atheist’s mind, and the atheist will never understand the believer’s mind. I’m not sure I entirely agree, because many people grow from believers into atheists and vice versa. But the typical Christian suggestion that atheists work to suppress an inherent belief in God is no more true than the atheist idea that Christians are easily deluded. I have met many incredibly intelligent people on both sides of the line. Mehta’s book bridges the gap and breaks down the stereotypes.
If you’re looking for comedy, this is not. The subtitle is “Viewing faith through an atheist’s eyes,” and Mehta, who stopped believing as a teenager, never crosses back over the line.
He begins his book by explaining what it is the nonreligious believe. He touches on prayer, suffering, child raising, and points out that atheism is not merely the denial of a supernatural being; it is a lifestyle. Then he narrates his journey from church to church, describing the events, the rituals, the music and more from an outsider’s viewpoint. At the conclusion of the book, Mehta offers suggestions for making the church experience more attractive and how to reach out to unbelievers.
What would it take for Mehta to become a believer? A miracle. A real miracle, not some “God helped me find a roommate” type of miracle. And I suspect Hemant speaks for a great number of atheists.
In a recent forum, someone made the statement that the believer will never understand the atheist’s mind, and the atheist will never understand the believer’s mind. I’m not sure I entirely agree, because many people grow from believers into atheists and vice versa. But the typical Christian suggestion that atheists work to suppress an inherent belief in God is no more true than the atheist idea that Christians are easily deluded. I have met many incredibly intelligent people on both sides of the line. Mehta’s book bridges the gap and breaks down the stereotypes.
October 5, 2008
Okay. Whew. First things first. I did like this book. A lot. There were just a few things that made me want to pull my hair out.
Let me start by saying that I highly recommend EVERY Christian read this book. His insights are great and he has some great suggestions to making our churches more approachable. He even has some positive things to say about Ted Haggard, so God bless him. I was on the edge of my seat during that section.
However, there were times that I felt like, I don't know exactly how to say it, he would argue himself into circles. My most irritated moment was when he says in an early chapter that Christians are not as supportive as a community as atheists. Then at the end of the book in the suggestions for how churches can improve, he says that rather than doing Christian outreach we should focus more on community outreach. (Mind you I don't mean that he meant to imply we should never do Christian outreach, it just shouldn't be our focus.) To me this is a conflict.
The other thing is just that when he gets answers, he will say he doesn't like them, and put them off. I just find it irritating. He comes across as open and nice, which I'm sure he is, but as much as atheism says Christians say that we have to bend and twist things to fit us, the author here tends to accept what he wants and discard what he cannot understand or accept, which doesn't seem incredibly open.
These were very minor things, seriously. I couldn't put this book down. The author is relatable and likable, the kind of guy you would be happy to share a pew with at church.
Let me start by saying that I highly recommend EVERY Christian read this book. His insights are great and he has some great suggestions to making our churches more approachable. He even has some positive things to say about Ted Haggard, so God bless him. I was on the edge of my seat during that section.
However, there were times that I felt like, I don't know exactly how to say it, he would argue himself into circles. My most irritated moment was when he says in an early chapter that Christians are not as supportive as a community as atheists. Then at the end of the book in the suggestions for how churches can improve, he says that rather than doing Christian outreach we should focus more on community outreach. (Mind you I don't mean that he meant to imply we should never do Christian outreach, it just shouldn't be our focus.) To me this is a conflict.
The other thing is just that when he gets answers, he will say he doesn't like them, and put them off. I just find it irritating. He comes across as open and nice, which I'm sure he is, but as much as atheism says Christians say that we have to bend and twist things to fit us, the author here tends to accept what he wants and discard what he cannot understand or accept, which doesn't seem incredibly open.
These were very minor things, seriously. I couldn't put this book down. The author is relatable and likable, the kind of guy you would be happy to share a pew with at church.
May 1, 2011
Mehta calls himself the 'friendly atheist' but i think he's the wishy-washy atheist. he wrote this book, after "selling his soul" on ebay. the fun part is, of course, none of have souls, do we? the deal was that he would go to churches as directed by the winning bidder and write about it. resulting in this book and a continuing blog (which i have checked out.) here are some of the problems i had with Mehta's approach:
he seems to think that 'popularity' has something to do with the credibility of a religion. he was raised jain and calls it "not a world series contender among religions in america." if it were more popular, would it be more credible? i doubt it, since he left the religion as a teenager. apparently he found it wanting. did he think a more popular religion would be "true?"
Mehta says in his book, many times, that he's trying to help churches understand atheists and how they 'come across' to atheists. does religion really need any help recruiting? are they so bereft of members that he has to help them? i think not.
on more than one occasion he refers to atheism as a "belief." it's not.
he mentions a number of times that churches should allow question-and-answer periods after services and engage speaker who are not religious to discuss things from another point of view. i think he doesn't really understand what it is that churches are about. he asks "is it really necessary to let go of reason to have faith?" maybe that question isn't for me, because i know the answer already.
i'm not Mehta's target audience, tho. i'm already an atheist and not likely to frequent any church for any reason. maybe if christians (he only visited christian churches -- no mosques, no temples) read this, it might get them to start questioning their beliefs and the way that their pastors present their beliefs. maybe, just maybe he could convince christians to use reason and logic.
he seems to think that 'popularity' has something to do with the credibility of a religion. he was raised jain and calls it "not a world series contender among religions in america." if it were more popular, would it be more credible? i doubt it, since he left the religion as a teenager. apparently he found it wanting. did he think a more popular religion would be "true?"
Mehta says in his book, many times, that he's trying to help churches understand atheists and how they 'come across' to atheists. does religion really need any help recruiting? are they so bereft of members that he has to help them? i think not.
on more than one occasion he refers to atheism as a "belief." it's not.
he mentions a number of times that churches should allow question-and-answer periods after services and engage speaker who are not religious to discuss things from another point of view. i think he doesn't really understand what it is that churches are about. he asks "is it really necessary to let go of reason to have faith?" maybe that question isn't for me, because i know the answer already.
i'm not Mehta's target audience, tho. i'm already an atheist and not likely to frequent any church for any reason. maybe if christians (he only visited christian churches -- no mosques, no temples) read this, it might get them to start questioning their beliefs and the way that their pastors present their beliefs. maybe, just maybe he could convince christians to use reason and logic.
June 10, 2015
Hemant Mehta is one of the top representatives of the secular community and those of us who are familiar with his work know why: he's curious, friendly, intelligent, and extremely objective. He lacks the combative, angry vibe a lot of visible atheists embody, which is a turn off to pretty much everyone.
I would recommend this book to Christians who do not understand why or how someone can be non-religious, but if you're already an atheist/agnostic/humanist, and especially if you were raised Christian and are no longer religious, this book is somewhat redundant. I would have liked to have seen insight into other religions besides Protestant Christianity--he does not visit a Catholic, Mormon, Jewish, Muslim or Hindu house of worship to try to understand these faiths as well. I guess since Protestants and Evangelicals are the biggest groups in America, it makes sense to focus on these.
As an agnostic, I am glad to have Hemant and the work he does to strengthen and solidify the secular community. This is an important book and a good account of his experience learning about these faiths and his empirical research and discovery process. If you're already a member of the secular community, you won't discover anything you didn't already know, however.
I would recommend this book to Christians who do not understand why or how someone can be non-religious, but if you're already an atheist/agnostic/humanist, and especially if you were raised Christian and are no longer religious, this book is somewhat redundant. I would have liked to have seen insight into other religions besides Protestant Christianity--he does not visit a Catholic, Mormon, Jewish, Muslim or Hindu house of worship to try to understand these faiths as well. I guess since Protestants and Evangelicals are the biggest groups in America, it makes sense to focus on these.
As an agnostic, I am glad to have Hemant and the work he does to strengthen and solidify the secular community. This is an important book and a good account of his experience learning about these faiths and his empirical research and discovery process. If you're already a member of the secular community, you won't discover anything you didn't already know, however.
January 19, 2015
I found this book to be...how do say?...annoying. The premise came across as gimmicky and I often felt like I was reading this guy's xanga diary where he recounts going to church and being bored. Nothing about this book really resonated with me, and the criticisms and suggestions and even the organization of the chapters seemed one dimensional. I finished it because it was a fairly quick read and even with the excessive eye-rolling I was doing, I was able to finish it quite quickly. Though I did end up skimming the final two chapters.
September 12, 2007
Interesting concept in which an atheist sells his time to the highest bidder, and at said bidder's request, attends several different churches & critiques the services. Mehta, I think, is sincere but he cuts the charlatans and fools in these churches too much slack.
April 3, 2017
Great book by Hemant Mehta (the friendly atheist) on his experience visiting a variety of churches as an atheist.
Read
April 13, 2011As a young atheist, Hemant Mehta promised on eBay to attend a church service for $10. If someone bid more, he would attend more services. He ended up in a partnership with winning bidder Jim Henderson, who paid $504 and asked him to write friendly critiques of 15 different churches for Henderson's website. I Sold My Soul on eBay includes Mehta's reflections on these churches as well as his reflections on growing up as a Jain. Although he does not believe in God (which he says Jainism does not require anyway), he still believes in Jainist ethics including vegetarianism and nonviolence. He defends the importance of collegial debate with people who have different opinions and he insists on honesty with ourselves and each other. This is an accessible, pleasant, quick read.
July 29, 2017
The book is about a young american atheist who, after an eBay auction, accepts to spend his sundays in different churches. Hemant reviews the churches and the pastors, gives a nice insight about his (lack of) faith and how it's like to be an atheist in the US.
I like this book and I like Hemant's moderate and respectful toughts about the topic. However, the book is clearly intended to be for a christian audience and is focused on showing what it is like to be an atheist and what often makes attending service in church or listening to christians unbearable.
Highly suggested, except for atheists, because they'll be thinking "I already knew that" most of the time.
I like this book and I like Hemant's moderate and respectful toughts about the topic. However, the book is clearly intended to be for a christian audience and is focused on showing what it is like to be an atheist and what often makes attending service in church or listening to christians unbearable.
Highly suggested, except for atheists, because they'll be thinking "I already knew that" most of the time.
June 17, 2017
A unique experience for both the author and the reader
The book turned out not to be what I had expected. It was reasonable and thoughtful. It gave me so new thoughts to ponder. I would recommend the book.
The book turned out not to be what I had expected. It was reasonable and thoughtful. It gave me so new thoughts to ponder. I would recommend the book.
June 17, 2008
a little one-sided, misses the point that faith is an integral part of christianity
September 22, 2008
interesting - agree with alot of what he says - but not well-written
May 18, 2017
Having just finished the Case for Christ, perhaps the worst work of apologetics I've read, this book was like a breath of fresh air. Mehta describes this as a book for Christians and atheists, but really, it's primarily for Christians.
People get defensive as he doesn't talk much about doctrine, dogma, or other things that are important to devout Christians, however, they fail to realize, that's not the point. The point of this book is to show the nature of corporate worship through the eyes of someone who does not usually attend, and what sort of things they look for. So when he keeps talking about pastors' personal charisma, the hate shown by some people, or just the fact that there ALWAYS is a television camera blocking his view of the stage at any Evangelical church, these are things that are worth noting. Outsiders don't care about the doctrine, they don't believe in it, and if they do come to believe, they'll learn about it better at a later date.
What Mehta does in this book is to appeal to the "seeker friendly" churches, to use the Evangelical buzzwords. He shows how they can improve their branding and guest retention experience in an era when church attendance is on the decline. All in all, this is 5 stars for me, because it's a better and more honest look at Christianity and Christians than any other book I've read recently.
People get defensive as he doesn't talk much about doctrine, dogma, or other things that are important to devout Christians, however, they fail to realize, that's not the point. The point of this book is to show the nature of corporate worship through the eyes of someone who does not usually attend, and what sort of things they look for. So when he keeps talking about pastors' personal charisma, the hate shown by some people, or just the fact that there ALWAYS is a television camera blocking his view of the stage at any Evangelical church, these are things that are worth noting. Outsiders don't care about the doctrine, they don't believe in it, and if they do come to believe, they'll learn about it better at a later date.
What Mehta does in this book is to appeal to the "seeker friendly" churches, to use the Evangelical buzzwords. He shows how they can improve their branding and guest retention experience in an era when church attendance is on the decline. All in all, this is 5 stars for me, because it's a better and more honest look at Christianity and Christians than any other book I've read recently.
November 25, 2018
Amazon description: "Mehta is 'the eBay atheist,' the nonbeliever who auctioned off the opportunity for the winning bidder to send him to church. The auction winner was Jim Henderson, a former pastor and author of Evangelism Without Additives. Since then, Mehta has visited a variety of church services–posting his insightful critiques on the Internet and spawning a positive, ongoing dialogue between atheists and believers."
My husband picked this up and read it and enjoyed it and it intrigued me, too. It's an easy and interesting read, and I cruised through it in 3 days. I find that most books about atheism are "preaching to the choir," so to speak, but in this case, I think it's genuinely of interest to both sides. I wish more churches and more atheists were willing to engage in dialogue rather than acrimonious debate. Highly recommended!
My husband picked this up and read it and enjoyed it and it intrigued me, too. It's an easy and interesting read, and I cruised through it in 3 days. I find that most books about atheism are "preaching to the choir," so to speak, but in this case, I think it's genuinely of interest to both sides. I wish more churches and more atheists were willing to engage in dialogue rather than acrimonious debate. Highly recommended!
May 23, 2023
I picked this book up once before and put it down after the first 1/3 or so. I forced myself to get through this time, but I can see why I stopped before. The book takes forever to get started. It’s about half preamble about how/why/where/when Hemant decided to do this “experiment,” as he called it. Then he repeats those same explanations again and again. When he finally gets to the church visits, the descriptions are like yelp reviews—short and perfunctory. I’m not sure why his narrative is so detached from his own emotions, but he would have told a better story without trying so hard for pure objectivity.
August 9, 2022
This is an interesting novel about Hermant Mehta's experience in his faith journey. At a young age he began to question the faith in which he was raised. (Jainism) During college he explored Atheism. Since He is NOT familiar with the Christian faith, Hemant went on eBay to offer his services as an Objective Visitor to congregations. It was fun to hear what he observed in small, midsized, and mega-churches around the country. Hemant Mehta is a teacher in the Chicago area and now a podcaster. I enjoyed this book.
July 2, 2018
Not perfect, but I greatly enjoyed reading this book and think was a great exercise in exploration of "the other view". I think Christians would get great insight into the atheist perspective and appreciate the effort Hemant put into his journey. I found myself reading some of the same questions I've asked (and found the answers similarly lacking). There is nothing really new here for atheists or secularists, but it's nice to read and realize "I'm not the only one asking this".
July 23, 2024
A nice, insightful book. Hemant is brief but covers much ground within the church. Unlike many other atheist books of the time, he is much less scathing and more curious about the topic he is engaging with. Almost naïve in a way considering what is currently discussed in his podcast. I would offer this book as a primer. Does not much cover much on atheism but a good step one to show what many of us are like.
January 29, 2018
As a church-hopper who casts a wide social net and enjoys dialogue without firm answers, this book was easy for me to read and digest. It's one person's perspective and personal truth, which is important to remember while reading. It was refreshing to see some of my own thoughts in someone else's print.
January 27, 2024
My wife got me this for Christmas. The Friendly Atheist podcast with Hemant and Jessica is one of my favorites and Ann enjoys watching Hemant's YouTube with me.
This is an engaging overview of Hemant selling his church attendence on eBay and it was brought by someone who wanted him to go to a variety of churches and review them.
This is an engaging overview of Hemant selling his church attendence on eBay and it was brought by someone who wanted him to go to a variety of churches and review them.
August 29, 2020
Excellent book for all
A book every person of faith - or no faith - should read. The Friendly Atheist Hemant Mehta is a positive example for all of us, showing us how to be respectfully curious and genuinely interested in making our communities, and our world, a better place.
A book every person of faith - or no faith - should read. The Friendly Atheist Hemant Mehta is a positive example for all of us, showing us how to be respectfully curious and genuinely interested in making our communities, and our world, a better place.
September 13, 2022
This is one of the most boring books I’ve ever read. I barely read the last 100pgs.
It’s just a guy sucking up to Christians and telling them atheists are good people. I thought it would be insightful or I would connect as a former religious person. But no. I despise this book.
It’s just a guy sucking up to Christians and telling them atheists are good people. I thought it would be insightful or I would connect as a former religious person. But no. I despise this book.
December 1, 2018
This was such an eye opening book for
those who have preconceivedideas of what being an atheist means. I appreciated the authors respectful approach during his eBay fulfillment.
those who have preconceivedideas of what being an atheist means. I appreciated the authors respectful approach during his eBay fulfillment.
December 31, 2019
This book is more on how to reach non believers. Was thinking it would have more facts and support his beliefs. Nope!!
October 18, 2025
Meh. I’m praying for Mr. Mehta. So much he doesn’t understand. Because you can’t prove faith, and he wants proof of everything.
January 3, 2009
Interesting book and an timely read for the start of Holy Week 2008. I thought the premise and original idea unique, but got slightly turned off by the author's self importance and his, at times to my ears, condescending voice when he wrote his observations. It's very easy to learn the customs and traditions of a church before going to the actual service. A little beforehand research would have helped him to understand why certain words are used or why certain actions are performed. I find it a little funny that at the ripe old age of, what-- 24? 26?, and from one or two visits, he is able to be so certain he can accurately and immediately understand all about a community. By the same token, there is some valuable information for people of faith regarding how to approach and dialog with people who choose not to welcome faith into their lives. (And I see faith and religion as two separate things.)
And it's not because he is an atheist that I have my criticisms. I was raised by an atheist and an agnostic. Until I was about 5, I thought the word "God" was something you said before "damn it" when you hit your thumb with a hammer or smashed your toe into something hard. At about age 5, I began to feel that there was some great secret to the world that I wasn't being told. Through books (initially the Chronicles of Narnia) I began to understand that others had this same sense and that the sense had a name and that name was God. I was probably one of the only kindergartners in my neighborhood on a spiritual journey. I soon began to realize that this idea of God also had many other names, and many manifestations in our world, and that it is not a given that the gift of faith blossoms in everyone.
And yes, I believe it a gift. I believe faith is a treasure. I believe that our hearts have to heed the call that our heads and intellect may not be able to understand. That the longest journey a person may take may be from their head to their heart in accepting faith and grace, and that some may never complete the journey.
I also believe there are many paths to God, and that I am not wise enough to say that only one is the right way. I know that this will get me in trouble with many of my chosen religion but I can live with that. My relationship with the Lord is very personal and I try to live my life in a way that I hope is acceptable and pleasing to God. I remember my son, at age 4 or 5 asking me why people fought wars against other people about God. "Don't they know that it doesn't matter what you call God on the outside? It's what's on the inside that counts." The kid should be an ambassador.
Anyhow, I'm about to head downtown what is called the Blessing of the Oils for the Catholic Church. It is a beautiful service and the Mass where all the oil that will be used by the Catholic Churches in the area for the sacraments this liturgical year will be blessed. All the priests in the Diocese of Charleston will be there, as it is also the time when they renew their vows of service to the Lord. I think I will leave this book in the lower church of the Cathedral of St John the Baptist for someone who attends today's service to find.
And it's not because he is an atheist that I have my criticisms. I was raised by an atheist and an agnostic. Until I was about 5, I thought the word "God" was something you said before "damn it" when you hit your thumb with a hammer or smashed your toe into something hard. At about age 5, I began to feel that there was some great secret to the world that I wasn't being told. Through books (initially the Chronicles of Narnia) I began to understand that others had this same sense and that the sense had a name and that name was God. I was probably one of the only kindergartners in my neighborhood on a spiritual journey. I soon began to realize that this idea of God also had many other names, and many manifestations in our world, and that it is not a given that the gift of faith blossoms in everyone.
And yes, I believe it a gift. I believe faith is a treasure. I believe that our hearts have to heed the call that our heads and intellect may not be able to understand. That the longest journey a person may take may be from their head to their heart in accepting faith and grace, and that some may never complete the journey.
I also believe there are many paths to God, and that I am not wise enough to say that only one is the right way. I know that this will get me in trouble with many of my chosen religion but I can live with that. My relationship with the Lord is very personal and I try to live my life in a way that I hope is acceptable and pleasing to God. I remember my son, at age 4 or 5 asking me why people fought wars against other people about God. "Don't they know that it doesn't matter what you call God on the outside? It's what's on the inside that counts." The kid should be an ambassador.
Anyhow, I'm about to head downtown what is called the Blessing of the Oils for the Catholic Church. It is a beautiful service and the Mass where all the oil that will be used by the Catholic Churches in the area for the sacraments this liturgical year will be blessed. All the priests in the Diocese of Charleston will be there, as it is also the time when they renew their vows of service to the Lord. I think I will leave this book in the lower church of the Cathedral of St John the Baptist for someone who attends today's service to find.
July 21, 2014
Sometime during the year 2006, the now math teacher Hemant Mehta had placed an auction on eBay, where the highest bidder can send him to whatever church they desire, have him attend one hour for every ten dollars. The winner proposed Hemant that he visits a bunch of churches, then write his impressions on a blog, which was accepted. The idea was initiated by the thought that, unlike most atheists, Hemant was a former Jain, and hadn't given Christianity any significant thought, so he wanted to show the world that atheists can be open-minded as well, which I guess went pretty well.
The first question I feel I should address regarding the experience recorded in this book is whether Hemant was right to give Christianity a chance by going to church. Church service, after all, is intended for Christians; the pastors and priests are going to adjust their sermons with a Christian audience in mind, not to mention that you won't find proof of God in churches. On the other hand, isn't a church supposed to help people find God? Even and especially the godless? Sermons often seem to be more like circle-jerks rather than any actual insight on Christianity, the exception to this rule oftentimes requiring an extraordinarily gifted and/or experienced speaker, and even then, they (rightly) assume that the audience already believes in God, and will attempt to share their own insights regarding the implications of it. These are matters that the church is going to have to consider if they are hoping to 'save' any souls, or if they want to show that they actually care about the children of God.
But that's their problem now. Personally, I found this particular book to provide me with an insight into other forms of Christianity. Since I was born and raised in a predominantly Eastern-Orthodox country, I have never listened to a word of a church service from another denomination, and I found it interesting to read about how others do Sunday services. I suppose there is something to be said about emphasizing interaction with the congregation and making people more engaged. An Orthodox Sunday service is rather boring and I've never understood the purpose of attending it. There is one sermon either after reading the designated part of the Bible for that day or at the end of the service, and the rest is just a bunch of bearded men praying for bread and wine to be transmuted into flesh and blood, accompanied by a standard choir, or just a bunch of dudes singing, depending on the budget. And it doesn't make sense for me to be required to attend all of that. It's just some blokes doing their jobs, I don't see how that is supposed to enrich me!
If I'd have some criticism for this book is that I wish the author went into more significant detail about his impressions and conversations. I know all of these are out there in the archives of niche websites, but that makes me wonder why he wrote the book in the first place. Did I pay thirteen dollars for a bunch of references?!
Nonetheless, I believe I've managed to extract something useful out of I Sold My Soul on eBay, and I do see this book opening some minds.
The first question I feel I should address regarding the experience recorded in this book is whether Hemant was right to give Christianity a chance by going to church. Church service, after all, is intended for Christians; the pastors and priests are going to adjust their sermons with a Christian audience in mind, not to mention that you won't find proof of God in churches. On the other hand, isn't a church supposed to help people find God? Even and especially the godless? Sermons often seem to be more like circle-jerks rather than any actual insight on Christianity, the exception to this rule oftentimes requiring an extraordinarily gifted and/or experienced speaker, and even then, they (rightly) assume that the audience already believes in God, and will attempt to share their own insights regarding the implications of it. These are matters that the church is going to have to consider if they are hoping to 'save' any souls, or if they want to show that they actually care about the children of God.
But that's their problem now. Personally, I found this particular book to provide me with an insight into other forms of Christianity. Since I was born and raised in a predominantly Eastern-Orthodox country, I have never listened to a word of a church service from another denomination, and I found it interesting to read about how others do Sunday services. I suppose there is something to be said about emphasizing interaction with the congregation and making people more engaged. An Orthodox Sunday service is rather boring and I've never understood the purpose of attending it. There is one sermon either after reading the designated part of the Bible for that day or at the end of the service, and the rest is just a bunch of bearded men praying for bread and wine to be transmuted into flesh and blood, accompanied by a standard choir, or just a bunch of dudes singing, depending on the budget. And it doesn't make sense for me to be required to attend all of that. It's just some blokes doing their jobs, I don't see how that is supposed to enrich me!
If I'd have some criticism for this book is that I wish the author went into more significant detail about his impressions and conversations. I know all of these are out there in the archives of niche websites, but that makes me wonder why he wrote the book in the first place. Did I pay thirteen dollars for a bunch of references?!
Nonetheless, I believe I've managed to extract something useful out of I Sold My Soul on eBay, and I do see this book opening some minds.
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