What do you think?
Rate this book
God Breathed: Connecting through Scripture to God, Others, the Natural World, and Yourself
Self-made truth is the air we breathe in our day, which past philosophers hailed as the Age of the Lonely Self. You feel it when the silence falls around you and the whispers start within you: that growing, gnawing isolation, that deepening detachment from the world, from others, from yourself. God Breathed will help you understand and courageously doubt the popular dogma that God cannot speak, that the Bible is not only inaccurate but impossible. It will help you break out of the soul-suffocating confines of self-made truth. Within the pages of God’s book is the true you, just waiting for you to arrive. God Breathed will help you get there.
432 pages, Paperback
Published August 1, 2019
27 people are currently reading
160 people want to read
About the author
Rut Etheridge III
2 books17 followersPastor Rutledge “Rut” Etheridge III is Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies at Geneva College. He and his wife Evelyn have five children and live in Western PA. Rut taught high school Bible for five years and pastored a church for seven years prior to coming to Geneva. He holds an undergraduate degree in Bible and Philosophy, a Master of Divinity, and is currently pursuing PhD studies in theology. Rut speaks frequently at youth retreats and theology conferences. He loves music, the ocean, martial arts (he’s a blackbelt in Gosoku Ryu Karate), basketball, coffee, and more coffee.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 2, 2019
God Breathed reads like the best sort of college class: full of non-cheesy references, thoughtful discussions, and powerful applications.
Beginning with Scripture and tracing historical and philosophical ideas and movements, Rut Etheridge also uses song lyrics, film illustrations, literature references, personal narratives, and more, to lead us on a tour of human-thought history. Countering many voices who claim that truth is either merely personal or totally irrelevant, Etheridge makes the case that truth is a real thing that we can know and that doesn't originate or depend on us.
And he does it with so much love.
I fully recommend God Breathed to both believers and unbelievers, as well as to those unsure about church, hurt by church, or even opposed to church–and anyone who loves these kinds of people.
This book is in part almost a love letter to those who have been hurt by the Church, or those who have walked away from church because their sin felt too big. Even when Etheridge discusses how sin gets in the way of knowing truth and living rightly, he does so in a way that doesn't point fingers at our sin as much as it turns our eyes toward the forgiver of sin. Etheridge doesn't call out many specific sins by name, which might be refreshing to those who are tired of hearing about their own specific sin struggles. But he does write about righteousness and when he does name sin, he does so gently. And most importantly, he writes about sin's cure, knowing that all of us have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
My very favorite part of this book is when Etheridge writes of redemption. In the midst of writing about sin's destructiveness, he pauses to remind us that none of us are too far gone. Here are two quotations where Etheridge shares this hopeful message with his readers: "If a relentlessly righteous God can be reconciled to relentlessly rebellious creatures, then no human, and no human relationship, is beyond redemption." and "Redemption results in what Jesus calls being 'new'...being a new creation in Christ means that our guilt no longer claims us, and it’s no longer ours to claim. It’s not ours anymore, so it’s not us anymore!" It is not us anymore. If you want to believe that, read this book.
A disclaimer, of sorts. Rut Etheridge is my brother-in-law and I got to read God Breathed early (and for free--though now that it is published I am buying my own copy to have a ready resource for my own questions or friends' questions). Further disclaimer: I have had the pleasure of discussing such topics as are covered in this book with the author over many a delicious meal (prepared in love by our mother-in-law) or even a cold drink or two. This book reads like those discussions! It's easy to read a book by someone whom you know to be intelligent, but also kind and thoughtful in that intelligence.
Beginning with Scripture and tracing historical and philosophical ideas and movements, Rut Etheridge also uses song lyrics, film illustrations, literature references, personal narratives, and more, to lead us on a tour of human-thought history. Countering many voices who claim that truth is either merely personal or totally irrelevant, Etheridge makes the case that truth is a real thing that we can know and that doesn't originate or depend on us.
And he does it with so much love.
I fully recommend God Breathed to both believers and unbelievers, as well as to those unsure about church, hurt by church, or even opposed to church–and anyone who loves these kinds of people.
This book is in part almost a love letter to those who have been hurt by the Church, or those who have walked away from church because their sin felt too big. Even when Etheridge discusses how sin gets in the way of knowing truth and living rightly, he does so in a way that doesn't point fingers at our sin as much as it turns our eyes toward the forgiver of sin. Etheridge doesn't call out many specific sins by name, which might be refreshing to those who are tired of hearing about their own specific sin struggles. But he does write about righteousness and when he does name sin, he does so gently. And most importantly, he writes about sin's cure, knowing that all of us have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
My very favorite part of this book is when Etheridge writes of redemption. In the midst of writing about sin's destructiveness, he pauses to remind us that none of us are too far gone. Here are two quotations where Etheridge shares this hopeful message with his readers: "If a relentlessly righteous God can be reconciled to relentlessly rebellious creatures, then no human, and no human relationship, is beyond redemption." and "Redemption results in what Jesus calls being 'new'...being a new creation in Christ means that our guilt no longer claims us, and it’s no longer ours to claim. It’s not ours anymore, so it’s not us anymore!" It is not us anymore. If you want to believe that, read this book.
A disclaimer, of sorts. Rut Etheridge is my brother-in-law and I got to read God Breathed early (and for free--though now that it is published I am buying my own copy to have a ready resource for my own questions or friends' questions). Further disclaimer: I have had the pleasure of discussing such topics as are covered in this book with the author over many a delicious meal (prepared in love by our mother-in-law) or even a cold drink or two. This book reads like those discussions! It's easy to read a book by someone whom you know to be intelligent, but also kind and thoughtful in that intelligence.
February 20, 2021
Too many books on theology come off as dry intellectual looks into complex issues.
This is not one of those books.
And reading this book made me realize for the first time how much I loved a warmer style and just how appropriate this kind of warmth and joy is to a subject that ought to bring us great warmth and joy.
Not only that, but Etheridge's compassion and love shone clearly through his words in so many of the difficult issues he tackled. I wasn't expecting this book to feel as conversational or as intimate as it did. But that's the type of style Etheridge had. And it was wonderful.
It's probably a bit odd to be writing a review on a theology book and to spend this much time talking about the tone of the work. But the tone really does communicate a lot about what the book's about and what kind of a person it is that wrote this book. Even when I already was tracking with Etheridge on the matters he was discussing, the tone often gave me a new valuable perspective on the matter, and I learned a lot from that.
Aside from the tone, one of the most significant parts of the book that stood out to me was the section on Abraham and Isaac. I loved Etheridge's point about the importance of slowing down and empathizing with the characters and the trauma they went through and not just rushing through that to get to "the point of the story." His subsequent unpacking of that narrative was brutal. But that's what the story is. And I learned so much both from Etheridge's example of how to thoughtfully engage with the narrative and from the deep truths he was able to draw out of the story in the process.
There are a number of good things about this book. I've only touched on a few particular ones here. But this is an excellent book that--more than many of the more traditional apologetic books out there--might be the most helpful book to give to non-believers in your life because of the power of Etheridge's warmth and compassion when dealing with important issues. My only suggestion on that front would be that I'd love to get a shorter copy of this book since the 400 pages of it may seem a bit intimidating to the casual reader!
Great stuff.
Rating: 4-4.5 Stars (Excellent).
This is not one of those books.
And reading this book made me realize for the first time how much I loved a warmer style and just how appropriate this kind of warmth and joy is to a subject that ought to bring us great warmth and joy.
Not only that, but Etheridge's compassion and love shone clearly through his words in so many of the difficult issues he tackled. I wasn't expecting this book to feel as conversational or as intimate as it did. But that's the type of style Etheridge had. And it was wonderful.
It's probably a bit odd to be writing a review on a theology book and to spend this much time talking about the tone of the work. But the tone really does communicate a lot about what the book's about and what kind of a person it is that wrote this book. Even when I already was tracking with Etheridge on the matters he was discussing, the tone often gave me a new valuable perspective on the matter, and I learned a lot from that.
Aside from the tone, one of the most significant parts of the book that stood out to me was the section on Abraham and Isaac. I loved Etheridge's point about the importance of slowing down and empathizing with the characters and the trauma they went through and not just rushing through that to get to "the point of the story." His subsequent unpacking of that narrative was brutal. But that's what the story is. And I learned so much both from Etheridge's example of how to thoughtfully engage with the narrative and from the deep truths he was able to draw out of the story in the process.
There are a number of good things about this book. I've only touched on a few particular ones here. But this is an excellent book that--more than many of the more traditional apologetic books out there--might be the most helpful book to give to non-believers in your life because of the power of Etheridge's warmth and compassion when dealing with important issues. My only suggestion on that front would be that I'd love to get a shorter copy of this book since the 400 pages of it may seem a bit intimidating to the casual reader!
Great stuff.
Rating: 4-4.5 Stars (Excellent).
June 21, 2025
In my opinion, this is a must read for everyone. God Breathed hasn't gotten the traction I think it deserves. The size or the relatively unknown publisher may put people off, or an unrecognised author may not appeal. However, to miss out on this book because of these things would be a shame.
This book is comprehsensive in the range of topics touched. Throughout, Rut Etheridge shows real skill in exposing society's false mottos of liberty as empty, inconsistent, unsatisfactory and even potentially damaging. We are challenged as we face ourselves and our proud and often unchallenged 'godding' (a helpful term provided by Rut). Some chapters and moments cut close to home in uncomfortable ways, but it's all part of a necessary diagnosis. Thankfully, Rut takes us beyond diagnosis and provides real comfort in the pages of scripture, showing us its ability to address us in all situations as God's actual word to us. Our lethargy and unenthusiastic attitude to scripture will be challenged head on. Hopefully we'll also learn or be reminded through this book to be excited by and confident in the ability of scripture to address us wherever we are.
The size shouldn't be an issue because it is subdivided into smaller chunks, and also some things cannot he brushed over and Rut shows himself willing to have the tough and prolonged conversations necessary. In these conversations, Rut's writing is refreshing, sincere, distinct, compassionate and charming (without being cringey).
I'd recommend this to anyone, suitable for new and maturer Christians, as well as non-believers who are willing to thoughtfully consider scripture and reflect on their own worldview.
I truly feel that this is a book I will be returning to frequently.
(I was gifted a free copy for review, but regardless, my review and recommendation stand)
This book is comprehsensive in the range of topics touched. Throughout, Rut Etheridge shows real skill in exposing society's false mottos of liberty as empty, inconsistent, unsatisfactory and even potentially damaging. We are challenged as we face ourselves and our proud and often unchallenged 'godding' (a helpful term provided by Rut). Some chapters and moments cut close to home in uncomfortable ways, but it's all part of a necessary diagnosis. Thankfully, Rut takes us beyond diagnosis and provides real comfort in the pages of scripture, showing us its ability to address us in all situations as God's actual word to us. Our lethargy and unenthusiastic attitude to scripture will be challenged head on. Hopefully we'll also learn or be reminded through this book to be excited by and confident in the ability of scripture to address us wherever we are.
The size shouldn't be an issue because it is subdivided into smaller chunks, and also some things cannot he brushed over and Rut shows himself willing to have the tough and prolonged conversations necessary. In these conversations, Rut's writing is refreshing, sincere, distinct, compassionate and charming (without being cringey).
I'd recommend this to anyone, suitable for new and maturer Christians, as well as non-believers who are willing to thoughtfully consider scripture and reflect on their own worldview.
I truly feel that this is a book I will be returning to frequently.
(I was gifted a free copy for review, but regardless, my review and recommendation stand)
August 30, 2019
I wasn’t sure I fit the target audience of young, unchurched, or burned-by-the-church individuals when I first picked up this book. Rather, contemporary Christian culture saturated every environment of my upbringing – home, school, and church. As a result, I was very familiar with the Bible and Christianity in general, but something in the synopsis of this book made me really, really want to read it.
I’m glad I did. This book taught me things that I probably should have learned at some point in my K-12 Christian education but didn’t. Here are some of the things I loved about it:
•It provides deep philosophical background in an accessible, readable, and sometimes humorous manner. God Breathed identifies several problems with modernity, with Western culture, with Christian culture, and within the Church, but it doesn’t accuse – it explains. By tracing philosophy from Descartes to Kant to Nietzsche, Rut shows how we got into such a complicated mess. He also shows that we have become trapped beneath what he calls “the ceiling of self” because the deceptions that have arisen from these misguided philosophies are so insidious and widespread.
•It validates negative feelings, but also points the way forward from those feelings. It convicts without condemnation.
•It approaches delicate topics with sensitivity and love.
•It discusses the power of words and speech, the power of art and music, the power of songs, and the power of story: “Good art touches timeless truth, causes our souls to pause, to ponder, and to stretch and grow in our understanding of life—including our understanding of what and who we are.”
•It sheds new light on the Psalms, particularly the imprecatory Psalms
•It sheds new light on the story of Abraham and Isaac. This is a story I have heard since childhood, but I did not realize the gravity of what God asked of Abraham until I had children of my own. Rut helped me see the broader arc of this story by tackling hard, hard questions: “It makes sense that, of all people, the father of the Christian faith, the man who’d become a blessing to the whole world, should be the one to undergo this awful test. This is part of why God calls Abraham his friend (James 2:23). Abraham did what good friends do; he shared as much as he could in his loved one’s pain. But still, God was in control of all this. Why would God treat a friend like that?”
This is a book that I would like my children to read when they are old enough, and it is a book that will almost certainly still be helpful to me in the future. It contains much substance with which to counteract deceptions flung at us in so many avenues. It articulates things I have felt or thought I understood but could not put into words. Perhaps that means I never understood them in the first place, and I’m thankful to the author for helping me reach a place of deeper understanding.
I read an advance copy of this book for my honest review.
I’m glad I did. This book taught me things that I probably should have learned at some point in my K-12 Christian education but didn’t. Here are some of the things I loved about it:
•It provides deep philosophical background in an accessible, readable, and sometimes humorous manner. God Breathed identifies several problems with modernity, with Western culture, with Christian culture, and within the Church, but it doesn’t accuse – it explains. By tracing philosophy from Descartes to Kant to Nietzsche, Rut shows how we got into such a complicated mess. He also shows that we have become trapped beneath what he calls “the ceiling of self” because the deceptions that have arisen from these misguided philosophies are so insidious and widespread.
•It validates negative feelings, but also points the way forward from those feelings. It convicts without condemnation.
•It approaches delicate topics with sensitivity and love.
•It discusses the power of words and speech, the power of art and music, the power of songs, and the power of story: “Good art touches timeless truth, causes our souls to pause, to ponder, and to stretch and grow in our understanding of life—including our understanding of what and who we are.”
•It sheds new light on the Psalms, particularly the imprecatory Psalms
•It sheds new light on the story of Abraham and Isaac. This is a story I have heard since childhood, but I did not realize the gravity of what God asked of Abraham until I had children of my own. Rut helped me see the broader arc of this story by tackling hard, hard questions: “It makes sense that, of all people, the father of the Christian faith, the man who’d become a blessing to the whole world, should be the one to undergo this awful test. This is part of why God calls Abraham his friend (James 2:23). Abraham did what good friends do; he shared as much as he could in his loved one’s pain. But still, God was in control of all this. Why would God treat a friend like that?”
This is a book that I would like my children to read when they are old enough, and it is a book that will almost certainly still be helpful to me in the future. It contains much substance with which to counteract deceptions flung at us in so many avenues. It articulates things I have felt or thought I understood but could not put into words. Perhaps that means I never understood them in the first place, and I’m thankful to the author for helping me reach a place of deeper understanding.
I read an advance copy of this book for my honest review.
February 5, 2021
His audience is much younger than I am but I enjoyed reading this book and seeing the way he uses a contemporary mindset and vocabulary to address very difficult issues.
December 3, 2019
This year I really went all-in with my book reviews. So much in fact that I’m ashamed to say that I spent less time with my actual Bible reading. When Crown & Covenant Publications sent me God Breathed by Rut Etheridge III I did not know what to expect. But as it turns out, it was just the book I needed to breathe new life into my love for God and his book.
A Treatise Against Self-Made Truth
Pastor and author Rutledge Rut Etheridge III is the assistant professor of biblical studies at Geneva College. He was also a high school teacher and church pastor. His writing shows that he clearly knows his Bible, but he is well-versed in today’s culture and ways of thinking.
God Breathed is a treatise against self-made truth and the philosophy of man. It is compelling, comprehensive, and courageous in championing Scripture as the Word of God that the whole world needs. Etheridge does so In 10 chapters and over 300 pages. It is a big book that guides you along with masterful theology and cultural analysis.
Absolute Truth and Beliving the Bible
Chapter`1 sets us up by acknowledging that the world says we cannot know absolute truth. Descartes, Kant, and even the band Fun. familiarize us with the topic. The idea of a ceiling of self is introduced, but the ceiling is glass and even kids can see right through it.
Chapter 2 asks: “Do we really need to believe the Bible?” The problem of fake faith is presented as well as the notion of an experienced “real life.” It is revealed that some learn to lock their faith away. We think we believe and we think we know what Jesus looks like. But segregation even in our churches by race and age reveals our lack of unity. We claim we all have our own personal ways of relating to God. A quick look at modern worship music shows that we do not know who we are singing to. Selfie sermons are rampant. And Biblical illiteracy, especially in youth ministries, is a shame.
Chapter 3 brings back Immanuel Kant, along with agnosticism, Deism, and the Enlightenment. But Etheridge says that the Bible has an answer as well as to Nietzsche, rationalism, and atheism in 2 Timothy 3:16. This is the heart of the book. God is not silent.
Religion, Words, and Stories
In Chapter 4, Etheridge lets the reader respond by questioning why God does not fix this broken world. For instance, why do mass shootings take place in this world? Bart Ehrman is introduced and an explanation is provided as to why he does not believe the Bible. Etheridge claims that everyone is indeed religiously motivated. He examines abortion and human trafficking but provides hope in a Savior even during suffering.
In Chapter 5, our words are pitted against God’s words. Even amongst ourselves, we have disagreements and opposition. But the beauty of the Bible is revealed in the concept and names of calling God our Dad and Father. Personal truth is combated with what Jesus has to say about himself. We are trusting in God when we rely on the promises in his word.
Stories are the theme of Chapter 6, from Beauty and the Beast to Harry Potter. Chapter 7 shows that God is present even in our darkest stories, from Abraham and Isaac to the cross of Jesus Christ.
Life, Love, and Worship
Superheroes and redemption are discussed in Chapter 8, along with Satan, lies, and death. But Jesus offers us abundant life and the opportunity to live forever.
In Chapter 9, the beautiful topics of love, personhood, sexuality, and meaning are brought to the forefront. Sex and friendship are touched upon, and when we look at the Bible we can see a picture of perfect love.
Chapter 10 is a fitting end to the book by elevating the Psalms. It is the soundtrack of the Bible, full of emotions and feelings. But more importantly, it offers the high-note of praise to our powerful God.
Beautiful and Breathtaking
An extensive amount of endnotes are included as well as a bibliography. These features alone take up 100 pages of the book, and it is a testament to the thoroughness and scholarship of the work. After reading this book, I am reminded of the book that is breathed out by God. It challenges my preconceptions. It deserves my attention. And I, along with the rest of the world, are connected to it in a beautiful, breathtaking way.
I was provided a complimentary copy of God Breathed in exchange for an honest review.
A Treatise Against Self-Made Truth
Pastor and author Rutledge Rut Etheridge III is the assistant professor of biblical studies at Geneva College. He was also a high school teacher and church pastor. His writing shows that he clearly knows his Bible, but he is well-versed in today’s culture and ways of thinking.
God Breathed is a treatise against self-made truth and the philosophy of man. It is compelling, comprehensive, and courageous in championing Scripture as the Word of God that the whole world needs. Etheridge does so In 10 chapters and over 300 pages. It is a big book that guides you along with masterful theology and cultural analysis.
Absolute Truth and Beliving the Bible
Chapter`1 sets us up by acknowledging that the world says we cannot know absolute truth. Descartes, Kant, and even the band Fun. familiarize us with the topic. The idea of a ceiling of self is introduced, but the ceiling is glass and even kids can see right through it.
Chapter 2 asks: “Do we really need to believe the Bible?” The problem of fake faith is presented as well as the notion of an experienced “real life.” It is revealed that some learn to lock their faith away. We think we believe and we think we know what Jesus looks like. But segregation even in our churches by race and age reveals our lack of unity. We claim we all have our own personal ways of relating to God. A quick look at modern worship music shows that we do not know who we are singing to. Selfie sermons are rampant. And Biblical illiteracy, especially in youth ministries, is a shame.
Chapter 3 brings back Immanuel Kant, along with agnosticism, Deism, and the Enlightenment. But Etheridge says that the Bible has an answer as well as to Nietzsche, rationalism, and atheism in 2 Timothy 3:16. This is the heart of the book. God is not silent.
Religion, Words, and Stories
In Chapter 4, Etheridge lets the reader respond by questioning why God does not fix this broken world. For instance, why do mass shootings take place in this world? Bart Ehrman is introduced and an explanation is provided as to why he does not believe the Bible. Etheridge claims that everyone is indeed religiously motivated. He examines abortion and human trafficking but provides hope in a Savior even during suffering.
In Chapter 5, our words are pitted against God’s words. Even amongst ourselves, we have disagreements and opposition. But the beauty of the Bible is revealed in the concept and names of calling God our Dad and Father. Personal truth is combated with what Jesus has to say about himself. We are trusting in God when we rely on the promises in his word.
Stories are the theme of Chapter 6, from Beauty and the Beast to Harry Potter. Chapter 7 shows that God is present even in our darkest stories, from Abraham and Isaac to the cross of Jesus Christ.
Life, Love, and Worship
Superheroes and redemption are discussed in Chapter 8, along with Satan, lies, and death. But Jesus offers us abundant life and the opportunity to live forever.
In Chapter 9, the beautiful topics of love, personhood, sexuality, and meaning are brought to the forefront. Sex and friendship are touched upon, and when we look at the Bible we can see a picture of perfect love.
Chapter 10 is a fitting end to the book by elevating the Psalms. It is the soundtrack of the Bible, full of emotions and feelings. But more importantly, it offers the high-note of praise to our powerful God.
Beautiful and Breathtaking
An extensive amount of endnotes are included as well as a bibliography. These features alone take up 100 pages of the book, and it is a testament to the thoroughness and scholarship of the work. After reading this book, I am reminded of the book that is breathed out by God. It challenges my preconceptions. It deserves my attention. And I, along with the rest of the world, are connected to it in a beautiful, breathtaking way.
I was provided a complimentary copy of God Breathed in exchange for an honest review.
April 18, 2020
All of creation tells us that God is there. God is not silent; we’ve got the volume turned down. It’s not that God overlooks us; it’s that we sometimes don’t recognize his gaze. (p. 174)
~
God Breathed by Rut Etheridge III (published by @crownandcovenant) takes a robust philosophy of Scripture and revelation, and applies it to many of the various issues in culture that Christians face today. Questions from “Can God really speak to us?” to “So what do we do with the Psalms that call down judgement on our enemies” are answered in a non-condescending and winsome way, without compromising the teaching of the Bible.
~
If God truly has spoken to us, it changes everything. If God has spoken, it changes the way we think about ourselves, the world we live in, the ways we love, and even the way we handle our emotions. But has he? Etheridge addresses the challenges that philosophers like Immanuel Kant and Friedreich Nietzsche bring to the Christian view that God has indeed spoken through the Bible. In the process, he positively explains how Scripture presents a consistent vision for how one can really know what is right and wrong in a way that supersedes feelings, emotions, or chance.
~
I would recommend this book especially as “summer reading” to the young person who has never had their faith challenged before. As a college professor, it is clear that Etheridge has a heart for seeing young people equipped with knowledge of the gospel and an ability to articulate it in a world that is largely “post-Christian.” I learned as much from Etheridge by the kind and friendly tone he uses to respond to the objections to Christianity as I did from the content of his responses themselves. Be warned, this book is longer than the kind of books I normally recommend - the body ends on page 324.
~
This book is worth every minute you spend reading it, you will learn a lot and hopefully grow a lot in love in the process!
~
This book was graciously given to me by Crown and Covenant.
~
God Breathed by Rut Etheridge III (published by @crownandcovenant) takes a robust philosophy of Scripture and revelation, and applies it to many of the various issues in culture that Christians face today. Questions from “Can God really speak to us?” to “So what do we do with the Psalms that call down judgement on our enemies” are answered in a non-condescending and winsome way, without compromising the teaching of the Bible.
~
If God truly has spoken to us, it changes everything. If God has spoken, it changes the way we think about ourselves, the world we live in, the ways we love, and even the way we handle our emotions. But has he? Etheridge addresses the challenges that philosophers like Immanuel Kant and Friedreich Nietzsche bring to the Christian view that God has indeed spoken through the Bible. In the process, he positively explains how Scripture presents a consistent vision for how one can really know what is right and wrong in a way that supersedes feelings, emotions, or chance.
~
I would recommend this book especially as “summer reading” to the young person who has never had their faith challenged before. As a college professor, it is clear that Etheridge has a heart for seeing young people equipped with knowledge of the gospel and an ability to articulate it in a world that is largely “post-Christian.” I learned as much from Etheridge by the kind and friendly tone he uses to respond to the objections to Christianity as I did from the content of his responses themselves. Be warned, this book is longer than the kind of books I normally recommend - the body ends on page 324.
~
This book is worth every minute you spend reading it, you will learn a lot and hopefully grow a lot in love in the process!
~
This book was graciously given to me by Crown and Covenant.
August 30, 2019
Book review God Breathed
Rut Etheridge has written a wonderful book that interests both young and older adults. His charismatic enthusiasm shines through his writings which clearly document the true historical significance of the teachings of the Bible and how they are relevant to modern life. It explains where some of the early philosophers such as Kant and Nietzsche went astray in their teachings about Christianity and the Bible. The author adds commentary on verses from the Bible in such a way that I immediately opened my Bible to read the Bible concurrently. Rut has a way of grasping situations that occur in today's world and uses the teachings of the Bible to point a path to the right and moral way to lead one's life. It is evident that Rut has given deep thought to writing this uplifting book. It is written in a light style that the general population can easily read and understand.
Don’t miss out on reading this exciting book!
Rut Etheridge has written a wonderful book that interests both young and older adults. His charismatic enthusiasm shines through his writings which clearly document the true historical significance of the teachings of the Bible and how they are relevant to modern life. It explains where some of the early philosophers such as Kant and Nietzsche went astray in their teachings about Christianity and the Bible. The author adds commentary on verses from the Bible in such a way that I immediately opened my Bible to read the Bible concurrently. Rut has a way of grasping situations that occur in today's world and uses the teachings of the Bible to point a path to the right and moral way to lead one's life. It is evident that Rut has given deep thought to writing this uplifting book. It is written in a light style that the general population can easily read and understand.
Don’t miss out on reading this exciting book!
September 1, 2019
In this book, Rut explains how our culture’s post-enlightenment views on everything are tainted under the “ceiling of self.” We have been duped in believing that we are more important than God. Now, any good Christian will stop me right here and tell me that I’m wrong, but even those of us who “know better” are still, in more ways than we probably want to admit, tainted by this outlook.
If you’re struggling with God, been burned by the church or Christianity, or have some huge questions, this book will do your soul good. Reading God Breathed was like sitting in a coffee shop with Rut and having a great conversation. Rut speaks Truth in such a gentle and loving way that isn’t always very common. He doesn’t shy away from big issues that we are faced with in today’s culture which makes this book extremely relevant.
*I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.*
If you’re struggling with God, been burned by the church or Christianity, or have some huge questions, this book will do your soul good. Reading God Breathed was like sitting in a coffee shop with Rut and having a great conversation. Rut speaks Truth in such a gentle and loving way that isn’t always very common. He doesn’t shy away from big issues that we are faced with in today’s culture which makes this book extremely relevant.
*I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.*
March 8, 2025
A modern approach to the importance and necessity of Scripture and how It speaks to our life. Definitively geared towards a younger mind like a high schooler/ college age individual.
It was better than I expected and interesting to see the author’s approach to Nietzsche, Descartes, Kant, etc. as well as theology, to make it applicable palatable to a introductory modern day mind.
It was better than I expected and interesting to see the author’s approach to Nietzsche, Descartes, Kant, etc. as well as theology, to make it applicable palatable to a introductory modern day mind.
May 25, 2024
Thoroughly enjoyed.
September 2, 2019
Is there a god or gods out there? If so, can we really know them? How do we know what truth is? Can it vary from person to person? How do I know if something is right or wrong? Who am I? Can I really be anything I want? What’s the point of life?
This book is for anyone asking the big questions. It starts by helping us see what it is like to ask these questions with our current view of the world and how to reach beyond ourselves to find the answers. It also helps build a historical framework for where we came from and how we ended up where we are with our answers to the big questions. It discusses sensitive topics with grace and care.
I can’t imagine how well-read the author must be, just looking at the end notes and seeing how many references he makes. He sums up a few hundred years of religious philosophy in an accessible way to help the reader understand where we came from and how we got to where we are now. This book discusses the logical end point of varying sincerely-held beliefs.
The book starts with a wide picture of who we are and what our culture believes about the big questions and focuses more and more throughout the book. It’s great especially for young people who are just starting to ask these questions as it can help them navigate their thoughts and anxieties. We all have times of doubt in our life, but we don’t have to live there. This book helps a person transform doubt into confidence and anxiety into peace. I highly recommend it!
This would be a great book to pick up if:
*you’ve ever wondered why we think about religion the way we do as a culture
*you are a young person digging through the beliefs you’ve been taught as a child and want to be sure of what you believe
*you are a parent or someone who works with youth and you want help navigating thought patterns
*you’re in a time of crisis or doubt in your personal faith
*you like reading philosophy or apologetics
Some favorite quotes from the book:
For our faith to step forward with integrity, we need to fight the seductive power of self-made reality and self-focused spirituality.
As it has always done, unbelief, in its purest, most honest form, says to God, “I resent like hell the fact that you are God and I am not.”
Some hurts cannot be healed by any natural means...Though our intentions may be kind in wanting to prevent kids’ pain, pain is a signal that things are not as they should be.
The greater our godhood, the greater the distance we create between us and others.
*I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review*
This book is for anyone asking the big questions. It starts by helping us see what it is like to ask these questions with our current view of the world and how to reach beyond ourselves to find the answers. It also helps build a historical framework for where we came from and how we ended up where we are with our answers to the big questions. It discusses sensitive topics with grace and care.
I can’t imagine how well-read the author must be, just looking at the end notes and seeing how many references he makes. He sums up a few hundred years of religious philosophy in an accessible way to help the reader understand where we came from and how we got to where we are now. This book discusses the logical end point of varying sincerely-held beliefs.
The book starts with a wide picture of who we are and what our culture believes about the big questions and focuses more and more throughout the book. It’s great especially for young people who are just starting to ask these questions as it can help them navigate their thoughts and anxieties. We all have times of doubt in our life, but we don’t have to live there. This book helps a person transform doubt into confidence and anxiety into peace. I highly recommend it!
This would be a great book to pick up if:
*you’ve ever wondered why we think about religion the way we do as a culture
*you are a young person digging through the beliefs you’ve been taught as a child and want to be sure of what you believe
*you are a parent or someone who works with youth and you want help navigating thought patterns
*you’re in a time of crisis or doubt in your personal faith
*you like reading philosophy or apologetics
Some favorite quotes from the book:
For our faith to step forward with integrity, we need to fight the seductive power of self-made reality and self-focused spirituality.
As it has always done, unbelief, in its purest, most honest form, says to God, “I resent like hell the fact that you are God and I am not.”
Some hurts cannot be healed by any natural means...Though our intentions may be kind in wanting to prevent kids’ pain, pain is a signal that things are not as they should be.
The greater our godhood, the greater the distance we create between us and others.
*I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review*
March 31, 2020
This book will make you think, and get a song stuck inside your head.
God Breathed does a masterful job at unpacking the deception of self-made truth. Throughout the book, Rut Etheridge correctly diagnoses so much of what has gone, and is going wrong, in our society and graciously points the reader back to the Scriptures and back to Jesus; the only true hope for humanity. He doesn’t shy away from the difficult portions of the Bible, but rather leans into them to show us how we can connect with God through even the parts of the Bible some would rather ignore. Rut does a fantastic job of connecting with his readers without being cheesy and uses the right amount of cultural references to help make his point (I promise you’ll get at least one song stuck inside your head.) If you have honest and hard questions about the Bible, this book will lovingly walk you through them. It strikes a great blend of theology, philosophy, and apologetics but remains accessible and easy to read for the person with no background in any of those things. As society increasingly moves away from God and deeper into the world of “self-made truth,” books like God Breathed will become more and more important.
God Breathed does a masterful job at unpacking the deception of self-made truth. Throughout the book, Rut Etheridge correctly diagnoses so much of what has gone, and is going wrong, in our society and graciously points the reader back to the Scriptures and back to Jesus; the only true hope for humanity. He doesn’t shy away from the difficult portions of the Bible, but rather leans into them to show us how we can connect with God through even the parts of the Bible some would rather ignore. Rut does a fantastic job of connecting with his readers without being cheesy and uses the right amount of cultural references to help make his point (I promise you’ll get at least one song stuck inside your head.) If you have honest and hard questions about the Bible, this book will lovingly walk you through them. It strikes a great blend of theology, philosophy, and apologetics but remains accessible and easy to read for the person with no background in any of those things. As society increasingly moves away from God and deeper into the world of “self-made truth,” books like God Breathed will become more and more important.
March 3, 2020
Mind blowing. Truth. Philosophical. Realistic. Abstract. Concrete. Relatable. Mind blowing.
This book has taken me a long time to read through, because it’s one of those rare books that should be chewed on and thoughtfully “digested.” I had to sit and wrestle through some of these truths. I had to pray that God would open my eyes and my heart to truth.
I. Love. This. Book. It will be one that I reread over and over because of the mind-blowing truth-bombs. Etheridge uses pop culture and music to make philosophy real and reachable, understandable. He writes truth in ways that will hit you in the gut with the force of a hurricane. And sometimes you’ll sit there, reeling from the force of the hit. (In the best way possible, of course.)
This is a book I’ve been recommending to everyone I talk with because it’s so relevant! It’s real and beautiful and heavy and weighty and important. So important.
This book has taken me a long time to read through, because it’s one of those rare books that should be chewed on and thoughtfully “digested.” I had to sit and wrestle through some of these truths. I had to pray that God would open my eyes and my heart to truth.
I. Love. This. Book. It will be one that I reread over and over because of the mind-blowing truth-bombs. Etheridge uses pop culture and music to make philosophy real and reachable, understandable. He writes truth in ways that will hit you in the gut with the force of a hurricane. And sometimes you’ll sit there, reeling from the force of the hit. (In the best way possible, of course.)
This is a book I’ve been recommending to everyone I talk with because it’s so relevant! It’s real and beautiful and heavy and weighty and important. So important.
September 4, 2019
Maybe you’ve been burned by church or people of faith. Maybe you have questions about why God could allow tragic things to happen. Maybe you question whether God even exists and, if he does, does he care? This book won’t answer every question you have, but it will get you to think. It will get you to think about your life and your purpose and meaning in a way that you haven’t. It will also give you hope about a God who loves you.
I really enjoyed this book. Every chapter left me thinking about and critically examining what I believe. Sometimes I didn’t like what I saw. Some chapters took longer for me because a concept or phrase jumped out at me and I stopped to consider. It finished with hope.
If you’re a critical thinker or someone looking for answers, this might be a good book for you. I liked it and I think you will too.
I really enjoyed this book. Every chapter left me thinking about and critically examining what I believe. Sometimes I didn’t like what I saw. Some chapters took longer for me because a concept or phrase jumped out at me and I stopped to consider. It finished with hope.
If you’re a critical thinker or someone looking for answers, this might be a good book for you. I liked it and I think you will too.
October 11, 2020
This would have been better reading it in person rather than an audio book...although the audio book was great, I would have liked to concentrate more of some of the chapters that driving didn't allow me to.
January 24, 2023
This is one of my favorite things I’ve ever read.
March 12, 2025
Re-listening this and really need to buy a paper copy!! Brilliant
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews