Papa's Last Words: They Lied About God

by R.H. Ben-Shalom

#1 Amazon bestseller

"Papa's Last Words" is a legacy instruction from an unconventional Christian father to his children, elaborating on the identity of God according to the Bible. It challenges mainstream concepts, begs for unbiased thinking, promotes Berean study habits, encourages fearless questioning, and appreciates peaceful and logical disagreement.

It reveals Abraham’s God within the rift between Christianity and Judaism, citing 90 sources and incorporating 250 footnotes, each with multiple verses. The author urges his children to first century Christianity, lifting the Scriptures above cultural influences, both Western and Jewish.

Lovers and seekers of the Truth are not content with Sunday morning service. They regularly wrestle with the Word of God and humbly realize that they still do not have all the answers.

240 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 6, 2020

About the author

R. H. Ben-Shalom is a Filipino Ashkenazi Jew, raised Roman Catholic. Parental upbringing brought him to the throne of the divine, but child abuse pushed him into the arms of God. Needing to find the answers for himself when religious leaders could not answer his childhood questions of the Nephilim, he researched the major religions and concluded the truth was somewhere else: it was in the Bible. He now seeks answers to new questions through ancient religious texts, meditation, cultural and historical insights, and scholarly works, while refining his understanding through dialogue with scholarly elders. Surviving his grandparents, parents, and six siblings, the impermanence of earthly life became very real. Ben-Shalom felt the need to pass a legacy of his understanding and testimony down to his children concerning the greatest import of life: God. He lives in Texas with his family.

Reviews

[Amy Broadway · Rating 5 out of 5]

The flow and content is seemingly random and specific at first, but understanding it is a letter of a father to his kids is key in reading this book. It is the specifics of what the author himself has learned about Truth on his individual life journey in the culture he was raised in. If you aren’t familiar with some of the topics, such as Kabbalah or church history, you may feel lost with his academic writing and in-depth arguments, but it’s still highly worth the read to learn about the topics or to be sharpened in them (or challenged in them) based on all the research he’s done through his life. Overall, the book is a great reminder to be open minded and put Truth over whatever culture, religious or secular, you’ve been raised in. The last chapter is definitely the most relatable and practical, brings all the topics back to how they relate to Truth about God, and is definitely my favorite so make sure not to put the book down until you absolutely finish it. If you seek real Truth and you aren’t afraid to dismantle your doctrine for it, this book is for you.

[Larry Guthrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A strong title for a strong book. The main premise of this book is for each person to take stock of what they believe and hold it up to the truth of the Word of God. Our first source is the Word and listening to the Spirit. Men get it wrong. The author deftly points out errors across the spectrum of Judaism and Christianity. If you don't want your beliefs challenged, don't read this book. I found it refreshing and enlightening.

[Zara · Rating 3 out of 5]

As someone who grew up secular, felt a strong attraction/calling to Christianity, but was wary of the doctrines and actions of many Christians, the experiences of the author resonated with me a lot. I became something like a Unitarian Universalist and, like the author, searched for God in every religion except Christianity. But, in my relationship with Him, I kept being turned back to Christianity over and over again, no matter how much I felt that parts of the doctrine did not align with the loving nature of God that I felt.
I found this book during this part of my journey where, I have pretty much come to accept that Christianity must be true, but I am still wary of some doctrines and struggle to accept or understand some things. The book was a much-needed breath of fresh air, from a perspective that you can't really find in any mainstream Christian denomination. There were still a few things I disagreed with the author about, but even in those cases, it is very clear that he has done an incredible amount of research and seeking. His love for God comes through undeniably in the pages, and I respect that above all. In fact, it is because of his clear devotion and humbleness that I was made to question the things I did disagree with... unlike many other mainstream Christian writers who rely on either out-of-context lines of scripture, legalism, or when all else fails simply relying on old-fashioned guilt and a fear of Hell.
That being said, I did want to expand on the points of disagreement and offer my own thoughts, as another person who is guided primarily by my relationship with God and not doctrine:

+ I was surprised that, though the author rightfully points out many places in which Christian teachings have been influenced by pagan culture/thought, he still believes in a substitutionary atonement (satisfaction theory, in particular). I am quite convinced that any teaching of vicarious or substitutionary atonement is of pagan influence - a misunderstanding of verses that identify Christ with the Passover Lamb. My understanding of the role of the Passover Lamb is that it is killed so that its blood can protect believers against punishment and death... just as it was used in the original event in Egypt. It does not "pass over one's sins unto itself and thus take their punishment" but rather "causes death/punishment to pass over them because of their faith." I am not sure how, when, or why exactly this misunderstanding arose, but I have read nothing in the Bible that points to a vicarious salvation via Christ "taking away our sins/punishment and putting it on himself instead." This view is shared by the Eastern Orthodox who instead only subscribe to the Christus Victor theory - the salvation work of Jesus was first to unite the human and divine natures within himself via the Incarnation, and then to accept his death at the hands of the Romans to descend into Sheol/Hades/Underworld and restore the connection with the divine realm, liberating all souls who wished to follow him back to Heaven.
Those who disagree and believe in vicarious salvation tend to point to terms such as Christ being a "sacrifice" and "taking our sins upon himself" seen in the Apostolic Letters, but those words do not exactly point to substitutionary atonement. Indeed, he took our sins upon himself by taking on a human form, being limited and having to fight temptations of the Adversary just as we do, and suffering human death on the cross. Indeed, his life and death can be seen as a "sacrifice" for our sake, because God, in order to save His lost children, took on human form and suffered alongside us so that He might restore the connection between Heaven and Earth and redeem those who truly wish to change their ways and submit to God's love/will.
I could be wrong, of course. I certainly haven't done a tenth of the research that the author has, and only the Eastern Orthodox agree with me. I just find that vicarious salvation such as the Satisfaction Theory, while it does align with God's nature of being all-loving, while I can easily see that He would gladly take our sins off our backs and onto His, it does not align with His divine justice (punishing an innocent instead of the guilty). There are several additional flaws to the theory as well. If Jesus is indeed One with God (which we all agree with), how can God sacrifice Himself to Himself? What would be the point? If God wishes to forgive sins, then He need only forgive sins of His own will... He has no reason to take on a human form and die just to convince Himself to forgive sins. It takes such a huge leap in logic to arrive at the conclusion of vicarious salvation (whether it's penal or satisfaction theory) that I can barely comprehend it whatsoever... I just know that it turns God into a far lesser being than He is, as if God is bound to such legalistic punishment systems such as humans have. Remember... "My ways are not your ways."
I will note that I am not an Eastern Orthodox Christian though, as I agree with the author about the pagan influence of transubstantiation as well as the false belief that Mary was sinless.

+ I completely agree that Christians really need to get more in touch with the Jewish roots/origins of Christianity in order to fully grasp and understand the entire Biblical message. I also agree that God has not forsaken the Jews on account of their intellectual rejection of Christ, but that He foresaw that they would reject Him and planned for it. I agree that Jews remain the Physical Israel and Christians are the Spiritual Israel, and that the fighting/animosity between the two is a shame. Both sides have problems... Jews with their spiritual elitism, and Christians with their attempts to erase Jews and act as if we're the chosen ones now and Judaism no longer matters. Indeed, there's extremism on both sides and much has been lost as a result. It has opened the way to pagan influences, including in my humble but firm opinion, the doctrine of vicarious salvation. The inherent Jewish understanding that many of the stories in the Bible are meant to be seen symbolically rather than literally has been a very unfavorable loss in Christianity, and has caused some pretty questionable teachings to spring up in the Evangelical sect, for instance.
I actually had explored Judaism a bit before giving Christianity another chance... but indeed, I was turned away by the closed-group elitism and adamant anti-Christ sentiments. Nevertheless, I had equally been turned away from Christianity by teachings of "God's wrath," "repent or face eternity in Hell with no chance for escape!", etc.
That being said, where I disagree with the author is that I think Christians should not feel compelled to follow every law of the Torah. The Ten Commandments are required, as they are of all humanity. And I admit that I've always felt a strange aversion to eating pork and shrimp (without any Jewish influence, since childhood) so perhaps there are some laws that are good for individuals to follow. I say take the Reform Judaism approach and do what feels right in regards to laws outside the Ten Commandments. Recall that Paul often guided Christian communities not to be led astray by those who insisted they needed to become Jewish to know God... it isn't just about "becoming circumcised" and trading Christ's covenant for the Jewish one. Indeed, the Mosaic Covenant hasn't ended for those who intellectually refuse to accept Christ. Let the Jews continue to follow God in their own way that He prescribed for them. But what reason do Christians have to take on the Mosaic Covenant when we follow Christ? Wasn't the entire goal of the first covenant to get the people to recognize the holiness and specialness of God, and to direct their lives more and more towards Him? How did Christ not fulfill the Law when He IS the Law? Indeed, the Alpha and Omega of the Law taking form does not destroy the Law or nullify it... but you can either follow the Law, or directly follow the One who IS the Law. And we should respect our Jewish siblings' choice to keep following the Law, because they still follow He who IS the Law even if they don't intellectually comprehend it. They could certainly tone down the anti-Christ bias though, I agree. Alas, there are outwardly religious people in every religion who inwardly reject God... and the opposite.

I loved the book in the end for the author's honesty, humbleness, and strong relationship with God that he trusts above doctrine. It encouraged me to keep looking into the Jewish perspective, and see what laws of the Torah feel as though they apply to my situation. I also feel more confident, seeing another who also trusts in the intimate, personal relationship with the divine even if they reject some doctrine. Despite a few points of contention, I agreed with most of it, and felt challenge and respect even when I didn't agree. Though in the end, I would advise people against Messianic Judaism unless they are born a Jew, or feel a genuine calling to become a part of Physical Israel. And while I ultimately agree with the author's position on the Trinity, I find that it all essentially boils down to a fairly miniscule difference in interpretation. (It surprises me even further than the author believes in substitutionary atonement given his rejection of the Trinity, because it makes even LESS sense in that understanding! I look forward to the next book to see what his logic is on the vicarious salvation.) I more or less feel comfortable enough aligning with the Trinity doctrine, because, while I do agree it is a pagan misunderstanding, I pass it off in my heart/mind as "the three ASPECTS of the One God" instead of separate persons. Some mainstream Christians more or less agree with that view even if they use different wording. My point is that I wouldn't advise someone against mainstream Christian denominations due to their Trinitarian beliefs - deep down, I have faith we believe in the same thing. And if someone wishes to follow more of the Torah, they can choose to do so in their own private life - they need not the blessing of the congregation.
These are all just my thoughts that I felt compelled to add, though. :) I highly admire the author and I hope more people will read this book for the fresh, Jewish-oriented perspective.

[Tolulope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deep topic, sincere and structured

I could hardly put this book down. You can almost touch the sincerity of the author and the rawness and honesty in his writing style. I hung on to every word. I read other reviews about the issue with the topic of the trinity and do not see that as issue. The author is correct, that word isn't in the bible. Instead he focuses more on the 7 spirits of God. Which is a fact, however the bible is full of references about the holy spirit, which means the truth is somewhere in the middle. The church cannot focus on the Holy spirit alone and ignore the 7 spirits if God, this book focuses on the 7 spirits of God and completely ignores the holy spirit. Other than that, the book is superbly written, I read it in kindle but I will buy it in hard copy because almost every line is packed with advice and gems and almost feels like the book of proverbs in the bible or the Widsom of Jesus. I suspect if I read this book again and again, there will be something to gain and re-discover. The author has undergone a spiritual awakening and come out of it with a book that is a blessing to anyone sincerely seeking the Most High God, outside of packaged and organized religion. I recommend this book 100%.

[KT Broandmar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably one of the best books I've ever read. It is written as a letter to his children about his faith and Truth he has found through his life. His love for his children is evident in the urgency he has for them to know the Truth - not based on man's traditions, but on the Word of Yahweh alone. There is some parts that were over my head as far as historical Judaism and their theology goes, but it is still extremely approachable and without understanding all of it, you can still understand all of it :)

It isn't theology. It is just the love of a father appealing to his children to seek God in Truth through Christ alone.

Highly recommended. Even if you can only read the introduction chapter and the conclusion chapter. The rest of the chapters can be read singularly as they each address a different topic. I read it in 2 days, but you could study it a chapter at a time when you had the chance. But I suggest you read it :)

[Ruby Spinner · Rating 2 out of 5]

I want to like it…

This could have been very interesting, because it is! But all the stars were removed because they don’t use the actual text of the Bible! I will grant the man is likely able to read Hebrew, and, I cannot. However, I do read, write and speak English, and so does he. Therefore, it is not unreasonable for me to expect a preacher to preach the Word of God! The KJV is the GOLD standard, and it has no errors, or omissions, and it doesn’t permit doubts!

I like how the author defines blasphemy. It is, indeed, a willful act, a defiance and a sin. There is also a chart with the names of God.

However, the author’s willingness to tamper with the Word of God makes him culpable when others follow his defiant behavior. I want no part of it, and so, I recommend NOT reading this work.

[Robyn Kamira · Rating 5 out of 5]

R. H. Ben-Shalom shares his work written for his children with us. His book seeks to return to the source, to who God is, to dismantle the commentary and motivations of hundreds of years of human interference with the truth. It is not entrenched and it is not sermon-like. It is one of the most well-researched books I have read. There is no detail too small or irrelevant. By including this level of detail he provides the reader with an opportunity to take the same paths he has and find their own answers - he makes himself accountable for every word, every assumption, every conclusion. Constantly, we are reminded that this is for his children. It is imbued. We are merely invited in. A sincere gift.

[Miktastic A-p · Rating 5 out of 5]

When reading this I imagined R.H. Ben-Shalom speaking in a forum or lecture hall as the words jumped quite literally from the pages. He has so much scripture it leaves little room for err and the vast explanations to translations or interpretations. His stance was clear but it was not convoluted so much you could not form your own opinion on the matter. I do feel to get the full expanse of the wisdom he is sharing I’d have to read this book a few times. There is so much commentary and many resources and quotes you can stay within this book for a year adding on the additional historical context to become more familiar with. Definitely makes you question some things.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

enjoyed the book

I really enjoyed reading his book. I didn’t agree with everything he has written, especially, his argument regarding the Trinity. I don’t view the trinity in the way he does. I believe in it because it helps in the best way of defining the Mystery of the God head. It also equips the Saints from the false teaching (Gnosticism) which is easily prevalent today. I loved his last chapter the best. It was overall good.

[Pat Backley · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible book!

A fascinating, fact filled book, stuffed with ancient biblical wisdom.
As a Christian, with a simple, personal relationship with God, I was not sure if this book would really resonate with me. But I was wrong,
“To believe in the existence of absolute truth, you must believe in the existence of a higher power.”

[Magic · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was recommended to me from a friend -- describe this book in two words? Just. Right. Easy to follow, but not pedantic. Informative, but not preachy. Challenging but not legalistic. It's the Goldilocks in Christian narrative. I'd really like to see what else this author comes up with. What a... perspective.

[melinda carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes they have lied about God

YHWH is our Creator. YHSH is our Savior. Same person but the last 2 initials after YH describe what YH has done for us. The Catholic Church and Satan have done a great job on selling us all the trinity. There is NO trinity. Our God is One God. Count how many times that is said in the Old testament.

[Laura Grogro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good information but confusing names used

I really liked the information and how he explained things. However, he uses the old words and names for people. That makes it hard to read and follow.

[Joseph Smyth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoughts on Papa's last words

Very informative and yet inspired. I will always keep my eyes on the Anointed one through his written word from now on.

[Darlene Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Very rewarding read

A different perspective, yet obviously true. Well written with historical truth. The last chapter says it all! Definitely worth reading.

[Timothy Maher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating

The author has given the reader an intimate look into their relationship with God. I loved reading this book and recommend this to anyone.

[Sandra m wolfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute must for Bible study

E very thing. !!! It explains and clears up the things that can be very confusing about so many different religions.

[Echo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love

Reading the title I wasn't sure what I was about to read but it sparked my interest. This is an amazing book.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truth

The most truthful book on the subject of Christianity I have ever read. Straight from Scripture. Thanks you for giving words to answer questions I have had.