Only Love: How Everything Was, Is, and Will Be

by Niq Ruud, Brandan J. Robertson (Foreword)

Niq Ruud lied saying he couldn't smell for nearly a decade. He lived in his car during college to afford tuition. He got lost in a blizzard during his first mountaineering trip, then learned to ski a few months later while climbing Mount Rainier. He saved his little sister from a kidnapper by leaping from a plum tree with a Nerf toy while they were children. And it is with wit and a scholar's touch that he uses these and many other stories to wrestle with the What if the deity you grew up learning about in church doesn't exist? For while the God of the Christian tradition is often said to be good, that same God doesn't seem to shy away from endorsing genocide, homophobia, racism, sexism, or eternal damnation; leading many persons of faith to justify violence and oppressive behaviors for thousands of years. But in this book, Ruud works readers into the supposition that God desires none of those things. And, on the contrary, with a theology that pushes the boundaries of God much larger than we might ever imagine, he argues that the only god who can truly be good is a God of other-centered, self-sacrificial love. The implications as to what a God of only love means, for everything, are vast-because everything changes when we see God as nothing more and nothing less than love.

248 pages, Paperback

Published November 30, 2021

About the author

The author of Only Love, Niq Ruud grew up amongst the vistas of the Pacific Northwest, hooking him on alpine climbing, surfing, and storytelling. Since earning an undergraduate degree in religion, graduating from seminary, and working as a pastor, he is presently a postgraduate at The University of Edinburgh keenly interested in the human perception of God. You can connect with him at niqruud.com and @niqruud.

Reviews

[Nico · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruud is an excellent storyteller. I enjoy hearing his take on life, the telling of his adventures, and experiences from his childhood. The style of this book reminds me of a Bob Goff book, only less "seeing-the-world-with-rose-colored-glasses" and slightly more edginess. And I like that because it shows authenticity. I also appreciate Ruud's honesty when it comes to his struggles with Christianity and organized religion in general. We, in organized religion, far too often worship the liturgy, the organization, the symbol, rather than the God.

Furthermore, there is a level of humility that is necessary for one to accept the uncertainties of life. Nothing is more repulsive than a Christian so sure in their beliefs, that they KNOW they are right. Ruud does nothing of this nature. In the concluding sentences of the book, he notes that, "And maybe I'm wrong. Maybe a God of only love doesn't exist. As much as I'd love to be, I'm not certain of it...But I do have faith. And faith cannot exist in certainty. So, I choose to dream. I choose to hope. I choose to trust. I choose the uncertainty that my faith in love requires." (238)

This is the honesty that we need more of in Christian authors today.

[Lynda Ruud · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read and perfect gift!!! The stories in Niq's book made me laugh and made me cry. He does an amazing job of coming full circle from his everyday life stories and experiences to eloquently sharing his understanding of how big God's love truly is. He has definitely helped to expand my understanding of our awesome God who loves, period. I would recommend this book to anyone seeking to know the love of God, especially those who have been hurt by people professing to be Christian or hurt by the church at large. His book is easy and fun to read, somewhat reminding me of Bob Goff's books, but with his own twist and content. This is definitely a must read! You won't be sorry for taking the time. Your understanding of God will be expanded and your life will surely be changed.

[April Harper · Rating 2 out of 5]

“Only Love” is an easy read with lots of witty stories! As a millennial Christian, I did notice there is a lot of cherry-picking the actions and words of Jesus. Conveniently, Jesus’s continual claims to exclusivity, Lordship, and references to hell are left out. There are good responses from traditional Christians to the critiques that Niq makes, but he does not engage with these apologetics. Also, Niq criticizes western Christianity, which I can respect, but does not seem interested in what the Christian church in Africa, Asia, or South America is doing and teaching.

This book seems most appropriate for progressive millennials who are walking away from traditional Christian belief and practice.

[Paige Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I have not had the chance to finish reading the book entirely yet, what I have read so far is compelling and inspiring! (An updated review to come once I’ve finished the entire book, which will be soon because it’s hard to put down!)
This book is filled with short stories and anecdotes that connect beautifully with the simple, yet so profound and encompassing theme of Love. Love becoming human, Love in us and through us! This is truly inspiring and thought-provoking!

[Alex Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Niq Ruud takes the idea of God as Love to a whole new level. This book is revolutionary, profound, and beautiful. It will challenge you to look at God from a different perspective--and you may just find this new portrayal of God incredibly appealing. Niq is an inspiring author, and I can't recommend his book more.

[Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only Love was a deep dive into what love is. Niq takes you to the slopes of cascade volcanoes and to college adventures while painting a picture of God’s love. Religion has often distorted peoples’s view of God’s love, but Niq through his stories shows a view with no boundaries. Only Love is like Love Does but with more adventure thrown in. 10/10 would buy for a friend.

[Chad Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Niqolas is a unique emerging Christian writer who I would compare to Bob Goff. Through personal stories and well picked references, Niq does a good job refocusing the Christian experience. I highly recommend this book and would recommend picking a copy up right away.

[Shawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good actually.

[Giovanna Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book! Ruud's childhood stories and life adventures are entertaining and relatable. However, he doesn't stop there. Ruud uses his unique life experiences to paint a picture of a God driven by love rather than anger. This is a must read!