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Що таке Бог?
І в цій книзі своєї серії Ейтан Борітцер розмовляє з дітьми знову на одну із непростих і навіть суперечливих тем. Він пропонує замислитися над тим, «Що таке Бог?» («What is God?»).
У ненав’язливій розмові автор подає панораму життєвого, світоглядного, філософського, релігійного досвіду людства, пов’язаного зі сприйняттям, осмисленням Бога. Власне, це тематичний курс лекцій з теології, філософії, культурології, етики, зібраний у кілька сторінок художньо опрацьованих тез, які кожна дитина зможе продовжити своїми міркуваннями, розвиваючи здатність самостійного мислення і вміння здійснювати вибір.
У ненав’язливій розмові автор подає панораму життєвого, світоглядного, філософського, релігійного досвіду людства, пов’язаного зі сприйняттям, осмисленням Бога. Власне, це тематичний курс лекцій з теології, філософії, культурології, етики, зібраний у кілька сторінок художньо опрацьованих тез, які кожна дитина зможе продовжити своїми міркуваннями, розвиваючи здатність самостійного мислення і вміння здійснювати вибір.
36 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 1990
23 people are currently reading
207 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
October 11, 2008
I really wanted to like this book. I like the title. The titular question, "What is God?" was one of the first questions asked by the young Thomas of Aquinas. Even then his brilliant mind realized that God was so BIG the question 'Who is God?' wasn't enough to encompass all that God is. So it is an accurate and appropriate title. Unfortunately the book doesn't live up to its promising beginnings.
For one thing it never answers the question, 'What is God?' It asks many more questions but never answers the title question definitively. Now I realize that much about God is mystery, but there is also much about God which has been revealed and is known. It is not, however, accepted by the author who is trying to make this book all things to all people. From the author's perspective, all religions are pretty much equal. They each have holy books and from them we can read about and learn almost the same things about God. While I do agree that there are some very similar overarching values/laws/commandments which are universal, there are also many which are not. As I don't want this review to turn into a debate I'll leave it at that.
My greatest objection to this book, however, concerns the label and comparison applied to Jesus. As usually happens in books of this sort, Jesus is reduced to a 'great teacher' on the level with Moses, Mohammad and Buddha. And while it is true that Jesus was -- and IS -- a very great teacher, his teaching was only something that He did. The important quality about Jesus was that He is God and that was never mentioned in the entire book!
NOT recommended for young children!
For one thing it never answers the question, 'What is God?' It asks many more questions but never answers the title question definitively. Now I realize that much about God is mystery, but there is also much about God which has been revealed and is known. It is not, however, accepted by the author who is trying to make this book all things to all people. From the author's perspective, all religions are pretty much equal. They each have holy books and from them we can read about and learn almost the same things about God. While I do agree that there are some very similar overarching values/laws/commandments which are universal, there are also many which are not. As I don't want this review to turn into a debate I'll leave it at that.
My greatest objection to this book, however, concerns the label and comparison applied to Jesus. As usually happens in books of this sort, Jesus is reduced to a 'great teacher' on the level with Moses, Mohammad and Buddha. And while it is true that Jesus was -- and IS -- a very great teacher, his teaching was only something that He did. The important quality about Jesus was that He is God and that was never mentioned in the entire book!
NOT recommended for young children!
August 11, 2010
This book describes one of the Big Questions (What is God?) as a question asked by everyone everywhere and answered in many ways. It is a little demeaning toward Christianity (describing their god as an invisible old man with a long white beard who lives in the clouds), and I don't like the way it TELLS at the end what god "is" (everyone and everything, and you) rather than making a suggestion and leaving it up to the child to decide what sounds or feels right.
Still, it was a nice response to my son's questioning after hearing about God from some Christian acquaintances, and a stepping stone for perspective. We're combining it with other kids' world religion-type books and various mythologies to attempt to give a balanced overview.
Still, it was a nice response to my son's questioning after hearing about God from some Christian acquaintances, and a stepping stone for perspective. We're combining it with other kids' world religion-type books and various mythologies to attempt to give a balanced overview.
January 9, 2019
I liked the first part of this book a lot, didn't care for the middle part, and they kind of loathed the last party.
The first part engages in a sort of apophatic theology. It does an excellent job of moving through all the things that people thing God is, but pointing out that God is quite a bit bigger than all that. This message is an essential part of every theistic tradition which needs to be dusted off every now and again and reiterated. It is especially difficult to convey to children well. This book did a great job of doing just that.
The second part moves to expressing that God is the same in all the major religious traditions. It expresses a belief that all the main religions are essential the same and their differences lie largely in cultural differences and the distinctiveness of their various founders. That message will speak to some, be confusing to others, and be considered down right heretical by others still. That is largely an issue of a parent's personal spirituality and what they which to teach their children.
The last part moves to an expression of full pantheism. We are all God. All things are God. God is within us because God IS us. Again, this will be a message that some will like while others disdain. That's a matter for parents to decide and not a reason to critique the book. What I disliked so strongly in this part of the book was how at odd it was with the other two parts of the book. The first third tells us all the things that God is not, because God is so much bigger than we can understand; the last tells us how well we know God. The second part tells us that we war over differences which are ultimately cultural and historical, but then goes on to present a version of God which is roundly denounced as heretical by the majority of theistic traditions. The last part almost comes off as an argument against the first two parts.
I would also add that personally the writing of Boritzer's book didn't work for me. Regardless of whether or not I "approve" of the message, I think the writing is wooden, stilted, and nowhere near as at pretty or deep as it pretends to be. At best it comes off as didactic and lecturing. At worst, it gives the book an arrogant tone, in spite of the fact it is trying to deliver a message very much the opposite. That gives the book an additionally lopsided or contradictory feel.
The first part engages in a sort of apophatic theology. It does an excellent job of moving through all the things that people thing God is, but pointing out that God is quite a bit bigger than all that. This message is an essential part of every theistic tradition which needs to be dusted off every now and again and reiterated. It is especially difficult to convey to children well. This book did a great job of doing just that.
The second part moves to expressing that God is the same in all the major religious traditions. It expresses a belief that all the main religions are essential the same and their differences lie largely in cultural differences and the distinctiveness of their various founders. That message will speak to some, be confusing to others, and be considered down right heretical by others still. That is largely an issue of a parent's personal spirituality and what they which to teach their children.
The last part moves to an expression of full pantheism. We are all God. All things are God. God is within us because God IS us. Again, this will be a message that some will like while others disdain. That's a matter for parents to decide and not a reason to critique the book. What I disliked so strongly in this part of the book was how at odd it was with the other two parts of the book. The first third tells us all the things that God is not, because God is so much bigger than we can understand; the last tells us how well we know God. The second part tells us that we war over differences which are ultimately cultural and historical, but then goes on to present a version of God which is roundly denounced as heretical by the majority of theistic traditions. The last part almost comes off as an argument against the first two parts.
I would also add that personally the writing of Boritzer's book didn't work for me. Regardless of whether or not I "approve" of the message, I think the writing is wooden, stilted, and nowhere near as at pretty or deep as it pretends to be. At best it comes off as didactic and lecturing. At worst, it gives the book an arrogant tone, in spite of the fact it is trying to deliver a message very much the opposite. That gives the book an additionally lopsided or contradictory feel.
February 3, 2013
Etan Boritzer dedicated this book "to the children of the world." His book is full of guidance and clarification for children exploring their own religion with pictures that parellel his account. The story begins with the explanation that God is a feeling, then expands understanding by encouraging that we can find God while looking at a beautiful mountain or the millions of stars in the sky. His wonderful explanation of "what" God is then binds all religions together as he introduces Jesus, Budda, and Mohammed. His innocent explanation to children even discusses tension between religious groups, and he encourages to see that religion is all based on a love of a god. "People of every religion understand God in their own way." Finally, he teaches prayer and its power. Religion is not a topic that is often brought into the school setting, but Boritzer has written a multicultural book that children can internalize.
March 30, 2013
Today one of my 9-year-old daughter's longtime friends told her they couldn't be friends because my daughter isn't a Christian. My daughter came home hurt and confused. "It reminds me of that 'wow' word we learned in school," she said. "Prejudice." Wow. Her ability to conceptualize prejudice in this context astounded me, so we had an earnest conversation about what Christians believe and how it feels to have your personal connection to God judged by somebody else. Then I remembered this book on my shelf and pulled it out. It was way over their heads when I tried to read it to my kids a few years ago, but tonight it was perfect: soothing, loving, connected and expansive in just the right way for young minds. Perfect. On the last page my daughter closed her eyes as instructed, breathed in and out, and felt her connection to her family, her friends, her community, her world- and to God. So did I. I'm very thankful for this book tonight.
April 2, 2012
A picture book that helps explain the meaning and interpretation of God through different religions. It has been put into poem form and has lovely illustrations.
Especially chosen for a multicultural classroom where everyone does not necessarily share the same religious belief systems. It was a personal favorite from a teaching project in 1992.
Especially chosen for a multicultural classroom where everyone does not necessarily share the same religious belief systems. It was a personal favorite from a teaching project in 1992.
May 22, 2022
This book said I am God
February 28, 2014
I was hesitant about this book because of the title and especially when I read about different religions. I don't know if I would have this book in my classroom because it deals with religion, but I thought about reading it to my own kids one day and the fact that it mentioned other religions scared me because I would want my kids to be Christians. However, once I thought about it, I didn't see anything wrong with this book because it's a fact that there are other religions out there and we should be accepting and kind to others no matter what. I thought the author did a good job of laying out the foundations of different religions. It's very educational.
October 18, 2008
"When we pray to God
We are praying for that feeling of love"
I have contradictory feelings about this book. I liked some pages but others disturbed me. What is nice about it is that it talks about all religions of the world in a neutral way.
We are praying for that feeling of love"
I have contradictory feelings about this book. I liked some pages but others disturbed me. What is nice about it is that it talks about all religions of the world in a neutral way.
February 22, 2016
This book does state that God exists; otherwise it is an excellent choice for a secular household. Simple text that is respectful of all religions and that debunks the idea of a God-man in the clouds. Pictures leave a bit to be desired.
January 3, 2018
Brilliant, so glad I got this to read to my son who has been asking me questions. We have now started on a journey of exploring some of the great masters, reading their lives, and attending a variety of church, temples etc in our city. Wonderfully written.
April 23, 2022
First of all this book just popped up as a recommended read and since my sister complains that I don't study too much non-Christian books I chose to check it out. Unfortunately it seems my recommendations are going quite agnostic.
Just to get the biggest issue out I read this on my Kindle. The Kindle formatting is quite awful since the book is presented in such a small size. Even double-clicking doesn't allow for the reader to expand it and when I tried to pull it up on Kindle Cloud on my computer I still struggled to be able to see the words. As a result it was a fight to be able to even read the book itself.
Another thing is ignore the illustrations for although they are colorful they are a horrible sloppy mess that reflects a mix between cartoon and caricature. The plane has eyes, The dog looks like his mouth has been filled with bees and the humans are just horrifying.
As for the book itself there are hits and there are plenty of misses. I like the fact that the author does acknowledge we cannot answer his question with our senses mostly. Although all people hear God differently, which isn't acknowledged, the book puts an emphasis that you can feel God not as in physically touching but such as when you feel your emotions, a good song or even when you feel that special feeling of being part of the universe under a massive starry sky or way up high on a mountain. And it also says you can feel God when it storms....
Etan also does a great job in really simplifying harder concepts such as describing why there are so many religions, oversimplifying why people go to war for their beliefs (of course he doesn't go into the fact that there are sometimes other reasons that help to drive these wars) and explaining that many religions are similar. He explains that the whole world is a big family and that we should all read the various holy books that are out there.
The book kind of slip-ups, though, since although it gives its great teachers for the main religions that it covers it doesn't provide the reader with any more information. Jesus is basically left on the same par as Muhammad, Moses and even Buddha as a man and yet there is a slip. Unlike these other teachers he is left with his title Christ although the author doesn't deign to acknowledge what it means or explain to readers that some people believe God has appeared in the shape of a man on this planet when he is going over the description of God's appearance.
Otherwise his other misses include stating that some people believed God was the sun. Although there may be a portion of truth in this which God are we speaking of? So many other religions had deities for their sun, so many had other ways of symbolizing the sun and last I knew there wasn't a Christian/Muslim/Jew who thought God was the Sun nor even the Buddha.
Another miss is when the book states some people think that God is an old man with a long white beard who sits up in the clouds and they look up at the clouds toward Him. At this point I am really just wondering what the author is up to and if he is really trying to offend the senses of many people since again I don't know of a god(s) who were mentioned as living in the clouds. And even though many Christian artwork has clouds for Heaven it is kind of like the Olympians living in the clouds on Mount Olympus - artwork, not factual facts.
In the end the book chooses to wrap up the fact that God is basically a feeling of interconnectedness and love with people we know as well as we don't know. Etan states you can pray anywhere and that all people in a religion do so so you aren't stepping on toes since it allows you to connect to that feeling and you can even meditate to reach "God".
In the end I agree with the author that God is part of everything but that doesn't make us gods as a result. And I also can agree with the author that God is an eternal mystery and puzzle but I cannot believe that anyone has ever been able to answer it at least not as a man. Even Jesus when He was on earth reminded His disciples that man is not meant to know everything and as such man wasn't shared everything that He knew.
Which means if you choose to share this book please help ensure young readers have a chance to ask questions, look at other sources and be able to understand what they are reading. Just since something is similar to another item doesn't mean it is the same since otherwise we wouldn't be having a discussion of differences when it all boils down to it.
Just to get the biggest issue out I read this on my Kindle. The Kindle formatting is quite awful since the book is presented in such a small size. Even double-clicking doesn't allow for the reader to expand it and when I tried to pull it up on Kindle Cloud on my computer I still struggled to be able to see the words. As a result it was a fight to be able to even read the book itself.
Another thing is ignore the illustrations for although they are colorful they are a horrible sloppy mess that reflects a mix between cartoon and caricature. The plane has eyes, The dog looks like his mouth has been filled with bees and the humans are just horrifying.
As for the book itself there are hits and there are plenty of misses. I like the fact that the author does acknowledge we cannot answer his question with our senses mostly. Although all people hear God differently, which isn't acknowledged, the book puts an emphasis that you can feel God not as in physically touching but such as when you feel your emotions, a good song or even when you feel that special feeling of being part of the universe under a massive starry sky or way up high on a mountain. And it also says you can feel God when it storms....
Etan also does a great job in really simplifying harder concepts such as describing why there are so many religions, oversimplifying why people go to war for their beliefs (of course he doesn't go into the fact that there are sometimes other reasons that help to drive these wars) and explaining that many religions are similar. He explains that the whole world is a big family and that we should all read the various holy books that are out there.
The book kind of slip-ups, though, since although it gives its great teachers for the main religions that it covers it doesn't provide the reader with any more information. Jesus is basically left on the same par as Muhammad, Moses and even Buddha as a man and yet there is a slip. Unlike these other teachers he is left with his title Christ although the author doesn't deign to acknowledge what it means or explain to readers that some people believe God has appeared in the shape of a man on this planet when he is going over the description of God's appearance.
Otherwise his other misses include stating that some people believed God was the sun. Although there may be a portion of truth in this which God are we speaking of? So many other religions had deities for their sun, so many had other ways of symbolizing the sun and last I knew there wasn't a Christian/Muslim/Jew who thought God was the Sun nor even the Buddha.
Another miss is when the book states some people think that God is an old man with a long white beard who sits up in the clouds and they look up at the clouds toward Him. At this point I am really just wondering what the author is up to and if he is really trying to offend the senses of many people since again I don't know of a god(s) who were mentioned as living in the clouds. And even though many Christian artwork has clouds for Heaven it is kind of like the Olympians living in the clouds on Mount Olympus - artwork, not factual facts.
In the end the book chooses to wrap up the fact that God is basically a feeling of interconnectedness and love with people we know as well as we don't know. Etan states you can pray anywhere and that all people in a religion do so so you aren't stepping on toes since it allows you to connect to that feeling and you can even meditate to reach "God".
In the end I agree with the author that God is part of everything but that doesn't make us gods as a result. And I also can agree with the author that God is an eternal mystery and puzzle but I cannot believe that anyone has ever been able to answer it at least not as a man. Even Jesus when He was on earth reminded His disciples that man is not meant to know everything and as such man wasn't shared everything that He knew.
Which means if you choose to share this book please help ensure young readers have a chance to ask questions, look at other sources and be able to understand what they are reading. Just since something is similar to another item doesn't mean it is the same since otherwise we wouldn't be having a discussion of differences when it all boils down to it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2021
I like What Is God Like? so much more....
This has a very high brow philosophical feel. A reviewer said the words are poetry, but they don't feel poetical to me -- there's no lyricism, no rhythm, no imagery.
Not super fond of all the illustrations either. My least favorite is the girl cowering on her bed during a storm when God is being compared to thunder.
Trinitarians will disagree with what the book says about Jesus (or at least what it doesn't say). Others may dislike having the god of Buddhism equated to the God of Judaism/Christianity/Islam. And then when it talks about Holy Scriptures, it brings in Hinduism, which really doesn't believe in a singular God. So, I don't think this is actually that good for comparative religions except among people who don't have very strong beliefs.
I think there's a difference in recognizing God inside each person (or that each person is a child of God) and saying that each person *IS* God. So, I'm not a fan of the ending.
This has a very high brow philosophical feel. A reviewer said the words are poetry, but they don't feel poetical to me -- there's no lyricism, no rhythm, no imagery.
Not super fond of all the illustrations either. My least favorite is the girl cowering on her bed during a storm when God is being compared to thunder.
Trinitarians will disagree with what the book says about Jesus (or at least what it doesn't say). Others may dislike having the god of Buddhism equated to the God of Judaism/Christianity/Islam. And then when it talks about Holy Scriptures, it brings in Hinduism, which really doesn't believe in a singular God. So, I don't think this is actually that good for comparative religions except among people who don't have very strong beliefs.
I think there's a difference in recognizing God inside each person (or that each person is a child of God) and saying that each person *IS* God. So, I'm not a fan of the ending.
July 10, 2017
We've had some issues with explaining religion to our son, because I believe and my husband does not. This book does a great job of being non denominational, sensitive, and simple. My only criticism is that it sorta makes all of it sound like a big game of let's pretend--and certainly some people will agree with THAT, but I can see how this might be inflammatory to the serious practitioners of Christianity. It's also a little on the long side for my kid, but it was helpful for exploring the conversation with him.
July 12, 2020
For kids who wonder
I liked this book for kids because it presents an understandable answer to a question everyone probably has at some time and shows the universal aspects of religions.
I liked this book for kids because it presents an understandable answer to a question everyone probably has at some time and shows the universal aspects of religions.
March 27, 2022
So much in/to this book to read and consider and share. No wonder I picked it up nearly 30 years ago while teaching Sunday school. Now the question is, at which little library shall I leave it for the next reader?
November 26, 2022
The complexity yet innocence found within a children's book will always amaze me. This read was quick and easy, but utterly powerful at the same time. I love reading to my children, especially when it's something meaningful and worthwhile.
December 16, 2022
Just discovered this book & am truly impressed with the approach to the topic. The author takes the time to explain past beliefs as well as the variety of modern religious philosophies in a manner that is readily understandable and that provides great fodder for discussion.
February 28, 2020
wow, please know this is a more wordie book, one that ur kid must enjoy listening or at least able to know the wordage. i enjoy it ... big kid in me. lol!! so fun. great illustrations. so well done.
May 21, 2021
This book is a MUST READ for EVERYONE! My 7yr old struggles with the concept of God and religions and this helped so much! It’s written beautifully and respectfully to all
December 25, 2024
I thought this book was an excellent religion introduction for children.
Read
January 16, 2025literally only added this to read because we read it in class today and it adds to my goal because I actually want to meet my very sad goal this year
Read
October 10, 2025Good introduction into religion. I would only use certain parts of the books at a time and explain the concepts to the children.
November 16, 2012
This is a great book to launch a discussion with your child about God if you are not already a part of a dogmatic religion with which you agree.
As I read it again, I realize it never really says what God is, per se... Just describes a lot of feelings about God. It is non-judgmental and open-minded in its approach. The bottom line of the whole thing is if we can all love and feel connected, then maybe we can start to feel the answer of 'what is God.'
If you're interested in more non-dogmatic, diverse religious books that are good to read to children, also see my review of "Sacred Stories: Wisdom from World Religions" by Marilyn McFarlane.
Here are some excerpts from the book that I think are pretty good (it's long for a kid's book):
"Maybe we can't really talk about God
Because maybe we can't see God
Or maybe we can't hear God
Or even taste of smell or touch God!
Maybe we can only feel God
Like we can feel love
Or like we can feel happy or sad."
"Maybe God is what you feel
When you see a million stars at night
And you feel very small looking up at them."
"Sometimes this God is a nice old man
But sometimes this God is an angry old man
And some people think that if we are not good,
This God will be angry with us.
Next time you fly in an airplane,
Look out the window at the clouds.
But you won't see that God there,
Because no one has ever seen that God!"
"A religion is a belief held by a group of people
Who all understand God in the same way,
Usually as one teacher taught them about God.
People of the Christian religion
Understand God as the teacher Jesus Christ
Taught them about Got.
People of the Jewish religion
Understand God as the teacher Moses
Taught them about God.
People of the Muslim religion
Understand God as the teacher Mohammed
Taught them about God.
People of the Buddhist religion
Understand God as the teacher Buddha
Taught them about God."
"And sometimes, people of one religion start fights
With people of another religion
Because they don't understand that
Most religions are almost the same!"
"Most religions say that you should not lie,
Most religions say that you should not steal,
Most religions say you should not hurt people.
There are many ways all religions are the same."
"But wait!
We have only talked about the big religions.
There are many people who believe
That there are many Gods,
Not just one God."
"Yes! God is everything great and small!
God is everything far away and near!
God is everything bright and dark!
And God is everything in between!
If everything is God,
God is the last leaf on a tree,
If everything is God,
God is an elephant crashing through the jungle."
"If everything is God,
Then I am God,
You are God,
All of us are God!"
"So when we pray to God,
When people of all religions pray to God,
We are really praying for that feeling,
The feeling which connects all of us.
When we pray to God,
We are praying for that feeling of love
To come to us and to everybody we know,
Maybe even to all those people we don't know.
So that we can all be happy together, or apart."
As I read it again, I realize it never really says what God is, per se... Just describes a lot of feelings about God. It is non-judgmental and open-minded in its approach. The bottom line of the whole thing is if we can all love and feel connected, then maybe we can start to feel the answer of 'what is God.'
If you're interested in more non-dogmatic, diverse religious books that are good to read to children, also see my review of "Sacred Stories: Wisdom from World Religions" by Marilyn McFarlane.
Here are some excerpts from the book that I think are pretty good (it's long for a kid's book):
"Maybe we can't really talk about God
Because maybe we can't see God
Or maybe we can't hear God
Or even taste of smell or touch God!
Maybe we can only feel God
Like we can feel love
Or like we can feel happy or sad."
"Maybe God is what you feel
When you see a million stars at night
And you feel very small looking up at them."
"Sometimes this God is a nice old man
But sometimes this God is an angry old man
And some people think that if we are not good,
This God will be angry with us.
Next time you fly in an airplane,
Look out the window at the clouds.
But you won't see that God there,
Because no one has ever seen that God!"
"A religion is a belief held by a group of people
Who all understand God in the same way,
Usually as one teacher taught them about God.
People of the Christian religion
Understand God as the teacher Jesus Christ
Taught them about Got.
People of the Jewish religion
Understand God as the teacher Moses
Taught them about God.
People of the Muslim religion
Understand God as the teacher Mohammed
Taught them about God.
People of the Buddhist religion
Understand God as the teacher Buddha
Taught them about God."
"And sometimes, people of one religion start fights
With people of another religion
Because they don't understand that
Most religions are almost the same!"
"Most religions say that you should not lie,
Most religions say that you should not steal,
Most religions say you should not hurt people.
There are many ways all religions are the same."
"But wait!
We have only talked about the big religions.
There are many people who believe
That there are many Gods,
Not just one God."
"Yes! God is everything great and small!
God is everything far away and near!
God is everything bright and dark!
And God is everything in between!
If everything is God,
God is the last leaf on a tree,
If everything is God,
God is an elephant crashing through the jungle."
"If everything is God,
Then I am God,
You are God,
All of us are God!"
"So when we pray to God,
When people of all religions pray to God,
We are really praying for that feeling,
The feeling which connects all of us.
When we pray to God,
We are praying for that feeling of love
To come to us and to everybody we know,
Maybe even to all those people we don't know.
So that we can all be happy together, or apart."
April 30, 2012
Etan Boritzer attempts a very hard task. He tries to explain the What is God?, and to give children a sense of connection to other faith traditions. This is a good goal. In a world where our children are asking tough questions about other faiths and what they believe, this book provides a good beginning. The text itself admits this is "a very, very big question."
Boritzer addresses the major faiths by celebrating their similarities. He also discusses experiences of God, explaining well, that a relationship with God is more experiential than concrete. He also touches on the sacred writings and leaders of major world faiths. The page that recognizes atheism and religious suppression is well done.
These are very good efforts, but the attempt falls short of the goal. The picture book format, colorful illustrations, and vocabulary would give the impression that this book is designed for primary grade children. This group would be confused by the phrasing and ideas expressed in the book. The age that would most benefit from this book, 9-12 year olds, would not pick it up because it looks "too babyish."
The biggest problem comes with the lines:
If everything is God,
Then I am God,
You are God,
All of us are God!
This is contrary to the beliefs of the three major faith traditions, Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. The insertion of this pantheistic belief impedes the beneficial aspects of the book. If you are a family that wishes to introduce metaphysical thought to your children this might be the book for you. If you are an adherent to a mainstream branch of Christianity you may not like this book.
If I were to use this book with children I would take the book apart and use the pages independently to spark thought and discussion with older students. A "heretical" thought for a librarian, but more beneficial than handing this book to a student without guidance.
Boritzer addresses the major faiths by celebrating their similarities. He also discusses experiences of God, explaining well, that a relationship with God is more experiential than concrete. He also touches on the sacred writings and leaders of major world faiths. The page that recognizes atheism and religious suppression is well done.
These are very good efforts, but the attempt falls short of the goal. The picture book format, colorful illustrations, and vocabulary would give the impression that this book is designed for primary grade children. This group would be confused by the phrasing and ideas expressed in the book. The age that would most benefit from this book, 9-12 year olds, would not pick it up because it looks "too babyish."
The biggest problem comes with the lines:
If everything is God,
Then I am God,
You are God,
All of us are God!
This is contrary to the beliefs of the three major faith traditions, Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. The insertion of this pantheistic belief impedes the beneficial aspects of the book. If you are a family that wishes to introduce metaphysical thought to your children this might be the book for you. If you are an adherent to a mainstream branch of Christianity you may not like this book.
If I were to use this book with children I would take the book apart and use the pages independently to spark thought and discussion with older students. A "heretical" thought for a librarian, but more beneficial than handing this book to a student without guidance.
September 4, 2010
The author show that there are many different undrstandings of God. He exlians that some people think that there are teachers who have come from many places in the world, talking in different languages about the question, "What is God?" He goes on to explain that a religion is a belief held by a group of peopel who all understand God in the same way, usually as one teacher taught them. Finally, he explains the various holy books and his conclusion is that sometimes people from different religions fight but that is because "they don't understand that most religions are almost the same!" Of course that statement is open for debate, therefore this book should only be shared with kids old enough to do some of their own critical thinking. Probably the most inaccurate conclusion is the authors statement, "If eveything is God, then I am God, You are God, All of us are God! There are many believers who would definitely disagree.
February 11, 2016
I strongly disliked the illustrations, which are goofy-looking and out of place in a book on a serious subject. I disliked that while the text seemingly presents religions neutrally, it fails to acknowledge that some people don't believe in God at all; to the contrary, it presents the existence of God as a fact. I also agree with some of the reviews here that the book misrepresents major religions in a number of ways, for instance, that it presents Jesus as merely a teacher to whom Christians look for guidance rather than part of the trinity. It irritates me that the author presents one way of thinking about God as though it is the only way --- that might be fine in an adult book presenting a religious philosophy but not in a children's book that purports to teach about the concept of God.
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September 5, 2016What is God? is the first book to be read as part of this text set. It provides an overarching introduction to the idea of religion for 2nd - 4th grade children. It could be followed with a whole class discussion on what purpose religious serves for people in general and how societies have crafted religions to fit their environments. Also, the book provides an excellent introduction to world religions as a whole and zooms in on those that are commonly practiced. This book serves as a unit launch/ overview preparing students to study those religions more in-depth. Charts should be made documenting what students initial reaction's to religion are as well as ground rules should be set teaching the children cultural sensitivity.
May 30, 2008
This is a nice book for addressing the role of God in our society. Much like post-modern cultural theory, the book does not give an easy answer, but it helps to get one thinking. The book is aimed at children, and as someone who is disillusioned with religion, I feel it will be a good tool to use to deal with faith when I have children old enough to wonder.
My one gripe on this book is that most of the people drawn in the book are white. The book eludes to all kinds of people believing in God, but barely represents all kinds of people visually- which I think is important, especially with young readers.
My one gripe on this book is that most of the people drawn in the book are white. The book eludes to all kinds of people believing in God, but barely represents all kinds of people visually- which I think is important, especially with young readers.
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August 23, 2010The author attempts to synthesize the many concepts of God, as perceived by different people and religions around the world. If I shared this book with children, I would be sure to identify which parts of the book are "facts" and which parts are "opinions" or personal beliefs. When a child starts to ask about the conflicting opinions and beliefs about God, it would be a good time to read this book. A great discussion is sure to ensue. I don't agree with all the content, but I'd read this book to my children because I do think that differences in beliefs should be explored, not ignored or squelched.
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