If God Were a Space Alien

by James Hamilton

This short book presents a variety of thought experiments designed to expose people to some rational ways of thinking about their god or gods. An attempt to distinguish a visit from god from a visit by space aliens is just a light-hearted introduction to more serious material. The underlying theme is that whatever way you have of knowing about god is evidence, and can be explored as such.

Genres: Religion

Nook

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

There are several authors on Goodreads with this name. This is James^^^Hamilton.

Reviews

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really quite enjoyed this e-book.

Being an atheist myself, I find it a bit difficult to talk about religion with those who "believe". They either look at you like you're insane/have some contagious disease, or they're "praying" for your salvation. What you really want to say is, "I don't need your prayers. I'll be just fine, thank you very much."

I think Hamilton made some excellent points in this book.

What if God were a space alien? Has anyone LIVING actually ever truly seen God? No. So how do you know what God looks like? If God knocked on your door today, would you recognize him/her?

One woman I know who is now a minister used to say all the time, "God is good". Here's the thing about that statement, how do you know that God is good? She might have been "blessed" with positive things in her life, but others certainly weren't. The one thing that I find ridiculous about "believers" is that they're more than willing to give credit to God for all the good things that happen in life. But, at the first since of something bad, they immediately declare that it wasn't God's doing. It was the Devil/Satan. How can that be so if you believe that God is in charge of everything in life?

If God is so great and God is in charge of everything in life, why does God allow the most unspeakable and horrific things to happen?

I guess my point is, everyone can choose to believe what they want. I, myself, choose to believe in nothing. I still like to read about it.

[Tex · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love it when there is an argument that uses logic to discuss religion. It often happens with those who are believers in god, but I hadn't seen one from the "other side". A small book with loads of comical arguments that have a huge feeling of truth to them.

[Kimberly · Rating 2 out of 5]

-Some interesting arguments about the presentation and portrayal of God
-thought provoking
-lack of substantial evidence and academic reference (though it is self-acknolwedged by the author in the very beginning of the book...it sort of feels like the entire argument is structured upon Wikipedia research)
-random facts and vague generalizations (knowledge not fully absorbed?)
-gets repetivie towards the end
-lack of religious knowledge and information: mostly centred around Christianity, no further explorations of other religions
-loses its persuasive power towards the end
-too much self-addressing going on
-chaotic focus

[Sue · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some pretty specious logic. "Well we all know that x is y, so therefore y has to be z" etc. A few interesting ideas. I'm a Christian, but I'm a big enough Christian to be able to read criticisms with an open mind. This one just didn't impress. It was a free Nook book, so I'm only out my time.

[Vivian Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing. Very well articulated. Genius book. Recommend to everyone!!! Open your eyes!