The Enoch Factor: The Sacred Art of Knowing God

by Steve McSwain

Never before has this country-indeed this world-faced such a need for a book that unites people, a book that reassures those disillusioned by faith that they can navigate their way back to God and even experience a profound spiritual awakening. For author and entrepreneur Steve McSwain, such an epiphany transformed his life. In "The Enoch Factor," readers discover a kindred spirit in an author who understands how religion can subvert a spiritual life. His story will help them navigate their own spiritual journeys. More than a personal odyssey, "The Enoch Factor" is also a testimonial to the innate dangers of fundamentalist thinking. It is a persuasive argument for a more enlightened religious dialogue in America, one that affirms the goals of all religions-guiding followers in self-awareness, finding serenity and happiness, and discovering what the author describes as "the sacred art of knowing God." Unapologetic and moving, McSwain's take on The Almighty is sure to ignite spirited debate. Full of wisdom, humor, and truth, "The Enoch Factor" bridges the gap between secular and Christian book titles on spirituality, setting a new standard in both.

Genres: Spirituality, Religion

250 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2010

Reviews

[Dr. Steve McSwain · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it but would you expect anything else?

[Vally Sharpe · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have been the way or are currently involved in fundamentalist Christian churches and cannot reconcile your own experience with some of the things you are taught, this is a book that may ease some of the discomfort you've felt and allow you to finally begin to heal the gap between the teachings of Jesus and your own experience. Thought-provoking, well-written, and filled with quotes, both known and unfamiliar, which doesn't bother me in the least.

[Craig Bergland · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding book! Because I read a lot of this sort of thing, the first part was largely review for me, but Steve does an excellent job in setting the stage for explaining his awakening - both for those who relate more to a scriptural approach and for those who prefer a broader approach as the book is sprinkled with quotes from a variety of sources. I especially appreciated parts two and three, where the author relates the journey of his awakening. I don't want to spoil it for you, but it is a must read!

And after reading it a second time, it only got better!

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's never taken me so long to read a book. Every momentous paragragh leaves me pausing to reflect on my own journey of awakening. Very thought provoking.

[James R · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's always interesting to me to read books by Christians who are able to look at their faith from a broader perspective than the articles of faith and the dogmatic dictates of fundamentalism. For me there is really nothing new here, but McSwain's passion for his discovery of a Christian faith that unites him with the Divine and living a life actually based on the teachings of Christ is compelling. I'm not sold, however, on his demonization of the ego. I understand his point and to some extent agree, yet I still wonder if the goal of a spiritual life is the elimination of a personal identity. He comes close to expressing a more balanced viewpoint from time to time, but he too often comes back to the Tolle position that the ego is the source of all evil. However that little quibble aside, I find little else here to argue about. The recognition of the real nature of beliefs and the distinction between belief and faith is well presented. I also felt his analysis of the downfall of church-based religion to be well thought out and certainly describes my experience. There is much here for the open-minded person who is a believer in God, but confused about the church, especially the orthodox Christian church, to consider.

[Bill Sawyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow!
Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow!
Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow!
Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow!
One of the best books I have ever read for spiritual growth including the Bible!

[R.J. Blizzard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steve gives us validation and permission to take another look at God and still be orthodox.

[Matt B. · Rating 1 out of 5]

“The Enoch Factor” is a book about what the author calls “the secret art of knowing God”. In the course of the book, however, he deconstructs who and what God is, leaving the reader with simply an understanding of God as a “God-consciousness” or an inner feeling and awareness of something greater. At times the author made some interesting points about Christianity (both good and bad), but effectively negated the references to Scripture by mentioning things like, “I’m free of believing Christianity is the only way to know God” (p. 232).

Since the title of the book is roughly based on a Biblical story, I was under the impression that the author would have held to some nominal Christian beliefs, but the more I read the less I believe this to be the case. If you are interested in a more “spiritual” approach to knowing God, something more akin to either folk religion or traditions outside of the Christian faith that rely more heavily on meditation and maintaining a “God-conscious”, this book may suit your tastes. If you are of the Christian faith and are looking for a book to strengthen your walk with God and enable you to truly know Him more, I would look elsewhere.

[Shelleyc · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that I will return to more than once. I appreciate the thoughtful perspective to step back from theology, dogma, creeds, etc. and simply view the spiritual journey perhaps in its most intrinsic paradigm....the Way versus the Ego. It was a drink of fresh water for this weary sojourner.