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What God Wants: A Compelling Answer to Humanity's Biggest Question
The biggest danger in the world today is not the asking of questions, but the assumption that we have all the answers.
WHAT GOD WANTS
This book, from the author of the phenomenal New York Times bestseller Conversations with God, is dangerous. Why? Because it explores with startling freshness the most important question you could ever ask -- and offers with breathtaking courage the most extraordinary answer you could ever imagine.
That answer is so theologically revolutionary and spiritually empowering that it could change the course of human history. If embraced, it most certainly will change your life.
There are people and institutions in the world, long in place and long in power, that want neither of these outcomes to occur. They would rather that you put this book down right now.
When was the last time you read a dangerous book?
WHAT GOD WANTS
This book, from the author of the phenomenal New York Times bestseller Conversations with God, is dangerous. Why? Because it explores with startling freshness the most important question you could ever ask -- and offers with breathtaking courage the most extraordinary answer you could ever imagine.
That answer is so theologically revolutionary and spiritually empowering that it could change the course of human history. If embraced, it most certainly will change your life.
There are people and institutions in the world, long in place and long in power, that want neither of these outcomes to occur. They would rather that you put this book down right now.
When was the last time you read a dangerous book?
240 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
62 people are currently reading
386 people want to read
About the author
Neale Donald Walsch
274 books1,883 followersNeale Donald Walsch is a modern day spiritual messenger whose words continue to touch the world in profound ways. With an early interest in religion and a deeply felt connection to spirituality, Neale spent the majority of his life thriving professionally, yet searching for spiritual meaning before beginning his now famous conversation with God. His With God series of books has been translated into 34 languages, touching millions of lives and inspiring important changes in their day-to-day lives.
In addition to authoring the renowned With God series, Neale has published 16 other works, as well as a number of video and audio programs. Available throughout the world, each of the CwG dialogue books has made the New York Times Bestseller list, Conversations with God-Book 1 occupying that list for over two and half years.
The With God Series has redefined God and shifted spiritual paradigms around the globe. In order to deal with the enormous response to his writings, Neale created the Conversations with God Foundation, a non-profit educational organization dedicated to inspiring the world to help itself move from violence to peace, from confusion to clarity, and from anger to love.
Neale's work has taken him from the steps of Macchu Picchu in Peru to the steps of the Shinto shrines of Japan, from Red Square in Moscow to St. Peters Square in Vatican City to Tiananmen Square in China. And everywhere he has gone-from South Africa to Norway, Croatia to The Netherlands, the streets of Zurich to the streets of Seoul, Neale has found a hunger among the people to find a new way to live, at last, in peace and harmony, and he has sought to bring people a new understanding of life and of God which would allow them to experience that."
In addition to authoring the renowned With God series, Neale has published 16 other works, as well as a number of video and audio programs. Available throughout the world, each of the CwG dialogue books has made the New York Times Bestseller list, Conversations with God-Book 1 occupying that list for over two and half years.
The With God Series has redefined God and shifted spiritual paradigms around the globe. In order to deal with the enormous response to his writings, Neale created the Conversations with God Foundation, a non-profit educational organization dedicated to inspiring the world to help itself move from violence to peace, from confusion to clarity, and from anger to love.
Neale's work has taken him from the steps of Macchu Picchu in Peru to the steps of the Shinto shrines of Japan, from Red Square in Moscow to St. Peters Square in Vatican City to Tiananmen Square in China. And everywhere he has gone-from South Africa to Norway, Croatia to The Netherlands, the streets of Zurich to the streets of Seoul, Neale has found a hunger among the people to find a new way to live, at last, in peace and harmony, and he has sought to bring people a new understanding of life and of God which would allow them to experience that."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
July 11, 2011
An incredibly biased book proclaiming that God wants nothing. It babbled far too much, repeated same points time and time again "for effect" and preached the one point of view that it wanted. It was neither a Christian, nor Jewish, nor a Muslim viewpoint but a writers own and that rather disappointed me. It criticised all religions but preached its own "New Spirituality" movement. It's a miracle I finished reading this book at all.
June 6, 2008
I enjoy all of Walsch's books; I think they really speak the wisdom of today's God -- one that is applicable to today's unique needs, moving beyond our preocupation with mythic formulas and rigid boundaries.
But this small book -- much smaller than Walsch's other works -- is extraordinary. It's concise and cogent, often hitting straight at the heart of things that people have often believed about God...and (according to "Walsch's God") erroneously, at that.
Not for the un-ready mind, but in my opinion a very powerful read!
But this small book -- much smaller than Walsch's other works -- is extraordinary. It's concise and cogent, often hitting straight at the heart of things that people have often believed about God...and (according to "Walsch's God") erroneously, at that.
Not for the un-ready mind, but in my opinion a very powerful read!
May 15, 2010
I think in my case he's kinda preaching to the choir. I get it, I get the value of the question. I'm just not excited by it. Probably cause the question isn't a new one to me, nor is his proposed answer.
I disagree with some of his statements about the state of the world. He does what seems to me a bit of catastrophizing in order to make the point that change is needed. Which I find a bit repellent. Maybe he believes it but I don't find that angle motivating.
So I enjoyed his thoughts on the question and the exploration of what's possible.
Was a bit annoyed at the doomy bits.
It felt to me a bit like listening to a friend, getting a vision of what's on his mind. I enjoyed that.
I disagree with some of his statements about the state of the world. He does what seems to me a bit of catastrophizing in order to make the point that change is needed. Which I find a bit repellent. Maybe he believes it but I don't find that angle motivating.
So I enjoyed his thoughts on the question and the exploration of what's possible.
Was a bit annoyed at the doomy bits.
It felt to me a bit like listening to a friend, getting a vision of what's on his mind. I enjoyed that.
August 3, 2018
I have always been a spiritual junkie. Usually in the morning I love to ponder on spiritual and self help books. .
This book answers many questions on God, humanity and religion. At times I did find it very repetitive and biased proclaiming that God wants nothing. Apart from that this book is written well in easy and understandable language. The main point that the author emphasises here is that our experiences on the earth, in any way we choose to act and experience it, is all that we need to do and not worry about the rest.
This book answers many questions on God, humanity and religion. At times I did find it very repetitive and biased proclaiming that God wants nothing. Apart from that this book is written well in easy and understandable language. The main point that the author emphasises here is that our experiences on the earth, in any way we choose to act and experience it, is all that we need to do and not worry about the rest.
September 11, 2013
It started off really well for me....addressed the issues that I have been pondering with over the yrs...but then it lost its momntum half way through...it just got really repeptitive...half the book doesnt have to be there...if he had kept it to the point it would of been great...I found myself skim reading after half way through. Look forward to discussing it at Book club....lets see how the others found it..
August 31, 2012
A humanist manifesto written in an irritatingly vague manner. Walsch calls for a New Spirituality, which he claims is compatible with an expansive view of religion. However, his recaps and summaries of the beliefs of others is largely insulting. The best part of the book is the last section about the power of positive thinking.
November 22, 2008
This book found me at Barnes and Noble. I am a spiritual junkie lately. I am slowly reading the concepts of this book. Being raised Christian, it was difficult at first to get past the initial question, what God wants. But, with an open mind its getting easier to disgest.
March 12, 2012
A good spiritual book.
August 19, 2020
"Words are the least reliable form of communication. As the search for higher meaning advances, words do their best job by falling away"
As mentioned above (by Neale Donald Walsch), articulation becomes increasingly difficult relative to how esoteric the subject matter. Given the extremely profound sentiments found in this book, I know my capacity to elucidate upon them is inherantly limited. That is okay though, for what I will say is that I believe everyone who has grown up sailing on the religious boat now boarding its spiritual (but distinctly non-religious) counterpart due to seasickness should read What God Wants: A Compelling Answer to Humanity's Biggest Question.
This is also especially true for those who are undergoing their own respective awakenings or have ever questioned the nature of God. It is a conveniently presented means of gaining more perspective in regards to religions, their adherants, where they're coming from and most importantly, the direction towards which we are inevitably bound. Why does a distinction between religious and spiritual have to exist? Weren't they synonymous with one another not too long ago? Why do they feel somewhat displaced and disengaged from each other in modern times?
An incredible point I deeply resonated with was that while distinctions in reality exist, seperation is completely and utterly illusory. Much like individual puzzle pieces that ultimately form a greater puzzle (perhaps it would be better to think of it first, as the fundamental puzzle that fragments into subsequent pieces). This is the nature of the world we live in, of God. The cause of humanity's frustrations and seemingly unsolvable detriment is a mere reflection of ignorance to this underlying metaphysical Truth.
While I was already conscious of the spiritual notions presented, I still very much enjoyed the reading process. I resonate with Walsch's message very much, for once you awaken to these Truths it's practically impossible not to. That's the point! It is the Truth after all. That's why the sentiments expressed are so darn profound. As advertised, its contents are also dangerous. Dangerous, but also exciting and ultimately empowering and revolutionary (albeit not new, just to clarify).
Five stars! *****
As mentioned above (by Neale Donald Walsch), articulation becomes increasingly difficult relative to how esoteric the subject matter. Given the extremely profound sentiments found in this book, I know my capacity to elucidate upon them is inherantly limited. That is okay though, for what I will say is that I believe everyone who has grown up sailing on the religious boat now boarding its spiritual (but distinctly non-religious) counterpart due to seasickness should read What God Wants: A Compelling Answer to Humanity's Biggest Question.
This is also especially true for those who are undergoing their own respective awakenings or have ever questioned the nature of God. It is a conveniently presented means of gaining more perspective in regards to religions, their adherants, where they're coming from and most importantly, the direction towards which we are inevitably bound. Why does a distinction between religious and spiritual have to exist? Weren't they synonymous with one another not too long ago? Why do they feel somewhat displaced and disengaged from each other in modern times?
An incredible point I deeply resonated with was that while distinctions in reality exist, seperation is completely and utterly illusory. Much like individual puzzle pieces that ultimately form a greater puzzle (perhaps it would be better to think of it first, as the fundamental puzzle that fragments into subsequent pieces). This is the nature of the world we live in, of God. The cause of humanity's frustrations and seemingly unsolvable detriment is a mere reflection of ignorance to this underlying metaphysical Truth.
While I was already conscious of the spiritual notions presented, I still very much enjoyed the reading process. I resonate with Walsch's message very much, for once you awaken to these Truths it's practically impossible not to. That's the point! It is the Truth after all. That's why the sentiments expressed are so darn profound. As advertised, its contents are also dangerous. Dangerous, but also exciting and ultimately empowering and revolutionary (albeit not new, just to clarify).
Great change comes not through the introduction of new ideas, but their inevitable acceptance and installation; this book is a step in the right direction, towards just that.
Five stars! *****
January 1, 2023
Idea to take away nr. 1.
"Creating and maintaining a worldwide society in which exploitation, oppression, and injustice are commonplace is a form of violence."
in a capitalist rich society ,ignoring suffering is as much a form of violence as inducing it. leaving hypocrisy of rich countries aside, do not making a choice is still making a choice to be part of this violence against our less fortunate brothers. We are one. there's only this illusion of separation.
Idea to take away nr.2.
"You are free to call forth any reality that you wish. And the fastest way to call anything forth is to give it to another. You cannot give to another something that you do not have, but here's the paradox that only if you start giving ,emulating it you receive it. giving is receiving.
If it’s true that the fastest way to experience that you have something is to give it away, then if you want to experience having something, you’ll immediately cause another to experience having it. This works with everything in life, not just money.If you want to experience that you have power, cause another to experience that they have power. If you want to experience compassion in your life, cause another to experience compassion in theirs
If you want more humor in your life, bring more humor to the life of another. Try it with anything! Try it with everything! It works.This teaching can be summed up in three words: BE the source."
"Creating and maintaining a worldwide society in which exploitation, oppression, and injustice are commonplace is a form of violence."
in a capitalist rich society ,ignoring suffering is as much a form of violence as inducing it. leaving hypocrisy of rich countries aside, do not making a choice is still making a choice to be part of this violence against our less fortunate brothers. We are one. there's only this illusion of separation.
Idea to take away nr.2.
"You are free to call forth any reality that you wish. And the fastest way to call anything forth is to give it to another. You cannot give to another something that you do not have, but here's the paradox that only if you start giving ,emulating it you receive it. giving is receiving.
If it’s true that the fastest way to experience that you have something is to give it away, then if you want to experience having something, you’ll immediately cause another to experience having it. This works with everything in life, not just money.If you want to experience that you have power, cause another to experience that they have power. If you want to experience compassion in your life, cause another to experience compassion in theirs
If you want more humor in your life, bring more humor to the life of another. Try it with anything! Try it with everything! It works.This teaching can be summed up in three words: BE the source."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2018
My mom recommended I read this book knowing I distrust organised religion and I really liked the first half where Walsch goes through everything wrong with religion and how humanity perceives God and theology. However, the second half, discussing New Spirituality, didn’t exactly resonate with me even though I understand Walsch’s point of view here. Generally a good read albeit slightly repetitive!
March 14, 2019
Lo mejor
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2021
WOW
Finally a book that makes sense of why our worlds so insane. Spirituality’s message of peace and love is just what this world needs.
Finally a book that makes sense of why our worlds so insane. Spirituality’s message of peace and love is just what this world needs.
July 3, 2022
His philosophy makes perfect sense to me--More so than fundamental evangelical church community I was raised.
May 15, 2024
Este o carte bună, care iti prezintă un nou mod de a vedea viața si ce înseamnă Dumnezeu. Este scurtă, se citește ușor si poate fii o sursă de inspirație pentru a trăi o viață cu sens.
March 2, 2025
The true is revealed, God wants nothing!
January 9, 2023
I enjoyed reading this book. Even if I was aware of the spiritual notions Neale Donald Walsch presented, I liked the simple answers and explanations he uses for the conflicting and confusing problems.
Therefore, I love the examples Neale Donald Walsch uses to make clear the final answer.
He highlights that "emotions are energy, and energy is the material from which life is made. (…) Everything is a vibration.” Even fear is a vibration.
However, does God make 4000 children die of hunger every hour? Did God create money and a world where the income of 225 people is equal to the income of three billion poor people (half of the world's population)?
Only a selfish god would approve of those, adding fear, lack of freedom, corruption, punishment and killing in his name as being acceptable and even necessary. Yet, we make the world through our thoughts, feelings and deeds.
We are created in the image of God, and he is love. Then,
"You and love are the same" Yet, we decide what world we want to live in.
In conclusion, What does God want?
"Nothing, because God has, and all he could give is love."
Quotes I love:
"In this day and age, freedom is abolished in the very name of Freedom."
"Most of the corruption in the world does not come from what people do, but from what they do not do. Doing nothing means doing everything. Saying nothing is saying yes."
"society's values discourage noble actions and encourage worthlessness and illegality. The motto of mankind is: the higher the goal, the smaller the reward."
"Sometimes people think they have to live the way they do because they have no other alternative." But people have a choice in the life they create, and "they have a choice in how they live their lives now."
"love and fear are the only feelings that exist. Life brings you a whole series of opportunities to choose between the two.”
I LOVE the book!
Therefore, I love the examples Neale Donald Walsch uses to make clear the final answer.
He highlights that "emotions are energy, and energy is the material from which life is made. (…) Everything is a vibration.” Even fear is a vibration.
However, does God make 4000 children die of hunger every hour? Did God create money and a world where the income of 225 people is equal to the income of three billion poor people (half of the world's population)?
Only a selfish god would approve of those, adding fear, lack of freedom, corruption, punishment and killing in his name as being acceptable and even necessary. Yet, we make the world through our thoughts, feelings and deeds.
We are created in the image of God, and he is love. Then,
"You and love are the same" Yet, we decide what world we want to live in.
In conclusion, What does God want?
"Nothing, because God has, and all he could give is love."
Quotes I love:
"In this day and age, freedom is abolished in the very name of Freedom."
"Most of the corruption in the world does not come from what people do, but from what they do not do. Doing nothing means doing everything. Saying nothing is saying yes."
"society's values discourage noble actions and encourage worthlessness and illegality. The motto of mankind is: the higher the goal, the smaller the reward."
"Sometimes people think they have to live the way they do because they have no other alternative." But people have a choice in the life they create, and "they have a choice in how they live their lives now."
"love and fear are the only feelings that exist. Life brings you a whole series of opportunities to choose between the two.”
I LOVE the book!
July 3, 2013
== A god without expectations ==
I read most of NDW’s books from the beginning of his CWG phenomena. I then found HIS GOD provocative, funny and occasionally wise. But Neale doesn’t seem to be listening to HIS GOD much in this book. Instead he is having undisciplined conversations with himself and he is fed up, annoyed and angry. He comes across as biased, judgmental, rambling and incoherent. He leads the reader on to believe that he has something dangerous, new and astounding to tell us, but isn’t he mostly serving us warmed up leftovers from his previous books? So I think this book is a waste of time and money. The only good thing about it is its size. It fits comfortably in the hand and it doesn’t require any strength at all to support it and flip the pages! Despite that, after 140 pages I couldn’t justify finishing it. A good editor would have reduced the length of this book from 233 pages to 33—or less. Sorry, Neale.
Most of us already know what is wrong with this world and many of us have frequent conversations of our own with OUR GOD. And, it can be inspirational to read what others have to share about the God-thing and I have benefited from it countless of times. But I could not get inspired by this book; MY GOD and NEALE’S GOD didn’t have much of a rapport any more. Could that be because THEY had no expectations of each other and nothing to talk about?
I read most of NDW’s books from the beginning of his CWG phenomena. I then found HIS GOD provocative, funny and occasionally wise. But Neale doesn’t seem to be listening to HIS GOD much in this book. Instead he is having undisciplined conversations with himself and he is fed up, annoyed and angry. He comes across as biased, judgmental, rambling and incoherent. He leads the reader on to believe that he has something dangerous, new and astounding to tell us, but isn’t he mostly serving us warmed up leftovers from his previous books? So I think this book is a waste of time and money. The only good thing about it is its size. It fits comfortably in the hand and it doesn’t require any strength at all to support it and flip the pages! Despite that, after 140 pages I couldn’t justify finishing it. A good editor would have reduced the length of this book from 233 pages to 33—or less. Sorry, Neale.
Most of us already know what is wrong with this world and many of us have frequent conversations of our own with OUR GOD. And, it can be inspirational to read what others have to share about the God-thing and I have benefited from it countless of times. But I could not get inspired by this book; MY GOD and NEALE’S GOD didn’t have much of a rapport any more. Could that be because THEY had no expectations of each other and nothing to talk about?
January 12, 2009
Same idea, presented in a slightly different way, which is always helpful. I do think Walsch went too far in the beginning describing the problems that our previous ideas of what God wants have caused us. All of that negativity might turn people off of the book before they even get to the important message he is trying to share. It seemed more like he was letting off steam before making his point rather than approaching the subject with purpose, which I thought was counterproductive. After that, however, I thought he made his point simply and well. A quick read that certainly contains some gems of wisdom. 1 star for the first section. 4 stars after that.
September 20, 2013
this book was selected by my reading club & i have to admit that my immediate thoughts on the title was that it would be full of religous text & quotes from the bible, but im pleased to say it wasnt..personally id like to see it re-named 'what the universe wants'..quite an interesting read although a bit repetative in parts..a lot of the ideas weren't new to me but its got me interested in other books by this author..best line in the book for me - 'be the change you wish to see in the world' - ghandi..something we should all remember..
July 28, 2010
LOVING this book. I love how Walsch has set up this book in small, easy-to-digest chapters and sections. The basic premise is Walsch's take on what we've been told about 'What God Wants' and how that's affected every aspect of our lives - including our viewpoints on marriage, free will, the scriptures, etc... He then puts forth his idea of 'What God Wants' and how that changes all those viewpoints dramatically. Challenging, but resonating with me in a huge way!
July 29, 2013
This book was VERY repetitive at times, and sometimes somewhat dry, however I enjoyed reading it because it took an outside look at the principles that many Christians are taught as "right" and "wrong" in life and challenging the logic behind them. It was very reasonable and interesting and though I am sure many literal-minded Christians would hate it I thought it made some extremely valid points.
June 2, 2013
What God Wants is a good read, as it is one of the books that is a mind-changer to those who are still unaware of how religion currently operates. I think a book could be about 1/3 of it's current side, should it go straight to the point without unnecessary repetition and emphasis. The core of the book is towards the end. The reader has to be patient with too many words to reach it.
July 13, 2013
While I can't say that I agree with every little thing the author says in this book, I liked his general point and presentation. It did get me thinking quite a lot about how we view one another and our purpose in this world, and sparked many conversations with my husband and friends…. and after all, isn't that the point?!
May 13, 2014
A good perspective for those, like me, who kept thinking there was a way to do things better. That I had to somehow purify myself in order to be "doing the right thing." The main point here is that our experience here, any way we choose to act and experience it, is all that we need to do. It calls modern religion to task regarding the ways we can disappoint or offend god. Well worth the read.
July 31, 2014
One God for all. God is all.
Definitely not about atheism.
I thought this was a very interesting book to read. It opened my mind to another way of thinking about the world's religions. New insights about God. It will definitely help me understand life a little better.
I recommend this book to anyone who is open minded and interested in God.
Definitely not about atheism.
I thought this was a very interesting book to read. It opened my mind to another way of thinking about the world's religions. New insights about God. It will definitely help me understand life a little better.
I recommend this book to anyone who is open minded and interested in God.
February 24, 2008
Neale Donald Walsch is likely one of my four or five most read authors. This is the simple book that claims to be dangerous. Are you ready to read it?
Think I have read enough of his book that new ideas pronounced just don't hit me like they used to.
Think I have read enough of his book that new ideas pronounced just don't hit me like they used to.
December 5, 2014
Great read! I recommend it to everyone who like to think and question whichever religion you are coming from.
This book is a great question and a wonderful reflection on our society and the choices we are making.
This book is a great question and a wonderful reflection on our society and the choices we are making.
August 23, 2018
A little repetitive at times but that, I believe, is to consolidate the points the author is trying to make. But very good in general. I'd been discussing all things stated in this book since the past few years with my friends so I really enjoyed reading it.
July 9, 2011
Interestingly written but there really isn't much new in the book so far. Worth my time irregardless.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews