Death of a Guru: A Remarkable True Story of one Man's Search for Truth

by Rabi R. Maharaj, Dave Hunt

Rabi R. Maharaj came from a long line of Brahmin priests and gurus and trained as a yogi. He meditated for many hours each day, but gradually disillusionment set in. He describes Hindu life and custom, vividly and honestly tracing his difficult search for meaning and his struggle to choose between Hinduism and Christianity. At a time when Eastern mysticism, religion, and philosophy fascinate many in the West, Maharaj offers fresh and important insights from the perspective of his own experience. “A unique revelation of the inward struggles of a Hindu and the ultimate triumph over death that he discovered. I found it challenging and inspiring. Must reading.”―Hal Lindsey

Genres: Biography, Christian, Nonfiction, Religion, Christianity, Autobiography, India

208 pages, Paperback

First published November 30, 1976

About the author

Maharaj grew up in a Hindu community in Trinidad and Tobago. Trained as a holy yogi, he eventually converted to Christianity. After pre-medical studies in London, he received theological training at London School of Theology and then began charity work. He now lives in California.

"No matter how fulfilling life becomes, there are always certain regrets when one looks back. My deepest sense of loss involves my father. So much has happened since his death. I often wonder what it would be like to share it all with him, and what his reaction would be.

We never shared anything in our lives. Because of vows he had taken before I was born, not once did he ever speak to me or pay me the slightest heed. Just two words from him would have made me unspeakably happy. How I wanted to hear him say, "Rabi. Son." Just once. But he never did.

For eight long years he uttered not a word. The trancelike condition he had achieved is called in the East a state of higher consciousness and can be attained only through deep meditation.

"Why is Father that way?" I would ask my mother, still too young to understand. "He is someone very special -- the greatest man you could have for a father," she would reply. "He is seeking the true Self that lies within us all, the One Being, of which there is no other. And that's what you are too, Rabi."

Father had set an example, achieved wide acclaim, and earned the worship of many, and it was inevitable that upon his death his mantle would fall upon me. I had never imagined, however, that I would still be so young when this fateful day arrived.

When father died I felt I had lost everything. Though I had scarcely known him as my father, he had been my inspiration -- a god -- and now he was dead. [...]

While vacationing at an Aunt's ranch, I had my first real encounter with Jesus. I was walking along enjoying nature one day and was startled by a rustling sound in the underbrush behind me. I turned quickly and, to my horror, saw a large snake coming directly toward me -- its beady eyes staring intently into mine. I felt paralyzed, wanting desperately to run but unable to move.

In that moment of frozen terror, out of the past came my mother's voice, repeating words I had long forgotten: "Rabi, if ever you're in real danger and nothing else seems to work, there's another god you can pray to. His name is Jesus."

"Jesus! Help me!" I tried to yell, but the desperate cry was choked and hardly audible.

To my astonishment, the snake turned around and quickly wriggled off into the underbrush. Breathless and still trembling, I was filled with wondering gratitude to this amazing god, Jesus. Why had my mother not taught me more about him? [...]"

Reviews

[Yakking Yogini · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good biography to read if you want to know about the Hindu culture of India and what it is like to practice Hinduism. This young man has a unique background: the only son of an avatar from the Brahmin caste, he devoted his life to Hinduism, following in his famous father's footsteps. He had reached a point of such spiritual aptitude that he could go into yogic trances through his meditation practice and see psychedelic colors, hear heavenly music, and visit with the deities that he worshipped. All this before the age of 15. During his visitations, he began to feel threatened by the Hindu deities that he worshipped, mainly Shiva. He had weird things happen: one night he felt unseen hands yank him off the bed by his hair. He felt it wasn't a dream as his scalp hurt greatly in the morning. Another time, unseen hands pushed him off a moving truck and he was severely injured. Another time he felt unseen hands hold his foot down while a tire of a truck went over his foot, crushing it. At one point, he became angry with his aunt and picked up a set of weights to strike her on the head. His cousin leaped to stop him and the weights came crashing down. He displayed super-human strength in his moment of rage, but later, when he tried to pick up the weights, he could not lift it at all. Lots of bizarre and frightening events like this marked his life before he became aware of the Christian god, Jesus Christ, and began to examine the two faiths side by side. In further researching this author, it looks like after he became a Christian, he went on to work with Billy Graham, preached at thousands of audiences across the world, and helped drug addicts in Europe. He remains very respectful towards Hinduism and his Indian roots, but he is also very frank and honest about it's occultic foundation.

[Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an absolutely amazing testimony to God's goodness and power! Rabi crafty and intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually stimulating retelling of his life that is both riveting and rewarding—something few books attain. Comparable to "Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus." Relevant insights into both Hinduism and Christianity abound.

[Gregory P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great insight into Hinduism and the contrast with Christianity

I've traveled to India several times but never understood Hinduism until reading this book. An engaging autobiographical account from a zealous Hindu turned zealous Christian.

[Dann Zinke · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thoughtful memoir written by a high-caste Hindu holy-boy who converted to Christianity as a teen (spoiler alert). Particularly interesting to me because of his accounts of Jesus regularly triumphing over demons in the lives of people he meets. Spiritual warfare and freedom from demonic oppression is a daily reality for him, and he relies on Jesus to meet him needs and guide him along.
The beginning of the book is a bit slow, but it picks up in the middle and stays very interesting to the end.

[Cindy Winter-Hartley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A riveting book about how a father's "enlightenment" robbed him of his childhood and made him question all the things he had been told. From the first page, I found myself in shock at the honesty of the author and his journey of faith. "Not once did he ever speak to me or pay me the slightest heed. Just two words from him would have made me unspeakably happy" was the reason I wanted to continue to read this book.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death of a Guru is the autobiography of Rabi Maharaj, a man born into a high caste of Hindu society. The son of a highly respected avatar who had become so entranced in meditation that he lost his ability to communicate with the outside world, Rabi strives to walk in his father’s footsteps. From young childhood, he is extremely religious and devoted to reciting mantras, practicing yoga and meditation, along with other Hindu practices. Having devoted his whole life to his religion and having become great in the eyes of his Hindu community, he does his best to justify the inconsistencies he begins to recognize in his religion and push aside his doubts, but he eventually comes to a breaking point at which he faces the emptiness and darkness of his own heart and his inability to do anything to save himself. Through a series of events, and ultimately by God’s awakening of his heart, he eventually comes to Christ, casting aside everything he had built his life on up to this point. His life is completely transformed, and he spends the rest of his life preaching the gospel to others and teaching others of the demonic influence of Eastern mysticism and its influence in the West as well as the East.

I enjoy good storytelling and learning about other cultures and religions, so this book was a fascinating page turner for me. His writing style is compelling, such that in the parts of the book where he tells of his Hindu life as an 11 year old, you hear his 11 year old perspective. I found the encounters he experienced through meditation and yoga intriguing, as well as his later realization that many addicts and hippies had had similar experiences by use of drugs as he had by way of transcendental meditation and yoga. Both drugs and meditation had led to the same result, leading people to yield control of their minds so that demonic activity was able to operate. In the section about his life post-conversion, his enthusiasm and heart to share the gospel with others was inspiring and convicting to me. This autobiography is remarkably thought provoking, as well as enjoyable to read, and I highly recommend it.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rabi Maharaj's autobiography is a fascinating story of his conversion from Hinduism to Christianity. Growing up a Brahmin, as part of the highest caste, he was privileged but was born into a family that elevated his influence and status even more. Yet he had many questions and doubts about the religious system that he not only had been raised into but was himself teaching to others.

The doubts ran deep and the one true God kept calling him in a number of ways. Perhaps the most powerful part of the book is when he first realizes the power of this God called "Jesus."

The beginning of the book is a bit slow as he recounts his early life in Hinduism, but as he matures and begins to question his faith and begins to understand and know the God of the Bible, the story really takes off.

This is a powerful testimony to the darkness of Hinduism, yoga, and Eastern religion. There are true demons lurking behind these things, and we Christians would do well to heed to experience of Christians coming out of Hinduism.

I highly recommend this book--especially for youth coming to terms with world religions.

[Aurimas Gudas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tai vieno induisto liudijimas kaip jis tapo krikščionimi. Šią knygą jau seniai turėjome pas save namie. Pamenu kaip dar būdamas vaikas turėjau ją rankose ir niekaip nesupratau kas tas guru. Ar tai tas žmogus ant viršelio? Jei jis mirė, tai kas parašė knygą? Nepamenu ar bandžiau knygą skaityti, jei bandžiau, tai turbūt užlūžau dėl daugybės nesuprantamų žodžių iš induizmo (Knygos pabaigoje yra trumpas žodynėlis). O dabar jau skaičiau su pasimėgavimu. Tokių ir panašių knygų labai reikia Lietuvai, nes šioje šalyje jaučiama stipri rytų religijų įtaka. Knyga man priminė apie mokamą kainą už tai, kad esi krikščionis. Autorius buvo stipriai pažengęs induizme ir daugelis žmonių jį laikė dievu, tad apsispręsti tapti krikščionimi jam nebuvo lengva.

[Rachel N · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written by a former Hindu Brahmin, this book is eye opening regarding the Hindu religion and the subtle but powerful influence this worldview is having in the West – through yoga, TM and the like. It is “scary” to see the impact and the deception this mindset is having in our backyards. This book exposes the enemy’s tactics throughout the world. Any person bound for a Hindu nation, short term or long term, will benefit from this work. The author’s conversion experience is awesome and will envision you to pray for the Hindus of this world. There is hope for those blinded by the clutches of Hinduism.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful testimony of one man's journey and conversion from Hinduism to Christianity. I appreciate R. Maharaj's honesty and willingness to go deep in his explanations about Hinduism. Reading this was a pivotal reminder of the serious (and sometimes dark) spiritual power that religion can have. His writing style is not my favorite; the book gets quite "preachy" toward the end, but his story is unique and powerful.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very inspiring testimony and a great reminder of how hopeless Eastern religions such as Hinduism really leave people feeling. I have always believed it is a religion fueled by demonic powers, and this book draws all the connections without coming across as preachy or paranoid. I was particularly interested in the connections with psychedelic drug use and transcendental meditation.

Definitely recommended.

[Mark Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

About the author: Rabi R. Maharaja was descended from a long line of Brahmin priests and gurus and trained as a Yogi. He mediated for many hours each day, but gradually disillusionment set in. He describes vividly and honestly Hindu life and customs, tracing his difficult search for meaning and his struggle to choose between Hinduism and Christ. At a time when Eastern mysticism, religion and philosophy fascinate many in the West, Maharaja offers fresh and important insights from the perspective of his own experience. (copied from the back cover)

This autobiography is a bit dated. I tried to find other works written by Rabi, I found nothing. Even the internet provided little information about Rabi. Besides involvement with a Christian documentary, it appears that this book is all that he has written or accomplished within writing and Christian media. He was born in 1947 which means that he is sixty-nine years old. I could not find a personal website, however, on You Tube and elsewhere you can find videos of his testimony and speaking engagements (not many).

The Death of a Guru is a personal biography about Rabi and his conversion experience from Hinduism to Christianity. He was born into a family of devout Hindus, a very prominent family. Before Rabi’s birth his father (Chandrabhan Ragbir Sharma Mohair) made a vow of asceticism, he did not talk for eight years. Chandrabhan Ragbir Sharma MohairRabi’s spent his hours, days, weeks, and years in deep and disciplined mediatation. The family would have to feed and bathe him. No one minded because they believed that he was a god. They cared for him, with great love, admiration, and devotion. Rabi’s father died when he was five years old and in those five years he never heard his father speak. He never heard I love you, I am proud of you, there was never any show of affection or development of a father and son relationship. This reality hurt Rabi, but he knew that his father was a holy man, a god. It was believed that his father was an avatar (incarnated deity); people from all around would come to worship him. As a result, it was also believed that Rabi would follow in his fathers footsteps to become a great Hindu Yogi. At the funeral Rabi lit the fire that would consume the body of his father.

From an early age Rabi received worship and respect. Many people came to his home to give him offerings and worship him. Everyone knew who he was and they would bow to him as he walked throughout the rural area. He grew to love the worship, and he considered himself a god. He was enamored with himself and became quite upset when he was not revered. He had a terrible temper, and in particular directed his anger and hatred towards his aunt. During meditation he experienced hallucinations of the gods, and became fearful of them, but that did not deter his worship or devotion to Hinduism.

As a teenager, on two different occasions, Rabi experienced great danger, potentially life threatening. He believed that the gods were trying to harm him, and he could not understand why. Meanwhile other Hindus were compromising on Hindu teaching and lacked the devotion that he displayed. He couldn’t understand it, but he remained faithfully devoted. When he faced danger he remembered what his mother told him. If you ever need help and the gods are not answering, there is another, ask Jesus for help. So he did. Almost miraculously he was spared imminent death. He could not understand why Jesus helped him. He did not know who Jesus was. As he continued to grow up and when he became a teenager he remained devoted to Hinduism, synonymously his anger also increased.

It was not long before he was offered a Bible. Soon after he was invited to a church service; he went. The people gasped as they saw who entered the room. It was too hard, too strange to believe. Rabi was so devoted to Hinduism. His devotion was misplaced and he found ultimate freedom in Christ. He embraced Christianity, and as a result of his conversion and change, much of his family also converted. There were some who were disappointed and even angry. After his fathers death Rabi’s mother went to India to attend school. For many years he lived with his aunt. Upon his mothers return, Rabi told his mother how he had become a Christian. She was upset; she did not stay long. She had developed herself and obtained a reputable position in a Hindu temple. For many years Rabi’s decision would be a source of conflict. But after many years, she finally listened to him, and he was able to present her with a Bible.

Rabi left Trinidad and went to London for an education. It was there that he decided to enter into full-time ministry. Hallucinogenic drugs had become popular and he was amazed as he learned that the effects of the drugs were the same as deep meditation. Many times during meditation he experienced hallucinations. He spent some time ministering with Billy Graham. Rabi wanted to return to the East to preach Christ, but Francis Schaefer convinced him to stay in the West and preach to those in bondage to hallucinogenic drugs.

I enjoy reading the testimonies of those who have converted to Christianity from a different religion. I am always amazed at the devotion that they practice. It seems that they truly understand and appreciate the freedom from the bondage of religion. In contrast to many, who are second and third generation Christians. I have also reviewed Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus by Nabeel Quereshi. The next autobiography, conversion testimony that I intend to read and review is I Dared to Call Him Father: The Miraculous Story of a Muslim Woman’s Encounter With God, look for it.

[Georgiana Geo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Este o carte ce are la baza o poveste trista, dar cu informatii noi si utile. Daca esti interesat de acest subiect, clar, cartea este pentru tine.
Rabi R. Maharaj porneste pe urmele tatalui sau in cautarea sinelui. Provine dintr-o familie veche de preoti brahmani. In urma unor "cercetari" in India urmeaza sa fie arestat. Pentru a intelege motivul acestor cercetari si in incercarea de a explica autoritatilor motivul pentru care se afla acolo, Rabi ne duce in trecut prezentandu-ne modul prin care a fost educat si crescut.
Inca de copil a fost antrenat in yoga si meditatie, studiind scrierile sfinte indiene. Prefera sa isi petreaca timpul in rugăciuni misterioase si ritualuri de inchinare la numerosi zei enigmatici decat sa iasa la joaca. Dupa moartea dubioasa a celui mai mare yoghist, tatal sau, decide sa ii ia locul. Astrele, ghicitoarele, vracii, toți fiind de acord cu un lucru, Rabi va ajunge mai departe decat parintele lui.
A implinit cerintele astrologiei si a devenit in felul acesta un pandit hindus. Populatia i se inchina ca lui Dumnezeu si i se depunea la picioare ofrande.
Prea multe dezamagiri si cumpene, lupte interioare ce ducea zi de zi, l-au adus pe tanarul guru in conflict cu cunostitele si trairile sale mistice. Cele mai mari suferinte ale lui fiind moartea modelului sau in viata si plecarea mamei sale lasandu-l rudelor.
Cartea, din exterior poate parea sumbra, dar la interios este destul de draguta, amuzanta pe alocuri. Naivitatea lui de copil, lipsa de experiență, traiul saracacios, multiduninea de intrebari fara raspuns si micile preocupari, dau cartii o imagine diferită si te face sa nu o poti lasa din mână.
Ce se va intampla cu Rabi, ajunge el sa descopere adevaratul sens al vietii?
Clar o carte pe care o recomand. Plusul acesteia, este explicatia tuturor cuvintelor, unele noi, altele nu, de la sfarsitul cartii.

[Kaylea Smithson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I might give 5 starts too leniently but this book deserves it. I decided to read this book to better understand Hinduism and be better equipped to share the gospel with Hindus and it far exceeded my expectations. Rabi’s life and testimony allows you to see into the mind of a Hindu. Not only did I learn what they believed but also how this belief system influences the way they live. My heart was broken for how demonic and empty this religion is. Even if you aren’t interested in learning about Hinduism, read this book! The redemptive work of Christ is highlighted so beautifully. It will stir in you a greater love and appreciation for the gospel. Rabi talks about how there is no concept of forgiveness in Hindu religion, one’s karma is inescapable. These people live in fear of their gods, trying to appease their anger. How wonderful it is that we have a Savior who took our punishment, erasing our sins forever so that we do not serve God out of fear, but out of love and gratitude.

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

[Anna Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great introduction to the basics of Hinduism told through testimony. Short, to the point, yet compelling.

[Claire Kaat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book describes the author’s transformation from a zealous Hindu to a Christian and then his work as an evangelist. It starts slow, but I learned a lot about Hinduism and Eastern Mysticism.

[Christal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an autobiography of a Hindu man who accepts Jesus as Lord and becomes a christian. His testimony is powerful because it shows us that Jesus can reach anyone anywhere who is, honestly, in search for truth instead of just tradition. Rabi's childlike faith in Jesus and the faith of some of his friends and family,who also come to faith in Jesus, is a beautiful thing to witness. Sometimes, people like myself, who are born in christian households, forget the mighty power in the name of Jesus, or we take it for granted. Reading Rabi's story was beautiful because he treats Jesus as the treasure that he is and truly turns his whole life over to him with such enthusiasm.
In addition to that, the book gives us an inside look into the beliefs and practices of Hinduism. I learned just how much influence Hinduism has on the rest of the world and how that influence is poisoning people into believing that all religions have the same truth in different forms. I learned that yoga and transcendental meditation are Hindu practices that cannot be separated from the Hindu faith. They are marketed as exercise and stress relief practices in the USA, but they will actually lead you into the beautifully disguised deception of demons. The book actually contains a few encounters with demons attacking Rabi and his family.
Fundamentally, Hinduism teaches that all creation is God. The problem is that we have forgotten our God hood, and we need to do yoga and meditate to realize our own divinity. The book goes into much greater detail about the Hindu philosophy, but this is just my, "in a nutshell," version.

[Yibbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful testimony to the strength of the Lord's grace to reach the most bound in superstition, and bring them to salvation.
Rabi finds no joy and no peace in the religion of his fathers. He longs to know a god who cares about him, but in the endless cycle of reincarnation all he finds is eternal hopeless trying. For a while power fills his heart, then he sees in anthers life what he desperately wants. After facing down his pride he comes to know the God who cares for each one of us.
It is an easy read and very engrossing.

[David Eusebiu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Povestea unui guru care ajunge sa il cunoasca pe Hristos.Un sarpe s-a apropiat de el in timp ce el statea jos ,iar in momentele acelea si-a amintit ca mama sa i-a zis ca daca nici un zeu nu il ajuta in ceva,mai exista unul in crestinism pe nume Isus.Acesta a zis numele lui Isus ,iar sarpele dintr-o data a fugit.De atunci isi consacreaza viata lui Hristos.

[Matt Friedman]

a classic, although I could do without the "East vs. West" language

[David · Rating 2 out of 5]

this book is very well written, i enjoyed reading about the young man born into a hindu family living in Trinidad. he's on track to become a guru like the one's we've all heard about with supernatural powers like yoganada, and others. but somewhere a long the way he begins to see hypocrisy in hinduism, his family and worse himself. he gets so bad he'd commit suicide if he werent' so worried about his karma in the next life...when he becomes a christian which was always there but un did all his religious training as a hindu. at that point the book turned me off, who hasn't be prostylized by a christian, one can find as many hypocrises in christianity as in hinduism if not more. I have nothing against christians or christianity but why does he have to renounce hindu to promote christ? to me that showed he hadn't lost his arrogance as a hindi guru but merely changed form as an arrogant christian. why can't we live humbly and stop telling people what to believe, its all part of a same hypocrisy be you a hindu, a christian, buddist, jew, and this is just part of the same old rehashed nonsense.
dave

[Annemarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I've never read a book that so clearly portrays so many deeper elements about real life interactions and feelings from a Hindu point of view. Be prepared to face many of the consequences of others' choices about their own styles of faith, and how their family members and members of society around them respond. Even as he begins a new chapter in life after Hinduism, I appreciate how real he is about describing those he finds in various nations around the world, and how difficult it is for some people to receive truth and change. It is an honest account about one man's first person perspective through many obstacles, and yet, a book of hope as well, that God uses us in the midst of it all.

[Arup Mittra · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book is good to read if you keep your mind open, don't be biased. What I think that the author was not exposed to the correct or appropriate teachings of Hindu religion and he had based his story on whatever little knowledge he able to gather at his young age. Before commenting on something, the author must do research about the matter, because whatever he says will be taken as truth by his reader. The life of the author is the will of the creator of this world, it doesn't matter by what name you call him, finally it is the benefit of the humankind and this world which is the ultimate aim of the creator.

[Angelique · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute must read for anyone interested in spirituality

There is such a fascination with eastern mysticism here in the West and our understanding of what it is at its core and how it can affect our lives is extremely limited and is often given to us by people who have adopted Hindu practices, but are not Hindu by culture or religion and certainly were not born into it. This book offers a must read personal account of a Brahmin who found himself unfulfilled and even haunted by his religious practices and who was fortunate enough to have been saved by the Lord and led to a beautiful and highly fruitful life.

[Markus · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book which shows the flaws of Hinduism and why it cannot be the real religion.
The author was raised in an amazing and a very respected hinduist family. He talks about what hinduists believe and explains it well and later compares it to Christianity. Many things in hinduism are real, but are actually controlled by demons. For example, in one scene the author was angry and was able to lift an extremely heavy thing to hit someone, but stopped.
I think this book should be very very useful to people who believe in hinduism and are not sure about Christianity.

[Timothy Warren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rabi has a fascinating life and an inspiring conversion story. He does a good job identifying the deficiencies mystic Hinduism and how Christ saved him from from both physical and spiritual death at the hands of the Hindu spirits that troubled him and his family. However, his writing style is clumsy and wooden. He manages to make a story that should be captivating quite boring at times. Rabi's unique perspective and clear expert understanding of Hinduism and eastern mysticism and his amazing conversion make it worth the read, but it's definitely a trudge at times.

[Mark Bullard · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is an absolutely amazing testimony of God's grace and power. If you have ever wondered how to address Eastern religions, especially Hinduism, you'll find this book encouraging. It also happens to be a beautifully written narrative about a boy born as a Brahmin (Highest Caste in the Indian caste system) and trained to be a yogi (yoga expert) and spiritual leader. He met Jesus through some rather peculiar circumstances and, in direct opposition to his original intent, became an ardent disciple of, and evangelist for, Jesus.

I highly recommend it.

[Phil Princey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember reading this book as a teenager. I couldn't put the book down. I found it fascinating. A unique classic biography about a man who achieved the highest possible state of meditation and nearly lost himself in that place. Incredible! His encounter of the real celestial experience of meeting Jesus turned his life around to clear up what he really needed and had been searching for through his religion of meditation.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting story and also quite a fantastic one. At times while reading it, I had serious doubts about its veracity. It could be a tale fabricated for the purpose of inducing people to be "born again" as Christians. Let's assume that the authors believe that what they have written is true. In that case it is a story of how an individual changed from one form of extreme and intolerant religiosity to another. Is this progress? I don't think so. At least he's had a colourful life!