Rating: 
Summary: Subtly Deceptive
Review: I understand that my background as a Christian may color my views on this. A friend of mine lent me this book during a period in my life where I was really trying to get my life set straight. To be fair, if I rate it on readability, I give it a 5 because I finished this book in one day...it's very intense, very in-your-face, and sincerely seeks answers to the most difficult questions we can ask. However, the more I think about it, I'm quite skeptical of the validity of the book. At first, the principles seemed so true that I felt it was very compatible with what I had felt deep down inside all along, although it started to really stretch my beliefs of what the reality of the world was. However, I conclude now that while there are many valid points in the book (little nuggets of truth revealed in almost every sentence), the fundamental principle in the book is diametrically opposed to that of the Bible. But it's very subtly deceptive; it agrees with the Bible in so many aspects, but disagrees with it on the crux of the Bible's message. It points out the fallacies of the writers of the Bible, which would just as easily be self-incriminating since the author of this book can also be fallible. But in essence you have to choose one and reject the other. I leave that up to you to decide for yourself. This book abolishes the concept of sin and salvation, and whether that's a good thing just depends on whether it's true or not, but I can somehow see that if you were to reject the Bible, this book would feel like a very good substitute. Nevertheless I would have to say that the primal celebration of the self isn't much different from that of any other humanistic and hedonistic imperatives including the Satanic Bible by Anton LaVey. I think the author of this book is really sincere, to his credit. Unfortunately, well-meaning people can be misled sometimes. And false prophets have appeared among us and will always be among us. If we're to compare this book to the Bible, the main question comes down to which version of Jesus should we accept? The Jesus who came down to take responsibility for all the sins of the world and is the only way to salvation? After all Jesus of the Bible makes it quite clear that he claims that there really is no other way to find salvation. Or do we believe the Jesus who was simply a good teacher who just understood the nature of things, the Jesus who was equal in credibility to any other teacher like Buddha (Buddha is always made similar to Jesus in the book) although in reality they taught radically opposing messages about what they believed to be the truth. I find the constant, subtle, and sometimes not so subtle attacks on the Bible to be slightly insidious, as if this book is expounding on a grand lie that we want to hear so badly, because really, the answers seem to just fit so well for those who ask the difficult questions about life. It even admits to the resurrection of Christ without a flinch in its own way. The best lie ever told is one that is deeply immersed in truth, so deeply that you can't winnow out the small lie from the seemingly greater truth, let alone the saying that "The greatest trick the devil ever played was to convince the world that he didn't exist." It's as if I was hearing exactly what I wanted to hear, although it made me uncomfortable to hear it. However, I admit that that the Bible is much more comfortable to me because it's what I grew up with, but still, I have my doubts about something that sounds too much like what I wanted to hear. There is no longer any responsibility for sin, and the corrosive effects of sin on people's lives seem to be downplayed. My conclusion: This book is either the answer we'd been looking for all our lives, or it may be one of the most dangerous book I've come across and hence a trap for those sincerely seeking the truth. Do understand that I seek the truth as much as the next guy, so it's not my job to judge a fellow truth-seeker. I've been able to take some good out of this book into my own life, but at this point, I'm inclined to believe that this book can be a trap for those who are not careful.
Rating:
Summary: Life Enlightening
Review: "Conversations with God" is a very unusual book - if you can keep an open mind and truly listen to the words, I believe this book can change your life. What I noticed was the interesting fact that if people lived by the advice given here it would be a better world. Whether or not God actually spoke to Mr. Walsch, or whether he was inspired, or perhaps neither - it doesn't really matter. God is in this book and reading it touched my soul. Among other things, it taught me to listen and look for God in everything and in everyone, including myself. It increased my ability to meditate and pray. Reading it, as well as books 2 & 3, was an absolutely joyous experience.
Rating:
Summary: Yes a relief
Review: I agree fully with the reviewer who explained how this book answered questions he had held in my heart for years. I loved this book and the book An Encounter With A Prophet for precisely the same reason. Both books answered questions lingering in the back of my mind. Questions that I had not articulated, but were causing me problems. When I read these two books I immediately knew these authors spoke the truth.If you are open to God's truth and desire some lasting peace of mind, I would recommend reading both books.
Rating:
Summary: Think About It
Review: I once read a quote to the effect that the most difficult thing for an artist to do while preparing to paint a rose is to forget all the previous paintings of roses and see THIS rose for the first time through their own eyes. I think that's true not just for artists but for all of us dealing with every day life. How would we look at a transient on the street if we could forget what we know of destitution, depravation, and homelessness? For that matter what would we think of a beauty queen if we had nothing to compare her beauty too? Face it folks...it's all about relativity. And relativity is what Walsh describes as the fundamental gift given to us by God. I came to a point in my life where I seriously questioned my ability (and need) to go on in life. More than anything was the overwhelming sense of helplessness and lack of understanding about who I am and where I fit in. Then, not unlike the events that transpired to Neal, I heard a very clear crystal voice within state: "If everybody knew how good it was when you died, most would lose the desire to live. Because, you see, after you die you understand how things really are, and having that understanding makes you truly appreciate the life you may have taken for granted. Cherish all that you have now, love everyone as much as you possibly can and, above all, do not fear death. For death is, in it's most simple form, a relative transition from not knowing to knowing." Those who criticize Walsh's writings remind me of the criticism cast on Jesus during his time. He had VERY radical views about the Truth. I'm not trying to equate Walsh with Jesus (who could?) but more and more in life I can not ignore that the truth is not only all the more stranger...but all the more simpler than imagined. Simplicity, therefore, is surely embedded in the Ultimate Truth. If Walsh is guilty of anything it is of being TOO accurate. Most of us will go into death blindly with a great fear of "judgement." God could neither judge nor condemn us. He understands why we are the way we are and hopes we can see the truths He's placed all around us (and within us.) If you're willing to contemplate that religion, like all mis-understood aspects of this universe, should be pared down to it's most simple form...then by all means read this book...and enjoy it.
Rating:
Summary: What a relief this book is!
Review: I am 54 years old and a product of Christianity. Mostly Conservative Christianity. I have read the Bible through and through, and I have also read non-Christian writings as well. For the last three years "books" were a significant part of my budget. The more I read the Bible, History books, Creation vs. Evolution books,and other religion's books the more questions I had unanswered. Now, I am an educated man who reads a lot, but I would not call myself an astute scholar. But reading this book changed my life. I do not think that the answers within could be dreamed up by one man. How would one man know the questions I have held in my heart for years. I think it is indeed a visitation from God, filtered through a fallible(he admits it) human being. What a relief this book has been and what a load is taken off my shoulders. It was written for me. Don't bother reading, though, if you have a lot of hang-ups you're not willing to give up. This book rocked my clock.
Rating:
Summary: Most Inspirational!
Review: This is the most extraordinary book I have yet to read. It has made a deep impact on the way I view humanity's relationship with our Creator. This book was written with great passion and is such a compassionate, coherent piece of work. Everybody should read this book, regardless of your particular religious beliefs and experiences. Neale Donald Walsch share's one man's discovery in self-truths once he began to listen to God. Some may not believe it is a " conversation" but if you do open your heart and you mind and GOD will help you discover the Truth for yourself though out this wonderful book. This book personified so much of the anger, despair and frustration of today while providing helpful, simple, surefire solutions to the tribulations of our society. I believe that everybody who wishes to be the very best at anything needs to read this book over and over. God Bless You Neale Donald Walsch and God Bless each and everybody reading this.
Rating:
Summary: Very much suggested book :>
Review: After you read the book, you will know how difficult it is to write a review for this book. To me it is a book of answers to questions in my life, and a starting point of a new life too. In this sense it is "good" to me :-) But be not led by any comments, and pick it up to read it to, maybe to me, page 30. You'll get it, or if not just put it down ^_^
Rating:
Summary: a book of pure enlightenment
Review: I am a teenager, who for my whole life has searched for spiritual truth. I have found it in these simple pages - or perhaps more accurately, the pages in Conversations with God have helped me find at least a hint of truth and God in myself. Go ahead, call it blasphemous. Go ahead, call it Devil-ish. The truth is this is a book of Pure Love. It is a book that we can understand. It's a book that helps us to create our lives instead of just experiencing our lives. In the end it doesn't matter if this book was really written in terms of recording an actual conversation with God. It provokes new thoughts in our life, and new life in our thoughts. To me, this book displays the truest experience of God I have ever encountered, something distanced beyond what humans make of the word of God and instead something given to us profoundly and simply in converation. I am on the road to finding out Who I Want to Be. I am on a journey to nowhere. This book has helped me to discover myself. For every person who needs that discovery, this is first and foremost a book for you. But I will not force you to read this book, as I have strived not to force anyone to read it. Read it if you search for understanding, but never be forced. If the book does find its way into your hand (as it did with me - one of my newest friends happened to have BOOK 3 with him, and out of interest I picked it up - and the rest is history) it has happened for a reason as has everything happened for a reason. God is us. God is all around us. Discover this book if you wish, at least, a more rounded thinking.
Rating:
Summary: not a christian viewpoint
Review: I have to say That in all the books ive read this one really seemed to relay to me everything ive had strong feelings towards. The simplest and most profound statement i can make is that this book, along with book 2 and 3, has brought me consistent happiness on an everyday level. And that to me says more than anything else i can say.
Rating:
Summary: IN YOUR FACE ---- INTENSE!!!
Review: I am still reading "Conversations with God" but so far it has amazed me every step of the way. It's hard to put down; I keep flipping pages after pages. I am more than half way through and I don't want it to end. It is interesting how He conveys the message of the exact opposites, good and bad, right and wrong, up and down. Man is the being that implemented these beliefs into our society, for them to belong to God is a whole other story. "Who you Are" is all about remembering. It's no wonder why self help books have accumulated such a huge growth, most everyone seems to be searching that question, "who am I". Funny to find out, we already know. I have done my own studies on mental awareness, on the philosophy "I think, therefor I am." Try this simple test for yourself: For 3 days, pretend to have a cold, force a cough, slouch your shoulders, express to yourself verbally and non-verbally that you feel bad, that you are coming down with a cold. Every once in awhile feels your forehead and sniffle. Within three days you will have successfully made your self "really" sick. If you find the negative to be true, why couldn't the exact opposite be true as well? Why couldn't we just make ourselves experience optimum health as well as wealth, beautiful relationships, a supreme paradise etc. If anyone is interested in on how the brain works. I would suggest picking up the book: "The Einstein Factor" by Win Wenger. This book will fascinate you. Also I would like to recommend another excellent book: "The Greatest Miracle in the World" by Og Mandino. Both of these books have the same theme as the book, "Conversations with God." just on a different level. God Bless to you all
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