Giving Up God

Resurrecting a Spirituality of Love and Wonder

By: Sarah Henn Hayward

Narrated by: Jessica Likens

Length: 5 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's summary

Embark on a transformative journey through this compelling narrative about giving up a belief in God and finding a new, wilder, and more authentic life.

Sarah Henn Hayward spent over thirty years as a devoted believer, passionately immersed in her born-again faith. But her search for truth also led her to science, psychology, and social justice. She asked really hard questions and uncovered the hypocrisy around concepts like hell, evolution, and Christian exclusivity.

When Hayward realized that she could not continue to believe in God, she ventured out on a journey to find herself again, to let go of fear about the future, to train attention on love and wonder in the present, and to find a life that is very much thriving without belief.

Giving Up God is a satisfying listen for all the seekers, the curious, and the bold who aren’t afraid to question the status quo. It's for wonderers, wanderers, and those brave enough to live into their own truth.

©2023 Sarah Henn Hayward (P)2024 Sarah Henn Hayward

Critic reviews

Hayward expresses both the fear and loss, as well as the wonder and liberation, of life after religion.”—Cait West, author of Rift

A must have for those brave enough to question

Sarah Henn Hayward brings us along on her spiritual journey away from her evangelical Christian upbringing in a very engaging manner. This self-proclaimed "nerd" peppers her memoir with interesting information she's gleaned along the way. Ms. Hayward is clearly very well-read and makes extremely logical arguments against the existence of God as she illustrates her path toward this stance. She manages to do so without a sense of preaching or trying to change anyone's views. The author has an uncanny memory for detail, which makes for a delightful listen, as she unpacks her life and how she came to be the person she is. This is an enjoyable book for anyone who is looking for a fresh perspective about Christianity, God, and living one's best life.

Highly recommend for anyone questioning their faith

Sarah Hayward's "Giving Up God" is a refreshing exploration of personal growth and intellectual freedom. In this thought-provoking book, Hayward fearlessly navigates the complex terrain of religion, spirituality, and atheism, inviting readers on a journey of self-discovery and enlightenment.

One of the most commendable aspects of "Giving Up God" is Hayward's candid and empathetic approach to discussing sensitive topics. Rather than dismissing religious beliefs outright, she encourages readers to critically examine their own beliefs and question the status quo. I myself grew up as an evangelical Christian and could definitely relate and commiserate with a lot of her past experiences, such as “purity culture”. At times I felt myself laughing out loud at some of the stories that felt all too familiar. Hayward's writing is insightful, engaging, and at times almost poetic making it accessible to readers of all backgrounds.

Through personal anecdotes and philosophical insights, Hayward demonstrates the liberating power of letting go of outdated beliefs and embracing a more rational and compassionate worldview. She argues convincingly that one can lead a meaningful and fulfilling life without the need for religious dogma, offering a message of hope and empowerment to those grappling with doubts about their faith.

What sets "Giving Up God" apart from other books on leaving the faith is its emphasis on the positive aspects of non-belief. Hayward celebrates the freedom and autonomy that come with rejecting religious authority, highlighting the beauty of living in harmony with the natural world and finding purpose through human connection and self-discovery.

Furthermore, Hayward's compassionate approach to discussing religion and spirituality fosters empathy and understanding, encouraging readers to engage in respectful dialogue with people of differing beliefs. In a world often divided by religious strife, "Giving Up God" offers a beacon of hope for those seeking common ground and mutual respect.

Overall, "Giving Up God" is a must-read for anyone questioning their faith or seeking a deeper understanding of atheism. Sarah Hayward's candor, vulnerability and thought-provoking insights will leave readers inspired to embrace their own journey toward enlightenment and live authentically in a world free from the constraints of religious dogma.