The God Who Weeps

How Mormonism Makes Sense of Life

By: Terryl Givens, Fiona Givens

Narrated by: Fiona Givens

Length: 6 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's summary

"Whether by design or by chance," Terryl and Fiona Givens write, "we find ourselves in a universe filled with mystery. We encounter appealing arguments for a Divinity that is a childish projection, for prophets as scheming or deluded imposters, and for scripture as so much fabulous fiction. But there is also compelling evidence that a glorious Divinity presides over the cosmos, that His angels are strangers we have entertained unawares, and that His word and will are made manifest through a sacred canon that is never definitively closed.

What we choose to embrace, to be responsive to, is the purest reflection of who we are and what we love. That is why faith, the choice to believe, is in the final analysis, an action that is positively laden with moral significance." As humans, we are, like the poet John Keats, "straining at particles of light in the midst of a great darkness." And yet, the authors describe a version of life's meaning that is reasonable - and radically resonant.

It tells of a God whose heart beats in sympathy with ours, who set His heart upon us before the world was formed, who fashioned the Earth as a place of human ascent, not exile, and who has the desire and the capacity to bring the entire human family home again.

©2012 Terryl L. Given (P)2012 Shadow Mountain

Critic reviews

"I read this fine book in order better to understand what Mormons believe about divine compassion, and it certainly gave me that. But more important: I received in reading it some deeply personal lessons about the tears of God." (Richard J. Mouw, PhD, President and Professor of Christian Philosophy, Fuller Theological Seminary)

"Writing from the perspective of Mormon faith, Terryl and Fiona Givens have produced a work of theological reflection that has much to offer not only to Latter-Day Saints, but to intellectually and morally serious men and women of every religious persuasion who ponder the mystery of a God who, though profoundly transcendent, reveals Himself to us, offers us His friendship, and even shares our joys and sorrows." (Robert P. George, McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence, Princeton University, author of The Meaning of Marriage: Family, State, Market, and Morals)

Powerful and enlightening

That last chapter taught me so much about various viewpoints on the eternal nature of man. I feel like I understand my relationship with God so much better.

Beautifully Written and Narrated

This is truly one of the best books I have ever read. If you are wondering about your place in the universe, or your relationship to God, you can't help but appreciate this thought-provoking book. Although written by LDS authors, it does not push Mormonism in any way, but explains things from a wide variety of points of view. There is much to be pondered in this book. It just makes so much sense.

Once is not enough

Beautiful! A lovely convergence of mind and faith. I'm so sorry to have finished that I will listen again.

Stunning thought process

Best spiritual book I have read in decades. in am buying copies for all my family and friends

Beautifully Done

I am left with greater awe about the love of God for his children. The writing seems poetic rather than analytical . Overall, the performance was excellent and it invites me to listen again and again. Great book

Blending great thoughts with faith and religion…….

Excellent approach to learning more and gaining new perspectives on the subject of faith and the necessity for religion, the church, and it’s ordinances to bring about the unity of the human family here on earth and into eternity.
Thank you to both authors and the reading of the text by Fiona Givens.
Leanne Mayo
Midway, Utah

Wonderful Book

Deep, enlightening, and incredible are but a few of the adjectives I'd use to describe this book. The author reading it helps to convey the meanings more fluidly and really drive home the experience. Great read for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and for any earnest Christian who wants to broaden their understanding of who God is and his relationship with us.

what a voice

Narrator was so great. This is a very intelligently written book. I loved it.. thank you

So incredibly helpful

This was an absolutely beautiful work. It helped me reconcile so many issues in my own mind about God and the cultural misperceptions that have prevented me from knowing him better. It’s poetic and visual. One of the most important books I’ve read in my life. So grateful they shared this with us.

Helped me find the God I believe is worthy of worship

I’d been locked up on the polygamy, racism, sexism, and scrupulosity in the Church of Jesus Christ of LDS.

I began hating it. This book does not answer those questions.

This book doesn’t make you feel the need to repent for your sexual deviance.

Instead, I found myself wanting to hug my fellow humans. It made me want to watch children play, and to hear beautiful music. It made me want to smell flowers.

It gave me hope in the ideals of everlasting life. Everlasting family, and everlasting pleasure, and knowledge. It made me feel that no one on this world comprehends just how exquisitely perfect and glorious our God is.

It’s now helped me give hope to others who are struggling with a God they believe rejects them and despises them.

I’m grateful for this book.