Baptized Atheist

I have read a lot of books like this, as I have been on the same journey as the author, and gone through the same difficulties and challenges, and found the same light at the end of the tunnel, so reviewing it is somewhat biased as I found myself nodding and agreeing all the way.

It's an easy read, and delivered in a less aggressive and less frmal way that many others, and I enjoyed that. Sometimes these books are too apologetic (e.g. Why I believed) and sometimes to critical to put people off (e.g. God is Not Great or The God Delusion) and I found this had a good balance between both sides.

Thanks for writing this and getting it off your chest in a compelling and real way.

If a reader is familiar and comfortable with Ehrman, Dawkins, Onfray, Harris, Shermer, etc., "Baptized Atheist' would be a step backward.

It seems most appropriate for the reader for whom the validity of religion is a new, and still somewhat threatening, question. The author examines the truth of religion in general (and Christianity specifically) through the lens of his personal experience of becoming atheist. That his experience seems very similar to what most people endure makes this a potentially useful book for someone ready to explore the idea that his or her church is not a perfect source of truth and morality. There are a few inconsistencies, mispronunciations, and just a little hubris (at 19, the author claims to have stumped a veteran theology professor with his insights).

Overall, it's a good first exposure to the manufactured nature of Christianity.

This book is giving you a chance to view a journey of research and thought provoking questions on religion. This is great, because you won't have to take those years out of your life to get the same answers whether you agree or not with the outcomes. I liked it so much, I bought the paperback as well.

My favorite part was during a debate in a church and asked a the room full of people what can a god see? He then tells a story that will effect you in ways each person may experience differently. It has changed how I see the world.

Plus, there is one other part I have to mention. He discusses an analogy of religion that I have not heard of before, but is amazingly accurate. It is about a "Coin in the Field." That really hit home for me. Even my friends were impressed with this idea when we discussed it at a lunch today.

He is a sincere and caring person. You want to befriend him wether you agree with what he is saying or not. He speaks to everyone with great courteousness and respect. I found that it makes me want to treat people better if I am ever in these situations again.

This is one journey, you won't have to take alone.

I don't usually get moved by a book in a way that makes me want to evaluate who I really am and make changes for the better right now. This one did that for me. I am grateful and I plan on living everyday of my life with more urgency and respect for others.