Uncover the Answers to Tim Sledge's 4 Most Thought-Provoking Questions

KB: He provides four questions that are logical and reasonable. The title is pretty descriptive. I feel like the book is short enough that maybe it should be less than $6. It's more like a hefty pamphlet. Lol But it was good stuff.

United States on Sep 25, 2023

Harley: This book shows how one can be a pastor for nearly four decades and still not develop the ability to think more deeply than a 19 yr old atheist.

Canada on Jul 22, 2023

David Holman: The book speaks for itself and his reasoning seems sound. One point that I wish he had pointed out has to do with the unspeakable doctrine of Hell: Jesus is quoted as saying that a tree is known by its fruit. This is a truth that is self-evident. Good things come from things that are good. So, what does it say of a god who can't think of anything better than to torture souls in fiery torment forever? If sin offends Him so much, why not just poof the sinner out of existence? Or, better, why not heal the sinner as we imperfect people attempt to heal mentally ill people. But if hellfire is there to scare us into going straight, then it's nothing more than emotional extortion which has nothing to do with maturing spiritually. It places us into a dark, hopeless place. We don't reach for heaven, we just run from hell. Its insincere, self-defeating, and ultimately leads us to self-loathing and a dreadful tendency to pass judgement upon others.

United States on Jul 19, 2023

Yuri Wijting: Had I read this during my teens, would it have made a difference? Would I have seen that all that “churchianty” was an absolute waste of time? Would I have understood that those convoluted theological arguments were pointless? I recall arguing over Calvinism vs. Arminianism, and then later in my Christianity, I defended that supernatural healings and miracles were still relevant today. The short answer is no; this book would not have made a difference to me back then. That is the power of religion and belief. To state it negatively, if you’re deceived, then how on earth can you perceive that you are deceived? It’s nearly impossible to get out of a religious mindset, especially if you were introduced to it from an early age.

However, change is possible. Once you see how something works or is done, it is also tough to “unsee” it. Has a friend ever shown you how a magician’s trick works? What usually follows is that you find it amusing that you couldn’t see it before, and now you do. Also, the magic of the trick vanishes, and you cannot possibly look at it the same way again. Religion is not merely a magic trick; its roots are ancient and deeply rooted in...

United States on Mar 22, 2023

D. King: What fooled me about Christianity is it must be true because you would not have preachers telling lies to the public every sunday. Then I read Farewell to God by charles Templeton and he was the 1st one I read that explained that it is all a hoax. Tim Sledge's book confirms Charles Templeton. Now there is a slew of others, Seth Andrews, Dan Barker and it goes on.

Canada on Aug 10, 2022

Liz Gage: I have one burning question and would so appreciate your opinion. Should I send this book to my 14 year old grandson who has been indoctrinated in Christianity? One parent is a Southern Baptist Sunday Church Goer and my son is an ashiest, but very quiet about it to keep things peaceful at home.

I have been alienated from him to a great degree for the last few years because my daughter-in-law was afraid I'd expose him to my evil sinful, sure to got to hell ways, even though "by the book" I live a much better Christian life style than her or her hypocritical church family.

I think my grandson is old enough to hear from my side now, but not sure??? My childhood fear of going to hell and displeasing God is what kept me away from "sin" (drugs, sex...) as a teenager and young adult so in a way it was a good thing I believed in hell then. Although I innately did feel good doing good rather than bad. Plus the church was my safe place and only real family.

I am in 90% agreement with you and at almost 70 years old now, I have come to most of the same conclusions as you have on religion/God. Sometimes I feel like a militant agnostic because I still feel like a betrayed...

United States on Nov 30, 2020

Henry Summerfield: This was a well-written book that quickly illustrates some of the core problems with Christianity and shows the best way to cut through the impenetrable thicket of faith with which many of us have been entangled. The author takes great care not to attack straw people, showing the Christian response to his questions in clear detail. Nevertheless, these answers fall short.

Canada on Nov 29, 2020

UK Thinker: This book is well written, clear, and concise. It's short enough to read in a couple of sittings without getting bogged down but it's also long enough not to feel like you've been fobbed off with a booklet.
I've been through in a deconstruction journey with Christianity for a couple of years and it felt like reading this mixed that on a step further. I haven't wanted to lose my faith however the points that Tim makes are very valid and ones I'd already been pondering. I really like that the author frequently writes what he would have said in response to these questions previously as a minister, and then tackles these points. Sledge doesn't use copious amounts of references. He doesn't need to, as his reasoning and personal observations are weighty. Where he needs to, he provides references.
The four questions themselves are hard to refute and a Christian can only really say 'I don't know'. For me, I'm not sure that's good enough anymore.
I'm almost ready to let go of my faith. I don't think I'd say I'm a materialist/atheist as I think there's an element of the numinous in life but the Christian doctrine no longer holds water for me.
It feels hard, and strange to say...

United Kingdom on Sep 18, 2019

David & Maria: I read this book in one sitting whilst dipping in and out of a cool English river on the hottest day of the year. My idea of a beach read! From start to finish, no wasted words, just a rational look at four questions that have probably occurred to most educated Christians at some time of their lives, concluding that one simple answer provides all the explanation we could ever need.

The author is a former devout Christian and pastor who led others to the faith, and his compassion for current believers as well as doubters fills every page of the book. You won't find angry movement atheism here - only understanding as well as a gentle guide to the escape route for believers who have reached an impasse in their faith journey.

The introduction particularly resonated with me:

"In fairy tales, there’s usually a way to break the spell, like a kiss from a prince or princess. When it comes to breaking the spell of a lifelong belief system, a jolt may be required—some experience of loss or pain, some type of wakeup call. That’s what happened to me. Multiple jolts stirred me from my trancelike state."

Sometimes belief feels like a cul-de-sac - all exits lead...

United Kingdom on Jul 26, 2019