Restless Faith:Holding On to a God Just Out of Reach a book review

Restless Faith by Winn Collier a Book Review

Let me begin by saying that I would love to give this book all five stars.  I say that not because of anything to do with the book itself.  The reason is that this author lives in Clemson, South Carolina, which is near my old home area of Starr and Iva, South Carolina and the Flat Rock Community.

Maybe I am not the brightest bulb in the string of lights, but I had a very hard time trying to ascertain what this Collier was trying to say.

Reading this book seems very much like being inside the mind of someone with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD).  Collier switches from one point to another with very little to string the thoughts together.

The author expects his reader to know of all these people mentioned in his book.  I read a great deal.  In fact, I am often reading several books in one day.  I have heard of the poet Rumi, but only recently learned anything about him from my friend David Cawood from his book The Secret Sabbatical.


I was not aware of some of the other people quoted in the book.  That being said, when a book is meant for those of us who do not have a masters degree in theology, literature, or mythology it would be great for the author to provide a brief explanation as to why a quote from someone we have never heard of is helpful.

The author does explain some things in the note section. But, face it, the average reader will never see the note section. Those of us that are looking for answers to life's questions would rather read a book instead of a foot noted, documented research paper.

From reading the promotional information regarding the book, I was under the impression that somehow reading this book would help the reader come to some type of resolution within them that all is not lost, that there is hope when we place our faith in God.  I never saw this.

Instead, I read from a man who had found no resolution.  If anything, he told us of his doubts and fears but gave no hope for overcoming them.

I fail to see how Collier links his sex life with his wife along with the professed lusts he had for others with assisting his readers find a faith they are struggling with.

As I neared the end of this book, a former pastor came to mind.  This pastor was hired to preach at the church I attended in my youth.  Most of the members of the church were older.  This new pastor was struggling.  It was his first church.

He was also the father of one child of about two years old.  We had seven at the time ranging in age from about 4 to about 17.  The pastor, who was having a hard enough time keeping up with one child, attempted to give me advice on being a parent.

The advice came about because as we were talking, my youngest son came up to me and asked me something.  I answered him and turned back to my conversation with the pastor.

The pastor began to lecture me about how to handle interruptions from my child. I explained that in life there are priorities that one must set.  To me, any communication with my wife and children was infinitely more important than the chit chat in which he and I were engaged.

My point here is that the author appears to be trying to advise his readers on a topic he is still fighting through himself.  Very much like my pastor friend who was giving advice on child rearing when he had not yet figured it out.

I received this book free of charge or obligation through the Tyndale Rewards Program.  I was under no obligation to write a review positive or otherwise. 



       

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