"Coming Full Circle" contains a lot of interesting information, but it has a problematic message. Parth Atrey provides a detailed overview of the conceptions of God in the most important ancient and modern religions as well as in philosophy. I learned a lot and I would agree with of most of what he wrote (I just wish he had presented his theories about the beginnings of Judaism and Christianity as theories and not facts, because they did not seem as widely accepted as he presented them). It is a bit dry at some points but it is still very interesting. What is very problematic though is his attempt to redefine God. He suggests that in our modern world, there is no place for omniscient and omnipotent Gods like the Christian, Jewish or Muslim God. Instead, we should adopt ancient Vedic and modern Hindu/Buddhist teachings of the RTA/Brahman (the laws of nature are "God") and we could all make up personal Gods that cannot act outside the laws of nature. These made-up Gods would just be for emotional needs and you should not worship them. You can "worship" through studying science though. As a Christian, I do not agree with his statement and found it to be a little offensive.

So I am not sure whether I should recommend this book or not and to whom. It was interesting to read but I wouldn't want to apply his suggestions to my life. I think that Christianity is not old-fashioned and it should not be replaced with personal Gods (aka making idols). So you can read it and I am sure you'll learn some new things, but you should read it with caution and check some of his claims about Christianity. And if you want to read a book on world religions and philosophy, there are many others to choose from...

Coming Full Circle

Redefining God in the Age of Reason



by Parth Atrey

Greenleaf Book Group

River Grove Books



Christian , Religion & Spirituality

Pub Date 14 Jul 2017

I am reviewing a copy of Coming Full Circle Through Greenleaf Book Group and Netgalley:

In this book Parth Atrey attempts to do the seemingly impossible, redefine the definition of God. (Is that even possible when so many have different definition of God). In the Christian Faith we have well over three thousand denominations. There are some common definitions of God, like God can do anything.

This book covers an array of beliefs from Judaism, to Christianity to Buddhism and Islam. From the role of prayer to the importance of ritual, this book covers many aspects of faith.

I give Coming Full Circle four out of five stars.

Happy Reading!