The Faith of a Religionist
Reflections Mundane and Sublime
- Publisher: Wipf and Stock
- Published: 2024
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Publisher's Description
Mixing fiction with non-fiction, the author takes the reader on a ride through what irks him enough to write about, first in religion/theology and then in science, and includes the ideas that Abraham is a model for relating to God; an anti-dualistic bias is superior to the belief in the survival of the soul; the insistence that scripture is to be defended at all costs; the notion that theology can be systematized; the doctrine of the (paradoxical) atonement is simply a matter of faith; humans have no bearing on climate; evolution can only occur gradually; purity of race is an attainable goal; there is no serious competitor to materialism; mediums and spiritists are reliable guides to what the afterlife holds; and artificial intelligence poses little threat. The short stories are provided to offer lighter fare to the weightier topics in the non-fiction sections. The second such story has also been adapted into a film posted on YouTube.
Endorsements (3)
“I’m happy that Herb Gruning’s percolating thoughts have once again spilled out onto paper, and in such an entertaining fashion. He makes a strong case for a non-systematic approach to theology by exploring contradictory and overlooked Bible passages. With wordplay, stories, and parables and by grappling with new directions in science, he puts the ‘fun’ back into profundity.”
“Herb Gruning continues his exploration of the intersection between science and religion in The Faith of a Religionist. With his dry wit, he makes the journey not just enjoyable, but fun! His sharp logic is interspersed with humorous and illustrative stories. We see that Gruning is no dilettante but rather someone who has spent a lifetime pondering these issues and keeps his ear to the ground for new developments and new ideas, even now.”
“Reading this book is like having a conversation with the author rather than attending a lecture. Gruning’s style is so entirely engaging, his interests and expertise so wide ranging, you will be drawn in and have trouble putting it down. With humor and humility, Gruning asks as many questions as he answers, but ultimately this book is a statement of faith: the God who is not threatened by uncertainty is within reach. Thoroughly engrossing!”
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