Wrestling With God Without Getting Pinned is an honest struggle to apply critical thinking and practical reason to the myths and metaphors of ancient scriptures. The author believes that creative writing can be true (and in fact can offer new truths as each reader approaches a text) without being factual. Wrestling With God...is an affirmation of truth that does not demand the literary symbols of scripture be taken literally. Rather than asking religion to redeem people, the writer is asking thinking people to redeem religion so that it can be relevant in the 21st century.
What People Are Saying About 'Wrestling With God...':
"Where a contradiction is stated, a fact of science is ignored, or a biblical hero is presented in a less-than-heroic manner, Rev. Dr. Watkins refuses to circumnavigate reasonable thinking and take the easy way out by calling it a 'mystery' to be revealed by God at some later time. In Rev. Dr. Watkins' religious viewpoint, there is dignity and honor in a lowly donkey, there is courageous feminism in a list of 'begats', and there are times when God's example is not the one to follow. Although this is a work of thoughtful biblical study, it is written in a conversational tone that is very accessible to the lay reader. Christians of all varieties will discover the challenge Watkins offers them to accept a Bible with few easy answers, but also with an appreciation for the richness of experience found in the modern life. Those who may have in the past felt as if they needed to check their brains at the church doorstep can find in this book the encouragement they need to explore their religious roots in a way that doesn't disregard their intellects or ethics." (Shawna K., Dallas)
"Loving the book!" (Vickie S., Houston)
"First chapter is wonderful...Can't wait to read more!!! (Nikki B., Philadelphia)
"It has been a pleasure to read "Wrestling With God" because the author has the perfect combination of wit, intellect and poetic brilliance. I am moved at one moment and laughing hysterically in another. I'm impressed by the author's scholarly but approachable analysis and writing." (Barbara H., Little Rock)
"Dr. Watkins uses contemporary situations and experiences to illustrate the messages of particular verses. With a level of humor that is thoroughly engaging, he breathes life into ancient texts, cutting to the heart of the true meaning, effortlessly dismantling the myths of a vengeful and angry deity and of a humanity that is considered inferior and imperfect.
Come back into the fold, believers in exile and those turned off by heavy church dogma and scandals. Dr. Watkins makes religion affirming and rewarding." (Amy L., Austin)
