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5 of 6 found the following review helpful:
A Brilliant DIY Guide to Spiritual Attainment Jan 12, 2009
By Bobby Michael King's "Atheists Can get To Heaven" is a non-fiction companion to books like "Way of the Peaceful Warrior" by Dan Millman and "Illusions" by Richard Bach. These works (and others like them) deal with the issue of personal spiritual development outside of dependencies on religious institutions or rituals.
Mr. King uses the autobiographical account of his life as a backdrop to develop the basic tenet of the book, which is that every human being is personally capable of and responsible for his or her own development and can advance beyond the physical to the metaphysical through their own energy and intellect.
He shares his early memories, growing up as a sensitive and gifted child nurtured by a woman with special attributes she hid from the world but passed on to her son. The "story" continues with a description of his religious indoctrination and the devastating impact that the resulting self-denial imposed by his religious training had on his life. By the end of the book Mr. King describes how through personal experience and the loving support of others, (some whom he meets after being declared clinically dead) he attained the personal freedom of spirit that all humans seemingly aspire to.
The fundamental message in Mr. King's book "Heaven" is not a place but a state - achievable by all. Similar to Eastern philosophies like Buddhism, the individuals' self awareness and personal commitment to conduct his or her life in ways that are true to one's own unique nature are essential to achieving "heaven". Ayn Rand would have agreed with Mr. King's premise.
ACGTH is not an easy read. Mr. King's writing style is concise and may require re-reading several times before the essence of a paragraph is fully grasped. The book requires an investment in focused attention and an objective open mind to grasp its true meaning. But, after reading it, one realizes that this is exactly the point.
The title of the book will be off-putting to many. For those who believe they know all the answers to life (and afterlife's) questions the book will most likely challenge, offend or anger.
However, for those with the desire to truly learn something new and exciting about their potential as human beings the book can represent a starting point for seeing their lives and interactions with others from a completely new, optimistic and refreshing perspective. Mr. King's suggestions of practical ways to examine one's own beliefs are guideposts to increased self realization. He offers simple questions to help the reader seek their own objective truth. I highly recommend it for anyone willing to take responsibility for their own spiritual development.
6 of 8 found the following review helpful:
Wonderfully written, thought provoking with a decent dose of wit and humour Sep 04, 2008
By Amy With a first glance at the cover it is almost immediately known that this book will push the boundaries, inspire thought and perhaps be a little controversial.
In fact, just observing the title, and not yet even opening the cover might be quite confronting for some. Especially for those people that 'believe' in god, and certainly wouldn't hear of an 'atheist' getting to heaven!
To those people in particular, I would urge not to be so quick to judge a book by its cover. Open the cover, read from start to finish, and float along with this wonderful journey. Actually, my view is that despite the title of this book, it actually presents many concepts that are not in fact incongruent or contradictory with the traditional belief in 'god.' There are several areas where the amazing detailed description from the author gives you, the reader, a little taste of "heaven" and what our life is all about.
Then there are those at the other end of the spectrum: Evolutionists. For the budding evolutionist, this book really nails what is actually possible when one commits to their own evolution - for themselves, and to be achieved only by themselves. Not only what is possible, but also how it occurs so naturally and seamlessly, and all through nothing more but increased self-esteem, self-determinism and elevated awareness of self.
Whatever your current view on 'God' is, I believe that this book will offer 'something' to everyone. Even if it's only the smallest thing that you take away with you, it will have been worth the read.
What is really fascinating about this book is the way in which it is presented. Don't be fooled by the title into thinking the scope of this book is limited. It is certainly far from that. As the author engages back and forth between flash backs we observe a myriad of themes and layers that exist throughout the book. In a way, it is as much an autobiography of a man. A man that struggled and struggled the severe hurdles of life, took all of the knocks of life, and then found himself at a place where the only option was to learn how to 'get up and live!' - and that he did.
The personal struggles and stories shared by the author are varied, but always deeply emotional and touching. Most people will have events in their life where they will be able to relate to the pain and turmoil that the author expresses. This reminds us that 'everyone has a story' - and certainly each person is responsible for simply doing their best to make the most of what they have at any point in time.
The theme that rings in your mind for a time after you slowly and sadly close the back cover is the amazing inspiration and motivation to be yourself, enjoy yourself, and overcome any challenge in life that the universe may serve up to you on a platter!!
Enjoy the journey!
3 of 4 found the following review helpful:
A story of hope Jan 31, 2009
By P. L. Helton I grew up Catholic and, like Mr. King, questioned many of their beliefs that I was expected to accept merely on "faith". I fell away from the church in my late teens and later picked it up again as a "Christian" only to eventually realize that even non-denominational groups have their issues. Mr. King explains that belonging to any type of "tribe" develops a dependency and should you break away from the "tribe" you feel a vacuum until you fill it with something else. That is why so many of us are constantly searching. W. Michael King's true story of his journey beyond the tunnel of light, experienced while he lay in a hospital pronounced clinically dead, is truly inspirational. Our continuance after death does NOT depend on blindly following spiritual leaders who are as fallible as we are. We all are responsible for our own evolution and the first step is to set aside blind beliefs, which are very limiting to personal growth. Replacing blind beliefs with our own power of reason allows us to build self-esteem and love of self which in turn allows us to love others unconditionally. I highly recommend this book to anyone wrestling with the "why am I here?" question.
5 of 7 found the following review helpful:
Yes,the force is with you Oct 11, 2008
By Ann E. Richardson
This book is not for the meek. Its title alone is confronting, although my good friend Louise who has been through the craters of despair, laughed heartedly at the title and proclaimed it an excellent one
.
This book is for all who don't want to be on their deathbed and say,"damn I missed it "
Michaels powerful message of the essential Now, challenges, the belief systems that we falsely think are our personal own and freely chosen. Its message challenges us to question and explore this personal notion, which means that we wipe our canvas clean and with this book "Atheists Can Get to Heaven", Michael provides an anchor and strong reference point to begin and maintain the most important journey of our lives.
Better to do it when you're alive!
Personally, one of the most powerful facts of this book is that once an individual freely chooses to thrive there is always support and community to assist and reflect with. A community with no agenda of compliance.
The decision to discover your authentic self proves the existence of heaven because coupled with the challenges comes real moments of happiness and peace.
"Atheists Can Get to Heaven is not a "New Age" concept, it is not a book that will be the "Flavour of the Month" is not a book which will be reviewed on Oprah.
I liken it to a Picasso, pure honest art with a clear visible aura and profound message. And as a Picasso, is a dynamic relationship with artist, the work and the viewer, so is this book.
It is one mans clear expression that will be told, seen and heard because he chooses to do so. An expression which challenges the collective psyche and calls out to that niggling internal feeling that things / life is not quite satisfying and there must be more to it all.
My favourite truth from this book is,
..."My understanding embraces the universe, and I am composed of those same energetic forces. I am a child of the universe, and the essence and energy of the universe is god."(Pg 172)
..."My spirituality is myself...how can you lead me to being that does not exist?" (Pg 173).
We are all offered opportunities to evolve, sometimes we refer to them as crossroads, I believe at these times it is our energy requiring a service. I read with delight Michaels experience of this time for himself and felt a bit jealous (smile) of ...filaments of gold and red...somewhere within my being."
The greatness of this book is that it offers no seemingly external payoff, it is all about the internal relationship which is, after all, what we live our lives our most closely to. True intimacy.
"Atheists Can Get to Heaven" humbles me. The author's honesty and commitment to his highest potential and not stay with..."the protective cocoon of stasis that once held me..." (Pg246) is truly a pure gift that I accept..."a loving field of Nurture" (pg 262) and inspires me to not squander my energy.
This book challenges us to discover, commit and delight in our real purpose.
Thank you Michael King.
8 of 12 found the following review helpful:
Whiny Boring Hokem! Jan 06, 2009
By Tom McGee
"Tom"
"Do not carry expectations, be observant, and live in the moment free to learn by exploration." W. Michael King gives this superb advice on page 140 of his book Atheist's Can Get to "Heaven;" however, once he crossed the line from a whiny yet interesting story to a boring manifesto I lost interest and had to force myself to read the book to its 358 page conclusion.
The author states that he could not socialize with other children in his early childhood, that he was picked on by school bullies, and that his mother had him checked out by a "special" (Exorcist) Catholic priest to make sure his abilities were not evil remnant's from his conquistador bloodline. He blames the Church and his mother for his depression and desire to commit suicide later in life.
He claims that he was clinically dead and returned to the world of the living twice. Once hit by a vehicle while riding a motor cyle and later in life after a stomach bleed.
The author's afterlife journey and communications with other dead people were described and quoted ad nauseum. After the story the author gives his opinion on a wide range of subjects.
This book went on way too long with descriptions and verbose details and reached a point that I no longer found the author credible.
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