Breaking Up With God: A Love Story (2011) - Plot & Excerpts
A truly moving memoir! Having not been raised in a religious family, I'm always curious about and eager to hear stories from those who loose their faith or leave the faith tradition in which they were raised. This book is all that, emotionally extremely powerful! It helped that, out of curiosity as a political progressive, I've studied some the progressive theological positions she references here (James Cone's liberation theology and Mary Daly's feminist theology) and, frankly, as intriguing as these trends are philosophically speaking, I'm not surprised they failed to rescue her faith in the long run. I also find it interesting how even the most theologically sophisticated Christians still can't seem to avoid picturing God as some being, some entity out there somewhere (although in Sentilles case, she pictures not the Big Sky Daddy, but an intimate lover, which makes this even more interesting). Using the breaking up of a romantic relationship as an analogy for the loss of faith has many potential pitfalls. However the narrative skills and ability to share her innermost soul with the reader provides the strength of story to avoid all of them.Leaving her faith behind does not come easy for Sentilles. However she has compassion not only for those who carry on without her, but also for herself. There is no lingering bitterness. Just a self-awareness that things will never be the same.
What do You think about Breaking Up With God: A Love Story (2011)?
I was disappointed with this one...read almost like more of a "rough draft" than a finished product.
—sivathelordandgod
Honest and engaging journey of a one woman's journey into and out of traditional faith.
—blackwolf510
Therapeutic writing. Interesting take on a break from traditional religion.
—masterli
"...the qualities we ascribed to God actually belong to humanity."
—brinka
Chapters 5 and 6 touched my 'soul'. lol
—Elizabeth
