God’s story is about to take a dramatic turn, so it’s a good time to pause and think about what we are reading.
Up to this point, we’ve been told a lot, and it has zig-zagged all over the place. This is not fiction, and so there is no way to present the story other than in the jumbled way it actually happened.
We have been told all sorts of things, some comfortable, even familiar, and others uncomfortable, puzzling, or even disturbing.
That pattern will continue. However, things I was told early are, in later chapters, clarified and amplified and modified and deepened and extended. So, if something doesn’t sound quite right, stay tuned. It may make more sense to you later.
In general, things I was told fit together seamlessly when seen large. Worrying over details is like looking at a picture from one inch away.
The best way to read the book is to not over-think it. It is packed with philosophy just because that happens to be my line of work. It’s probably not yours. Take in what God intends for your eyes, for your life, and don’t worry about the rest. If you think you missed some important points, you can always go back and read it again later.
So far, the story is more about me than God. But God’s story is the one that counts. When God started telling me about the Beginning, I got really upset, and you may too. It doesn’t sound enough like Genesis – possibly my favorite book of the whole Bible. I was an agnostic yes, but I had been raised Baptist.
If God didn’t have anything to tell me that was new, on the other hand, He probably wouldn’t have bothered to get my attention in the first place.
I hope you don’t get as upset as I did but, if you do, I would suggest just reading on, without worrying over parts that do not speak to you. As you know, I do not claim to be infallible, only to be an honest reporter of what I am told when I pray. Nevertheless, I do feel certain, as certain as one can be about such things, that God has something important to say to you — and I speak now in the singular — to you in particular and to your life. Read on, with a willing heart and an open mind, and let God speak to you through this book.
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Listen to this on God: An Autobiography, The Podcast– the dramatic adaptation and continuing discussion of the book God: An Autobiography, As Told To A Philosopher by Jerry L. Martin.
He was a lifelong agnostic, but one day he had an occasion to pray. To his vast surprise, God answered- in words. Being a philosopher, he had a lot of questions, and God had a lot to tell him.
Roxana Kay September 8, 2014
Being at one with God is profound. In some ways I totally understand but wish I could hear more on this, as I REALLY want to be this way, one with his Greatness. Doing for others as a reflex I believe is one way. Would really love to hear more.
Jerry L Martin September 11, 2014
Yes, nothing is more profound or more urgent. But how to be in synch with God is a challenge for each of us. Doing for others — overcoming our natural self-centeredness — is surely one key. I am currently thinking of particular things God has told me that are directly relevant to living in closer attunement with the divine. I will soon start sharing them on YouTubes, which will be available at this site. Please let me know, Roxana, if you find them helpful.
Darlene La Fawn May 20, 2014
My dear friend, I very much enjoy your frankness about your confusion. It is very hard to hear information which is different from what has been taught by humans. Your emotions make this wonderful book so much more human and therefore more able for others to absorb. Much thanks and love, Darlene
Jerry L Martin May 24, 2014
Thank you, Darlene, for your loving and gracious comment. It means a lot to me.