God So Loved the World: Clues to Our Transcendent Destiny from the Revelation of Jesus (Happiness, Suffering, and Transcendence) (Volume 3)

I'm attaching this review to book three of a four part series (the fourth book promises to come out soon) but my comments are mostly directed to books two and three, "The Souls Upward Yearning" and "God so Loved the World." I have read the first three books and intend on reading the fourth when it comes out. For the nonbeliever who wants to believe but can't and those wavering in their faith, Father Spitzer does a great job providing philosophical and empirical proofs for the existence of God. I've read a lot on these topics, and this is as good as it gets. If you are open to Christianity but your brain gets in the way, Father Spitzer is just the author for you. Father Spitzer is brilliant, with a deep understanding of philosophy, theology and cosmology. He takes these complicated subjects and simplifies them for the non-philosopher, without doing damage to the concepts. Unless your a philosopher, you will have to stretch your mind to understand what he's talking about, but a careful reading, or perhaps a few careful readings will yield great rewards. Father Spitzer writes about philosophical proofs for the existence of God, (including cosmology) and empirical proofs including near death experiences (NDE) and the Shroud of Turin. The philosophical proofs are powerful, and he knows his subject and knows how to convey it to those who want to learn. He was a college professor and has very strong teaching skills. In regards to empirical evidence, he writes about peer reviewed articles where people born blind from birth see during their near death experience, and people with no brain or heart activity -after the recovery- talk and know about things they could not have seen or known about if their consciousness (mind) was confined to their physical brain. He also gives a very good critique of the state of the evidence on the Shroud of Turin. For those who don't know what that is, it is regarded by many as the burial cloth of Jesus Christ. To this day, no one has been able to replicate what's on this shroud, and there are very many interesting facts about the shroud that are hard to explain if it is not the authentic burial cloth of Christ. The 1988 carbon dating of the shroud shows a date about thirteen centuries after the burial of Christ, but father Spitzer explains why he does not believe this carbon dating is accurate for this cloth. A big bonus is Father Spitzer's description of God's love for us. He conveys Gods love to us in such a way as to make it so real, so beautiful, so inspiring. If you are truly open to the possibility of the existence of God, or you believe but your beliefs are weak or are threatened from time to time, or you just like the subject, these two books are for you. For those who do not believe, or do not want to believe, it's unlikely your mind will be changed, (Luke 16, 31) but you may find it intellectually stimulating. I am a believer and enjoy reading books like this, and this is the best on these topics I have ever read. Thank you and God bless you Father Spitzer.

This is a superb Quartet. Clearly written in an accessible style for the educated reader. Cogent arguments for the robust truth of the Christian faith. A four scale program for the attainment of true happiness. Shares much wisdom based on plenty of personal experience, especially his own struggles over the years with macular degeneration disease of his eyes. Summarizes and synthesizes an amazing amount of contemporary Wisdom and Knowledge based on everything from the most recent scripture scholarship ( e.g. N.T. Wright and John Meier) to Near Death Experience Research to Lonergan's proof for God's existence. Notes the value of The Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter. Great stuff. Read all four. And there's a fifth on the way!

Fr Spitzer is probably one of the greatest minds of the day in the realm of not only being a Christian but knowing what he is talking about when it comes to science. He knows that there is not a conflict between proper science and theology.This book captures the true essence of God and His Son Jesus Christ. It is a fantastic read and can be used as a go to book for the many questions that we all ask ourselves and other will ask us at one time or another. It is also a strong faith enhancer and a strong consideration for the non believers. It would be very difficult to refute this master mind who is truly blessed by God Almighty. Enjoy and The Lord be with you

Somewhat difficult to read, but certainly worthwhile to do so. I have not yet completed my reading of it, due to my need to regularly seek reference and to stop and give a passage deeper thought. I am happy to be reading this book, and WILL NOT BE RUSHED. This book is for the more serious student of the Bible, and one will find out quickly whether he or she fits that description. I am putting it aside now, to use in the future as a great reference book. Challenging. But surely worth the great effort.

One of the most accomplished and intelligent Catholic writers today. This book is the third in a series with one more in the series to come This books vividly explains Christ was God, and what does that mean and why did he do it, and did he just come to Israel and not other locales. This is the best of the three books in this series so far and the previous two are easy five stars. His explorations of The Prodigal Son and The Good Samaritan and their connection to agape love are the best I have read on this subject.

Fr. Spitzer's third volume of the quartet is as powerful and engaging as the first two have been. His thoroughness and use of summarization deepens the reader's assimilation of the rich material he covers here. He triangulates in on the truth from so many sides, presenting a convincing account of God's unconditional love in the person of Jesus. His collection of the most current material on the Shroud of Turin in an appendix is a tasty dessert to the full meal that Volume 3 offers, though I am already hungry for the final volume of the quartet. Thanks, Fr. Spitzer!

As I ordered this book for my husband, I asked him to give me some feedback on it. Here's his review: "Excellent work on spirituality and religion written by an author who is conversant with theological studies and logic and reasoning behind the theology. Spitzer is very passionate about his positions. For someone who desires deep and logical development but is not looking for the typical "feel good" book on one's relationship with God, this is the book. Exceptional!"

School book

Great book. Read it and you will learn much.

this man is such a holy writer