The Nature of Man and God - A New Look
Title: The Nature of Man and God - A New Look
Sub-Title: How We Can Know Our Self, Our God, and Our Life's Purpose
Author: Simon S. Godfrey
Publisher: Trafford
Category: Non-fiction / Education
233 pages; ISBN: 141200693-7
Rating: 7/10
"The Nature of Man and God" by Simon S.Godfrey will appeal to those curious to know about the real nature of him/herself and who is not satisfied with the teachings of main stream religions. The author takes a scientific, rational approach most of the time in addressing the all important question, What is our true nature? What is our relationship with God/Universal Self?
The author is a psychologist and is thus well qualified to probe into the depths of human psyche. He has also researched the topic extensively, especially the western views on this subject. The author's exposure to the Eastern views on the subject seems to be confined to a few sources, especially the Upanishads, the portion of Vedas, also known as Vedanta (end of Veda), which deals with Atma Vidya (knowledge of Self).
The book is spread over 11 chapters. The author differentiates between Nominal Self (what we normally associate with our Self), Transcendental Self (the Self which becomes apparent when we transcend, i.e. overcome the bundle of conditioned responses and the Universal Self/God. Most of the concepts presented by the author are common to Hindu Philosophy (which is different from the ritualistic religion for day-to-day living).
Although the topics discussed are very similar to those taught by the great traditions, the difference lies in the line of approach. The teachings of most traditions must be accepted on faith. Godfrey here offers a well-thought-out basis for the theses he puts forth, treating the topics systematically and experientially. This approach appeals to the modern reader who needs scientific arguments before accepting any concept.
The book is not easy to read, since the concepts presented are complex. The style is also not uniform. Some portions of the book are surprisingly lucid and easy to understand. Other portions are difficult and may need multiple reading sessions before the subject becomes clear.
The author argues that the Universal Self is the Unity of All Things. If this Unity encompasses all as It has to, to be called Unity, human beings and all else are perforce parts of All, parts of the Universal Self. Additionally, the author discusses the issues of free will and the necessity of evil quite broadly. His views on these issues are in my opinion, very close to the monistic (Non-Dualistic) philosophy of Hinduism as elaborated by Adi Shankara and in modern times by Sri Ramana Maharshi etc.”
The book has an Epilogue (also available at www.trafford.com/robots/03-1063.html) worth reading by the prospective buyer. The book also comes with copious notes, Bibliography and Index, all very useful features.
The book is generally well edited, though a few typographic errors were noticed.
The book is recommended to serious readers of philosophy.
Sub-Title: How We Can Know Our Self, Our God, and Our Life's Purpose
Author: Simon S. Godfrey
Publisher: Trafford
Category: Non-fiction / Education
233 pages; ISBN: 141200693-7
Rating: 7/10
"The Nature of Man and God" by Simon S.Godfrey will appeal to those curious to know about the real nature of him/herself and who is not satisfied with the teachings of main stream religions. The author takes a scientific, rational approach most of the time in addressing the all important question, What is our true nature? What is our relationship with God/Universal Self?
The author is a psychologist and is thus well qualified to probe into the depths of human psyche. He has also researched the topic extensively, especially the western views on this subject. The author's exposure to the Eastern views on the subject seems to be confined to a few sources, especially the Upanishads, the portion of Vedas, also known as Vedanta (end of Veda), which deals with Atma Vidya (knowledge of Self).
The book is spread over 11 chapters. The author differentiates between Nominal Self (what we normally associate with our Self), Transcendental Self (the Self which becomes apparent when we transcend, i.e. overcome the bundle of conditioned responses and the Universal Self/God. Most of the concepts presented by the author are common to Hindu Philosophy (which is different from the ritualistic religion for day-to-day living).
Although the topics discussed are very similar to those taught by the great traditions, the difference lies in the line of approach. The teachings of most traditions must be accepted on faith. Godfrey here offers a well-thought-out basis for the theses he puts forth, treating the topics systematically and experientially. This approach appeals to the modern reader who needs scientific arguments before accepting any concept.
The book is not easy to read, since the concepts presented are complex. The style is also not uniform. Some portions of the book are surprisingly lucid and easy to understand. Other portions are difficult and may need multiple reading sessions before the subject becomes clear.
The author argues that the Universal Self is the Unity of All Things. If this Unity encompasses all as It has to, to be called Unity, human beings and all else are perforce parts of All, parts of the Universal Self. Additionally, the author discusses the issues of free will and the necessity of evil quite broadly. His views on these issues are in my opinion, very close to the monistic (Non-Dualistic) philosophy of Hinduism as elaborated by Adi Shankara and in modern times by Sri Ramana Maharshi etc.”
The book has an Epilogue (also available at www.trafford.com/robots/03-1063.html) worth reading by the prospective buyer. The book also comes with copious notes, Bibliography and Index, all very useful features.
The book is generally well edited, though a few typographic errors were noticed.
The book is recommended to serious readers of philosophy.
posted by S.V.Swamy | 8:16 PM
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