Why God Matters

I recently had the opportunity to review Why God Matters by Karina Lumbert Fabian and Deacon Steven Lumbert. I admit that when I saw its title, I assumed it would be more of a theological treatise that might be helpful in responding to the growing number of militant and vocal atheists who are constantly telling us why God doesn’t matter and why He just isn’t at all.

But the book isn’t meant to be an outright defense of God or the Catholic faith. It is not a book that every apologist must toss into his toolbox (although it certainly wouldn’t hurt). Honestly, I found that the book’s subtitle (“How to Recognize Him in Daily Life”) is really a more apt description of the heart of the book.

Why God Matters is written by everyday people for everyday people who are looking to find God wherever they’re at. Each chapter begins with an anecdotal essay written by one of the book’s two authors who are a father and daughter team. A life lesson concludes the chapters and includes discussion questions and thoughts on how to put your faith into action. For instance, Chapter One: The Reluctant Convert’s life lesson is “Determine where you are in your faith life” and includes questions like “Where are you in your faith?” and encourages you to bring this question to Adoration to help you dig more deeply.

All the writing is conversational, and I always enjoy books that sprinkle in theology through creative nonfiction. Another selling point for me is this is not a book that has to be read from start to finish. Each chapter could stand alone, so it would be a great book to pick up during your morning or evening prayers or to take with your to ponder before the Blessed Sacrament.

Although the personal reflections in Why God Matters remind the reader that it is first and foremost our awareness of an all-loving, merciful God, and not just physical matter, that makes for the foundation of our existence, its writers also show that God can be found not only in our hearts but in the matter, the physical substance of life well. Through the book’s reflections, the authors reveal how His love is served to us in a steaming bowl of arroz con pollo and His strength is at hand as we wait in a hospital to hear that our wife and new baby have made it through a dangerous delivery. Why God Matters is an enriching read that doesn’t set out to prove anything other than the fact that God is with us every day and everywhere. And that helps to explain why God matters a whole lot.

*I received this book free of charge for review purposes. Purchase Why God Matters: How to Recognize Him in Daily Life.

For more information:

Book website

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