GoodbyeOldGod.com

I find myself drawn to approaches which encourage a fresh and different look at what we so often consider familiar in reading and considering the Scriptures. Thus as I began to read Goodbye old God I liked the different approach being shared. All too often we hear the same things or can readily predict what we are likely to hear when the text is announced. It's not a desire for novelty in the hearer or reader, but rather the hope that we will be encouraged if not challenged, to look again with a new understanding to see different aspects of the passage. Someone said many years ago there are two kinds of Bible study questions: the first is where you need the Bible to answer the questions; the second are those questions with perspectives which help you to mine the riches of the passage before you. I prefer the second kind as it takes the text more seriously and expresses the desire to submit humbly. The first kind of question so often reveals more of the interests, biases and limitations of the one preparing the questions. I feel that this book combines both perspectives behind the two kinds of study questions; for as I read more of the book I found myself reacting to constructs and ideas of the author more than being offered ways to look afresh at the passages. Great, however, is the desire to consider the whole Bible. And while I felt the author's presence, I sense that in the context of a gathering or meeting the communication dynamics might be what really makes the ideas stimulating. Anthony McCarthy

Amongst the plethora of new titles, on every subject under the sun, appearing daily in your favourite bookshop, ever so occasionally there's something a little bit different. Geoffrey Holt's deceptively slim volume, Goodbye Old God is one such. This clever and memorable title, which could emblazon the front cover of a book on any subject, is perhaps better defined by the subtitle New refreshments for tired and thirsty spirits. What a wonderful and timely offering for these physically and spiritually drought-stricken and frustrating times. Geoff is a thinker and he thinks outside the conventional square. He also speaks, and writes, from a well-qualified background. In his 60s, he's crammed a great deal into those years; numerous work incarnations including his current role running a successful advertising agency. He's also a lay-preacher and scholar of divinity. So you could accurately describe Geoff as being very familiar with both mammon and God! The book is also refreshingly original in its structure. No chapters, just "readings", 70 of them! But despair not; they average only 2-3 pages each, of large, clear type with wide-open leading - ideal for tackling in small manageable "bites". Each of these "readings" poses an eternal question and is based on a bible passage from either the Old or New Testament. But, again don't be deterred. Because the questions relate to the eternal "human condition" they are contemporary. Geoff has set out to provoke his reader into a more thoughtful, deeper consideration of life today. His constant theme of the "mystery paradigm" is a clever, original thread which will ensure you read all 282 pages. Hopefully, your thirsty spirit will then be, at least, partially slaked!

“ Refreshing, relevant, insightful, puzzling, undoubtedly controversial and challenging. Goodbye Old God caused me to re-think the conventional and prescriptive “takes” on the Parables and the story of Genesis, amongst others, which I had learned in Sunday School. While I have struggled with, and been discomfited by some of Geoff’s concepts, I have nevertheless been uplifted by new insights into the Scriptures. For me, not so much Goodbye Old God but welcome Immanuel- ‘God with us’. “I warmly commend this book to readers “ Geoff Chubb

“The book is, as its subtitle suggests- extremely refreshing and, at times, quite challenging. It is clearly an honest book, and I found little difficulty in identifying with the author on a number of occasions. I do not believe that it was the similarity in our ages alone that made this possible. It has to do with some fundamental evangelical beliefs. “ I plan to read the book again within the next few months- this time a chapter at a time and with a closer look at the Scripture references. Meanwhile, I can recommend it as well worth reading for believers and not yet believers” Ken Peters.

I'm still reading and absorbing this great book. I'm enjoying this challenging and thought provoking work which is reminding and challenging me to see God in a closer and more intimate perspective. A perspective that He has been teaching me about for years but has not always been drawn together as Geoff Holt's book is able to do.

Goodbye Old God is engaging, and once I got round to reading it, I could not put it down and finished it in only two sittings.

Harry Goodhew – Previous Archbishop of Sydney “ The last thing I would ever say about Geoff Holt is that he is pedestrian. He is whole-hearted, imaginative, vigorous, and prepared to push boundaries. "Goodbye, Old God” displays these characteristics. He is also dedicated to following Jesus and to helping others, particularly those who struggle with the institutional church, to do the same. This book is an expression of that desire. You may find yourself unable to follow him in some of his thinking; so much the better. He would want you think for yourself. “