God

by Alan W. Watts

Book by Watts, Alan

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Religion

63 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1974

About the author

Alan Wilson Watts was a British philosopher, writer and speaker, who held both a Master's in Theology and a Doctorate of Divinity. Famous for his research on comparative religion, he was best known as an interpreter and popularizer of Asian philosophies for a Western audience. He wrote over 25 books and numerous articles on subjects such as personal identity, the true nature of reality, higher consciousness, the meaning of life, concepts and images of God and the non-material pursuit of happiness. In his books he relates his experience to scientific knowledge and to the teachings of Eastern and Western religion and philosophy.

Reviews

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most fascinating definitions of faith I have ever encountered - really made me stop in my tracks! Several friends have been telling me to look into Alan Watts for years, but there are so many books and so little time. Glad I made room for Alan; a clear voice that cuts through all the modern noise.

[Lori Zuppinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

A re-read. I have a 1975 copy of this book that I bought second-hand as a teen, in 1986 or '87, when I didn't know quite what I believed about the world but only knew I didn't fit with what some of my family believed. Every now and then I need to pull it back off the shelf and read it again. Short, insightful, and feels like you're sitting having a philosophical conversation off the cuff.

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short excerpt book on some of Alan Watts teachings, adapted from transcripts recorded in the last years of his life. A series of nine books were published, this is the first book.

The book is small, very easily read within one reading session. One page has an image, mostly derived from Japanese images. The other page is a short paragraph. The content is to have you think about God, how to represent the image. The viewpoint is mostly from the Christian religion, although others are mentioned. Letting go is the fundamental aspect of faith. To believe is from the root word lief, which means wish, so to believe is a strong wish. Faith is what is needed. Do not cling; but have faith.

[Reed · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short and sweet!