Book Review: A Conversation With God

What if you were granted the opportunity to ask God any question you wanted to ask? We all must deal with our "what if's" and our "why did's". Alton Gansky answers some of those "what if's" and "why did's" in his book, "A Conversation With God, (If You Could Ask God Any Question, What Would It be)?"


Fifty-five questions are presented. The questions range from the very existence of God to political issues and politics. The format of the book is much like the format of a FAQ, frequently asked questions, of computer software and internet forums. The author utilizes the voices of God, Jesus, and various characters from the Bible to answer the questions. The style is like engaging in a conversation with those providing the answers, hence the title of the book, "A Conversation With God."


The answers given in the voices of Biblical characters are taken from Scripture. However, the Scripture references aren't given in the text. Footnote numbers are provided according to chapter. You must go to the back of the book to check a Scripture reference. I found this to be very distracting and time- consuming.


The answers given to the questions are very basic, almost broad answers. I wasn't inspired very much while reading the book. I must admit at times the book made me think. A couple of examples of this are:

• Question 25, pertaining to the role of Jesus in salvation. The author says nothing about the requirement for the shedding of blood for forgiveness of sin.
• Question 28, pertaining to whether or not one can lose their salvation. The author tries to stay in the middle ground of "once-saved-always-saved" doctrine.

Homosexuality and abortion are controversial topics both inside and outside of Christianity. The author seems to be walking the middle ground, not quite ducking the issues, yet not fully answering the questions raised.

It's my opinion the author interjects a significant amount of his own opinion while using the voices of God, Jesus, and other Bible characters to answer the questions. While a new, or immature Christian may get some value from reading this book, I would recommend they read and study a modern translation of the Bible first. Christians who are more mature in the Scriptures and basic Biblical doctrine will find their knowledge already beyond what's presented in "A Conversation With God."

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."