Philosophy Now: "Brilliantly lucid, clear, common-sense and to-the-point style."

Epworth Review: "This discussion must help both believers and enquirers to a deeper understanding of their religious impulses."

The Freethinker: "A brave and very well-written book."

Customer reviewer William Adams: "Anthony Freeman is a de-frocked Anglican priest. Why did he get the boot? Maybe it's because he dared to say what many people already suspect, that God is not 'out there,o in heaven, outside of history, distant, aloof, and silent, but oin here,o alive and present. Does Anthony believe in God or doesn't he? The church said no, and he had to go. He says yes. It depends how you understand God. He presents his reasoning in this brief, but provocative gem.

Customer reviewer and OCRT webmaster, B.A. Robinson: "Throughout history, there have been many concepts of the supernatural. In ancient times, the Gods and Goddesses resembled humans with special powers. More recently, they were all-powerful beings in charge of a defined geographical area. Still more recently, God has been visualized as an omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent, omnibeneficient spirit, in spite of the logical contradictions that these attributes generate. Freeman has taken the next step, towards a God who is not 'an invisible person out there somewhere, but lives in the human heart and mind as the sum of all our values and ideals guiding and inspiring our lives.' Unfortunately, the Church of England was not willing to tolerate one of their priests taking this step."

The King James Bible was based on "corrupted and inferior manuscripts that in many cases do not accurately represent the meaning of the original text."

One of the most beloved of stories in the Christian Scriptures among those opposed to the death penalty is the legend of Christ forgiving the woman who was caught in adultery. It appears in John 8:3-11. But it doesn't belong in the Bible.

The author of Revelation threatened and issued a curse in Revelation 22:18 & 19:

Lost Christianities: The battles for Scriptures and faiths we never knew (4.5 out of 5 stars)

Lost Scriptures: Books that did not make it into the New Testament (5 out of 5 stars)

Publishers Weekly:

James Robinson, author of The Gospel of Jesus:

"...this superb reference work and his previous excellent nonfictions are inspirational for us religious moderates who believe in tolerance for all. Suicidal extremists or intelligent designers, who share in common [the belief that] their faith is the divine one, need to pass, as these groups will reinterpret the simple underlying moral message of Mr. Feiler's strong belief in the words of the Bible."

"Feiler's newest book offers readers of all faiths hope for religious tolerance and moderation. This wonderful book reaffirmed my belief that God and the Bible should not be used as ammunition for hatred. I will reread this book, and highly recommend it to others."

"I admire his articulate and sophisticated critique of religion and the state. Because it is so easy for anybody to become wrapped up in religious extremism while practicing their own perspective, Feiler's work needs to be studied by people of all perspectives seeking a balanced--and thus peaceful alternative to both history and current events."

Feiler is Jewish and I am Catholic, yet I found his message to be one that should be shouted from every roof top: Respect and Admiration for ALL of God's people is essential for a harmonious world, God's world. We have heard such a message before, but rarely in such an eloquent and documented way. Feiler traveled through Israel, Iraq and Iran; places that are virtually off limits to the western world in the modern day. Through words, he showed us the land of the stories, the land where God showed himself and first spoke his word, a word that would spread throughout all the nations.

"Feiler in all his books confronts the connections between Islam, Judaism and Christianity and concludes that they should be friends. I however look at them as various versions of the same semitic fanaticism and have no expectation that they can avoid intolerance. This book only plays into the hands of Islamic fanaticism, as does an earlier book by Jimmy Carter."

"If you have trouble with the major beliefs, but you feel there is something more than the self, you might get benefit from this book. Even if you are firm in your belief, this is an extraordinary book and written with great skill, sincerity and thoughtfulness."

"I believe the book is worth reading, but I wouldn't make it a priority."

"For those who still have a belief in God but can't stand the dogma, deceit and destruction of religion, this is a must read."

"Read this book!! Get this information into to your brain and circulating through every cell of your body, manifest. Study the book....If the information in this work is the only information you receive in a lifetime, it will be the only information you will ever need!"

They say there's nothing new under the sun, but I've never read anything like this in my life, and I am an overeducated person whose hobby is reading.

" 'God Without Religion' universalizes spirituality and shows why some of the things religionists do actually do work. It only undermines narrow ideas of God that fuel centralized authoritarianism and narrow religious identities.....I feel 'God Without Religion' has the potential to make history. It is by far the greatest book in its category that I have ever read."

"Professor Hamilton's book dazzles with lucid, original, and humane intelligence. The legal profession, academia and the general public will all enjoy learning from it. Let us hope the U.S. Supreme Court does not deviate again from its present conclusion on religious liberty as Hamilton explains it." Rita Swan, Ph.D., President, Children's Healthcare Is a Legal Duty

"Marci Hamilton has heroically and truthfully confronted the widespread American myth that all things done in the name of religion are good and deserving of constitutional protections. She has accurately named the harm done in the name of religion and how this harm is protected and enabled by the courts and law enforcement by way of the inaccurate application of the First Amendment. God vs. The Gavel is essential reading for those who insist that religion be true to its fundamental mission and not about victimizing people for the sake of power, privilege or financial gain." Thomas P. Doyle, O.P., J.C.D., C.A.D.C., Canon Lawyer, Advocate for those abused by Clergy

"Marci Hamilton is an original and provocative First Amendment scholar whose views have enriched and enlarged the debate about religious liberty. She saw the potential constitutional problems with laws like the Religious Freedom Restoration Act well before many others did. Her voice simply cannot be ignored." Nadine Strossen, Professor of Law, New York Law School, President of the American Civil Liberties Union

"A terrific discussion of the constitutional issues concerning religion that are so important right now in American society. Whether one agrees or disagrees with Professor Hamilton, one has to admire the clear, careful, and provocative way she approaches these key issues concerning the government and religion." Erwin Chemerinsky, Professor of Constitutional Law, Duke University, School of Law

"God vs. the Gavel will open your eyes, stun your soul, and strengthen your belief that no one, not even priests and ministers, are above the law. If you care about justice for those victimized by religion, you must read this book." Karol Jackowski, author of The Silence We Keep: A Nun's View of the Catholic Priest Scandal

"This is a truly important, if provocative work, which is essential reading for anyone who wishes to delve beneath the surface of the contemporary battle over religion and values." the Honorable Edward R. Becker

"A timely, hard hitting, passionate, yet scholarly inquiry into the clash between religion and the state. Hamilton, whose writing style is engagingly lucid and compelling, raises controversial questions and her powerful answers will enrich our understanding of the issues and provoke debate. No one will or should completely agree with Hamilton but no one concerned about the interface between religion and civil society can responsibly ignore her cogent arguments." Dean David Rudenstine, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, Yeshiva University

LJA: "Brian McNaught's book "Sex Camp" is an extraordinary story, one which is not only a great novel but informative and can be challenging to the reader. If you have ever had the great privilege to hear Brian speak in person, you can "hear" him throughout this book. Watching the 'campers' go through their own journeys during the week at camp was very real -- so much that although there were 32 participants portrayed, I felt I was the 33rd camper!!"

"As I read the book, I found myself gaining new information about sexuality and along the way, laughing, smiling and crying with the participants. Excellent character development with tons of information for everyone who picks up this book."

"I highly recommend this book -- it's a beauty!!"

"Way to go Brian!!"

MF: "Thanks to author Brian McNaught I had a great week at 'Sex Camp.' His tale took me to a wonderful place where I laughted, cried, and learned things I didn't know about sex, life and relationships. Each of the campers interested me with what they brought to the experience. Leaving me wanting more."

JO: "I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It deals with an annual workshop on sexuality held at a retreat center in upstate New York. The leaders are professional sex educators and the participants are a group of teachers, counselors, medics, ministers and seekers. The author has presented us with a book that drew me into the experience of challenge and change and transformation that affected the real participants. From being a reader, I felt I became a participant too. I liked that. "

"I liked too the style, which is conversational, with knowledge and information filtered through the different dialogues that take place. The workshop presentations are engaging, and the subsequent group meetings and private conversations that followed caused me to look at my ideas and prejudices, and to question them."

"The whole gamut of sexuality in all its diversity came up for review, always treated with sensitivity and respect. And there seemed to be great fun in the formal class settings, and in the informal moments at walks, talks, and swims. I envied the laughing, and I shared the tears. Sexuality and its concerns were treated in a life-accepting and life-enhancing way. I felt that no matter what my gender or orientation or spirituality, I had a respected place in the midst of life. I felt my biases and prejudices tweaked as I opened up to other perspectives and points of view."

"You may have seen the movie, 'Kinsey,' and marveled at the ignorance of the past and the subsequent fears and inhibitions that followed, and then appreciated the freedom and understanding that resulted from real knowledge. I think you'll find yourself on a similar journey as you read 'Sex Camp.' I did!"

"I did not particularly like the title, which was the affectionate nickname used by staff and participants. Another tweak for me! Also, while I loved the interactions between the participants, it was an effort at times to keep them apart and remember who was who. But their stories won me over and have remained with me. Their stories are my story. It could be yours too."

AM: "I was anxious to read Brian's new book as I have heard him speak and have read his other books. You will not be disappointed! Brian takes us on a weeklong journey to Sex Camp where we meet 32 men and women. Each coming for different reasons and each is bringing their own experiences, knowledge and attitudes. During the week they will learn all about human sexuality and relationships. And each will share their feelings and values with us. I found myself agreeing and disagreeing with them, smiling and frowning but always ready to read the next page to see where their journey was going and how it would end. I recommend this book especially to people who are working as counselors and sex educators and also to people who want to examine their own feelings about different sexual issues.

David: "There have been certain markers along my personal journey toward sexual health and wholeness. Attending Thornfield, the week-long workshop on sexuality, was one of the most profound. This book is a blessing for anyone struggling to connect with their spiritual-sexual self or to understand that of others. The story has a cast of characters who are lively, fun, engaging, and real, with each bringing to the table their own mix of life experiences. As a sexuality educator, I would like to see Sex Camp become required reading for everyone. There really is magic happening in this book!"

Bishop John Shelby Spong, retired Episcopal minister and author of Here I Stand! My Struggle for a
Christianity of Integrity, Love and Equality and The Sins of Scripture : Exposing the Bible's Texts of Hate to Reveal the God of Love, wrote:

Marty Klein, author of a newsletter "Sexual Intelligence" wrote:

Please buy...[Sex Camp] and read it. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll learn about sex--and you'll learn about learning about sex, which is even funnier and more moving. The book describes the Workshop just a few summers ago, with a fascinating cast of characters and a breezy, familiar style that perfectly matches the informality and unpredictable nature of the place. This is also a wonderful book for high school and college students, who will identify with the curiosity, secrecy, concerns about self-image, and thrill of self-discovery that most of the participants wrestle with during the Workshop. I'm proud to say that several dozen of my readers have attended or staffed a Thornfield Workshop. For those of you who weren't quite so lucky, this book is the next best thing.

Jesse Monteagudo is author of the Book Nook. He wrote:

"Sex Camp features the most diverse cast of characters this side of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales. Among the 32 campers are a nun, an 'ex-gay man,' a cross-dressing heterosexual church organist, a 'queer' activist, a homophobic Planned Parenthood educator, a hunky straight man in a wheelchair, two football coaches, and a half a dozen ministers, just to name a few. Add to that a 'Sex Camp' staff of 6 intelligent, opinionated men and women (including McNaught, who appears in this novel as himself) and you have the makings of a lively, inspiring, and explosive novel. Those who participated in 'Sex Camp' (according to this book) leave with more knowledge of sex than is possessed by 90% of the U.S. population (no surprise there), not to mention a week’s supply of life-altering experiences and insights.

During 'Sex Camp' the campers and the staffers discuss such important issues as sexual values, body image, “self-pleasuring," gender identity, sexual orientation, seduction, abuse, theology, and 'turn ons.' McNaught used those conversations as launching pads to discuss those issues, from various perspectives; and the result is an exposition that is as informative and definitely more entertaining than what you would find in a scholarly dissertation. McNaught should be commended for his ability to write sympathetically about people whose views he does not agree with. (McNaught’s portrayal of the 'ex-gay' man, and other assorted homophobes, are good examples of his literary empathy.) Though there is much conflict and argument here, most of the campers eventually learn to respect each other and to listen to each other. If 'real world' people could get along with each other the way these fictional campers do, the world would be a much better place.

Sex Camp is more than a seminar in human sexuality, of course. And it is more than an introduction to 'the world’s best kept secret.' It is also an entertaining story; and a great way to spend a rainy afternoon, or a long train trip. You might even want to attend 'Sex Camp' yourself, after reading McNaught’s fascinating rendition of it. Every member of Congress and the Bush Administration (not to mention the Vatican) ought to be required to spend a week at 'Sex Camp.' I can dream, can I?