In God's Name

I've read this book to an adult agnostic friend over the phone, and it made her weepy--the good kind of weepy. I gave away my first copy to a 10-year-old Christian girl for Christmas (I'm Jewish), and her father was very touched; he's a neighbor and Christian, also African-American, as is the daughter. I have a close friend who is a Christian, so I bought this new copy for her, and she sent a note, "I love this!" with some hearts thrown in too. :-DI need to keep a copy for myself, which I'll do when I can fit it in our tight budget.I've never read a book that comes close to appealing to a wide readership without getting too whimsical or didactic, or some other kind of too light, or too heavy. This book, the words and the illustrations, not only "appeals" to a wide readership, but conveys for children--and some adults--that our way of perceiving God isn't the only "legitimate" way of viewing God; it's one beautiful way, that combined with other views, touches the right chord.I won't hesitate, when I have the money, to give another copy to someone, child or adult, then have to buy myself another to replace the last, until next time I see someone I think will enjoy this, and there goes by copy of the book again. I think it'll end up being "the book I gave away, then replaced, more often than any other."

The book is gorgeous- large, glossy and the illustrations are BEAUTIFUL- really lovely.My only issue with "In God's Name" is that all the names given in this book are adjectives and based on qualities of God found in the Bible, such as "father", "savior", "healer", "shepard', "redeemer", "source of life", etc.This is wonderful for families that are practicing religion that focuses on some aspect of the Bible, or want to introduce their children to the idea that God does *so* many things and has so many different identities based on life experience. I was just hoping for more of a diverse and multi-cultural approach to the idea of God. My daughter (age six) has been asking about Buddha and also about some of the different buildings we saw while traveling, and I was hoping this book might open up a dialogue about different beliefs around the world and the central idea at the heart of all of them.I recommend this book. My daughter had some wonderful questions when we read it and it really showed her that God can be many things, and essentially, it's important to have an individual approach to spirituality. I ordered it along with What Is God? and All I See Is Part of Me and I like all three very much. However, if you are looking for a way to introduce or discuss different religions and approaches to God with your child, I would recommend "What is God?" over this book.

Great story, but I think it's more a lesson for adults than children. This is definitely a children's book. However, I think this is a universal message that all peoples from all religions should understand. I talks to many different people and why they call god the name they do. Each name is relative to the person speaking. The shepherd calls god a shepherd, the lonely widow calls him a friend ect. All come to find out that god isn't listening because he is only One or akad. Akad is the Hebrew word for unity, oneness, and undivided. This book is a skillful and innocent way to teach the world God prefers obedience above sacrifice. God is One, why does everyone have a different name for him? The book is asking the reader this question. I enjoyed the book. Shalom.

I cannot tell you how much I love this book. It speaks to every age, deep to the heart. I absolutely love the expressions of God and humanity in this story that is totally accessible to children and adults. It will renew your love for unity in diversity. It will foster discussions with your children about who God is. Everybody needs this book!

Great book to help understand diversity and unity of God. My 4 y/o grandson understood it well the first reading. Illustrations were beautiful. Content excellent.

Perfect for people of all ages and religions. Thought provoking. What do you call God? Great for starting conversations in children's or youth ministries.

A book for all children about differences of how people express God. Lovely! And the illustrations are masterfully done to demonstrate diversity!! It helps create understanding and acceptance of others who think about God in other ways. I added this to my own children's book collection!

This book is a lovely way to talk about God being one even if people see God differently. We can be united in the one God even among the differences. Fantastic book!!

This is the third copy we have bought. Each has been given away and each was very well received by the parents of the recipients. It is beautifully illustrated throughout and is stimulating in a wide variety of contexts.

I bought this book on the recommendation of a Sermon preperation guide, I've used it in church and school assemblies, the illustrations are lovely and the concept makes it a great aid in our multi-faith society