How to Hear the Voice of God disputes the ideology that only the “called” and/or appointed men (in most religions, only men) are given special insight into the God channel, and that we poor average schmucks are dependent on them to relay the message of God.

The obvious problem with this belief system is that it leaves all of us to the mercies of the interpretations of those considered “qualified” to have contact with God. Everyone, regardless of their best intentions, bring to any interpretation they make their own biases and agendas.

Dr. Shumsky makes the seemingly simple assertion that anyone can tune in to the voice of God by just asking God for guidance, help, etc., then taking the time to listen. Since all are worthy of the redemptive power of God, it should be a logical extrapolation that all are worthy to speak to and be spoken to by God.

However, leaders of organized Christianity have long feared that people would speak to God, draw their own conclusions from his or her answers, and challenge the clergy’s omnipotence. Therefore, they have done everything from trying to keep the Bible available in only “dead” languages and burning people at the stake if they had the audacity to assert that God had spoken to them. Even today, those who say they speak to God and receive responses are considered kooky.

How to Hear the Voice of God is a refreshing breeze of hope for all of us with its assertions that all are equal in the eyes of God and can communicate with him or her if we will only believe, speak and listen.

This is an incredibly uplifting and hopeful book that belongs on the bookshelves of all who believe in God.