Penguins, Pain and the Whole Shebang: Why I Do the Things I Do

This is definitely one of the best books I've read in my life. I have been struggling with depression and problems with my boyfriend. This book made me laugh out loud about 10 times when I was reading it. My boyfriend dumped me the night I read it, and because of this book I was okay with it. It changed my perspective on a lot of things. It's hysterically funny, but the theology is really good at the same time. It will make your sides cramp up from laughing, and make you really think. I recommend this book to every single person on the planet, no exceptions at all. "Penguins" is absolutely amazing.

First let me say that I'm a fundamentalist Model Agnostic. After reading this book, I found myself walking around talking like the Big Guy. John's co-author is truly inspired. The back flap contains a picture of John but "no picture available" of the co-author. I'm not sure if that's to avoid the problems the Danish are dealing with regarding the "cartoons." Seriously you don't need to be a "believer" to get a lot from this book. The writing style is unbelievably brilliant. The voice is great. The pace is perfect. This is really skillful stuff. I still don't agree with the substance of a lot of the book but that's fine. I will say that if most people could sit around and have a brew with the co-author of this book, it would do more for "spreading the Gospel" than all of the stuff coming from those churches and TV preachers.

This little book is BIG in outlook! It treats some difficult and perplexing theological questions in ways that are revealing, humorous, and highly accessible. It richly resonates with many of my own experiences as a follower of the Way, as one who sees faith as a wondrous journey of discovery.

Reading Penguins and pain took me back to my days as a raging skeptic/agnostic. Many of the thorny theological questions it tackles-in its unique and humorously penetrating way-are the very questions I wrestled with back then (`then' being the 60s). In those days, I rejected all traditional presentations of Christianity-I sure would have welcomed the way these issues are handled in Penguins. What a fun way to approach thinking about God! A great gift for any skeptic or doubter. Great also for Christians who will enjoy a fresh presentation of the faith. I loved this book!

I used to be a christian religious fanatic...Then, about 7 years ago, I had a tragedy in my life that turned me off to the whole 'God' thing. I wondered how a loving God could allow something so hurtful to happen to myself and those effected around me. When I read this book, it inspired me to give God another chance... John's convincing argument that God has to allow evil if he is to allow free will in this world showed me that God isn't necessarily evil and cruel just because of my experience. He, instead, is loving and patient and humane. Thanks, John, for your inspiring story.