Searching for God Knows What

I became acquainted with the writings of Donald Miller through his first book, PRAYER AND THE ART OF VOLKSWAGON MAINTENANCE. I had originally picked that book up because it had an interesting title. I was really impressed with Miller's writing style, the conversational tone and the wonderful way he told stories. Years later, I discovered that Miller had written something new, BLUE LIKE JAZZ and bought it the first chance I could. BLUE LIKE JAZZ became a phenomena of sorts and has helped Miller become established and turned him into a sort-of-spokesperson for the youthful Church. It took me awhile to finally read Miller's latest work, SEARCHING FOR GOD KNOWS WHAT, but I've finally finished that too.

Like BLUE LIKE JAZZ, SEARCHING FOR GOD KNOWS WHAT (SFGKW) is a bit difficult to describe. The book is basically one man's observations of the major problems of the modern Church. The two images that Miller uses most poignantly are that of the life boat and of the circus. The life boat theory that Miller presents is especially interesting and powerful at illustrating how the Church should be different from the rest of the world.

SFGKW isn't quite as strong or as focused as BLUE LIKE JAZZ or the brilliant road piece, PRAYER AND THE ART OF VOLKSWAGON MAINTENANCE. It tends to ramble and there are part of the book that seem out of place. For instance, the whole last chapter about Shakespeare is interesting stuff, but it doesn't fit with the rest of the book and seems more like the introductory essay for a longer work. Also, there are valid claims that Miller doesn't offer any practical solutions how to solve the problems.

Nevertheless, those very criticisms illustrate Miller's central point. Christianity isn't about a list of dos and do nots. It's about following Jesus and having a relationship with him. When a person tries to fit that into a certain formula, part of the mystery and flavor are lost. Overall, SFGKW is a book about a guy still wrestling with his faith and trying to share with the world what he has learned. I don't always agree with everything that Miller writes, but I sure do enjoy reading what he has to say.

Aimless direction, annoying tone, and boring pace.
There was a quote here and a quote there that were worth noting, but as a whole it was hard to even make it to the end of the book. That many pages and yet...nothing but vapor and vanity (albeit disguised in failed attempts at self-deprecating humor).

Worth noting:
*Life-Boat Theory
named in honor of that discussion starter where we imagine a handful of people in a lifeboat with limited resources and try to decide who's worth saving and who should be thrown overboard. He argues that most of us spend most of our lives playing the lifeboat game, judging others on their status and trying to increase our own status relative to others. And though Jesus' message was all about eschewing this game, it seems Christians are just as quick to play it as everyone else.

*Beyond Formula
he explores the idea that the Bible isn't really the kind of book that lends itself well to a "formula for success" approach. Rather, he suggests, the Bible is a complicated and messy book that can only be understood relationally, rather than formulaically, and that the relationship into which it leads us is one that is not likely to make us successful by society's standards.

The author and educator Elizabeth Wise Bauer has said that reading a book is like having a conversation with the author. I hadn't thought that, and really haven't considered my reading to be a conversation. It would be, as she calls it, a rather "laborious process." Yet I discovered that a conversation is just what happens when spending time with Donald Miller and Searching for God Knows What.

Conversing with Miller is to laugh, as with his formulaic way to write a best seller (chapter 1), and to become more serious when making comparisons by a life-boat theory analogy (chapter 8), and to be more pensive with a thoughtful, insightful conversation on who Jesus was as a person, and how He makes a life-boat comparison lifestyle unneeded (chapter 9). Our follow up chat, dealing with the gospel of Christ as a relationship with a person (chapter 10) may not cover new ground, yet shows what Miller wants himself and his book to be about. Personally, the most eye-opening part of our discussion was his comments on morality, showing that Christians, rather than homosexuals, were trying harder to "control" Congress and influence morality. I also commend his interpretation of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, although I am reminded that C.S. Lewis once said that American's have little problem "discovering" what Shakespeare really meant in his works.

When all was said and done, Donald and I, I think, were both happy with our time together.

But our conversation had its limitations. Reading Searching for God Knows What is to compare it to Miller's breakthrough book, Blue Like Jazz. Comparisons are unavoidable, as this book ends with a free chapter from Blue Like Jazz, and Miller's website has bluelikejazz as a url. In Blue Like Jazz Miller was irreverent and caustic. His insights and ramblings were fresh and direct and wrapped in a narcissism the size of a mid-western state. And it worked. But Blue Like Jazz was a unique book. It was written during Miller's college stay, and those years, no matter how important, are transitory. In Searching Donald converses more hesitantly about the saints he takes to task in Blue. His postmodern ramblings are tampered and open to more biblical study, especially some of the earlier chapters. Before, he challenged the system...practically all of it; here he is a writer more accepting of his evangelical world, or at least not so anti about it. Although the book works as a whole, dissected it is uneven. This is shown clearly in, of all places, the Afterword. There he makes comments that seem to state, "Don't misunderstand what I have been trying to say". This seeming hesitancy does not work with Miller and I wonder why he included it. Blue would never have included such a section; it would not want it. Including it here creates a hesitancy that robs the book of a needed strength.

In short, Searching gives us more of Miller, and at the same time less. He does not repeat Blue Like Jazz, nor should he be expected to. But this work, while containing what has already been called "vintage" Donald Miller, appears to be searching for something more itself. And, as mentioned, a search for the "best" of Miller will lead us to bluelikejazz.com

Donald Miller has a unique style of telling stories of faith that is thought provoking but not simple by any means.

Reading his stories is like a peek inside his mind. He tells of the 9-1-1 events and how losing three thousand people in the United States is small in comparison to the thousands that are killed each day in the Middle East. He tells how the Arabs were treated in the United States after that event.

I remember watching the horrible news that fateful day. It was surreal. All different emotions were evident throughout the day. Some were in shock and numb. Others felt community with others and talked about it. Still others cried. Some businesses went on as if nothing happened. Others closed.

I love to know what's going on in the mind of others. Donald Miller holds nothing back. He tells you like it is. His book reminds me of a diary. It's an inside view of how he thinks and perceives the world. It does seem to jump around a bit. I start get interested in what else he's going to say about a particular subject and he's moved on.

We relate to stories. Jesus told stories. Donald tells the story through his eyes. It's up to us how we perceive it.

If you love Donald Miller's previous books, this one will be no exception.

**This book was given to me for free by Thomas Nelson Publishers for review purposes**

Donald Miller is starting to find his voice. At times his language is forced, and he still overuses the word 'beautiful', but for the most part, this book reveals an author coming into his own. It had moments of poignancy, truth, and hilarity. It could have used a thorough editorial trimming, as the pacing dragged a bit at times. All in all, the book is a solidly written treatise on relational faith, a (sadly) revolutionary concept to its contemporary evangelical Christian audience. I purposefully distinguish this as its primary target audience: the faithful who are missing the point; I'm not sure how interesting it would be for anybody outside of xtian faith.

Initially, Miller sets up his target: the formulaic approach to faith we evangelicals get trapped into. He does this within the setting of a Christian literature conference based on some tried and true packaging of faith-tinged self-help books (the discussion comparing fiction to nonfiction is laugh-out-loud funny). He then proceeds to show that our obsession to clarify comes at a great cost: completeness. Why do we attempt to simplify something so complicated? I would argue that 'refining the message' is at the heart of it, a marketing technique that belies our primary motivation to sell the 'product'. Miller's synopsis of the pitfalls of this distillation takes some interesting turns: selective parsing of the biblical narrative undermining the meaningfulness of something still technically true; war rhetoric blurring who the real enemy is and our common victimization from the fall; our insatiable tendency to compete against and judge each other.

Miller purports that there is something to faith beyond the facts; something that can only be illustrated in story, poetry, picture. His lifeboat analogy is a nice example. As is his description of the one who didn't need a lifeboat, and what a life looks like without it. There are two other points that this book illustrates beautifully: relationship "isn't exactly a scientific process", and a systematic approach can all too easily (and inadvertently) exclude Christ. To say anymore would undermine the crux of the book, so I'd encourage you to read it if your interest is piqued.

Miller has created an interesting analysis and point of view with regards to people and their relationships (or lack thereof) to God. He begins by exploring his own relationship with God, how he lost his faith and how it was slowly rebuilt. He points out how society tends to paint God based on rules and formulas, but that God paints a bigger picture and that there is no 'self-help' book to point the way that's perfect for everyone.

By starting with his own fall from faith and then rebuilding it, then turning it around and showing what we expect God to be (based on society) he helps us to find the path to our own discovery. He's not giving you the answer, but he's pointing out some basic truths and misconceptions that society gives us as the "one" truth. Getting to know God isn't easy and it certainly isn't a scientific process. The steps that one person takes aren't necessarily going to lead another to the same place. Everyone on a lifeboat may end up at a different destination.

Society tends to imagine God as a mirror image of themselves instead of seeing beyond the reflection to something bigger. We dissect his message looking for the fine print instead of reading the bigger message that's actually there. We're looking everywhere for God instead of where he actually is. Miller is great at using our culture and society as references to reorient ourselves to our search. Definitely a good read, made me want to go back and reread the passages in the bible as he mentions them with a different point of view.

Any dude who is writing about his daydream of watching TV with a space alien and the naked Adam and Eve is OK by me. Donald Miller's book is actually titled "Searching For God Knows What". I enjoy his writing style - witty, poignant and articulate. Most of all, he confidently is willing to expose his own weaknesses. When once asked "why did you write this book?" Miller answered "I am broken, I like to write, but basically, subconsciously, I just want people to like me." And so it is since the fall of man, when Adam and Eve sinned, eating of the tree of good and evil. "Searching For God Knows What" is a refreshing story of Miller's ideas of what faith is all about.

Miller states "what we really need is God. What we really need is somebody who loves us so much we don't worry about death, about our hair thinning, about other drivers pulling in front of us on the road, about whether people are poor or rich, good-looking or ugly, about whether we feel lonely, or about whether or not we are wearing clothes. We need this; we need this so we can love other people purely and not for selfish gain, we need this so we can see everybody as equals, we need this so our relationships can be sincere, we need this so we can stop kicking ourselves around, we need this so we can loose all self-awareness and find ourselves for the first time not by realizing some dream, but by being told who we are by the only being who has the authority to know, and by that I mean the Creator." Sweet!! I want some more of that God stuff... and the kind of faith Miller obviously has in his heart and writes about with so much zeal.

Miller has some awesome analogies and theories in this book, including his Genesis Theory on the human personality, a brilliant idea that he invites us to expand upon. More on this and his fine work await you...

Here's my two cents worth on:

'Being Naked: We were made without clothes for a reason, and at the very least we should be able to sleep in the raw (clothes are just minutia at night!)
'Surviving in the Lifeboat: If you're going to start a fire I'll be the first to volunteer to jump out of the lifeboat (i.e., I'm not afraid of the ocean, God's on my side... think Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego - the Three Faithful Men and the Fiery Furnace)... or... I'll never even make it to the lifeboat as I blew off the muster drill.

What are your thoughts on being naked, or on surviving in the lifeboat?

Miller is a phenomenal writer. There are sentences in this book that jumped off the page and went to straight to my heart. There are stories that made me laugh. Miller is hysterical.

Perhaps because I went through my own long dark night of the soul, I understood some of where Miller comes from in this book. There are moments of brilliance here. Particularly in his emphasis on a relationship with Jesus Christ as opposed to a formula, idea or set of rules.

I also think his suggestion that Theology, while there's nothing intrinsically wrong with it, is not God, is also spot on. Seems like a no brainer, eh? But the truth is, we seem more often to cling to Theology rather than God.

There are times while reading this book I felt as though Miller's writing had become timeless as though I could have been reading something written decades ago. I don't think this is an easy thing to do. This is where his skill as a writer comes into play.

However, at the same time, much of Miller's own arguments against a particular segment of Christendom (lets just say it's a more conservative wing) are and should be applied to himself and a more liberal segment of Christianity. He fails to apply his own logic to his constructed beliefs about the world and politics.

I found it increasingly ironic, the more I read, that Miller seems to have missed that his own Theology appears to define his political beliefs and his view of the world. Yet, that's somehow wrong for the more conservative amongst us to do. Surely, his criticisms of Christianity and the church have some very valid and key points.

I think, for this reason, this is a book that should be read by the average Christian. I think it's important to be stretched, to be asked tough questions. In reading this book, that happened for me. In some ways, I found I could agree with him where I might not have previously. In other areas, he simply reflected what I felt for some time (relationship over formula and rules).

But in many other ways, being forced (so to speak) to look at some of Miller's beliefs (which don't always come out as blatant statements but in very subtle ways) only solidified what I believe about faith, the world, morality, politics and my role in the world. And I believe very different about these things than he does.

What the book description provided above does not tell you is that this book isn't just about redemption and relationship. It's about Miller's personal view of the world. If you like to be stretched, if you don't mind questions and debate, then Miller's views outside of the topics of a relationship with Jesus Christ aren't going to bother you.

However, there are many who will be turned off by this book. And I suspect, it's for very different reasons than Miller might believe. I read his blog as often as I can. I enjoy his books and his sense of humor. But I feel as though he has no idea how he sounds sometimes regarding the church, the world and politics. He comes across as arrogant and ultimately? Misinformed. Though I'm certain that he, as a part of an intellectual elite, would say that's not so. Yet, the more I read this book, the more I felt that Miller sounds (at times) exactly like what he disagrees with about the church. Just from the opposite extreme.

In spite of the criticisms I've mentioned, I appreciate Miller. I do. I think he is an incredible writer. I think he's smart, gifted and hilarious (he's truly very funny). But at times, he is a little misguided. And sadly, it seems as though he views those who disagree with him as misinformed, while at the same time, telling us misguided folk to come out of our Theological fox holes and be enlightened to his way of thinking. Unfortunately, his way of thinking is not always correct. And again, it might be wise for him to apply some of what he's saying here, to his own belief system.

Check it out for yourself. Don't take my word for it. But use discernment.

Searching for God Knows What was a great and refreshing read this past weekend from Donald Miller. Engaging read about how we have made an idol out of religion and forgot about the core truth of Jesus Christ and our relationship with Him.

For those of you who are are familiar with Donald Miller and this book you will realize the cover has changed and he has expanded on the previous edition wrote in 2004. This has an expanded section that talks about the Genesis Personality Theory and also hidden clues for a mysterious game. The clues are for a game that will start in June and all the information is in the new book.

My humble words cannot explain Searching for God Knows What in any other terms other than; Jesus Christ is not a formula, nor can you place Him in a box with a bow on top. Following Christ is not a simple list and a morality check box. This relationship with Jesus Christ as Donald Miller writes with clarity and boldness is more than what we as Christians have reduced him down to. Donald's narrative genius makes this an engaging read, not a theological textbook. The last chapter is worth the price in admission, but don't jump ahead because you may not understand the last chapter.

Last night I stayed up late finishing Searching for God Knows What by Donald Miller, author of Blue Like Jazz. This man has quickly become one of my top five authors. His fierce honesty and devotion to the Lord shine through on every page. Often he clarifies or forces to the surface thoughts of my own I hadn't been able to put to words. Miller makes it so clear that what Jesus gives us unconditionally and freely is love, and that love is what He requires from us in return, not just for Him, but for the whole world. There's a lot of angry rhetoric out there about them against us be it fundamentalists vs evangelicals, Democrats vs Republicans, or Protestants vs Catholics, there is always a "we're better than they are" attitude that Christians are very guilty of propagating in the world. Much of Miller's writing in this book address that our message in the Church as the bride of Christ needs to be one of love for the world. Comparing ourselves to other people and judging their sins only keeps us trapped in a cycle without love or God. Miller is a powerfully affecting writer who has the potential to change lives. God knows that he's changed mine. Read this book and Blue Like Jazz and anything else Miller writes (including his new book To Own a Dragon).

Searching For God Knows What by Donald Miller was an interesting read I must say. The title alone caught my attention because I believe we all walk searching for something. He talks about formulas or walking through steps to your "Christianity" as being somehow simply wrong. While I agree there are no certain "10 steps to being a whatever" that is a mold for every single human being, I have come to realize that there are steps that we take in our quest for godliness that we must put our feet on one day at a time. Miller's take on what we are searching for is sometimes humorous, sometimes right on the mark, and sometimes downright off the mark. The most valid point made in the entire book is on pages 12-13 where he states "The truth is there are a million steps, and we don't even know what the steps are, and worse, at any given moment we may not be willing or even able to taken them; and still worse, they are different for you and me and they are always changing." This statement was made valid in my opinion because of the variety of what we all differently believe Christianity is. The bottom line is there is a Bible which is the inspired Word of God. The interpretation of this inspired Word is where these steps come in to play. This entire book is one man's testimony of the steps he walked through to get where he is today. He claims there is no formula - but there is and he walked it. This formula was designed specifically for him and him alone. Where he is in this walk, I cannot point my finger at. At first impression I would claim this as "on the verge of Emergent". At second impression, I would say Donald Miller has a clear understanding of recognizing the importance of our relationship with Jesus Christ in our lives though with a sort of New Age understanding. Until I got to the end of the book that is. There I found the "formula" or "list" (called a theory by Miller) in all its glory. Good book, good read; but one man's testimony and one man's (albeit he is a famous author) idea of Christianity in all reality. I recommend this book for reading by both believer and non-believer alike. I do however believe it should be read by the believer with a discerning mind. The non-believer may find answers to questions they have asked themselves and find a starting point to dig into the Bible and all its beauty.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I receive the books I review free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their [...] book review bloggers program. I am not required to write a positive review of any book. The opinions I express 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."

I read Searching for God Knows What by Don Miller a while ago. It was a great read, however not the best of Don's writings. The book covers the topics of self-help formulas, easy promises, and weak Christianity. Miller's book is quite challenging to the normal view of Christianity that acts like it has all the answers and makes a 6 step process the end all. Miller writes with genuineness that most writers lack.
This revised edition didn't seem to be very different at all. A new cover, with a new introduction and that's about it. If you already own Seraching for God Knows What then don't spend money on this copy for just a new introduction. It's considered an "expanded" edition, but really lacks a great deal of new information. If you haven't ever read any of Don Miller's books then you should go out right now and buy one, seriously, he's incredible.
I'm also supposed to tell you that I received a free reader's copy from Thomas Nelson, but that getting a free book has nothing to do with what I thought of it. My opinions are my own.

I recently finished reading Searching for God Knows What, by Donald Miller. I'd read his Blue Like Jazz a while back and loved it, so I'd been meaning to get back around to him.

I really like this book. I really like Miller, actually. I like it that he seems to think about his faith himself, rather than letting others tell him what God wants for him. In this book, Miller dwells on the human relationship with God, and he draws some parallels and some conclusions that I'd never thought of before. He quite accurately paints ways in which our organized faith might have gone a bit wayward, but he appears to do it without malice. There are lots of historical references, tidbits of quotes and songs, and parables in here, and the book reads easily, as if one were talking these things over with a good friend.

I recommend both this book and Blue Like Jazz if you are interested in thinking more about the nature of faith and love.

I like this book better than his more popular "Blue Like Jazz." I read BLJ asking, "Why is this book selling so well?" and "Will Donald Miller become a leading voice for a new generation of Christians," and "I wonder if Donald Miller and I could like, hang out." This book is both more engaging and more theological. What Miller is doing is translating orthodox theology into the language of people who watch South Park and who wish they were popular and who don't like formulaic religion. In other words, most Christians under 35.

Miller's humor is warm and inviting, just like Jesus. He makes you feel like he is not the teacher sitting at the front of the class, he is the guy sitting in the row behind you whispering smart remarks in your ear. Jerry Falwell is teaching the class, but you're not listening because of Donald Miller.

His metaphors are modern-day and out of the ordinary. That his faith was shaken when he saw the mall Santa in the bathroom is priceless. The idea that social acceptance works like a lifeboat that we need to be rid of is profound.

The drawback is that Miller divides himself. He writes for Christians who are too intelligent to adhere to four spiritual laws, and yet he underestimates the questions that Christians are going to have about orthodox theology. Things like the Mosaic authorship of the Torah, the historicity of Adam and Eve, and his position on same-gender relationships go unchallenged and assumed. He's writing for recovering fundamentalists as much as anyone, people who already get his background. Of course, seekers coming from the other direction, new to the church and wary of fundamentalism, will find this relieving too.

I'd recommend this over BLJ. It's a fun read. And I'm hoping maybe Miller is as concerned about his image as he says he is and actually reads these reviews. Call me.

I read Searching for God Knows What by Don Miller a while ago. It was a great read, however not the best of Don's writings. The book covers the topics of self-help formulas, easy promises, and weak Christianity. Miller's book is quite challenging to the normal view of Christianity that acts like it has all the answers and makes a 6 step process the end all. Miller writes with genuineness that most writers lack.
This revised edition didn't seem to be very different at all. A new cover, with a new introduction and that's about it. If you already own Seraching for God Knows What then don't spend money on this copy for just a new introduction. It's considered an "expanded" edition, but really lacks a great deal of new information. If you haven't ever read any of Don Miller's books then you should go out right now and buy one, seriously, he's incredible.
I'm also supposed to tell you that I received a free reader's copy from Thomas Nelson, but that getting a free book has nothing to do with what I thought of it. My opinions are my own.

I recently finished reading Searching for God Knows What, by Donald Miller. I'd read his Blue Like Jazz a while back and loved it, so I'd been meaning to get back around to him.

I really like this book. I really like Miller, actually. I like it that he seems to think about his faith himself, rather than letting others tell him what God wants for him. In this book, Miller dwells on the human relationship with God, and he draws some parallels and some conclusions that I'd never thought of before. He quite accurately paints ways in which our organized faith might have gone a bit wayward, but he appears to do it without malice. There are lots of historical references, tidbits of quotes and songs, and parables in here, and the book reads easily, as if one were talking these things over with a good friend.

I recommend both this book and Blue Like Jazz if you are interested in thinking more about the nature of faith and love.

I like this book better than his more popular "Blue Like Jazz." I read BLJ asking, "Why is this book selling so well?" and "Will Donald Miller become a leading voice for a new generation of Christians," and "I wonder if Donald Miller and I could like, hang out." This book is both more engaging and more theological. What Miller is doing is translating orthodox theology into the language of people who watch South Park and who wish they were popular and who don't like formulaic religion. In other words, most Christians under 35.

Miller's humor is warm and inviting, just like Jesus. He makes you feel like he is not the teacher sitting at the front of the class, he is the guy sitting in the row behind you whispering smart remarks in your ear. Jerry Falwell is teaching the class, but you're not listening because of Donald Miller.

His metaphors are modern-day and out of the ordinary. That his faith was shaken when he saw the mall Santa in the bathroom is priceless. The idea that social acceptance works like a lifeboat that we need to be rid of is profound.

The drawback is that Miller divides himself. He writes for Christians who are too intelligent to adhere to four spiritual laws, and yet he underestimates the questions that Christians are going to have about orthodox theology. Things like the Mosaic authorship of the Torah, the historicity of Adam and Eve, and his position on same-gender relationships go unchallenged and assumed. He's writing for recovering fundamentalists as much as anyone, people who already get his background. Of course, seekers coming from the other direction, new to the church and wary of fundamentalism, will find this relieving too.

I'd recommend this over BLJ. It's a fun read. And I'm hoping maybe Miller is as concerned about his image as he says he is and actually reads these reviews. Call me.

I read Searching For God Knows What last year when I was going through a time of searching in my life. Searching for me and for Him. I am a Donald Miller fan because I appreciate his honesty and at times his bluntness. He tells unique stories that can make you laugh and also have you sitting quietly pondering things for hours.

One of the reasons I like Donald Miller's writings is because of his use of analogies. This book in particular uses the lifeboat and it seems appropriate with the title. I like analogies because it gives us something to contemplate further.

Donald Miller brings about main questions but does not answer them all. I like that. I like reading a book and coming out of it pondering my life and Him. Without having the author tell me what I should think or feel.

Each chapter of Searching for God Knows What gives you a different perspective...and it all comes together with the powerful thought... you are not alone...in this searching and wandering.

Searching for God Knows What by Donald Miller is a book intending to shake the traditional Christian's belief about the way things are in many churches today. Miller is not apprehensive to knock organized religion. Being a Christian is all about relationship, about falling in love, about the person of God. The language, duties, ceremonies, etc that go with church are secondary. That idea is not new to me, but several insights in the book were.

This book was somewhat political. And political in a liberal-leaning way which bothered me somewhat. Miller dissed Fox News and talked highly of Clinton and Carter, for example. Those things made me mad, to be honest. However, his engaging conversational tone, relevant stories, unique observations, and keen analogies kept me compelled.

To be entertained, to learn, to make you think are all reasons to pick up this book. Just beware of the liberal lean which Miller warns is not a reason to negate things either.

The basic thesis of Miller's book is that Christianity should not be reduced to a set of principles, regardless of how true, necessary or helpful they might be, as to do so detracts from the relationship with God that is central in the Scriptures and thus by far more important. He examines the relational aspect to Christianity from various angles using real life examples that drive the point home all the more because they are situations most readers today would have experienced either first-hand or second-hand at some or other point in their lives. Miller answers the question, What Do we Really Want?, in the light of his own rejection of the small god of his fundamentalist background...he uncovers the passionate and personal Person of God by looking at the Fall of Man in a very real and heart-wrenching manner by comparing God's reaction to Adam and Eve's sin to the reaction of his friend who overheard his wife tell another man how much she loved him. Miller's disarming manner brings new meaning to old truths and challenges the reader to re-examine his own relationship with a God Who is real and not the boxed-in god our formulas have made him to be. His discussion on the five-fold stress on "nakedness" in Genesis 1-3 is an excellent example of this. He suggests that the reason we all have various forms of insecurities and a need for external affirmation is because of the Fall. Man was made to gain security from God and once that relationship is marred, Man begins to look elsewhere to fill the vacuum created by the absence. This is perhaps the most valuable part of the entire book as it addresses a major need in today's society...that the hole we keep trying to fill with stuff can only be truly filled by God. Only in Him can we find true fulfillment and contentment and security and cease to feel ashamed due to the realization of our "nakedness". This relationship, Miller argues, can only be begun and continued once the reader falls in love with Jesus, rather than trying to relate to Him via some form of recipe. Loving God and knowing that we are loved by Him, and that we gain our value and self-worth by this relationship of love, will set us free to be able to love as God loves without feeling the need for barriers to protect and defend us from attack caused by rendering ourselves vulnerable. Miller also tackles the thorny issue of the overly politicized Church...and argues that if we left the fight for the political future of the country and rather concentrated on the battle for the hearts and souls of the lost, the Church would flourish and the Kingdom of God would grow...this is something I feel needs to be said over and over again. Change will not come by means of political power - it never has. This was the same mistake the 1st Century Jews made in their thoughts regarding the Messiah...they wanted a political figure coming in power and might. No, change must come through relationships as one heart is won for Jesus at a time. In the final chapter, he uses the balcony and death scenes from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet to demonstrate his thesis that to follow Jesus is more like falling in love rather than baking cookies. This is a book that is potentially life-changing and should be read by all Christians who are serious about living out their Christianity before a world that has become weary and suspicious of neatly pre-packaged reasons and recipes for following Jesus. I have highly recommended this book to my parishioners and others because it challenges the way in which we relate to a God we have all too often confined to a box of our own making. Miller exhorts us to look beyond our formulas to truly meet the God Who is there and here and Who desires to be known for Who He is and not what He is.

Donald Miller's new book is "Searching for God Knows What." This book explores how Christianity should be a dynamic, relational thing for us rather than a propositional, formulaic step-by-step approach to life. There are no step-by-step self help lists in the Bible, he says - rather it contains stories which illustrate our relation to God. Miller argues that we are wired so that we derive our value from being told our worth by others, and this is the source of problems and conflict in life. While we should derive our worth and value from how God loves us, most of the time we are worried about what other people tell us about our worth, and thus try hard to earn points from others instead of dwelling within the esteem of God.

"If we are going through religious motions to get people to think of us as religious, praise us, and all that, we are receiving our false redemption from a bunch of people who are going to be dead in fifty years. This is a shabby replacement for an eternal God."

Anyway that makes it all seem quite heavy, and it certainly is a very stimulating and thought provoking read, but Miller's style is so relaxed and humorous it's actually a very easy and pleasurable book to read. If you want to read something that's a little different, I'd encourage you to check both of his books out, maybe starting with Blue Like Jazz.

While Searching for God Knows What lacks the angst of Blue Like Jazz, the first half of the book has close to the same feel, other than the angst I mean. My favorite chapter is titled "Imposters: Santa Takes a Leak." If anything, this title should give you an idea of what Miller is about. He opens the book by sharing a personal story of a Christian writer's conference he once attended where most of the ladies at his table were preparing to writing formula books. One, a daily devotional while drinking coffee, another a daily devotional book to read while enjoying tea. Miller dropped his diplomatic covert nun that saves the world idea and set out to write his devotional book to read while eating ice cream, but he just couldn't cram the complexity of the Biblical narrative into three or five or ten simple bullet points.

Miller also presents a reality-show type model of existence in a lifeboat where one person must be tossed overboard. To avoid that terrible fate, he says we all argue our worth and form alliances. It's a great model and explains society well. The author even goes so far as to argue against placing morality above Jesus and His message. And he does a sound job making this point.

The second half of the book seems to slow down. It's a little more preachy than the first half. It's not bad; it's just not as consistent, not as raw, and not as funny.

Whether he's embracing it or not, Donald Miller is becoming one of a few spokespersons for the emerging church movement. Because of this new hat he wears, he may have been more cautious with this book than he was with some of his previous work. (But this might not be the reason.)

I enjoyed Searching for God Knows What. It's well written, and almost as funny as Blue Like Jazz. Miller argues for some sound ideas. If a reader were only going to read one Donald Miller book, I'd still recommend Blue Like Jazz; but if they were going to read two Miller books, I'd say Searching for God Knows What is worth the time.

At first I thought I was going to be disappointed. The book started out kind of slow with Miller explaining that "religion" can become a form of idolatry. Fed up with the rules of religion, Miller told God that he (Miller) didn't think that He (God) existed at the age of 18. However, Miller then began his own search because telling God that He didn't exist made him uncomfortable.

The rest of the book picked up from there as Miller explained that belief in God should be about a relationship with him-- not a set of rules. Morals are great, Miller won't argue that. However, he does point out that in our fallen, materialistic world, we are driven to competitiveness. It's about who can one-up who. Christians secure in their relationships with God are less likely to play the comparison game...sometimes. There is a trap in Christians trying to one-up each other with who is the more moral person. And that is a dangerous trap to be in as it turns others off to Christianity entirely. In fact, one of my favorite quotes is: "I...plead with evangelicals to return to the sort of call Christ has given us, to obey Him and experience intimacy with Him through sharing our faith, loving our enemies, and serving and feeding the poor and hungry directly, and to stop showing off about how moral we are and how that makes us better than other people," (Miller 194).

I love Miller's call to action. To simply live the life God intended us to live in relation with Him and with others. No, we shouldn't throw morals out the window. Miller is quick to point out that there are rules outlined for Christians in the Bible and that we should be obedient to God. But...we as Christians should be careful not to cast stones at others. When Christians focus more on how they are "good" and others who don't know Christ are not, they aren't winning people to Christ.

It's what I love about our church too. Our church is very much about meeting people where they are...whatever their thoughts on God, faith, Christianity, etc. Then, hopefully and prayerfully, those people fall into a love relationship with God too.

In the end, it's well-worth the read. Miller has some interesting theories about human behavior-- Christians and non-Christians alike. He is a fabulous story-teller, with anecdotes for every point he makes. While he started his search not really knowing what he was going after-- in the end it led him to God and to a true, pure, loving relationship with his Heavenly Father.

I thought I had heard every angle, every "sermon" topic in my 40 years of being a Christian and growing up in the faith. Miller managed to make me see things in a new light...from an undiscovered angle. I was moved and awed by many of his insights. As I read, my family was in the car together on a trip. I found myself reading many of his anecdotes outloud to my 10 & 13 year old children. They enjoyed his story about "Pete", the totally dorky kid Miller knew in school. It led to a great discussion about nerds that my own kids knew, and what really makes a person popular, and is it really so important?

Miller's answer is an emphatic "NO". The world sees us all in a lifeboat..who is most valuable...looks, talent, money, etc. People hated Jesus because he was living and teaching the idea that there IS NO LIFEBOAT. I have been challenged to quit comparing myself to others and ranking people on some invisible ladder created by our own misguided illusions.

Don Miller has got an amazing ability (God-given, of course) to present a series of ideas that all tie together to emphasize an important point. In this book, just like in _Blue Like Jazz_, Miller gives thoughts that lead to criticisms as well as encouragement to the 21st-century church. In _Searching for God Knows What_, the topic focuses on how the modern church has trivialized the Gospel message by turning it into a short series of ideas, or a quick formula that bypasses most of what Jesus' life entailed. These thoughts are all but revolutionary, but so blatantly obvious to me as a reader (though I always wondered why I had never thought of these things in the way he presented...now that he had, it all makes sense).

Specifically, he presents metaphoric symbols of what humans are trying to make in life: justifying our usefulness on a lifeboat, trying to entertain the masses in a circus, etc., and ties them together so well that you find yourself making other metaphors and expanding the range of the implications.

Simply put, Don's ideas are ones that many Christians need to take to heart. He comments on our morality system as something that now takes the place of our loving of one another, a way of justifying our place on 'the lifeboat.' He talks as he did in _Blue Like Jazz_ about the dangers of using war-like vocabulary in our dealings with non-Christians: if we view it as a battle or a war, we feel like we are taking sides against other humans, instead of Satan, who is our true combatant.

I looked forward to getting this book after Don e-mailed me to let me know there was a new book coming up (his 6 month lead time definitely left me eager). Once again, I was not let down. I feel this book is good for Christians and non-Christians alike, though much of the items Don talks about are more Christian-oriented than in _Blue Like Jazz_. I recommend reading this book to, at the very least, think about some issues facing the modern church and deducing your own reaction. It is sure to make you internally debate with your own thought process, but I believe that is the intention of this book. Let it. A+ job to Don, and praise to God for using Don to bring our hearts and minds on Christ and Christ alone.

Anne Lamott's "Traveling Mercies" and Donald Miller's "Blue Like Jazz" were gusts of fresh air in a stale religious environment. Full of honesty and conversational writing, both books renewed my faith in...well, faith.

Miller's newest is written in the same deceptionally breezy style. It is rich with wisdom and insight. For me, though, it leaned much heavier on theology and apologetics, causing it to lose some of the appeal of "Jazz." Other reviewers have seen this as a strength, crediting the book with deeper ideas and formulated thoughts. I appreciated these aspects, although they detracted the book's ability to draw me in. I wanted more of the anecdotes, more of the I-can-relate-to-the-everyday-struggles-of-other-believers moments.

Again, Miller shows his incredible ability to communicate on the page. Again, he reminds us that Christianity is all about a relationship with Jesus, versus a system or set of bullet points. With less soul than his previous effort, this book still has the ability to revolutionize one's spiritual life.

Searching for God Knows What by Donald Miller is a book intending to shake the traditional Christian's belief about the way things are in many churches today. Miller is not apprehensive to knock organized religion. Being a Christian is all about relationship, about falling in love, about the person of God. The language, duties, ceremonies, etc that go with church are secondary. That idea is not new to me, but several insights in the book were.

This book was somewhat political. And political in a liberal-leaning way which bothered me somewhat. Miller dissed Fox News and talked highly of Clinton and Carter, for example. Those things made me mad, to be honest. However, his engaging conversational tone, relevant stories, unique observations, and keen analogies kept me compelled.

To be entertained, to learn, to make you think are all reasons to pick up this book. Just beware of the liberal lean which Miller warns is not a reason to negate things either.

I've often encountered throughout my own spiritual journey, Christians who are afraid. They're afraid to be bold, afraid to be honest and (at times) even afraid to display a sense of humor. Author Donald Miller apparently ain't afraid of any of that. I received a copy of "Searching for God Only Knows What" as a gift this past summer, shortly after my own (first) book arrived in stores. This was my first exposure to Mr. Miller's work and I found his story of life and faith to be compelling, insightful and often, laugh-out-loud funny. And I definitely connected with his unique and edgy perspective. Simply put, "Searching for God Only Knows What" is an entertaining read -- regardless of one's own personal spiritual point of view.

Christopher Long
-Author

Searching For God Knows What is a magnificent book about the reclaiming of Christianity as a relationship not a formulaic religion. Donald Miller is one of the greatest treasures to come out of evangelicalism in the last decade. His writing style and personality appeal to those who have been hurt, beat up or marginalized by the established religion as he offers fresh perspective on a life of faith lived in the context of community within the church.

Searching For God Knows What was the second book I ever read by Miller, which has only gotten better in this revised and expanded edition published by Thomas Nelson. Miller's thesis is authentic faith is not about rules, lists, good deeds or even correct theology....it is about a relationship with the Living God who created us and longs to live in community with us. Although this concept seems as if it should already be grasped by evangelicals (natural descendants of the 16th century Reformers) it seems we often forget what a relationship looks, feels and smells like.

Miller is a master storyteller who invites the reader to pull up a chair and fresh beverage of one's choice to have a conversation about what God and a relationship with Him is really all about. There will be plenty of critics of this book, because Miller seems to cast of systematic theology to some degree, but those critics are not giving Miller the benefit of the doubt. Several times he admits that he agrees that we need a strong theological framework in place, but if we reduce our faith down to just that theological framework "we are of most men to be pitied."

A fantastic reminder of the love affair God has for and with His people!

Searching for God Knows What, by Donald Miller, is a collection of essays on searching for God. The title explains that often the search for God begins with a search for something else. Miller's own searching for meaning led him away from a god of his own design to the gospel of the true and merciful God. The essays go in different directions but lead back to a theology based in the grace of God, with glimpses of rich theology in the midst of entertaining narrative.
Compared to Blue Like Jazz, I was impressed. This book was more theological while still maintaining his typical and expected humorous style. While it was entertaining, Miller has a way of getting under my skin. I have a number of friends that he annoys much more, but we have different reasons. In the middle of his essays, he makes statements that bother me. Most of these I find inappropriate, not theological statements, but details in the midst of the narrative. While the book reads at a fairly elementary level, he makes statements that are immature and inappropriate for any age (admittedly few and far between, but the problem is that they are there at all).
On another note, this edition includes puzzles and games, which to me are just worthless and add annoying inconsistencies to the typeface.
Overall, this is an enjoyable read that shows his cards when it comes to theology, and I appreciate it.

As I read Donald Miller's Searching For God Knows What, I would set it down knowing that I was going to have conversations with people about what I was reading. Miller's content is challenging and his tone is genuine. I've got a friend who knows a whole lot more about the Bible and Jesus than I do, but whenever we talk about it, he pushes me and spurs me on to uncover truths from within me. He provokes self discovery rather than just rattling off the facts that I know he could recite. I've felt the same way about reading Miller's books in the past, and this one is no exception.

Donald Miller lays it out right from the beginning: in relationships, formulas fail. And in the church today, there is a suspicious amount of seemingly hollow habits we have grown familiar with. On page 13 he says, "Some would say formulas are how we interact with God, that going through motions and jumping through hoops are how we a person acts out his spirituality. This method of interaction, however, seems odd to me, because if I want to hang out with my friend Tuck, I don't stomp my feet three times, turn around, and say his name over and over like a mantra, lighting candles and getting myself in a certain mood. I just call him. In this way, formulas presuppose God is more a computer or a circus monkey than an intelligent being. I realize that sounds harsh, but its true." Miller's take is refreshingly realistic. And he seems to constantly be bringing up topics which are, indeed, harsh and true.

On page 28 he goes on to describe a point of view of someone outside of the Christian subculture looking in; tuning in - "If I weren't a Christian and I kept seeing Christian leaders on television more concerned with money and fame and power than with grace, love, and social justice I wouldn't want to believe in God at all. I really wouldn't... The God who cares so much about getting rich must not have treasures stored up in heaven, and the God so concerned with about getting even must not have very much patience, and the God who cares so much about the West must really hate the rest of the world, and that doesn't sound like a very good God to me. The televangelist can have him for all I care." These are some big truths which challenge me to look introspectively at what my own actions are revealing. If I put trust and comfort in those things as well, then am I limiting what I believe my God to be?

I have come away from this read encouraged to respond to God's grace rather than participate in a systematic program of rules. Searching For God Knows What is a refreshing look at discovery within the realm of following or investigating God. I also love that I can feel confident handing this book to a friend who doesn't consider themselves a Christian, which I think is rare among the genre. I have also spoken to a lot of friends, mostly friends who aren't Christians, about the things written in the book and have had a lot of quality conversations because of it. I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their rad book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review, I just like the book. Please check out my blog for similar reviews @ booked and convicted

Donald Miller is an outstanding writer, and an unconventional thinker. These two traits make his books "Blue Like Jazz" and "Searching for God Knows What" engaging and entertaining reads. In the second book, Miller encourages Christians to abandon the formulaic and highly commercialized faith that the church has embraced and focus instead on the founder of our faith - Jesus Christ.

Miller's only misstep is in his discussion of politics. Not in the content - I think his views on politics and the church are spot-on - but in the asides. Miller's observation that American Christianity has become over-focused on homosexuality and abortion is a point that needs to be made. The Christian church in America has also allowed itself to become too wedded to one political party, which can be a roadblock to preaching the Gospel. All of Miller's points in this part of the book are provocative and true.

What bothers me are his asides. He takes swipes at Republicans, Fox News and others, engaging in the very form of rhetoric he encourages Christians to forego. It's a disappointing blemish on an otherwise fantastic book

I had just recently read Searching For God Knows What for the third time while taking some time out from work and study - getting away from everything to think about everything. Getting out the box to think about the box and what it really looks like, because its often hard to tell when you're on the inside.

Do you ever find books that you conclude to be decent reads, until one chapter comes along that ends up blasting you away with so much truth and potency that you can't help to place the book amongst the greats? Thats what happened with me and this book. What Donald Miller converses about the lifeboat and the need for people outside ourselves to tell us how much we are worth was just so honest and real and blazingly true, i hurriedly recommended it to every single friend i could think of.

Donald discusses (amongst many other things) that ever since the fall, we (humanity) constantly look at things outside ourselves to validate our existence, to tell us that we are okay - that we are worth something and can contribute something to society. And forgive me if this is a universal truth that everybody should learn in 11th grade psychology, but just the way that he puts it, with such honesty, makes you really review why you have turned out the way you have and why you do certain things, whether it be to gain other peoples acceptance or love or whatever it is they are willing to give. This book all up makes me really look deep inside, to wonder if i do things to push myself up the invisible social ladder, or to have a better position in the life boat (see the book).

I think Donalds chapter on the lifeboat theory should be read by everyone that can read, and for those that can't read someone should read it to them. It is so needed in my generation especially (gen Y's) and gives good insight into why we are the way we are. The way don puts all this across in such a casual and truthful discussion will keep you humble and inward looking for days after you finishing reading. This book deserves a chance.

I had the honor of hearing Donald Miller speak (the first time for me) at MOPS convention at the beginning of the month. I have tried to read his book Blue Like Jazz in the past, but was not able to "get into" it. After hearing him speak (which was amazing, by the way), I was excited to dive into Searching for God Knows What. I believe this is a great book which answers questions many people have about Christianity. Donald Miller is a funny guy and this book highlights his personality very well. I could spend hours listening to him talk and reading this book makes you feel like he's talking to you!

I have had some exposure to Donald Miller, having read two of his books, followed his blog and even heard him speak. If there is one thing he is known for, it is a brutally honest writing style. In Searching for God Knows What, Miller has produced a manifesto that examines the details of Christian spirituality in no uncertain terms.

If you are looking for another book to give you seven steps to being Jesus' favorite, this book will rattle your cage and quite possible offend you. If you are searching, as the title suggests, you may find this book fulfills its intention and makes you think about what you believe.

Searching for God Knows What covers a variety of topics in a very personal way. Miller invites you into his own story as he begins to think deeper about issues that are critical to being a Christ follower.

The final two chapters hit firmly on Miller's major theme. Titled "Religion" and "The Gospel of Jesus Christ", they focus on our selfish desire for a formulaic approach to religion rather than the relational love that Christ offers. In other words, rather than seeking to know God, we just want to know about him.

For many people this book will be a wake up call. To others it may be a slap in the face, but I read it in light of Solomon's wisdom - "Wounds from a friend can be trusted" (Proverbs 27:6). If you are patient enough to read this book from end to end, you will no doubt be challenged as I was. I would recommend this book readily as I found it both insightful and inspiring.

Disclosure of Material Connection: 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."

This book was my first introduction to Donald Miller several years ago. Since then I, have read his other books, followed his blog and him speak at a few conferences as well. I appreciate his honest writing style and the transparency he offers when describing his own experiences.

If you are looking for a "5 step process to a better you", this book is not for you. If you are searching, as the title suggests, you may find this book a helpful companion on your journey.
The strength of Searching for God Knows What comes in the way Miller invites you into his own story as he begins to think deeper about issues that are critical to being a Christ follower. His focus is on the relational love that Christ offers rather than seeking to simply about God.

I strongly recommend this book to those who are not looking for black and white answers... for those who are seeking understanding and experience on the journey.
Disclosure of Material Connection: 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."

I just finished reading Searching For God Knows What by Donald Miller and I have to say I really like his writing style. It's easy going and laid back with just the right amount of humor thrown in.

The overall theme of this book is that you don't necessarily have to follow a specific formula to have a relationship with a higher power. The author does focus on the teachings of The Holy Bible but he does so in a way that encourages the reader to view the stories from a fresh perspective. He artfully weaves stories from his personal life and applies them to the lessons of the Bible in a way that is both entertaining and insightful.

What I enjoyed most about this book is that the author comes across as very real and never preachy. He acknowledges that there are certain ceremonial acts that some religious groups believe are necessary to guarantee a ticket to Heaven and then quickly acknowledges that these acts are strictly for our mental benefit but not required, as far as God (or whatever you choose to call our reason for order in the universe) is concerned.

I think this is a good read for anyone looking for an introduction or reconnection with the Christian faith.

Don Miller writes as though he's sitting across from you in a coffee shop, and just happens to notice you're reading something he's interested in. He can't help but start a conversation, and you can't help but be amazed by how much you have in common with this guy you just met. His authenticity is courageous. I read Blue Like Jazz first. It was given to me as a gift and, when I finished it, I turned around and gave it right back to my friend, and insisted she read it. I finished Searching for God Knows What soon after that. Now I'm half-way through To Own a Dragon. I haven't read this furiously since...I can't remember when? Painted Deserts is on it's way. ...Enjoy the conversation.

I like analogies. I think Donald Miller does too because his book "Searching for God Knows What" is full of them. Miller compares our lives to being stuck in a lifeboat with a bunch of people vying for survival. He also ponders what an alien would think of humanity if it visited earth. Most of his analogies are hilarious and witty but also well thought out and insightful glimpses into life and faith. Analogies however can only go so far and sometimes it seems Miller gives his analogies too much authority. Either way the analogies still make you look at life from a fresh and often funny perspective.
I also liked "Searching for God Knows What" because Miller is honest. He relives events from his youth and college days with transparency and openness. I got the sense that Miller wasn't trying to hide anything while writing or make himself out to be a hero. Miller often makes a point at the expense of his reputation by telling a story that pokes fun at himself. Miller brings you along his life journey with his honesty and reflects on the lessons he learned along the way. For people who have been hurt by or burned out from the organized religion of "Christianity", Miller's book offers a new perspective. It could almost be compared to finally sitting in the front seats of a roller coaster after several rides sitting behind the smelly big person who is holding their hands in the air the entire ride. Like I said analogies can only go so far. And trust me Miller's analogies are much better than mine. Thank you to Thomas Nelson for sending me a complementary copy of "Searching for God Knows What" for my review.

A phenomenal book. Reading Donald Miller is like eating a piece of gourmet chocolate cake - you try to eat it slowly because you think you should, to savour all it's richness, but you end up scarfing it down quickly because - you just couldn't help it! I stayed home for 3 nights in a row just to "cozy up with Don" and read this book. I seriously felt like I was hanging out with an old, funny, deeply insightful friend. That's why we read, isn't it? To feel like we're not alone? Don put into words things that have been knawing at me for the last few years but i didn't quite know it.

And he did so beautifully.

The overall point of the book is that Christianity is not a formula, or a list of facts and ideas that you intellectually agree with. Instead, at its core, it is a complex group of narratives (written about in the Storybook called the Bible) that illustrate the basic idea that God is a person with whom we were created to have an intimate, personal, mysterious relationship with. It is this relationship alone that gives one true, lasting security and validation as a beautiful and lovable person. This relationship was broken a long time ago in a garden far far away, and as a result we are all messed up and have been trying for the last few thousand years to get people to love us so that we will feel less insecure and more lovable. Only a Reunion to beat all reunions, a heart-felt reconnection with our Maker can give us the security, love, and ultimate freedom to really love others without expecting any sort of "redemptive love" from them in return. We can be loved like we were meant to be loved, and thus we can love like we were meant to love.

So thanks, Don, for copying all my sub-conscious insights and writing a book about them. You beat me to it. But i'm glad, as i'm sure thousands of other people are, that you did.

I am wading through this book for the second time. I am about twenty pages past where I fell off last time, and things aren't looking good.

Don't get me wrong. I like Miller. I thought "Blue Like Jazz" was an inspiring and important book. "Searching for God Knows What," however, is doing just that - searching. And searching. And searching.

The writing here is nowhere near as good or engaging as BLJ. Miller seems to harp a lot on certain themes, repeating his theses over and over throughout the pieces rather than letting the pieces support the theses through good writing. And the points that he is making aren't revelatory. When I read BLJ, I would finish a chapter before going to bed, and all day the next day I found myself pondering what I had read over and over. It was the best kind of writing: that kind that takes a while to simmer and sink in. This book, however, only makes broad and shallow points, never daring to go very deep. And sadly, Miller already sounds like he's trying too hard to be himself. I've read pieces from "To Own A Dragon," and found them very entertaining and well-written. In my opinion, Miller is best when he writes little vignettes and more memoirish stuff rather than these essays. SFGKW is too meandering, too unfocused and poorly written. At times it honestly reads like a [...]paper.

I hate to sound so negative because I really do think that Miller is a good writer, and an important one. I just think he dropped the ball on this one. I'm looking forward to reading "To Own a Dragon."

True to form, Donald Miller, in his unmistakable story-telling style, tackles important subjects like faith and theology. Seriously, yet humorously, shedding light on them so that you will never read the Bible the same way again.

As the title suggests, this is a personal journey of faith. Faith renounced then found; but not just found, rediscovered with a clearer understanding of God's Word and what it means for mankind.

Having read only two of his books, I am a huge fan of Donald Miller's writing. I especially like the way he includes the reader in his personal struggles with life, God and faith.

I highly recommend this book. It's an easy, entertaining read, but at the same time will make you think long and hard about what you really believe about God and Scripture.

This book accomplishes what I believe was the author's intent. It is a reminder to us of what the Gospel of Jesus was/is. Let us never forget it. For those of you trying to "win wars", this is the book for you. The Holy Spirit has worked wonders with this author. My only complaint, and I feel as if I shouldn't even mention it, is when he tries to explain the trinity. I'll leave it at that. Regardless, I highly recommend this book. Thank you, Donald Miller. Praise God.

I just recently read his last book, Blue Like Jazz, and loved it. This one seems to have a little more of a serious tone. He opened up quite a bit and had a little less of the light hearted story telling of Blue Like Jazz. At time he inspired me and at other times he annoyed me...sort of like someone would if you knew them really well. I have come to really appreciate that his opinions are well thought out and not condescending like many other authors that write these types of books. He sort of reminds me of Philip Yancey at times, another thoughtful Christian author that I really like. It was funny to see that he writes about being a fan of his too and quotes him in one chapter. The chapter on morality was fantastic and really changed the way I'm thinking about morality, politics, Chrisitanity, and the culture war everyone is talking about.

One of the main things I walked away from this book thinking was that while it was still important to be aware of political issues and vote, as a Christian I should be way more focused on relationships to Christ and others than political causes. As Miller points out, despite a highly charged political environment in his time Jesus didn't join a political party or run for office to change things, but deeply engaged those around him in a loving and forgiving way. Same with Paul and the disciples. I though this was a brilliant point, but then I go to Miller's web site, bluelikejazz.com, to find him pimping a bunch of activist organizations that in his words 'seems to be participating, at least to some degree, in the concerns of our God'. That's cool, but I think that's a pretty big stretch for some of the politically charged organizations he lists like moveon.org. Huh? I'd be just as confused if he asked everybody to listen to and support Rush Limbaugh because he was in part doing God's work. This seems to be exactly against the point he makes in his book. Despite this confusion, I would highly recommend this book and plan on following Miller's future projects. I just hope he doesn't start writing about how all good Christians should be Democrats (or Republicans for that matter).

The first three chapters draw the reader in with witty and humerous prose. Many of Miller's ideas are refreshing. Especially the overriding theme that our relationship with God is relational and cannot be "cloaked in formulas." Miller does an excellent job of driving home the point that jumping through hoopes and going through motions is not how a person should "act out their spirituality."

After chapter three, however, the book turns into a rambling of Donald Miller's opinions on everything from God to politics. The book turns into Donald's diary of rants against radical televangalists and overzealous Christian ministries. The witty conversation soon turns into pure opinion based only on observations from his personal experiences.

Donald's analogies prove to be helpful, although very long-winded in their explanation, and his understanding of Romeo and Juliet in a Christian context is very impressive and insightful.

This book is not for those looking for an objective perspective on Christianity but may be entertaining for those that share the same passionate frustrations with certain Christian groups that Donald does.

I purchased this book because I was impressed with "Blue Like Jazz," Miller's preceding work. BLJ is meandering and not especially well organized, but as I read it, every 5 - 10 pages some incredible bit of wisdom and/or experience would explode off the page at me. (It's unusual for a young writer of contemporary Christian literature to "register" with a sixty-something person still trying to get a handle on God and spirituality.) Consequently, my copy of BLJ has MANY pages that have been dog-eared for future reference.

However, as to "Searching For God..." no explosions at all, at least not for me. This one reads more like someone thinking aloud on paper, with no real focus or direction. "...for God Knows What" is a pretty descriptive title.

Donald Miller's "Searching for God Knows What" is an interesting follow-up to his (more) profound book, "Blue Like Jazz". "Searching" is overall a good conversation about spirituality and moving away from the lists and formulas of organized religion, but Miller is deficient in biblical and theological knowledge. I found myself agreeing with many of Miller's points regarding the overall message of the Bible and the Gospels, but was highly frustrated with Miller's incorrect use of biblical criticism and theological reflection. As a person with undergraduate training in Christian religion and theology, I found that Miller incorrectly labels and misinterprets much of the biblical basis for his conclusions. Several times Miller employs the phrase "many scholars agree..." when, in fact, the material he presents is highly refuted in the academic world. While many of these idiosyncracies will not affect the average layperson or spiritually-interested reader, those with solid and credible religious education will find it difficult to meander through Miller's work. While "Searching" should certainly be praised for contuining the conversation concerning the move toward a more loving, intimate relationship with God, Miller should have done better research concerning the more technical aspects of theological and biblical interpretation.

I have recently finished reading "Searching For God Knows What" by Donald Miller. Normally it would take a few days to a week to finish a book this size but I have been really stuck on this one for some reason. I don't think it's the actual message that is a turn off for me but just the writing style. I questioned some of the book on whether it was true but I'm far from being able to tell it if it is or not. Sometimes I didn't know if he was agreeing or disagreeing with himself and I just felt a bit lost. I feel that as someone who is beginning a journey of studying the bible and doesn't know a lot about it that this was just over my head at the moment. I hope to come back to it one day and reread it with a new perspective. From reviews I've read there is a lot of praise for this book mixed with a lot of criticism. I do suggest reading it for yourself to see if it's your kind of book.

This book surprised me how it was actually as good as Blue Like Jazz. I absolutely loved BLJ, so I was not really anticipating this one being able to measure up. It did, and I commend Miller for it. As with BLJ, this book doesn't really take off from the beginning, but picked up tremendously after a couple chapters. So never give up on Miller after only one or two chapters. His real genius shines through later. The one chapter on Jesus' personality traits alone was well worth the time spent reading the entire book. The one thing I really didn't care for was the chapter about Shakepeare, but it was not enough to detract me from loving the book as a whole. After reading BLJ, pick this one up. You won't be dissappointed.

I have come from a Conservative Christian background. Miller's readings are spirit filled and humbling to the right sometimes "elitist" point of view. Mind you, Miller is not against fundamentalism in the slightest, he is rather, against our current mentality used in approaching such topic. I credit Miller's books for my recent conviction to remove myself from a political way of thinking which had engulfed my entire being during years past.

"Searching for God knows what" was sincerely the best book I have ever read (in terms of its life changing value). Not only does Miller make a compassionate case for a relational God, but he condemns many actions (i.e. political rifts) as being mere replacements for God's love which deplited after the fall of man. Once man sought God's approval, know he seeks the approval of his fellow humans, essentially, winning a popular position in the "lifeboat).

My abstract truly does not do the book justice. This book has changed my life in so many dimensions. I would recommend Christians of all kinds and those interested in said faith to partake in Donald Miller's true gift to the world.

Donald Miller é desses raros artistas que hiptoniza com suas palavras.

Acabei de ler Searching for God Knows What com a sensação de que vai demorar para eu ler algo tão sereno e apaixonante. Não é a minha primeira boa experiência com os escritos de Miller. O mesmo aconteceu com Blue Like Jazz (sim, o dos Pinguins). Mas foi com ceticismo e pouca expectativa que iniciei esta minha última leitura, já que o Fé em Deus e pé na tábua não foi lá grande coisa. Expectativa superada pois, novamente, Miller foi surpreendente.

Mesmo lúdica, a mensagem que o escritor afirma desde o começo é o farol que direciona a escrita. Todo o livro fala basicamente que cristianismo não é fórmula, não é moral, não é teologia, é, acima de tudo, um relacionamento. Como é de praxe, Miller mistura as suas histórias, seus traumas e surpresas, desventuras e alegrias para comunicar essa mensagem de fé baseada em relacionamento. E como faz isso bem! E "fazer bem" não é sinônimo de erudição, ou de retórica bem trabalhada. Donald Miller fala de modo hipnotizante, a deixar o leitor sedento por histórias em sucessão que não cansam. No fundo, o que nos atrai nos escritos de Donald Miller é a intertextualidade que ele faz da nossa vida com a dele.

Já vi muitas críticas acerca de Donald Miller. Uma delas é que ele fica em cima do muro quando fala do lado conservador da igreja. Isso é verdade, Miller não levanta bandeira nos seus livros e isso é extremamente positivo, pois é característico dele literatura leve, bem humorada. Tomar partido de velhas brigas só prejudicaria aquilo que ele faz tão bem.

Há bons momentos em várias partes de Searching for God Knows What, mas o paralelo entre o relacionamento de Romeu e Julieta e o nosso com Cristo encerra esta obra com muito bom gosto. É livro que deixa a sensação de quero mais.

Pena que, mais uma vez, a editora escolheu mal a temática da capa. Dessa vez não foi aqui, com Pinguins, mas lá, com o circo. Diga-se de passagem, o trecho que narra a experiência de Don Miller no circo é um pouco tedioso. Ainda mais triste é o fato de que o livro não está disponível em português.

I picked up "Searching for God Knows What" and "Blue Like Jazz" by Donald Miller at the same time. I had never heard of him, but was struck by the chapter titles as I scanned the book. I read Jazz first as I wanted to work chronologically. I knew I had found a gem as I read. Words cannot easily describe the writing of Miller. Funny, to the point, thought-provoking, Christ Driven, Donald Miller is a voice in the desert preparing a generation to see God in a new light. As I read, I felt like Mr Miller was sitting here talking to me. I know for sure that I will be following the writing of Donald Miller. After finishing both of his books I feel closer to God, and am excited how God is present in the glorious and the mundane. Bravo Donald Miller, Bravo.

We, all of us chrsitians, are always or seemingly always searching for something. Faith is knowing and trusting with His love, God's Word. Almost everyone has his or her definition of faith and we are always searching. So who am I to really review and comment on this well-written heart-felt touch of the writer as he leads those who need this touch of writing in a faithful way. Grab it and read it!

I love-love-love this book. Entertaining and insightful, it challenges while speaking truth from the Bible. Fresh and though-provoking for any seeker looking at faith for the first time or after many years on the road. With honesty and a quest for truth from God, the author explores stores from scripture in a non-legalistic way that doesn't excuse or dismiss what God is saying. This book will address many questions and stretch the reader to think more deeply, in new, courageous, honest ways. Can't say enough about it!

Donald Miller's "Searching for God Knows What" and Robert Lewis' "The Church of Irresistible Influence" should be required reading for any Christian who wants to renew their love for Jesus Christ.

These two books have recently rekindled my faith in the person and work of Jesus and has given me a new direction in my Christian walk. I was so tired of the dozens of formulaic approach books that I've read over the past 10 years that I was ready to scream. I grew extremely weary of the so-called culture war and was looking for a reason to just "Love" people the way Jesus does. Both these books showed me a new and basic way to do that.

If you want to return to your first love, or find it, give these two books a read. Read them together, or in any order you prefer, just read them! The 21st century church in America needs to wake up, relax, love and quit all the posturing. Let's get real everybody. Only the truth will set us free.

I bought this book after being impressed with Miller's "Blue Like Jazz." This was even better. Having grown up in "the church" I had grown disenchanted with the institution, but didn't know what to do about it. Miller takes us back to the beginning, to the relationship with Jesus - and how it is to mirror His relationship with the Father. Then we are to turn around and offer it to others. Miller shows with humor how a dedication to doctrine and dogma over lives has led us away from a fulfilling relationship with Christ, and that instead our doctrine should flow out of that relationship. For those worried about doctrine, Miller seems to hold pretty closely to an evangelical doctrine, but is more "liberal" in his social views. An excellent, enjoyable read. I am going to make my teenage daughter read it as soon as my husband finishes it. Then I am going to read it again with my highlighter.