A GOOD SAMARITAN FREED FROM RELIGION – A book review

John Kelly (1928 – 2019) was such a good Samaritan, after having been born into Catholicism, then led into Catholic schools, before being lured to Catholic priesthood. Hearing and preaching made-up biblical stories for his first 51 years on this earth, he eventually saw the light and was able to shed the religious shackles, amply described in Thomas Huening’s biography, The Quintessential Good Samaritan, a captivating, informative and thought provoking piece of outstanding literature. Quite an eye opener!
As a purebred atheist from a secular country, allowed to grow up as a freethinker, it is very difficult to understand the iron grip scripture-based religion has on such a vast part of the US population, – even on many otherwise quite intelligent and well educated people. I understand how difficult it may be to untangle yourself from what you’re brought up with as the unquestionable truth, but John Kelly and many others have shown it is possible. The rest of us have always understood that scripture–based religion is all made up. Not even Albert Schweitzer could find a shred of evidence for a historical Jesus, although he set out fairly convinced that he would.
As US Congresswoman Jackie Speier (D) opens her foreword for the book with: “John Kelly was a saint – an irreverent saint who refused to play by rules that made no sense and prevented him from offering shelter, food, and healthcare for those in pain. He was never politically correct but always correct in his politics.”
Don’t be good for “God’s” sake, but for goodness’ sake, – without a thought of being rewarded, – here, or hereafter!
Both the Quintessential Good Samaritan and Thomas Huening’s previous book, SPIRITUAL CHOICES: Putting the HERE in Hereafter, are available from Amazon, showing the rest of us that even someone born into religiosity can be “saved” for a happier and more productive life, – for themselves, and others. There’s hope for this world!