The Dream of God: A Call to Return

by Verna J. Dozier

Book Overview

"The Dream of God is a small masterpiece. . . . Her vision of the Bible is insightful and persuasive, her writing accessible and powerful." -- Marcus Borg "This contemporary prophet has touched lives and transformed hearts through her books and talks. Many centuries before Verna Dozier, there was Amos, from the country, speaking out in the market square against the corrupt practices of merchants who 'sell the righteous for silver and the needy for...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1596280158
• ISBN13: 9781596280151
• Release Date: January 2006
• Publisher: Seabury Books
• Length: 114 Pages
• Weight: 0.44 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.3" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

God's Dream

I first read this book almost three years ago. It has changed my life. I often quote from this book in my sermons. I have found that most lay people agree with her and most clergy disagree. That alone is very telling about how correct she is in her views of the institutional church.In addition to her very valid criticisms of institutional religion, perhaps the most important thing Verna Dozier says in this book is that we are called not to worship Jesus, rather we are called to follow Jesus. If the hiarchy of most denominations were to read this book and actually take Verna Dozier seriously, we would have a second "Reformation". Read this book, give a copy to your pastor, priest, and/or bishop and be a part of God's Dream.

A really good read.

The Dream of God: A Call to Return by Verna J. Dozier really is a good read for those people who are looking for a more in-depth look at the church as an institution. Dozier believes that the church "has failed...to hold up again the vision of what it is called to be the biblical story..." In other words, the church has failed to follow the "dream of God." The reason that Dozier feels this way is because she says that the church is not up to code, so to speak, because the people of God have their calling from God. And I must admit, in some ways I agree with her.Dozier's uses many references to the Bible. Because of the fact that I am a Christian, I do believe her evidence to be true. I guess that my answer would be completely different if I did not believe in God. I think that Dozier presented a very clear and precise argument. She stated in her book "What is impossible with human beings is possible with God". I think this quote pretty much sums up what she is trying to get across. What Dozier is trying to say is that human beings cannot do everything but if they would just put their trust in God they would be better off. Also, with followers hearing their call from God it would improve their church as a whole. Not just worshipping Him but doing what His word says. Then the church would be on its way to becoming that dream that God wants. She voiced her concerns well and with supportive evidence to back up her argument. In my opinion, Dozier's argument was a deductively valid one. I'm sure that a philosopher could find many fallacies that Dozier's committed in her argument. Again, I guess my opinion would be biased in this case because of my I strong religious beliefs.I would truly recommend Verna J. Dozier's The Dream of God: A Call to Return. She makes some really good points in her book. It will definitely get you thinking about things. More importantly it will have you step back and take a look at your own church and yourself as well. Dozier's book will most certainly make you want to turn your life around. This is the effect that it had on me personally. Just remember: "We have all failed the dream of God. The terribly patient God still waits."

Not For the Faint of Heart

This book challenges our way of thinking about God, Christ and the Church. No chance of putting God in the comfortable boxes we so often do. Rethink the history of our spiritual fathers and how we should view the Bible.

Dozier feeds the soul

Verna Dozier's DREAM OF GOD feeds the soul. This thought-provoking work by a superbly informed author is not for the fundamentalist who views the Bible as the irrefutable Word of God. Rather, it is a call to do the bidding of the Gospel Christ and not abdicate that imperative to church heirarchy.As one living in a most conservative state, in a mutant, conservative diocese of the Episcopal church that is mired in empty moralism and debates over "scriptural authority," Dozier's little book is truly a breath of spiritual life.I am fed.

A Biblical Scholar Reiterates Importance of the Laity

I do not agree with the previous review, written by a customer with a certain uneasiness with "liberality". Verna Dozier is a biblical scholar and a unique theologian. This does not mean her book is bad or wrong. As someone raised Catholic who had, over the years, drifted further and further away from Church participation, I clearly understand Ms. Dozier's analysis of the situation wherein the Church has so obviously tried to usurp power from the people and keep it "in the family", so to speak. Jesus's ministry, as described in the Bible, focuses on the individual, not the organization. I have struggled over the years to maintain my love for the character of Jesus, while at the same time feeling myself being pushed further and further away from the Church and its authority.I highly recommend this book to anyone who feels alienated from church establishment, but who seeks to maintain a relationship with Jesus -- be it as Lord, inspiration, or hero.