Chapter 5, Spirituality Summary and Analysis

The idea of God as a father, though, seems have a few shortcomings. First, Miller admits that viewing God as someone so close and personal is creepy. He prefers his previous view of God as a faraway being who only casually interacts with humans. Furthermore, God cannot give hugs, as John MacMurray does to his son. Miller desires that personal, intimate relationship with a father.

Finally, however, Miller accepts the concept. He sees that all interpersonal love really only alludes to the love of God. He grasps the God as father concept in a "baby way," as he puts it. He he is relieved to know that God only holds the positive characteristics of a father, such as ownership, encouragements and love, and none of the negative attributes, such as criticism and abandonment.

In a very real and deliberate...