The Beckoning: Examining the Truths That Transformed an Atheist Attorney Into a Believer In God

By Michael Minot

Michael felt he was living the American dream. For a number of years he'd been reaping the professional and financial rewards of being a commercial litigation attorney. To him, life was great and getting better all the time. He first gained notoriety around his hometown as a nationally ranked tennis player. But now, years later, he was becoming known for his skills as a lawyer and as the youngest elected official in the area. And then, in his late 20s, Michael unexpectedly discovered something that turned his world and his entire idea of life upside down. In response to a challenge from a friend, Michael agreed to investigate issues relating to science, philosophy, and the Scriptures. Comfortable with his life as an atheist, he began reading with an indifferent attitude. But what started as a casual inquiry soon turned into a time of intense research. What follows is the story of Michael’s journey, his thoughts and reactions to the evidence he discovered, and the new life that soon followed. “I'm often asked to describe what happened during the months I spent researching these issues. They want to know what facts were so persuasive that an atheist attorney would become a believer in God. But I never felt I could respond in a way that told the true story. No short answer seemed sufficient. So now, in the following pages, I’ll describe for the first time the specifics of what jolted me out of my atheism.” -- Michael Minot

• Language: English
• Publisher: Morgan James Publishing
• Release date: Oct 15, 2014
• ISBN: 9781630471255

Michael Minot

As an attorney, Michael Minot felt like he was living the life--money in his pocket, the keys to a new convertible, and a keen desire to socialize. His strong atheistic views shaped who he was as a man and a professional. After a challenge from a friend and many months spent investigating the Scriptures and scientific literature, Michael determined that those views failed against the strength of God’s truth. Michael now has a weekly podcast, blogs, and teaches about the truth that transformed him from an atheist attorney into a believer in God.

Reviews for The Beckoning

[dubiousdisciple · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Well-written and touching, here’s another “atheist lawyer finds Jesus” story. Minot hooked me early in chapter one with this claim: “I was amazed to learn how the Scriptures read like a lengthy letter from the Creator to the objects of His love.” If Minot could impart this perspective to me, I would finally have what I’ve been searching for: a real reason why apologists should imagine that the God of the Bible is our creator.The book didn’t quite take me there. In fact, bits of it feel a little presumptuous, even naive. Minot ignores the research of Bible scholars and historians, repeating instead the claims of amateur apologists, such as the idea that the Bible is full of unexplainable prophecies and truth-proving, recently-verified historical claims. Sometimes Minot pits Christianity against evolution or against science in general. There is a chapter-long warning against the wiles of Satan, who often “works through the voices of philosophers, political leaders, educators, scientists, or even those claiming to be experts in religion” … in other words, anyone who has studied a topic enough to know more than we do.But there are definitely worthwhile sections too, because the journey Minot narrates rings of authenticity. Minot’s story of how he found a church that fits him is heart-felt. His feelings of love and awe and appreciation are surely sincere. He has experienced the goodness and comfort of Christianity, and rightfully wishes to share it with others.It’s best, then, to read this book as Minot’s personal journey rather than scholarly research. It contains the arguments and discoveries that spoke to a new convert and urged him toward his brand of Christianity. Some readers will find Minot’s perspective convincing and some will not, but all will be inspired by Minot’s 180-degree transition from committed atheist to joyful believer.Morgan James Publishing, © 2015, 195 pagesISBN: 978-1-63047-124-8