Why Is God So Mad at Me?: Dispelling the Lies Many People Believe

By Pat Schatzline

God Is Not Mad at You

God loves you. You may have heard it a thousand times, and it is a common theme in Christianity. But do you believe it? Many of the messages we hear every day (from both society and the church) tell you the exact opposite.



As a result, millions of people from all backgrounds have bought into the idea that God is not only angry but also that He’s angry with them. This belief is damaging countless lives. In Why Is God So Mad at Me? Pat Schatzline sets the record straight, introducing you to a God who accepts us, transforms us, renews us, and gives us a future filled with abundant blessing and opportunity.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Charisma House
• Release date: Jan 8, 2013
• ISBN: 9781616389673

Book preview

I have crisscrossed the globe for over four exciting decades, ministering to people from every background and walk of life. Pat Schatzline’s book Why Is God So Mad at Me? answers a universal question I have heard over and over again throughout the years. Granted, people word it differently, but their hearts ache with the twisted fear that God has failed them, forgotten them, or forsaken them. Pat gives straightforward, biblical and yet compassionate answers to this universal dilemma. He paints a powerful picture of the unending love of God. Many of us have secretly asked Jesus how far we’d have to go to get beyond His love’s reach. As reflected in Pat’s book, the Lord reminds us all that we can’t go far enough to exhaust His love—because if we ever got to the end of His arm, the only thing left for us to do would be to fall into a nail print!

—JEANNE MAYO

YOUTH PASTOR, SPEAKER, AND AUTHOR

PRESIDENT, YOUTHLEADERSCOACH.COM

Pat Schatzline has written an incredibly detailed and touching examination of the principles of God’s love. He has shown through Scripture as well as his own experiences that many of the popular conceptions about God simply aren’t true. A spirit of failure is the greatest enemy of this new generation of believers, and this book will help to do away with those negative misconceptions. For an inspiring reaffirmation of the possibilities God has for your life and the reasons He pushes people to do greater things, you must read this book.

—MATTHEW BARNETT

COFOUNDER, THE DREAM CENTER

LOS ANGELES, CA

We live in a day when the enemy has brought many confusing arguments into the minds of a generation against the person and love of an awesome God. These arguments have kept many captive with guilt and held others back with deception. Pat Schat-zline has such a unique perspective in writing this book to answer these lies of the enemy. Having traveled many miles and having touched countless lives, he has been qualified by to speak on behalf of the truth. Get ready to be set free from confusion and released into the God-given destiny on your life as you read this book.

—JOEL STOCKSTILL

TEACHING PASTOR, BETHANY WORLD PRAYER CENTER

DIRECTOR 220 INTERNSHIP (BETHANY.ORG)

BAKER, LA

In this captivating book Pat has gone deep into the hidden places of the heart, where insecurity and fear keep us from fully receiving the perfect love of our heavenly Father. Through Pat’s passion and authenticity the Holy Spirit is able to reveal to us the greatest, most profound truth ever known to man: Jesus loves me, this I know. For the Bible tells me so. Thank you, Pat, for awakening the childlike faith in all of us.

—KAREN WHEATON

EVANGELIST, THE RAMP (THERAMP.ORG)

HAMILTON, AL

Pat Schatzline has written a book that is going to touch the very core of people who are asking the tough questions. I believe this message is a mandate from God to touch this generation in their heart. I am excited to see the impact of this book.

—BENNY PEREZ

LEAD PASTOR, THE CHURCHAT SOUTH LAS VEGAS

HENDERSON, NV

Pat Schatzline, international evangelist and pastor, compiles years of biblical and practical knowledge to openly answer the private question, Why is God so mad at me? Let Pat’s life experiences guide you on the road to understanding. Break from your past and move to your future. Your healing begins on the first page.

—GLEN BERTEAU

PASTOR, CALVARY TEMPLE WORSHIP CENTER (CTWC.COM)

MODESTO, CA

With incredible sensitivity Pat takes the reader on an awesome journey into the amazing heart of God. With thoughtfulness and purpose he addresses some of life’s hardest questions. Read this book, and be prepared to fall in love with Jesus all over again.

—JIM RALEY

LEAD PASTOR, CALVARY CHRISTIAN CENTER

ORMOND BEACH, FL

Pat Schatzline courageously asks the question hovering just beneath the surface of American faith. While consumer Christianity endeavors to redefine and reshape the image of God, Pat skillfully reminds us of the loving nature and intent of God toward people. As an evangelist and pastor Pat shoulders the suffering and disappointments encountered daily, but through this book he practically and wonderfully redirects our souls toward tangible hope. This book is a game-changer! It asserts healing energy into the wounds of America’s damaged soul.

—JIM HENNESY

SENIOR PASTOR, TRINITY CHURCH (TRINITYCHURCH.ORG)

CEDAR HILL, TX

Pat Schatzline is my friend and covenant brother. And while we do not have the liberty to meet as regularly as we want to, each time we meet there is such a bond that I can only describe it as a kingdom connection. Pat has cleared the misconception that God is always angry and distant, that He sits as a judge waiting to punish at the first hint of disobedience. This is something that has pervaded the minds of many believers. In Asia especially many are raised in homes where they rarely have any experience of their father’s love or touch. The orphan spirit has hindered many believers, young and old alike, from entering into the richness of an intimate walk with our heavenly Father. Pat Schatzline’s book has done a marvelous work in addressing these misconceptions. I believe this book will set many free from the intense battle with the spirit of failure and will restore the image of God.

—YANG TUCK YOONG

SENIOR PASTOR, CORNERSTONE COMMUNITY

CHURCH (CSCC.ORG.SG)

SINGAPORE

If we truly understood how much God loves us, we would never be the same. In his book Why Is God So Mad at Me?, Pat Schat-zline provides an insightful and detailed look at man’s desperate struggle with the truth of God’s amazing, unconditional love. I am confident that Pat’s book will resonate with you as it did with me and that you will find the wisdom shared here to be life changing.

—DR. DAVE MARTIN

AUTHOR OF THE TWELVE TRAITS OF THE GREATS

I have known Pat Schatzline for a number of years and have heard him speak in numerous contexts. He is a powerful verbal communicator. Now he brings that gift of communication to the printed page. Why Is God So Mad at Me? is a must-read for every believer. It corrects modern-day theological myths about God. It addresses the issue of self-esteem vs. pride. I’ve put this book on my must-read list for any believer, regardless of how many years he’s been saved.

—EVON G. HORTON, BA, MDIV, DMIN

SENIOR PASTOR, BROWNSVILLE ASSEMBLY

(BROWNSVILLEAG.ORG)

PENSACOLA, FL

Pat Schatzline is a voice to be heard when it comes to this crucial global question being asked by millions: Why is God so mad at me? Pat was obviously in touch with those who cried out from their daily tormented lives to be able to articulate this outstanding cry of desperation. Thank you, Pat, for listening to humanity’s cry. The enemy’s agenda is to paint a picture with lies that make God look like the one who is mad. He is not an angry God but a God of intense, pure love. The idea that He is mad is a demonic attack on the spotless character of our Savior Jesus Christ and the redemption He brought to us on the cross.

This book is not another echo but an urgent voice answering the desperate cry that needs to be heard. This passionate release from Pat Schatzline will reveal the true heart of our heavenly Father, and the passion He has for humanity will be felt as you read these pages. I believe this book could be instrumental in changing the question in a dramatic way as the God of love is revealed. The question could soon be, Why is this God who died on a cross so in love with me that He forgives my sins and gives me eternal life? The lie of the enemy will be outshined by the truth of the gospel. I truly believe this book, coming from the heart of Pat, will be instrumental in setting the record straight. Many will receive emotional, mental, and spiritual healing by reading this book.

—ANDRE VAN ZYL

AUTHOR AND EVANGELIST

GOOD NEWS TO THE NATIONS (GNNI.ORG)

DACULA, GA

Pat Schatzline has heard the troubled heartbeat of a wounded generation, and God has given him a response. Why Is God So Mad at Me? will bring healing and answers to a culture that has been bruised by Satan but has mistakenly blamed God. This book is a message of hope and understanding to those whose lives have become ensnared in a trap of pain and misplaced anger. I believe this book has a strategic message that will introduce searching people to the heart and character of our loving, gracious God. Read this book, share this book, and pray that God will connect this book to those who need this message so desperately.

—GEORGE SAWYER

FOUNDING PASTOR, CALVARY ASSEMBLY OF GOD

DECATUR, AL

Like a doctor who diagnoses his patient and then prescribes medicine to help eliminate a sickness, Pat Schatzline has received from the Holy Spirit one of the most revealing diagnoses of a major deception in the body of Christ and among unbelievers. In his new book, Why Is God So Mad at Me?, Pat shows us the root cause of this misconception and then skillfully presents the cure. This is a must-read for every believer, a lifetime manual for healthy spiritual growth.

—AL BRICE

SENIOR PASTOR, COVENANT LOVE CHURCH (CLFC.COM)

FAYETTEVILLE, NC

When Pat Schatzline says, God is not mad at you—He’s mad about you, he speaks the true heart of the unconditional love God has for His creation! How sad that for far too long we have concentrated on how bad we are rather than on how good God is. God’s grace is still more powerful than sin and triumphs over it. As you read Pat’s wonderful book Why Is God So Mad at Me? perhaps you will discover . . . He’s not!

—DAVID THOMAS

LEAD PASTOR, VICTORY CHRISTIAN CENTER

(VCCCOITSVILLE.COM)

YOUNGSTOWN, OH

Pat Schatzline is a noted evangelist, gifted communicator, and talented writer. In his new book, Why Is God So Mad at Me?, Pat draws from his experiences in marriage, as a dad, and as a communicator who has touched the hearts of thousands of individuals. Pat, through an obvious grasp of real-life issues, brings thought-provoking answers to tough questions in a practical and scriptural manner. Pat does not spare the details from his own life. You will learn from this author about his struggles, his victories, and his failures. This book is written from a refreshingly honest and transparent perspective. Read Why Is God So Mad at Me? with a pen, notebook, and box of tissues at hand.

—BRET ALLEN

SENIOR PASTOR, BETHELCHURCH (BETHEL.ORG)

SAN JOSE, CA

Pat’s open heart and clear message of freedom are as relevant in the rural areas of the South as in ultra-urban environments such as San Francisco. This book’s message hits this generation at the point of its greatest need. Then it points the pathway to freedom. In a word, this book is unbelievable!

—FORREST BEISER

LEAD PASTOR, GLAD TIDINGS CHURCH (GTSF.ORG)

SAN FRANCISCO, CA

Every generation needs to understand the father heart of God. Pat Schatzline has a tremendous gift for conveying the strength and covenant heart of our amazing, loving Father. If you know anyone who is struggling with whether God is angry or a loving Father God, this is the book to open his or her heart to a powerful truth that everyone needs to hear.

—MATT BERRY

EXECUTIVE PASTOR AND COMMUNICATOR, INSPIRE CHURCH

(INSPIRECHURCH.ORG)

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA

It is said of King David that he served his generation well. I believe the same can be said of Pat Schatzline. He is a powerful, articulate, and clear voice to this generation. Pat Schatzline’s book Why Is God So Mad at Me? has captured the essence of what the Lord is trying to speak to a generation—that, truly, God isn’t mad but rather madly in love with people, with a generation. That truth is exemplified not only by this book but also in the ministry and life of Pat and Karen Schatzline. In this book you will find the answers to questions that have been asked for generations. Not only will the book answer those questions, but the truths and concepts conveyed in these pages also will set people free to experience the love of God. I cannot recommend this book strongly enough. It is a must-read.

—DONALD L. GIBSON

SENIOR PASTOR, MERCY GATE CHURCH

(MERCYGATECHURCH.COM)

MOUNT BELVIEU, TX

I have known Pat Schatzline for more than twenty years, and he is one of the most passionate communicators I have ever had speak to our youth. He preaches with a passion that is authentic and anointed, and his message is relevant to real-life issues. Why Is God So Mad at Me? communicates to this lost, hurting generation a clear message of who God is and the fact that He is madly in love with them. Many students come to our statewide events. Again and again we see that this is the message this generation so desperately needs to hear.

If you are wondering if this book will be a good read, it will be more than that—it’s a life-changing read. When so many speakers are merely echoing what has already been said, I believe Pat is a voice that speaks clearly and directly to the issues this generation faces. When life is filled with so many questions, books like this one provide hope and purpose. I recommend this book to students, leaders, pastors, parents— anyone who simply needs to hear the answer to the question, Why is God so mad at me?

—AL FORCE

YOUTH DIRECTOR, PENINSULAR FLORIDA DISTRICT COUNCIL

OF THE ASSEMBLIES OF GOD

LAKELAND, FL

Gangs, drug addiction, and illicit sexual activity—I am a witness to the sad deterioration of a generation that is desperately crying out for the love of a father. We are living in times when there is even a lack of spiritual fathers within the church. Pastor Pat is not only one of the most down-to-earth individuals I know, but he is also an amazing spiritual father to many—which is why this book was so hard to put down. The message in Why Is God So Mad at Me? is evidence that my good friend Pat Schatzline has heard the Father’s heart. This book carries such a loving and profound revelation regarding the Father’s love that I am certain it will transform any reader, of any age, forever.

—PATTY VALENZUELA

LEAD PASTOR, IGNITE MOVEMENT (IGNITEMOVEMENT.ORG)

EL PASO, TX

Why Is God So Mad at Me? is long overdue. Pat Schatzline lays out a concise clarion call to awaken a generation to an authentic love relationship with God! Generation transformation will happen through this book! Count on it!

—PAUL OWENS

SENIOR PASTOR, FRESHSTART CHURCH (FRESHSTARTAZ.COM)

PEORIA, AZ

Pat Schatzline has never been one to shy away from tackling the tough issues. In this book he touches on a spiritual disease that has infiltrated the hearts of many of the people sitting in churches today. Whether you grew up in a pastor’s home or on the streets, every person needs to read this book! It exposes the root of the question Why is God so mad at me?, which has been planted in the hearts and minds of people of every age by the very powers of hell. For years Pat has effectively brought a proven prophetic voice to this generation, and this book is no different. It reveals the true heart of God. Pat encourages us to reframe our thought process and lean in to what Jesus is speaking to His church.

—STEVE MASON

YOUTH DIRECTOR, ALABAMA DISTRICT COUNCIL OF THE

ASSEMBLIES OF GOD

MONTGOMERY, AL

Pat Schatzline’s book Why Is God So Mad at Me? addresses a core misconception about the nature of God that both believers and nonbelievers wrestle with. As a pastor I’ve heard countless people describe the atrocities happening all around them as acts of God. Each time I hear that, I want to scream, God has nothing to do with it! Pat, in this book, artfully unveils the true nature and character of God in a world of madness.

—JEREMY SAYLOR

LEAD PASTOR, CHRISTIAN LIFE CHURCH (CLCBHAM.COM)

BIRMINGHAM, AL

This is an excellent book to open hearts and give insight to the unconditional love of the Father. As Pat unfolds God’s Word, he enables you to discover and understand the Father’s love. The relationship with the Father that is shared and related through the experiences of the Schatzline family and others will convince you that God is not mad at you—God is mad about you!

—REV. KEITH ELDER

LEGACY MINISTRIES (LEGACIES4LEADERS.COM) BILLINGS, MT

This new book by Pat Schatzline provides a much-needed treatment of the subject of God’s love. Aimed at addressing the idea of whether God is mad at us, the book hits the target with answers to questions we all have. Providing a refreshing perspective on tragedy, hardship, and difficulties, the book helps readers remember—or discover for the first time—a love that is greater than can be imagined.

—SEAN CHERRY

LEAD PASTOR, THE SUMMIT CHURCH AT BIRMINGHAM

(THESUMMITBHAM.COM)

TRUSSVILLE, AL

I am blessed to be Pat’s dad. He is not a person who lives for acclaim—he simply loves God and people! His passion is always intense. He writes to encourage people to reach their individual destiny, and this book will do just that.

—DR. PATRICK M. SCHATZLINE

FOUNDING BISHOP, DAYSTAR MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL

NORTHPORT, AL

If there ever was a person who deserved to grace the front of the youth ministry Wheaties box, it would be Pat. He once again cuts to the heart of a crucial need in our student culture and answers the question Why is God so mad at me? Pat provides exactly what an individual needs to know in a well-written and easy-to-understand format. In so doing, he has written an instant classic for those yearning to find answers.

—JOHN DOUGHERTY

DISTRICT YOUTH DIRECTOR, THE GEORGIA

ASSEMBLIES OF GOD

MACON, GA

Pat Schatzline is a great man with a high calling. Why Is God So Mad at Me? is timely for our world today. With so many challenges facing us, it is alarming that people are turning from God or becoming angry with Him rather than running to their Father. Pat addresses the very deep questions and concerns people have, and he does so in a clear, concise, and noncondemning way. This book will give you hope, build your faith, and restore you to a loving Father who simply wants relationship with His creation.

—TED MILLER

LEAD PASTOR, CROSSROADS CHURCH (CROSSROADSOKC.COM)

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK

In his book Why Is God So Mad at Me?, Pat confronts a paradigm in culture that has a crippling potential in the church and in our world. Without a proper understanding of God’s love and mercy, we will never understand His correction. Pat has done a masterful job of communicating the love that Paul explains in Ephesians 3:19, which is known beyond simple knowledge. This is at timely word that will resonate deep in the heart of the church and a generation.

—ROB SPERTI

WORSHIP AND PRAYER PASTOR,

WINSTON-SALEM FIRST ASSEMBLY

WINSTON-SALEM, NC

Do you know who your heavenly Father is? The truth is, you will never know your true identity and potential until you know your Father God and how much He believes in you. Why Is God So Mad at Me? by Pat Schatzline is a must-read. This book will show you who God your Father is and in turn will help you see your own identity in Him. This book had me in tears as I came to a new revelation of God as my Father. No matter where you are in life, you need this book. The majority of us, at one time or another, has asked, Why is God so mad at me? Throughout this book Pat shows with brilliant clarity not only who God is but also that He absolutely is not mad at you. What a freeing truth!

—JEREMY DONOVAN

PASTOR, SEVEN YOUTH MINISTRIES, CLAREMORE, OK

AUTHOR OFTHE HARD WAY

Sometimes the circumstances in our lives feel so overwhelming, and they can leave us grappling with real emotions and real tough questions. If you