Richards’ new book examines his religious identity

Throughout history, one issue has been at the centre of arguments, confrontations and wars.

Religion is the one thing we all have a firm opinion on. Some cling to their choice, while others spend their lives searching for the answer to the almighty question: Is there a god?

In his new book, God Is: My search for Faith in a Secular World, David Adams Richards reflects on his own struggles with religious identity.

“I’m not the best theologian in the world. I’m sure there are people out there with a lot more faith than I have. But because I dealt with it in my books most of my life then perhaps I was the person to do it.”

Richards admitted he’s putting himself on the line on a personal level with this book. He directly examines the role that faith has played in his life so far. He draws on many of his experiences with faith and religion, and outlines how he’s come to his own conclusions about God.

Since he has never been one to shy away from controversial topics, it was only natural for him to tackle the realm of religion. He says writing this book was similar to writing Mercy Among the Children. Like Mercy, he takes a radical departure in thinking and writing from what his peers are doing. He admits he wouldn’t even be writing if he had to think like everyone else.

“I wrote Mercy Among the Children because I thought much of society was suffering under a sort of misapprehension about what was worthwhile. This is all that God is is saying. So I’m doing the same kind of thing, and I guess I’ll take the consequences that come.”

But with three new books in the works, Richards says the last thing on his mind is how well the reviews are going to be. He says he just doesn’t really have the time to worry whether people are going to like it or not.

Despite this and the potential for backlash, Richards admits its had a better reception than he thought it would. AV

“ It (God is…) has allowed people to read many of the interests and beliefs that they feel they share. It’s not a book that really goes against a lot of people. Although people would refrain from speaking about this, perhaps when they read it they realize that, ‘Well I’ve always felt that way too’” he said.

This Wednesday, those quiet believers are encouraged to discuss Richards’ book in an open forum at STU. Richards, alongside Tony Tremblay – the Canada Research Chair for New Brunswick Studies, will lead the discussion of his new book.

He’s used to doing book readings with his new releases. But Richards says this book isn’t really something you read aloud from. It’s more about the ideas he presents. So this will be an opportunity for people to openly discuss the ideas he’s laid out.

This discussion will be the first in a new series called the New Brunswick Distinguished Lecture Series. It will begin at 8 p.m. in the Kinsella Auditorium in McCain Hall.