What used to be a persistent question is now being embraced as a new form of philosophical or religious outlook in itself: Can you be spiritual without subscribing to organized religion? Coach Michael Taylor’s answer is a resounding yes in his book, What If Jesus Were A Coach? He makes it clear that his intention is not to convince you that God exists. Rather, he shares the lessons he has learned from his own spiritual journey and shares his answers to many of the questions he has about God. By viewing science and spirituality as two sides of the same coin, he engages you in a discussion on how you see God, as well as his take on Christ and the doctrines of Christianity, and how all these form the threads that create the tapestry of his personal belief.

What used to be a synonymous concept of religious and spiritual has been well-debunked in What If Jesus Were A Coach? As a spiritual but non-religious person myself, I can clearly understand what Coach Michael Taylor is saying, and I am confident that those who have the same view get it as well. From a critical standpoint, Taylor has a particular leaning on Baruch Spinoza’s deistic perspective or Spinozism, where God is singular and self-subsistent and one that can be seen in the splendor of nature that surrounds you. But what makes this book an engaging read is Taylor’s experience that brings forth the idea of religious freedom. I highly recommend that you read this book if you are currently on your journey of philosophical and spiritual discovery. This book does not have all the answers, but it can shed light and somehow ease your doubts.

While Michael Taylor speaks of God, the question becomes, “What God?” In What If Jesus Were a Coach? Michael says he believes in the God of Spinoza. Michael believes there are six major containers (different religions) that contain God. However, Michael has a lot of good things to say. He offers logic with some nuggets of wisdom to those who spend the time reading his writing. This book recounts the exciting story of an atheist (Michael) who became spiritual and later wrote a book about God. Michael is big on asking yourself the hard questions and being open to honest answers. I wholeheartedly agree that we need to know both what and why we believe. Michael has his own way of interpreting the Bible. The value of this book only can be seen with an open mind.

Michael Taylor shares his understanding of God and religion in his book What If Jesus Were a Coach? He shares his faith journey. Michael writes in a sharing style, opening up his heart to his readers. He is not afraid to share his feelings. The ideas contained in this book may be upsetting to conservative, Bible-believing Christians. Still, he has the right to his interpretations. There are many quotations from the Scriptures in this book. When quoting from the Bible, Michael gives his personal understanding of the verses. This book will open your mind to alternative religious thoughts. In Michael’s way of thinking, there are many roads to God. Heaven and hell are in your power, and God is within you.