Moani Lewis writes with conviction and transparency regarding her experiences of being raised in the religion. The book begins with a letter to the reader with plenty of fair warning that the book is difficult to read and rightly so, because she lived the difficult experiences. It is raw and open, and the author’s purpose is clearly defined as love, care and concern for anyone who might be, has been, or fears they will be, in a similar situation.
It certainly was hard for me to read it, but I believe all of it, and I believe the author has protected the reader from much more that wasn’t written in this book. As one who was born and raised myself, living in the same region, I had heard rumors about experiences like those discussed in “The Fifth Perspective.” I’m sorry for what she has endured. I cried for what I could not do to protect her. I cried for her not having an advocate. I cried because not one person stepped in to help. I thank God she has survived, she’s on a healing path, and she is leaning into who God has created her to be.
I felt a need to read it, because in some small way, by reading it, maybe just maybe, I can help carry the burden of what Moani has experienced. If there’s anyone who would be justified for turning away from God and Jesus, turning away from all that is good and right and joy and light in life, this author is more than justified. But she has not turned away from God, in fact she has chosen to exemplify all that is good and right and joy and light in life. This book caused me to feel all the feels. I couldn’t put it down.
Here is one of the clarifying passages from the book:
“I believe that religion is a root of great evil. Spirituality, however, can be the salvation of humanity. Spirituality whispers, urging us to learn everything there is to learn, to share what we’ve discovered, to discover for ourselves the mysteries of life and the universe. It tells us we are small yet powerful, connected to a source much greater than ourselves, connected to everything through that source.” (page 150)
Thank you for sharing your beautiful soul, Moani Lewis.
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