Title: In the Beginning Who?: An unconventional Guide to Understanding and Knowing God
Author: Charles William Hamilton, Jr.
Publisher: WestBow Press
ISBN: 978-1490843360
Pages: 245
Genre: Non-Fiction / Inspiration
Reviewer: Barbara Bamberger Scott
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Author Charles William Hamilton, Jr. explores the vast realm of spiritual understanding and the essential place of God within all. His primary theme combines biblical and philosophical wisdom with research garnered from a wide variety of sources, interwoven with his personal recollections. In an opening segment, he witnesses his dog chasing after a mysterious scent, finding its source and revealing it. Hamilton believes that this spontaneous canine venture shows connectivity with a higher source, opining that humans may get a “scent” and rush to locate it, or avoid it based on complex, worldly needs.

Merging with the source comprises a major theme of this dynamic investigation, shown in interviews with such notables as photographer John MacMurray, who says that his immersion in the natural world confirms his concept of “a Creator.” Similarly, artist John Briggs asserts that “man was created to have friendship with God.” Accompanying such conversations are numerous allegorical examples of the search for relationship with God, including lengthy, relevant quotations from “the Book” as Hamilton refers to the Holy Bible.

Stories are offered of divine essence that can often be perceived in simple, earthly contacts, as well as proofs of God’s continuing influence as shown in his loving companionship and shared spiritual communication with his wife Debra. Hamilton does not present his theses to lure readers to a particular religion; indeed he considers most strictly religious groupings to have been devised for the benefit of the divisors. He and Debra have been fortunate to meet and mix with a non-denominational, Christian based cohort, allowing the author to stress the importance of contact with fellow believers as comprising “one body.”

Hamilton is a widely educated and devoted biblical surveyor who demonstrates in this fascinating collocation his skills as a wordsmith as well as his love of nature and the arts, enhanced by enjoyable wit, giving his search for spiritual truth a grounding in readily recognizable realities. He has composed this work with the stated goal of leading readers to a deeper experience of the identity and role of God, a conviction that began for him in childhood and has been continually enhanced by small but seemingly miraculous happenings. Hamilton’s book concludes with the reflection that “believing is seeing,” inviting readers to grasp and share such etheric perceptions in group discussion as well as individual contemplation. Charles William Hamilton, Jr. presents a grounded approach to knowing God and not just learning about Him.   In the Beginning Who? is a perfect book for seekers and believers ready to break free from surface-level spirituality.