Advice please on a book

A friend has mentioned and recommended to me a book that she is greatly enjoying at present, called ' Home with God' by Neale Donald Walsh.

I've looked it up and am immediately suspicious of this author. I always check author's background etc before spending any money and time on any book. I believe in being highly discerning.
From an initial glance, I gather that this author appears not to mention Jesus, Christ, nor does he base his book on the Bible. He says he speaks directly to and hears God.

Can anyone clarify please - I would like to advise my friend with sound advice. I think she is being led astray.

It is "New Age ".

Avoid it like the plague

What you just wrote here should be "sound advice" for your friend . . . so give it to her the way you gave it to us, and buy her a bible to read.

It's worth finding out what is being taught in these books, what kind of doctrines the author is teaching your friend, so you can have informed conversations with her - but I would not spend a dime on it.

Find out what she likes so much about it, see if you can help her discern truth from deception.

People don't hear directly from God. Hebrews 1:1-2 says: "God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things," Jesus' words are recorded in the Bible, as are the words of His appointed messengers. God speaks to us through the Bible, not direct revelation.

I'd be careful to choose your words wisely with your friend if you don't want to alienate her. Mabey just respectfully decline reading the book and if she asks why, tell her you're not comfortable with the author; speak about your own views, don't tell her what you think she should do.

The first two sentences of Walsch's Home With God:


If Walsch was actually given divinely inspired words directly from God, that would make his book on a par with the Bible. Walsch implies this when he says it's "a holy conversation."

Just wondering is your friend a Christian?

I remember a friend recommending or trying to give me a copy of some Indian guru book. Like she was trying to get rid of it. Im like no thanks.

Also, one time a church member tried to donate some mormon books to the church library lol.

Thanks to all. It confirms my suspicions.
I have been honest with my friend but carefully. She goes to church and I don't want to alienate her. So I have explained that this is not a good book in my view, not a sound Christian one at all. I've recommended she speak to the vicar at her church for more expert guidance than I can provide. She didn't much like my lack of enthusiasm but appreciated my honest views.

People often believe they are Christians but never look very deeply into things, not even the Bible which should be always the reference. Amazingly, such books mislead sincere but vulnerable ignorant people who are happy to lap up complete but comforting rubbish. The author of this nonsense book is deluded and I certainly shall not spend time or money on his books. It is a one size fits all and pleases all book. The truth is of course that Jesus is the only way, the truth and the light.

My first rule is to check if such a book is Bible based, Christ centred and that the author has integrity. This fails all criteria.

If you respect and trust your friend, I'd say read the book.

Only you know what it means to you. If it speaks to you.
Others opinions cannot speak to or for that.

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

I found this at about 4min in they start to talk about him and..well listen and you will get a clearer picture for sure

May be better to hear from Neal Donald Walsh himself than from those who talk about him.