This book explores the basic questions of human existence in the form of an easy-to-follow conversation, and it will help every reader make life meaningful, successful, and easier.

Author: John D. Kunnathu

Contents

Introduction 

The Setting of the Stage 

1. Why do we Live? 

2. How should we Live? 

3. Where are we? 

4. Who are we? 

5. Are we the Chosen People? 

6. Why do we Live Together? 

7. How to Mend Broken Relationships? 

8. How to Identify Good from Evil? 

9. How can we Think of God? 

10. Can we Challenge Death? 

11. Does God Exist? 

12. Is Sex Good? 

13. Will we Go to Heaven or Hell? 

14. Why are we Rich and Poor? 

15. Why do we Suffer? 

16. How do we Gain Knowledge? 

Worksheet: Introducing the Book 

Worksheet: General 

About the Author 

John D. Kunnathu is an educator and an author of several books. He has had his higher studies in Linguistics, Literature, Education, and Religion. He has done extensive research on the thought-world of Metropolitan Paulos Mar Gregorios. Christian worship is another topic on which he has done in-depth study. After being in Africa and in the US for over twenty-five years as an educator, he is now settled in Kottayam, India with his wife, Lissy.

Major Works: 

 In His Master’s Path -- Paulos Mar Gregorios as a Follower of Jesus Christ

 Gregorian Vision – Opening a window to the thought of Paulos Mar Gregorios

സ്വര്‍ഗ്ഗീയ മാലാഖമാര്‍ സ്തുതിക്കുന്നതുപോലെ 

 സ്വര്‍ഗ്ഗരാജ്യം ഭൂമിയില്‍

Contact info:  Johnkunnathu@gmail.com

Foreword

An Orientation to Our Life presents the wisdom of the ancient world in a unique way to the modern mind. Even if the discussion in the book is in a pre-Christian Jewish setting, it has an enlightening appeal to all belonging to various religions of all ages. Especially Jews, Christians, and Muslims will be able to find in it their rich common heritage with which they will be able to understand their respective faiths intelligibly.  

Mixing of philosophy, theology, and ethics with a fictitious brush is the beauty of this work. The author invites the readers to have a wider and holistic picture of life and shares the transcendent and practical wisdom acquired through long years of study and reflection to give a meaningful orientation to all who face moral crisis due to the prevalent secular culture. The language of this fictitious conversation is simple, but each paragraph demands deep reflection and each chapter is thought- provoking.

Even if the subtitle says that it is a guide to young men and women, this book has a universal appeal. I wish that this could help many to fulfill their human potential and lead an authentic and successful life. As the author makes the Rabbi says, “To be authentic means you have to be the author of your own life”

Fr. Dr. Bijesh Philip
Principal, Orthodox Theological Seminary, Nagpur, India

Readers Say: 

This book reminds me of the beautiful Old Testament book, The Wisdom of Ben Sirach. If you underline the main points, you will have to underline almost every line in this book. If you miss any line, you will underline those as well in the second reading. Bishop Alexios Mar Eusebius

Although, as a Muslim, I have difference of opinion about certain details, I strongly support the main theme and purpose of this book. I believe that this book will serve as a guide to young people in our times. It uses beautiful metaphors and clear explanations to answer the basic questions of life. The various lessons we may learn from the story of Adam and Eve are meaningfully presented. Samiya Illias

The style is conversational, the language smooth and flowing, and the content extremely thought provoking. This book serves as an essential map to one's journey of life with its focus on the most pertinent aspects of our existence in this world. Dr. Vineeth Philip John

I have never seen a more direct and to-the-point book about some of life’s toughest questions. While I appreciated that the length kept my attention, I was disappointed to reach the final chapter and concluding pages. I wanted to read more!         Stephanie Webster

I found the book fascinating, contemplative and inspirational. It engages the reader with thought-provoking analysis of one's own beliefs and thought process. A short, but good and educational read for everyone!                                           Joanne Olivieri

This book doesn't claim to have the absolute answers to the basic questions of life. On the other hand, the author invites us to seek the truth of life along with him.   Easo Jacob

This book is a very easy read and is short in length and therefore it should serve as an excellent primer for the youngsters who are curious to learn about human life and its purpose though it is explained strictly within the limitations of an Abrahamic faith-framework. Its emphasis on educating the young folks using simple language and concepts in tackling many issues central to human existence is commendable. From that point of view, the author has succeeded in developing a good teaching tool.   Dr. Alex Alexander

All these questions have gone through my mind too at some point in life. The book will really help young minds who are not sure of many things and who have the tendency to get lost in the crowd. I wish all youngsters read this. Cicily Sunny

I finished reading it in one sitting itself and really wished to have such a book in my teen years. Being a wonderful guidepost, surely it will impart proper orientation to our youngsters. I suggest more questions are added and expanded it further. The presentation is clear and logical. Daniel George

This book emphatically states that if you want a meaningful life, you should have a God-centered life. The limitation of rationality is affirmed in this book. It also states that co-existing with people of other beliefs is essential for the survival of humankind. Bijoo Abraham

This book encourages young men and women to ask questions about life and make it more meaningful and successful.  It is good for every age group and its purpose is to provoke thoughts and prepare us to enter into the world of the unknown.   George Puthenkurish


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