“Is your God Big Enough, Close Enough, You Enough?” by Paul R Smith
- John Scoble
- Jul 9
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 19
Book Review
I have previously posted extracts from Smith’s book on our Facebook page. This is a brief review.
The forward is written by Richard Rohr who captures my reaction splendidly. He writes: “You have in your hands a book that will be at the top of my recommended reading list for all of my students. Please trust me as I tell you to trust the wisdom you’re about to uncover here”.
A few years ago, I read a book by Evelyn Underhill on the mystics in various religious traditions. She remarked that one group of respected mystics based their theology on eminence (finding God outside you), while another equally respected group of mystics based their theology on immanence (finding God inside you). She concluded that perhaps there was some truth in both positions.
Smith resolves this dualistic assessment with his concept of the three faces of God, which he relates to the three persons of the Trinity:
Big enough? The infinite face of God – the Father
Close enough? The intimate face of God – Jesus, the Son
You enough? The inner face of God – the Holy Spirit
I found the section on consciousness and mysticism helpful, as he outlined the differences between base consciousness, awakened consciousness, transcendent consciousness and punitive consciousness. The distinction he draws between the physical body and the subtle body resolved for me concerns about the doctrine of the resurrection of the body.
Smith then draws on Ken Wilber’s integral theory to suggest that each of the three faces of God in themselves reflect the three persons of the Trinity, leading to 9 distinguishable components of his model. Frankly, I found this part of the book too intellectually challenging for me at this stage of my spiritual journey. Ken Wilber wrote an Afterword to the book which I found equally challenging. Despite this reservation, which says more about me than the author, there is a great deal of wisdom in this book, accumulated by Smith during his almost 50 years of ministry and association with some of Christianity’s best thinkers.
At the end of each chapter, Smith includes reflection questions (suitable for individuals or groups) and some suggestions which help to embed the theory into spiritual practice. I join Richard Rohr in recommending the book.
FAQs: “Is your God Big Enough, Close Enough, You Enough?” by Paul R Smith
What does Paul R. Smith mean by asking if God is “big enough”?
Smith invites readers to rethink God beyond the small, tribal, or institutional images many of us grew up with. A “big enough” God embraces the vastness of the universe, which astronomers estimate contains over 200 billion galaxies (NASA, 2021). This cosmic scale challenges us to move past narrow dogmas and embrace a vision of God that can hold both mystery and modern science. (Source: NASA; A St Lucia Spirituality perspective)
How can God be “close enough” in everyday life?
For Smith, “close enough” means a God who is not distant or unreachable but present in daily experience, relationships, and even ordinary tasks. Research from Pew shows that 55% of U.S. adults say they experience a deep sense of spiritual peace at least once a week (Pew Research Center, 2017). That sense of nearness reflects a God who is woven into the fabric of human life - intimate as breath, not remote as a far-off ruler. (Source: Pew Research Center; A St Lucia Spirituality perspective)
What does it mean for God to be “you enough”?
“You enough” speaks to identity and worth. Smith argues that if faith only produces guilt or distance, it is missing the point. God’s love is not abstract but affirms each person’s dignity and potential. Studies show that people with a positive image of God report higher levels of self-esteem and resilience compared with those who view God primarily as judgmental (Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, 2018). A God who is “you enough” is one who embraces your humanity as it is, not as you wish it were. (Source: Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion; A St Lucia Spirituality perspective)
Why is reimagining God important for modern seekers?
Traditional frameworks are declining. In the U.S., 29% of adults now identify as religiously unaffiliated, up from 16% in 2007 (Pew Research Center, 2021). Many are not rejecting spirituality but searching for images of God that align with science, justice, and lived experience. Smith’s work meets that hunger by offering language for a God who is expansive, relational, and personally affirming. (Source: Pew Research Center; A St Lucia Spirituality perspective)
How can I apply these ideas in my spiritual practice?
Start by expanding how you pray, meditate, or reflect. Ask whether your image of God feels big enough to hold the universe, close enough to meet you in daily life, and you enough to affirm your dignity. Practices like contemplative prayer, journaling, or group discussion can help reframe old patterns. Research shows that contemplative practices reduce stress by up to 30% and improve overall wellbeing (Harvard Medical School, 2019). When you align practice with a bigger, closer, more personal God, spirituality becomes both expansive and deeply grounded. (Source: Harvard Medical School; A St Lucia Spirituality perspective)
At St Lucia Spirituality we believe the journey is richer when it’s shared. If you’re seeking a place to explore questions, practice mindfulness, or simply belong to an inclusive spiritual community, we invite you to join us. From online discussion groups and meditation gatherings to our growing library of resources, there’s space here for every seeker. Step into the conversation, connect with others, and discover how community can nurture your spiritual growth.
About the Author - John Scoble
John's journey began in the heart of a traditional Roman Catholic family in Sydney, where he was raised with steadfast faith and reverence. Now residing in the serene surroundings of St Lucia, Brisbane, alongside his beloved wife, John finds solace and inspiration in the tranquil rhythms of life. With four adult children and a cherished grandchild also calling Brisbane home, John's family is his anchor, providing love, support, and a sense of belonging.
While spirituality has always been a cornerstone of his life, it was three transformative events in 2012, including a sacred pilgrimage to the Holy Lands, that ignited a profound shift in John's spiritual trajectory. Embracing retirement as an opportunity for deeper exploration, John immersed himself in extensive reading and soulful reflection.
Over the course of a decade, this journey of self-discovery has led John to reevaluate and transcend many of his traditional beliefs, embracing instead the timeless wisdom and cosmic perspective inherent in Christianity. Influenced by luminaries such as St. Francis of Assisi, St. Teresa of Avila, and Richard Rohr, John's spiritual evolution has been marked by a deepening resonance with the essential truths of his faith and a profound connection to the divine unfolding within and around him.
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