Emil Cioran had a very tumultuous relationship with God. He even quipped that attacking God was better than invoking him. He was a pessimist, skeptic and nihilist. He was against everything with regards to creation. While many philosophers have expressed their adverse stance towards God, Emil was notably and gradually aggressive about his displeasure with God and all related things. Tormented by God is a compilation of his works. It is a view of the other side of the coin. The author seeks to interpret Emil’s works and blasphemes from the knowledgeably authoritative standpoint of a professor of Theology.

Mirko Integlia is very articulate. His presentation of his own voice with regards to Emil’s works and related philosophical works is brilliant and impressive. Not only does he remain completely calm and centered in the face of an aggressively blasphemous philosopher whose views are a stark contrast against his own, he gives a full dimensional analysis. There is a lot to be said about an author who is capable of seemingly neutral presentation of views that so enthusiastically clash with their own.

The author is a master of language. The language is simple and mindful of a person who might find the subject matter a little daunting. This simplistic presentation makes the book more appealing. The subject matter in itself is interesting. To see atheism presented by a Christian is a  novelty. As you read you will get the feeling that Mirko really did try to understand where Emil was coming from in his views and rants. You get the feeling that the author is genuinely curious about these attacks against God. There is no passion for atheism itself but you can feel yourself being drawn to the progression of Cioran’s views from his first work, On the Heights of Despair.

There is an issue with clarity. In the beginning the reader might feel a little out of their depth. However, as the author gets to the second and third chapters they seem to have gained stability and therefore prose flows easily from there. Tackling atheism and an aggressively atheist philosopher is not easy. It is intense and sensitive. This is evidenced by the caution Mirko Integlia takes in his presentation. It also helps that the book is relatively short. Even then, it is exhaustive.

With everything that is happening in the world right now, one might be tempted to share the same views as Emil Cioran. However, Mirko Integlia’s work helps with any crisis of faith that one might experience from time to time. From this you can remain steadfast even when you are in the ‘troubling vicinity of God’.

Pages: 272 | ISBN-10: 882660326X