Reviews of In My Gut, I Don’t Believe: A Memoir by Joe Armstrong in The Irish Times, Amazon, Goodreads.com, and on national and local radio.

From renowned Humanist academic Prof A.C. Grayling:

‘A fascinating, courageous and moving account of an individual leaving the trammels of religion for the good light of humanism – an educative story on many levels, well told.‘ – Prof A.C. Grayling

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From Tim O’ Brien’s review in The Irish Times:

‘In My Gut I Don’t Believe will stir emotional memories for a generation … reared in Catholic households in the 1960s and 1970s. But it would be wrong to read Armstrong’s book as just another story of emancipation from the darker days of theocratic Ireland. It is a coming-of-age memoir.

Armstrong’s account of his time with the Marist Fathers is aided by voluminous journals kept from those years, searingly graphic in dealing with his struggles for obedience, belief and chastity, perhaps on occasion too honest, in relation to the hardships of espousing chastity.

“Religion demands the submission of the mind, heart, will and body to man-made rules and a man-made god but submission is the opposite of personal adult maturity, thinking and deciding for oneself,” he said. This book details his journey into and out of the Marist community.

Armstrong is now “a priest” of another sort. An author, a columnist, broadcaster and a humanist celebrant. As he says himself, it would take another volume to show the transition from belief to unbelief, after he left the Marists. In the end the reader might look forward to that volume. Most people clearly feel priestly vows are not for them, but what of God? Volume 2, please.‘ – Tim O’Brien, The Irish Times (to read the full review, click here).

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From former Irish Times journalist Kieran Fagan on Amazon:

‘I didn’t intend to but I read this book in one sitting. It is the story of an idealistic young man who wanted to be a priest to serve God and his fellow man. He joined the Marist Order in Dublin. Nine years later he quit before ordination. The phrase searingly honest is overworked but it applies here.

Joe Armstrong’s vision was rooted in warmth and love but ran into the brick wall of celibacy. Much of his account is made more immediate by drawing from his daily journal. This is the story of a young man’s battle with himself and his superiors, not about the greater malaise which currently affects the Catholic Church. Yet those who want to understand what is hindering the institutional church from getting back to teaching and preaching God’s love have much to learn in these pages. I couldn’t help feeling for the young men who signed up along with Joe Armstrong, and also for older hands who were trying hard to keep a leaky vessel afloat.

Of course we read for pleasure as well as enlightenment. Sitting at home by the fire I enjoyed being escorted around my native city and its suburbs as they were in the 1980s by an observant and literate companion.’ – Kieran Fagan, former journalist with The Irish Times writing on Amazon

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‘Beautifully written and breathtakingly honest. A conflicted mind laid bare. A must read’

‘Set in an era when priests were viewed by most Irish people as something more than mere mortals, the author reveals himself struggling with the same natural urges, doubts and indecisiveness as most young men do, while being shackled by a vow of celibacy and guilt. His account of an incredibly complex upbringing and relationship with his mother is tackled with a bravery and honesty that I can only describe as stunning. The authors constant reference to his journal transports the reader back to the exact moment and state of mind he was in while consumed by his long internal struggle to find his true self. This book is essential reading, plain and simple.’ Tony O’Donohoe on Amazon

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‘Honest, brave and self-effacing’

‘An honest, brave and self-effacing account of the author’s struggle to find himself. His entanglement with religious thought structures and his institutionalisation within the Marist Fathers illustrate the struggle we must all go through if we are to be truly free. Well written. An easy read.’ – Dara Molloy on Amazon.

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‘A rare and valuable insight. An important story, earnestly, meticulously and bravely told’

‘This is a painstaking and often painful account by the author of his journey to self-awareness through his experience of family and faith as an aspirant priest in a Dublin seminary in the 80s. It affords the reader a rare and valuable insight into institutional religious life, it records details of an Irish society now faded into history and is an important story, earnestly, meticulously and bravely told.’ – Margaret McCann on Goodreads.com

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‘Searing no-holds-barred expose of training for the priesthood in the Catholic Church’

‘This is not a book for an easy read on the beach. This is a searing, no-holds-barred expose of the author’s struggle to exit his training for the priesthood and the Catholic Church. It is honest and real and harrowing at times, but rewarding in the absolute authenticity of the story. I got involved to the extent that I was shouting at the author to get out before they destroyed him, and that testifies to the power of the narrative. For those who don’t understand the difficulty posed for anyone trying to get out of a coercive, controlling relationship, this is a step-by- gruelling-step guided explanation. I recommend this book for anyone interested in real-life drama, and, as in all the best stories, a happy ending.’ – Teresa Graham on Goodreads.com

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‘Answer to a secular prayer’

Launching In My Gut, I Don’t Believe, Eamon Murphy described the memoir as ‘an answer to a secular prayer’. He described it as honest and compelling, written with frankness and in-depth analysis. ‘I’ve read few autobiographical works that examine family relationships, internal thought processes or human urges with the honesty displayed here. It makes for compelling reading.’

To read Eamon Murphy’s full review, click here.

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‘Inspiring and challenging insight into becoming true in the very core of your being. Read it and grow in courage’

‘Have you ever found yourself trying to make a decision whose outcome has the potential to affect your whole life? Or have you ever found yourself at an impasse, where, no matter how you endeavour to weigh the counsel of those whom you trust and who apparently know you best, you are unable to come down on one side or the other? Well, perhaps you have lost touch with a very fundamental and ancient truth…that in the end, you must still trust what you know to be true in the very core of your being – what some people call your ‘gut’. I promise you that between the covers of Joe Armstrong’s latest publication, In my Gut, I Don’t Believe, you will find an insight into the way through such an impasse that is as inspiring as it is challenging! I recommend it with a heart and a half! Read it and grow in courage!’ – Ronnie Balfe, MIACP, Counsellor, Psychotherapist and Professional Supervisor, on Google Books.

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‘Searingly honest showing family issues faced with his mother. An essential read for believers and non-believers’

I really enjoyed Joe’s book and maybe that was because of the “there but for fortune” element. My lovely father wanted me to be a priest and I really wanted to please him – until I met and instantly fell in love Mary (we were both teenagers in 1966). That put an end to any thoughts I had of the priesthood!

Joe’s book is searingly honest and it documents the family issues Joe faced with his own mother as well as the “will I, won’t I” doubts that he confronted during his decade of studies for the priesthood. It is so significant that a committed, honest, man of integrity like Joe ended up leaving before ordination having invested a decade of his life into his “vocation”.

Joe’s book clearly demonstrates the ultimate fallacy behind the Catholic religion. It’s built on sand and doomed to fail. I’m delighted that Joe has thrived outside the Catholic religion – living proof that he made the right call. An essential read for believers and a joyous one for non-believers.’ – Dara Hogan on Goodreads.com

‘To me he is every priest. A great memoir’

‘Being Catholic I was vaguely familiar with priestly formation in a seminary. Joe Armstrong lifts the curtain and
you are on a journey (9 years in the making) with him as he struggles to stay, to leave, to stay. He shares his doubt, frustration, confusion and a myriad of other feelings. Can he follow the rule of celibacy? Can he be obedient?
To me he is every priest. Finally, indecision leads to decision. A great memoir!’ – US reviewer Tom Kavanagh on Amazon

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‘A wonderful, compelling read. An honest and thorough path from religious belief to humanism’

‘I have just finished this wonderful book and found it so relatable to my experiences within the evangelical/charismatic church in the UK, where I found that trying to be honest, when the consequence is judgement, negative repercussions and control, very hard indeed.
The author’s honesty about his feelings towards his mother and about sex were refreshing and made a compelling read. I was also impressed how he managed to tell the story without sounding resentful towards those around him. It took me years to put aside the hurt and anger I felt towards people in the church for the way I was treated, the tone of the book conveyed very little resentment or unforgiveness.
I also appreciated the very powerful description in the book of ‘wrestling with belief’. Something that anyone who starts to think deeply about their faith will recognise. When the experience doesn’t match the believing we should all start to question and to explore more. The ‘in my gut’ title could be a little misleading – this book describes an internal battle that is both cerebral, based on the analysis of evidence and of course by experience and discussion with friends. The decisions made are as a result of deep consideration, and in no way a reactive response to feelings in the gut!
I cannot claim to have followed such an honest and thorough path from religious belief to humanism, there were times when I reacted angrily or badly, but my journey had enough similarities to make the author come across as deeply personable and his words to ring so truly authentic to my own experience.
I think the book is more about being true to yourself, what others around us think and say should not derail our own sense of responsibility or hopes and ambitions.
I got to the end and really wanted to know more. I hope another memoir is forthcoming to bring us fully up to date.
An added ‘bonus’ was the deeply life affirming poem about leaves, and how those that fall around us leave us all gifts in our memories, a poem that has already given reassurance and comfort to close friends when a loved one died.’ – Mark Collins on Goodreads.com

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‘Bravely written by a true and caring Irishman’

‘A great book bravely written with such honesty by a true and caring Irishman.’ – Mairead Armstrong on Goodreads.com

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‘Very helpful for those deconstructing from religious abuse’

As a recovering codependent, I’m learning how to listen to my own wisdom above mass crowd mentalities found many times in unhealthy religious environments. Joe’s journey of regaining his sovereignty echoed my own. It’s incredibly empowering (scary, but empowering) to take one’s chances in the unpredictable world outside of being told what to decide. – Amy R. Schmirler on Amazon

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‘The ultimate inside story. A confessional’

‘This book is the ultimate inside story. It hangs analysis (to the Nth degree) of decisions towards an ultimate goal [graduating as a priest] as a book spine.

I suppose we owe the book’s completeness to journalism. I do not mean the media hacks I mean personally writing in a journal. Some journals are published complete and have readability of their own. I wonder if the publishers considered it as a companion version to Joe’s thoughts.
The journal is a confessional as well as a record [I wish I had kept one]-a free-thinking inner voice while Joe is locked in his own cage of authority trying to please everyone who gives him advice. This way, with dreams generated along the way, the journal can have its own age certificate.
While Joe is the top rating star there is another internal star – that little collection of hormones, structures and procedures that ensure the continuance of the Human Race – sexual feelings. The book is about the struggles and wisdom of celibacy in the Catholic Faith. Against all these odds you will want to know whether he succeeds in human love.

The encouragement, holiness and power of his mother {whom Joe hated at least one stage} and other members of the family, the brother priests, the Superiors, the elders of the seminary, the bishops, the Spiritual Directors and religious psychiatrists with their tests, the girls and women he met, the girls he fancied, academic tutors, the Retreats, the Provincial, the teachers, all conspiring against the freedom of this caring man trying to keep his manhood and maintain his faith.

With the help of his gut, sheer persistence and writing skills things change. Does he succeed? We can see the full problems of celibacy. How will the church solve those with failing recruitment? But what about Joe’s manhood?’ – David McKnight on Goodreads.com

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‘Highly recommended read’

‘A very personal story of learning to question accepted religious norms, and the struggle involved in taking control of your own life.’ – Niall Mulligan on Amazon.

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‘An amazing book. His courage and honesty. He has opened up his soul to the world’

‘Joe Armstrong has written such an amazing book I am humbled by story. His courage his honesty his strength. He has opened up his soul to the world in a way I and i’m sure many people never could.’ Dave McCarthy on Goodreads.com

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‘Very interesting read’

‘Very interesting read.’ – John G. Cooke on Amazon.

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‘A captivating read’

‘I truly enjoyed “In My Gut…”. One follows with great interest the story of the intellectual development of a young Catholic seminarian through increasing doubts (with his sometimes difficult family story as background), to becoming a confirmed humanist. This is a very human story, well and skillfully told, constantly drawing the reader along on the author’s journey. I would heartily recommend it for anyone interested in humanism, or for everyone who enjoys reading a gripping personal memoir. First rate!’ – P. Martin on Amazon

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‘Well-written and absorbing memoir’

‘This book will be of interest to people who understand the Ireland of the 1980s and the role that Catholicism played in the lives of so many people. In My Gut, I Don’t Believe is a well-written and absorbing memoir. The desire to be totally honest is at the core of this book and so the decision to adopt a no holds barred approach is admirable. This is a book that many readers of Spirituality will find to be of interest.’ – Eamon Maher, review in Spirituality journal, May-June 2021, published by Dominican Publications.

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‘Searingly honest, deeply personal memoir that lingers long after the closing page’

‘I enjoyed this book immensely.It charts the journey of a young man to find his true place in the world.From a childhood steeped in religiosity, through nine years of institutionalised life in a Marist community in Dublin to finally freeing himself to live his life on his own terms.The writer,armed with detailed journals of those 9 years,gives us a detailed,frank and utterly compelling insight into his struggles with the vows of obedience and celibacy required of him as a ‘trainee’ priest.In the end he rejects the “man-made rules and man-made god” of Catholicism.
This is a well written book, you feel the anguish and despair of this young man and with each twist and turn you are right there with him,willing him towards freedom and a well-rounded, human life.’ – Monica C on Amazon.

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‘Youthful defiance and doubt touching on the fraught relationship between a mother and son’

‘This is a story of a young man’s journey through a decade of religious life ending with him making the brave decision to leave and follow his own dreams. The very questionable requirement to remain celibate is a constant struggle for him as he realises he loves life and all it has to offer too much. This is an honest memoir which also touches on the fraught relationship between a mother and son which often get left unspoken about. For anyone who has ever struggled to find their true self this is a must read.’ – MT on Amazon

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‘A fantastic inspirational read written by an immensely brave, thoughtful, decent and caring human being’

‘A wonderful warm yet desolate account of younger years and journey through ecclesiastical life. The author is a true giant of a man to lay bare his inner self as he does. The reader is left truly humbled. It is a brilliant read, truly inspirational and written by an immensely brave, thoughtful, decent and caring human being.’ – KOS on Amazon

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‘An engaging, fascinating, humorous, honest, heart-wrenching, inspiring and thoroughly enjoyable read.’

‘An engaging and fascinating read. Joe Armstrong writes with easy clarity, humour and honesty as he tells of his journey to find his path in life and be true to himself and his beliefs while negotiating growing pains, family issues not to mention the complexities and red tape of the Catholic church. Heart-wrenching and difficult at times, it was overall inspiring and thoroughly enjoyable. Hoping for a sequel.’ PO on Amazon