Questions to All Your Answers: The Journey from Folk Religion to Examined Faith

by Roger E. Olson

Many Christians' faith exists as a loose collection of unexamined cliches and slogans borrowed from songs, devotional books, sermon illustrations, and even the internet. Too often this belief system (if it can be called a 'system') lacks coherence and intelligibility; it can hardly be expressed, let alone defended, to others. The problem with folk religion is that it too easily withers under the onslaughts of secularism or seemingly reasonable answers provided by cults and new religions. Christianity has a long tradition of intellectual examination of other faiths and its own beliefs. Socrates said that the unexamined life is not worth living; great Christian minds of all the ages have believed the unexamined faith is not worth believing. Reflective Christianity is Christian faith that has subjected itself to the rigorous questioning of Scripture, tradition, reason, and experience. It is mature Christian faith that goes on believing even as it questions what it believes. The goal of this book is not to destroy anyone's faith but to build it up by placing it on a firmer foundation of critical examination. Ten popular Christian cliches are subjected to critical inquiry and interrogated to discover whether they contain truth or are in error. In most cases the conclusion is---both. The aim is not to tear down straw men but to demonstrate a path toward stronger, more mature Christian belief.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Nonfiction

192 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2007

About the author

Roger E. Olson (PhD, Rice University) is professor of theology at George W. Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University. He is a prolific author whose volumes include The Story of Christian Theology and The Mosaic of Christian Belief. He is also coauthor of 20th-Century Theology. Olsen identifies as an Arminian and a Baptist.

Reviews

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Reflective Christianity has the courage to say "I don't know" rather than fall back on half-baked and pat answers that wither and die under scrutiny. It admits that now, on this side of heaven, we all see through a glass darkly (as Paul admitted to the Corinthians) and therefore lack absolute certainty and pithy, pat responses when it comes to hard questions about evil, suffering, life after death, the fate of the unevangelized, and many, many more controverted subjects." Questions to All Your Answers, Olson, pg. 20.

A fantastic little book. Olson questions the the cliches of American folk Christianity (including but not limited to "God has a perfect plan for your life. "Jesus is coming soon." "The Bible has all the answers.") He calls for a reflective examined Christianity.

[Colton Gonzales · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dr. Olson's thesis in "Questions to All Your Answers" contrasts the differences between culturally defined "folk religion" and what is referred to as the "examined faith" of Biblical, "reflective Christianity". He encourages believers to embrace a form of healthy skepticism toward their own presuppositions and blind assumptions by measuring them against scripture, reason, and historic Christianity. The aim of the book is to model this in the form of evaluating various cliche phrases used within evangelical Christian circles (i.e. "Don't Judge" or "All sins are equal") according to the standard of reflective Christianity. For the most part, Olson does a fair job of demonstrating how one would critically evaluate each statement, and offers some helpful insight in each case.

However, the book's biggest flaw is in how much time is spent in what comes across (at least to me) as polemics against Calvinism. I do not say this simply because I disagree with his views; I think it makes total sense to give some mention the issue in passing, and even to list his objections to Reformed theology. However, he dedicates too much time to the issue, and his coverage of it could have easily been cut in half and left in a single chapter.

Additionally, while I wholeheartedly welcome his usage of the Early Church Fathers, the Councils, and various theologians throughout history, I think he introduces the precedent of evaluating theological claims against a historical background alongside (although subordinate to) scripture far too late into the book. It would have been better had he explained the importance of Church history in the introduction, rather than in Chapter 7 (Page 133, bottom paragraph), since he actually draws from this assumption numerous times in earlier chapters.

Regardless of these issues, the book remains a fairly good introduction into theological critical thinking for those coming out of cultural Christianity, but would be best used within a group that can discuss any differences they might have with Olson's conclusions.

[John Martindale · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a fan of Roger Olson's blog, I appreciate how, for example, that though he is an Arminian, he doesn't misrepresent what Open Theist believe, and is charitable to those who hold the view. I appreciate that though an evangelical, he has the guts to acknowledge the reality that there are some errors in the bible.

Within this book, for the most part I agreed with his challenge of those clichés and conversation stoppers which are so popular within Christian circles. He did a great job deconstruction statements like “God is in control” and “Nothing is impossible for God” and “God has a wonderful plan for your life” and the lazy use of the divine mystery card as a way of accepting contradictions. I was surprised however just how often I disagreed with him when he made more positive statements. He did a great job at questioning many Christian answers, but in doing this, he offered answers of his own, which I often found were questionable.

I was surprised that while rightly questioning the rapture doctrine, he reads passages which context show to be about the destruction of the temple, as instead referring to the second coming of Christ. If we acknowledge the context of what Jesus said, though he have signs for when Jerusalem would fall, we have no signs at all concerning when Jesus will return. It seems problematic giving any weight to what Paul or St. John say on the second coming, since both were utterly confident that Jesus was to come back in their life time and were therefore utterly mistaken.

I was surprised how Olson seemed totally on board with the Augustine's questionable interpretation of Romans 5; that mankind is born in sin, and that he accepts the doctrine of total depravity hook line and sinker. I thought he was extremely unfair to Pelagianism and Semipelagianism which he considers heresy, he seemed to completely support Augustine's radical and highly out-of-balance views on the matter, that fly in the face of many scriptural themes.

While challenging the “God helps those who help themselves” Olson insisted that God's grace is a constant and unchanging source of power for the believer, and made the analogy of a water flowing through a hose. If no water is coming forth, it is not due to the lack of grace, but due to sin which puts a kink in the hose. But here is the problem, what if what one needs is grace in order to deal with the sin that puts the kink in the hose? Few things are more poisonous to my faith, than how it seems God doesn't give any power, will or ability, he sets the standard incredibly high and threatens eternal fire to all who don't fully obey, but then offers nothing; no supernatural strength, no writing his laws on our heart, no motivation. Such has been the main cause of my offense and disappointment with God, I feel utterly needy and dependent upon a God who refuses to lift a finger. When I am weak, I am weak, he offers no strength. When I let go and let God, he lets me fall, it is like there is no God at all. I am forced to try to somehow figure out how to help myself, for he share as hell cannot be trusted.

I didn't like that in his challenge of those who think “God is nice” that Olson seem to glibly accept much of what I'd consider to be the evil and all too human portraits that Old Testament writers ascribe to God. If one just accepts a surface reading of much of the OT, God is not only “not nice”, but is down right wicked; one who shows little to absolutely no concern for the value of life, but will kill and ruin families at the drop of the hat. One who constantly complains, has an explosive and violent temper with an extremely short fuse, one who regularly punishes children for their parents sins, and supports an escalation of revenge, one who will command genocide; the slaughter of toddlers, infants, little children and woman because of what their long dead ancestors did 400 years prior, and condemns Saul for failing to be thorough enough in the genocide. One who supports the slave trade, theft, unjust wars of aggression, child sacrifice, etc... etc.... Yes indeed, that God is not nice is the understatement of the year, that is if one just simply accepts the oh so human and worldly portraits of God throughout the OT. One just hopes that maybe however that the enemy embracing love of Jesus upon the cross is a superior revelation and better represents the Father than what the ancient Hebrews portrayed of their tribal, enemy hating warrior deity.

I appreciate how he points out that the bible doesn't give us answers for ever aspect of life, and is not best approached as a timeless authority on medicine, science, political and even some ethical issues, yet in acknowledging this reality, what is the basis for the assumption that is it completely infallible on central matters of dogma and doctrine?

But yeah, this is getting a bit long. I'll let it rest.

[Parker Jennings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely thought-provoking, and interesting viewpoints. I would recommend it, though it definitely helps to be sympathetic to post-modern Armininiasm. The book was very enlightening, and fun to read!

The chapter I have the most trouble with is chapter 10 "Money isn't bad, but only what we do with it."

I don't understand how the morally neutral aspect of money, which is needed in order to sustain populations, and church activities, is bad when it is gained in large quantities? I understand that wealth is a drag on spirituality, because it causes people to lose their belief in God and boast of their own great works. Also it contributes to the suffering of the poor, because it takes money away from them. However, if we ask about the wealthy patrons in the Bible, the ones who are shown in a good light for helping the poor and needy, wouldn't the proper approach to the chapter be that those who are wealthy need to give their wealth away, instead of it's just bad to be rich? The desire to accrue money does hinder one's spiritual journey to God, but how are we supposed to proselytize to the rich if they are made to feel threatened for their hoarding of wealth. Does it actually make poor people suffer? I think it does, somewhat. I also think Olson was counting himself out of the "upper-middle classes" and above that constitute the rebuke that the Bible gives towards those who are wealthy.

On the plain face of it, Olson believes that the Bible condemns wealth. Jesus did say that with God, all things are possible. And that all of humanity is in total depravity. Not all sins are equal, so those who commit murder may be worse off than those who gain wealth through honest means. In total depravity, does God extend grace and salvation to those who merely accept grace and salvation? Olson believes so, even saying that nowhere in the Bible does it say that only Christians go to heaven. So then, do the rich and powerful go to Hell for their wealth accrual? Judge not, less ye be judged. God allows the rich to give to the poor because that giving is a gift of God that only God allows. All hoarding is resisting God, God freely condones the act of giving. The accrual of wealth then is the individual's resistance to God prodding them to give. I think.

[Kyle Inman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A couple things to clarify with this 5-star: One, I DO NOT recommend the audiobook version!! It was obvious to me at several points that the narrator made the author’s tone sound more arrogant than it would’ve read on paper. Two, this is more of a 4.5 rounded up. While I agree with most every one of the author’s conclusions (thus why I rounded up instead of down), I do believe he comes out swinging against specific groups without needing to. Also, though I do agree with the conclusions, I believe many of them were too assumed and read into the questions. This will undoubtedly turn many people off from this book and the proposed answers without even needing to. All of this granted, I still give this a 5 because I’m also passionate about its wrestlings and I think it will give those who read it an alternative way of looking at things rather than the culturally assumed responses to hard questions. One bit of advice another reviewer suggested: read the conclusion FIRST! This will inform the rest of the book much better. Would recommend… but not the audiobook. 😂

[Nelson Banuchi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The subtitle says it all: The Journey From Folk Religion to Examined Faith.

This is a book for thinking or reflective Christians, that is, Christians who don't just go along with the Christian cliche's or Christian culture , which Olson says are really part of folk Christianity, but who seriously examine these sayings and the culture in light of Biblical Revelation. In his introduction, Olson examines 10 Christian cliches, for example: "It's a mystery, just accept it" or "All sins are equal."

This book contains discussion questions at the end of each chapter and, therefore, can be used in small group meetings. A great book (only 185 pages, and small, only 9"x5") to get non-reflective Christians to seriously start thinking about their faith.

[Adam Jarvis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting! The author seeks to biblically respond to common Christian clichés, clichés that are too often given as “conversation enders” as he calls them.

I didn’t agree with all of the author’s conclusions, but I appreciate his gracious and kind spirit toward other viewpoints. He gently challenges and asks the reader to come to their conclusions from the Bible, with the logic and reason that God has given us, and through the leading of the Holy Spirit.

(This book is like manna from heaven for all the Enneagram 5s in your life. 😉)

[Michala · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank the Lord for this book! This book was required reading for a class I took and it is one of the (many) reasons I began to examine the things I believed. The Lord used this book to show me to question what I have been taught to believe, and ultimately lead to me draw closer to him as I searched out true answers. Overall, I encourage anyone to read this book. It will help you to examine your faith in such an incredible way.

[William S. Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Excellent Read

Olson's book is thought provoking and provides a framework to examine our beliefs beyond the fundamentals of Christianity. Too often we tend to elevate the unnecessary above the necessary.

[Beth Snider · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were some things I really liked about this book, but the full frontal attack on Calvinism and Evangelicals was unnecessary.
Skip this one and go directly to his recommendation in the conclusion to read C.S. Lewis' "Mere Christianity".

[Logan Engle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful read to help you examine why you believe what you believe as a Christian. Read in anticipation of leading this as a book study for the small group I lead. Looking forward to a robust discussion and building a culture of reflective Christianity.

[Grace Yoder · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good book, though I did disagree on a few view points. I would encourage anyone who wants to dip their toes I to theology or deepening their christian ideology to read this book.

[Tom · Rating 3 out of 5]

Roger Olson is a theology professor at Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University. In his book, Questions to All Your Answers he takes head on some of the most heard phrases uttered by christians. He breaks them apart and then thrusts questions back on the phrases.

Some of the better chapters in the book are called, "Jesus is the Answer - So What is the Question?", "The Bible Has All the Answers - So What About Cloning?", and "Money Isn't Bad, Only What We Do With it - So Why Did Jesus Say it's Hard for a Rich Man to Enter Heaven?". These entries take you along for a entertaining, humorous but thought-provoking ride.

For instance, "Jesus is the Answer" - Olson believes that while not intending this result the preoccupation with WWJD has left many folk christians with a "Jesus Only" theology and have lost the Trinity. At it is at this point that he leans into Eastern Orthodox treasure and pulls out "Trinitarian Life." That from them we can learn that, "...knowing and communing with Jesus is one dimension, however crucial, within a larger spirituality of being taken up into the life of the Trinity and enjoying the fellowship between Father, Son, and Holy Spirit" (pg. 72-73). Of course one of the main problems with this slogan, Jesus is the Answer" is that most people aren't even aware of any need that they have. People, according to Olson, need to know to what questions Jesus is the answer - so therefore we need to start with conversations about music, culture, goals, relationships, world problems - rather than just Jesus is the answer to your problems.

One irritating thing about Olson is that he seems to come from an Arminian point of view. Which is fine, but, he clearly takes jabs at non-Arminians (whether they be Calvinists or whomever). He says a lot of good things, but sometimes those things are drowned out by a constant need to elevate his viewpoint over his point.

It's a good book, some parts were definitely better than others, but all in all a good one to pick up and read through and be challenged by regarding the phrases that christ-followers can easily throw around.

[Trevor · Rating 3 out of 5]

The concern driving this book is that far too many contemporary evangelical Christians have succumbed to what sociologists of religion call "folk religion" - more specifically "folk Christianity." It's a badly distorted version of Christianity that thrives on cliches and slogans while resisting reflection and examination. This "folk Christianity" too often denigrates the life of the mind and especially critical thinking. It revolves around cute, comfortable, or trite sayings that are found church signs, bumper stickers, and, most recently, internet stories. All too often contemporary popular Christianity leads people to think that spirituality and hard thinking stand in conflict with one another.

This has ultimately reduced Christianity (in most parts of the U.S.) to the social status of astrology - good for a pick-me-up or maybe a little encouragement to do something worthwhile - but left to the margins when it comes to real, substantive input on the issues of life.

The antidote: REFLECTIVE CHRISTIANITY (the opposite of folk Christianity)

Ultimately reflective Christianity involves questioning what and why you believe while continuing to believe what you are questioning.

[Brook Warner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for any "evangelical" Christian to read, most especially if they have grown up in the church.

The first chapter, which introduces Rogers method and the thesis for the entire book, is outstanding. His critiques and "questions" of various pat answers and empty cliches are great.

My only critique would be that (probably due to limitations of the medium, rather than any intent or lack on Rogers part) is that some of his questions are simplistic, and sometimes he strays into providing answers which then opens him up to his own critiques.

I was especially glad with the way that Roger (an excellent Arminian scholar) treated his Calvinist brothers and sisters, although his bias did show through quite strongly (perhaps too strongly?) in some parts.

On the whole, a good, easy read and well worth giving to new Christians or people who have grown up in the church. I would also recommend it to any Christian teenager as they approach young adulthood (17+).

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

My husband and I are using this book for our Sunday school class. The main theme is for us
(as christians) to get back to the basics of what church life/christain life is. The church as a whole should be striving to give the understanding that "the unexamined faith is not worth believing". Church is not so much about things we see or hear about being Christians, such as Pam Anderson's "Jesus is my homeboy T-shirt" or that you should be praying for money with Joel Olsten.
No matter what your religious preferenced are this book has something for everyone.

[Stan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not light reading! The chapters mainly stand alone, but should be read in order, because by time you get to the end you learn to recognise his pattern of ""development"". Though I think reading the conclusion first would have taken some of the roughness off the earlier chapters.
It is an outsanding perspective on how to add some depth and perspective to commonly uttered christian sayings that many treat as unexamined truths. It also gives you a tool or method for future study."

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. Too often we can skip over the hard parts of being a Christian. We can have what he calls folk religion. In this book he looks at easy answers which do not hold up,under scrutiny to what he calls examined faith..

[Grant · Rating 3 out of 5]

I never finished this, but Olson's approach is excellent. You pretty easily get the point though after about 4 chapters at most.

[Marius Lombaard · Rating 4 out of 5]

good book. full review will appear on my upcoming site, theology book reviews (www.theologybookreviews.net)

[Atlas · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most thought provoking books about theology I have picked up. Moves readers to critically think about many cliche "folk religion" sayings used in today's society.

[Trevor Lloyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clever idea and title. Weak in parts but overall really enjoyable.

[Christopher Partin · Rating 2 out of 5]

simplistic not well thought-out or argued.

[Chet Duke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This books is enjoyable and deeply useful. Olson critiques the numerous cliches of "folk religion/Christianity" that infiltrate evangelical churches.