When Faith Disappoints: The Gap Between What We Believe and What We Experience

by Lisa Victoria Fields

For anyone who feels the weight of injustice, trauma, and suffering, the founder of the Jude 3 Project invites you to discover how to find hope when you can’t make sense of the pain.

“Lisa Fields brilliantly offers hope for all who seek to practice their faith without the cruel dogma nurtured by Western culture.”—Otis Moss III, senior pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ, Chicago

Living as a Black woman in America, Lisa Victoria Fields understands the tension of relying on God in a broken world. While pursuing her calling in full-time Christian ministry—an often white, male-dominated vocation—she saw the contentions many people have with Christianity. She heard the theological questions, but instead of arguing for her faith, she listened to the barriers and heard the pain in their hearts: Why doesn’t God protect me from suffering and injustice? Others don’t seem to think I have value—does God?

Now, in her debut book, Fields shows us how emotional pain—often more than theological concerns—is at the root of our doubt. She invites us to bring our deepest soul questions to this journey as she explores:

• Seven pain points that might be keeping us from faith: a lack of personhood, peace, provision, pleasure, purpose, protection, and power
• Honest talk about how Christianity doesn’t seem to meet our very valid needs
• Why wrestling with God doesn’t negate our faith but instead deepens it
• What it looks like to allow God to bring healing to our pain so we can see Him and others more clearly

Through vulnerable storytelling and thoughtful use of Scripture, Fields tends to our hurting hearts and offers hope and resolve. She helps us move forward as we cling to a faith that brings us back to the truth of Christianity—not despite the pain of this world but in light of it.

Genres: Christian, Spirituality, Theology, Nonfiction, Faith, Religion, Audiobook

192 pages, Paperback

Published August 13, 2024

Reviews

[Rasool Berry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear, compelling, and a coherent case for Christ

This is the most concise, compelling and coherent case for the Christian faith I’ve read since Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis. Similar to Lewis, Lisa Fields has a way of peeling back the layers of the human yearning and identifying the depths of how the Christian faith anticipates and satisfies the true needs underneath them. When Faith Disappoints affirms what I have observed through Ms. Fields’ work with Jude 3 Project; She has offered the world a great gift at a time when the lost for meaning, purpose and morality have even reached those without faith: she has given us an emotionally intelligent apologetic for Christianity. And I for one and very grateful.

[Joely · Rating 2 out of 5]

i have lots of mixed thoughts about this book. not sure why the title is what it is because that is not really what the book is about. i was reading this as a potential source for summer staffers but it sort of missed that mark for me. nothing bad at all i was just a little confused. there were a lot of over generalizations but besides that it was just truth about God which is always helpful i suppose.
i did super appreciate her perspective as not only a woman but a black woman in the field of apologetics. that was definitely my favorite part of the book. frick old white men.

[Sara Bynum · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Lisa does such a great job exploring so many of the areas where the brokenness of the world challenges our faith. Her perspective as a young, Black, female apologist in a field primarily dominated by older white men was refreshing and her story was moving.

[Jessica Surgett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this in one sitting but I’ll be revisiting it more in the future I’m sure. There’s so much to unpack here and layers of meaning to meditate on and process. It helped me understand the character of God more deeply- which is the highest praise I can give, really.

[BJ Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

What do we do with our hard times? If God is good, why am I suffering through [insert struggle here]?The answer to this question is called our theodicy, and everyone needs to have one. There are many different ways people through time have answered this question and one person's answer might work emotionally and intellectually for some but not others.

Books like this one are basically a theodicy writ large and they are not uncommon. Two excellent ones that come to my mind are Even if He Doesn't by Kristen LaValley and Our Broken Hallelujahs by Rebecca Burtram. While I enjoyed this book by Lisa Fields, it doesn't quite hit on the same levels for me as those two do. But like our theodicies, books like these will have varying levels of impact or effectiveness for different people. Her theology is sound. Her analogies are practical and real. And since Lisa Fields leads an apologetics ministry called Jude 3, she clearly has experience addressing and overcoming objections some might have.

So if you are struggling with your faith. If you are going through what St John of the Cross called the "Dark Night of the Soul," then I would strongly recommend this book. And I would strongly both of the other books I have mentioned. And there are many others. Most of all I would recommend you continue moving forward in your faith. As another has said, "If you catch hell, don't hold it. If you are going through hell, don't stop."

[J.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I needed this book to understand the wrestling that occurs with deconstruction and reconstruction.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gave me a lot to think about!

[Arlene Whitlock · Rating 3 out of 5]

I pre-ordered this a few months ago and it arrived today. Upon first inspection, I knew I could finish the book in one sitting. While the book was interesting, particularly with the personal anecdotes, I think I appreciated the end-of-chapter prayers. They spoke to the heart of when faith disappoints.
I also probably would have liked for Fields to dig into more of what Jude 3 Project has explored with the history of Christianity, particularly in light of how the Western world has perverted it. This is the disappointment that a lot of her peers are voicing with the faith.

Finally, I got the feeling that she was being guided to make this a book more palatable to her audience: traditional voices. That’s fine, but I feel like there needed to be more harder truths. This would have made the book more compelling.

I do think it is a worthy read and recommend it. Fields’ journey has been encouraging and inspirational! I can’t wait to see how she’ll blossom!

[Joyce · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this book when I was in a very bad mental state…but didn’t have the energy to actually read it then. So I only actually read it now, when I’m doing much better and no longer as swamped by the lies/emotional turmoil that blocked me from God. Therefore, I wonder how I would’ve received this book differently if I had read it in my prior low state. So with that caveat…

Overall it was good gospel reminders and lessons. It started off stronger and then I found the latter chapters (pleasure, purpose, protection, & power) a little lackluster. Sometimes I found the stories or instruction too broad and not as precise or detailed enough to come alive. Fields uses so many quick examples from her life, I almost wish we had a christian memoir instead in some sort of chronological/thematic order, which I would’ve found more personal, encouraging and inspiring. Finally, I was shocked that in the chapter on Purpose, Fields spoke very little/almost nothing about evangelism and showering the gospel. While I appreciate her observation on the commercialization of Purpose, her desire to dispel the controlling pressure that demands we need to know everything God knows about our purpose, and her the simplification of Purpose to the essence of daily regular obedience to God, I think leaving out “go and make disciples of all nations” leaves our God given Purpose incomplete. Describing our purpose as obedience and who you become and not what you achieve is great, but I think leaves some room for misunderstanding that obeying God is just about being a better, good, more moral person. Anyway, I wonder if the reason why Fields left evangelism out is so to not overly burden the likely very hurting people reading this book. However, I think I would’ve been blessed to be encouraged to pay closer attention in my suffering, to look expectantly, to what God’s doing. I would get to witness how he can is actively weave my life/suffering into His greater story that I can tell others, even while I am actively doing terribly (“in chains” for the gospel haha).

However I appreciate the kindhearted intentions the author definitely has and liked the written out prayers between chapters. I also like the mere existence of this book, acknowledging that there’s frequently that felt gap between what we know and what we experience. I also liked her chapter on peace, that it’s not the absence of negative emotion (after all Jesus experienced plenty of negative emption). “Peace isn’t dictated by emotions or circumstances…[but] God’s peace allows us to experience painful events and respond from our knowledge of His character, not from our understanding of our circumstances. Negative emotions are part of the human experience; there’s no way to escape them. But we don’t have to be led by them” (p.41).

[Neema Murimi · Rating 5 out of 5]

For any Believer who has been confounded by life and what you have sown not matching what you reap: this book has been healing in many ways.

The why of sour grapes when you have tended to the soil and vine with dedication and obedience.

At times I read it through gritted teeth, because it seemed to speak to me directly. The words found within acknowledged very specific pain in a way that unnerved me.

I have been on this strange pilgrimage the past few months—one where God showed me it was time to lament.

I, in my impatience, arrogance, and heartbreak—thought it could be completed within the time constraints of my calendar: Christmas Break and not a day further.

I’ve always liked a plan, obsessed with plans even. As I write this I can admit that planning has oftentimes been an idol for me.

I remember during my Junior year of Undergrad when I was telling a friend about all of my plans and he softly chuckled and mentioned Proverbs 27, stating:

“Get ready for God to take a bat to those plans.”

It was a moment I knew I would never forget right after it happened. Something about it felt prophetic. I shirked it off like waking up from a bad dream the morning after but in my spirit I knew it would stick.

These things come full circle into surrender. Yielding is not a fool’s errand, although oftentimes it will feel that way.

Submission is full of toil—mostly the inner turmoil from years of convincing yourself that you are the one in control.

You can say all the familiar tropes of “It’s in God’s hands” when really, you want to take it into your own because you’ve seen His handiwork in your life and the tapestry has not been pleasing to the eye.

There are too many rips, bumps—too much uneven that has you feeling odd and out of place. “This can’t be right, hand that over please, I can correct this.”

The sitting and waiting and settling-in is where I am. To be quite frank, I hate it. I wriggle underneath a scratchy wool blanket—overheated.

At halfway through year 35 I can see why people do not choose or stay on the Christian path: it is not really meant for the weak. You must realize you ARE weak and a mess in order to taste and see that God is good.

That is a hard task for those of us who prefer power and strength. To give up the illusion (and delusion) of your own solidity is an exercise I would liken to the yoke of an ox.

I suppose this releasing being asked of me, this handing over of the keys to He who already possesses them…will create in me a faith and love of the meek.

The Tiller of My Soul preparing the ground to plant seeds that will not be choked, scorched, swept away, or eaten.

Take Heart.

[Roger Smitter · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first chapter is “Permission to Wrestle” seems strange in a book with a name called “
When Faith Disappoints.” The early part of the book seemed to be doing something very different. The author: “When I was in seminary, I had a faith crisis.” (p. 3)

The first pages keep going about how to understand one’s thinking about God and what he thought he should do. He tells us that he said “I don’t even know if You (Jesus) is real anymore. I don’t now if I made “You and our a figment of imagination.” (15)

In Chapter 3 is labeled “Peace”, Chapter 4 is “Provision” and 5 is “Pleasure.” Statements about walking with Jesus comes out. The Chapter 6 is “Purpose, ” an early piece is the “commercialization, something that is difficult understand. There are other points in such parts in the book.

The first sentence of chapter 7 was “Protection”. And the first paragraph in 7 uses apologetics. He makes a convention that there can be big conferences from speakers from various religions. (127) And he says, “God gives us the freedom to close, but we choose without knowing the effects that will follow.” (133)

And the final chapter is “Power.” He says “God has more experience and knowledge, so litter Him take the lead is wiser than leading yourself.” (147)

Reading this book brings back some thinks that I new about the way to be with Jesus. I’m with a group of guys in my church who read books to talk about Jesus and God. I doubt this book would try to sender what the book is giving. We need the words of buys who know more than I do.

[Mhughessc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lisa Victoria Fields is a Christian apologist and founder of the Jude 3 project. Having grown up as a pastor's kid, she was completely unsettled when a college professor caused her to start rethinking some of her beliefs. In "When Faith Disappoints: The Gap Between What We Believe and What We Experience", Fields encourages her readers that questioning their beliefs is normal and even welcomed by God. Just as we ask questions when getting to meet someone for the first time, we should ask God questions in order to get to know Him better as well. Fields splits this book into pain points., which she defines as "an expressed or unexpressed issue a person has with a product, service, or experience." Some of the most common pain points believers struggle with revolve around the following issues: personhood, peace, provision, pleasure, purpose, protection, and power.

I really liked the author's discussion about finding a goal line and asking ourselves, "Will I be satisfied when I get the answer to my questions?" If we don't have a goal line and we ask questions without one, we'll never be pleased regardless of the answers. I thought this was a very helpful book for anyone who may be questioning their faith. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

We Christians often struggle with the distance between what we believe and what we experience. Fields reminds us it is okay to question God when things happen we don't understand. She does warn us that the answers may not be emotionally satisfying. If we think God's will is solely about our happiness we will be disappointed.

Fields uses a number of her own experiences to illustrate her teaching. Her insights are not new. She reminds us God's ways are not our ways, that humans have free will, that God brings good out of evil actions, and more.

I like her reminding us we do not have control over our lives. God did not design us that way. We are rather to rest in God's control and, although we may not understand, we need to continue to trust God.

While I did not find any insights about which I have not read before, this is a good book reminding Christians to continue to trust God.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Brittany B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Through this book, I’ve tried to reframe the pain you experience around personhood, peace, provision, pleasure, purpose, protection, and the absence of power.” — Lisa Fields

Lisa Fields accomplishes just that. After finishing this book, I'm already planning to read it again with my husband and our 11 and 14-year-olds. Here's why: this book is super engaging, extremely clear, and concise. It's so understandable that even our kids can grasp how to process their pain, deal with suffering, give language to their experiences, and see Jesus in their lives. Her writing remains consistent and impactful throughout the entire book.

I find it hard to articulate how profoundly powerful and packed with biblical truths this book is. From the examples to the scripture references, it's evident that Lisa took her time writing this. It felt like a personal conversation, as if we were sitting on a couch having a dialogue. I'm incredibly encouraged! I plan to follow up with a family review as well.

An unquestionable 5 ⭐️

[Nathalie Alcime · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisa Fields did a fantastic job writing about her own faith journey and how she grappled with faith, disappoints, and community in order to find her way. She uniquely intertwined the realities of life and helps the reader to take comfort in our humanity. She asks the hard questions to show the importance of speaking the truth about the conditions of our hearts, but doesn’t rush us to solve it. If anything, the only solution to this is brining Jesus right there in the middle. When we do, he then shows us the endless possibilities of what it looks like to live a life found in Christ Jesus. Lastly, I loved that she normalized the importance of asking God the hard questions and reflected that in her prayers for the readers. It helps us to see that God can handle our struggles. This is a wonderful book for all people, unbelievers and believers (saved, seasoned, all walks of faith life). Great read!

[Brad Layland · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Faith Disappoints by Lisa Fields is a powerful and deeply meaningful book, and it resonated with me on so many levels. Knowing Lisa personally made it even more impactful because I’ve seen firsthand how awesome she is and how God has worked through her ministry, Jude 3. Her authenticity and wisdom shine through every chapter.

One of my favorite parts of the book was her discussion on free will. Lisa unpacks the complexities of how free will allows both good and evil to exist, yet God is sovereign, weaving all of it together for good. Her reflection on the story of Joseph was especially poignant—it reminded me that even in seasons of disappointment, God is at work, bringing beauty and purpose out of our pain.

This book is a gift to anyone wrestling with questions of faith, disappointment, and God’s plan. Highly recommend!

[Danna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this as soon as I knew this was published. As a faithful follower of Jude 3 Project for close to 10 years now, I didn't hesitate to purchase. When this book arrived, my Dad (who is not a big reader of books outside of the Bible) saw it and asked if he could thumb through it to see what it was about.

My TV loving Dad, shut off the TV and finished this book in 1 sitting. So basically my Dad "permanently borrowed" my original copy and I now have to purchase another copy for me to read it for myself.

I'm excited to read this work, even if it doesn't meet all of my needs the body of work that Lisa Fields puts out is beyond worth it.

Onward and Forward to purchasing my second copy! No this is not a sponsored post.

[Lu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisa V. Fields invites readers into a raw, honest journey of faith. She begins with the concept of “Permission to Wrestle,” showing how God meets us in our humanity with deep understanding and compassion. Fields outlines how to have an authentic relationship with God, one where vulnerability and transparency are welcomed, and wrestling with doubt is not only allowed but essential for growth. The first chapter sets the tone by offering a roadmap for a relationship with God that is both healing and holy, one that acknowledges our struggles and the frustration of wanting all the answers. This book is a refreshing and liberating guide for those seeking to engage with God in a mature and honest way.

[Sammie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really love the sentiment of this book and its attempt to connect with those who may feel lost or who resent the faith to some degree. Unfortunately, I feel like I was met with too many religious platitudes. It felt like the author was reaching down into the valley to pull me up rather than standing in the valley with me. There was a disconnect there where I feel like the author has truly never felt like she’s lost her faith completely and therefore can’t truly relate. It didn’t reach deeply enough into the tension of holding on to faith and grappling with lived experiences. It feels like an alter call and I guess I was looking a conversation in the valley. I do love the anecdotes and the sincerity in her efforts though. Also, the prayers were excellent language and very helpful.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was thankful to receive an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. It's Biblical, sensitive, and thoughtful for Christians who are struggling with difficulties in life. I appreciated the insights in this book, especially the prayers and the "pain points" with Fields' responses to each. However, I felt there were multiple places where the book didn't address the title fully, only obliquely. It was still a great, encouraging read.

This review contains my honest opinions. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the free eARC.

[Bright · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars! Good read with lots of valuable wisdom. I expected this to be a book on how to better witness to people who have apologetics-involving questions, but this was more so a vulnerable sharing of how Fields herself has wrestled with God and loved Him more through it. While I wasn’t able to resonate with a lot of the personal stories she shared, the lessons she gained about the character of God were encouraging. Good book for those who feel that they are in a season of wrestling with their faith!

[Ricky Schille · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was hoping for more dense theology (which betrays my personal sensibilities) when I picked this up, but the book is far more devotional in nature. As such it sticks to generalities which can be a comfort at times, though some pains could use more specificity. Nevertheless, purposefully taking this book slowly and intentionally praying along with Fields at the end of every chapter allowed me to give voice to some of the elements of faith that I have found difficult of late.

[Kaeli Decelles · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really accessible and approachable read. It was recommended to me as an apologetics book and I agree. I would also add that this book does an excellent job of pointing out what we say we believe, what we actually believe (our thoughts/actions), and what the Bible says is true about the character and heart of God. It was not a very long book. It was super practical and straightforward. I enjoyed it.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

The emotional pain we all feel is often a barrier to our faith journey and in this book the author organizes her discussion around seven common pain points: personhood, peace, provision, pleasure, purpose, protection, and power. Fields life stories and her perspective gave a personal touch and a perspective that I hadn't considered making me appreciate this book and it's message. I received a free ARC of this book from the publisher through the Goodreads First Reads giveaways.

[Nicole Jacob · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book you can read over and over again. You grew up in religion but your heart hurts so much you can’t see why you believe what you believe. Ms. Fields does a great job of hearing and bringing views to you without being preachy. Also I feel she explains it so you have the information and makes it tangible - even if you choose not to return to Faith. She is really sensitive with this Faith topic.

[LizC · Rating 3 out of 5]

I heard Lisa on a podcast talking about her reason for writing the book, so I immediately ordered it. Like some of the other reviewers mentioned, I didn’t really learn anything new, but was reminded about God‘s truth, which is always good. The book was encouraging, and also a reminder that our faith and joy is not in anything in this world.

[Brad Everett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book shares relatable stories and well thought out ideas, solutions, and explanations that will help you navigate the areas in your life where faith is disappointing. My favorite function of the book is that it helps identify the depth of disappointment and at the same time provides a way forward.

[Marlena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wowwwww this book is eye opening

I had to stop and do a deep dive into my heart after almost every other page. Do yourself a favor don't just read this book, mediate and pray on what God is saying to you.

[Dr. T. Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book addresses the struggles of today’s Christian. She sheds light on the many plights of ministry fatigue. While the does not necessarily offer any new profound perspectives on how to tangibly address those challenges, the book does offer some sense of camaraderie in suffering.

[Audrey Moreland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that this book was written so clearly and was very concise. There is so much room in these times to wrestle with faith and Lisa does well to welcome those fights and also point us back to the truth of scripture. Definitely recommend reading this one!!