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Faith Without Belief: A Guide for Doubters
What do I do when I can’t believe? By nature and nurture, we’re trained to doubt. We’re fluent in skepticism. It’s no surprise, then, many of us struggle to believe the basic claims of Christianity. Does God exist? Was Jesus God? Did Jesus rise from the dead? Without convinced, right answers to these questions, many bump into a seemingly immovable barrier to Christian faith. But this book offers another way. Centered on faith as trust, this book offers the way of hope for those who struggle to believe in Christian claims. Engaging Scripture and the Christian tradition, it proposes a way of faith without belief.
106 pages, Paperback
Published November 1, 2024
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January 23, 2025
Well, if Goodreads is correct, it seems I’m the first to give a review of this one. And it’s a joy to do so.
Derek exceeded my expectations in this short, little book. He was relatable, witty, tender, and careful in his approach. There’s real substance here, and yet, it’s very clear that this book is simply a teaser to a much deeper and enduring conversation.
I think what struck me most, and the primary reason for the five star review (which I don’t often give), is that, honestly, Derek’s book met me in a place I did not expect. I wasn’t quite sure what he meant by “faith without belief.” But I am now. And it’s beautiful. It’s biblical. It’s encouraging. And maybe as much as anything, it’s timely.
Derek is quite the apologist for the faith, contending well with a pastoral heart. I hope, someday, to be able to model the very same in my own life and work.
“To boil the argument of the book down to one simple point, it’s this: Christian faith is more like trust than ‘belief’ and faith is possible even when you feel stuck in nonbelief.” (xiv)
“The basic claims of Christianity are not mere propositions. They are *true* and communicate the message of salvation for the world. My emphasis on faith in this book should not be taken as a dismissal of belief.” (xvi)
“In this book, I’ve tried to present a viable path forward for those of us in a secular age who struggle to believe. But this path is straight through the power of the gospel and traditional Christian belief. The beliefs are true and the backbone of Christian faith. Faith without belief is, if nothing else, a concession to our weakness. It’s a way the gospel power penetrates our sin and secularity.” (81)
“So I-I now choose my side: I choose beauty; I choose what I love. But choosing to believe is believing. It’s all I can do: choose. I confess my doubts and ask my Lord Christ to enter my life. I do not *know* God is, but I do say: Be it unto me according to Thy will. I do not affirm that I am without doubt, but I do ask for help, having chosen, to overcome it. I do but say, ‘Lord I believe—help Thou my unbelief.’” (Quoting Sheldon Vanauken, 55)
Derek exceeded my expectations in this short, little book. He was relatable, witty, tender, and careful in his approach. There’s real substance here, and yet, it’s very clear that this book is simply a teaser to a much deeper and enduring conversation.
I think what struck me most, and the primary reason for the five star review (which I don’t often give), is that, honestly, Derek’s book met me in a place I did not expect. I wasn’t quite sure what he meant by “faith without belief.” But I am now. And it’s beautiful. It’s biblical. It’s encouraging. And maybe as much as anything, it’s timely.
Derek is quite the apologist for the faith, contending well with a pastoral heart. I hope, someday, to be able to model the very same in my own life and work.
“To boil the argument of the book down to one simple point, it’s this: Christian faith is more like trust than ‘belief’ and faith is possible even when you feel stuck in nonbelief.” (xiv)
“The basic claims of Christianity are not mere propositions. They are *true* and communicate the message of salvation for the world. My emphasis on faith in this book should not be taken as a dismissal of belief.” (xvi)
“In this book, I’ve tried to present a viable path forward for those of us in a secular age who struggle to believe. But this path is straight through the power of the gospel and traditional Christian belief. The beliefs are true and the backbone of Christian faith. Faith without belief is, if nothing else, a concession to our weakness. It’s a way the gospel power penetrates our sin and secularity.” (81)
“So I-I now choose my side: I choose beauty; I choose what I love. But choosing to believe is believing. It’s all I can do: choose. I confess my doubts and ask my Lord Christ to enter my life. I do not *know* God is, but I do say: Be it unto me according to Thy will. I do not affirm that I am without doubt, but I do ask for help, having chosen, to overcome it. I do but say, ‘Lord I believe—help Thou my unbelief.’” (Quoting Sheldon Vanauken, 55)
Displaying 1 of 1 review