Witness to Belief: Conversations on Faith and Meaning

by Russell J. Levenson

“An openhearted testament to the power of religious belief in a chaotic world.” – Publishers Weekly

From a beloved pastor, a collection of powerful conversations on faith and meaning with twelve public figures who explore the impact of faith in their lives and their success.

Through interviews with twelve remarkable and renowned individuals from various Christian denominations, author Russell J. Levenson, Jr. explores different ways people come to faith and sustain it in their daily lives. The result is a collection of fascinating, moving, and unique stories, rarely shared with the public. For instance, Secretary Rice notes that she knelt down to pray every night when she worked in Washington, but often was so tired she fell asleep during prayer time; Denzel Washington asked to begin and end the interview for this book in prayer with Levenson; and Amy Grant shared that because of a brain injury she now has trouble reciting scripture, so she sings it instead. 

Each interview delves into the private, spiritual side of public figures and reveals that behind success and fame there is often a vibrant, personal belief in God that nourishes them. Jim Nantz and Brit Hume reflect on the role of their faith as they pursued careers in broadcasting; Sam Waterston and Gary Sinise share thoughts on faith as they navigated fame in the entertainment industry; James A. Baker III, Admiral William McRaven, and Ambassador Nikki Haley consider how faith helped them make tough political decisions, and Dr. Francis Collins and Jane Goodall ponder the bridge between God and science. You will come away contemplating the role of religious belief in your own life and consider what truly matters at the end of the day.

269 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 7, 2025

Reviews

[Lorne D. Bain · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was expecting blockbuster revelations of events in the interviewees that would be met with faith or would initiate the road to developing faith. But that was not to be-the twelve interviews sounded like they came from people just like me and most of us (with largely different and not the high profile levels of the interviewees). What soon became clearer was that faith is blind to places and stations of life and can be sought and found for and by all. All but Dr Collins were known-of personalities for me--it was the wide range of reasons and causes that faith was brought to bear in the interviewees' lives that became a familiar and instructive drumbeat, and not the differences in their personal and public lives. In fact, it would be hard for any reader to not identify with at least one and likely many of the faith associated experiences the interviews highlighted. Dr Levenson's concluding section about "what about you" was perhaps the most impactful case being made for faith. His suggested roadmap for next steps in finding or reinforcing faith are very noteworthy.

[Vicki F · Rating 4 out of 5]

Witness to Belief by Russell J. Levenson, Jr. features twelve well-known people who have attained success in their field. Set in the Q & A format, the book relates what faith means to these twelve people and what challenges they have faced on their spiritual journey. Being in the interview style, some of the responses were not as spontaneous as I had hoped.

Releases Oct 7th. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Janet · Rating 2 out of 5]

I has so much hope for this book but it fell short.

[Reader Debra Windham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Russell J. Levenson, Jr. is truly one of the best writers concerning the Christian Faith. I have bought four copies of this book to give to myself and three other people who are dear to me for Christmas.

I encourage you to read this book!