Help My Unbelief: Why Doubt Is Not the Enemy of Faith

by Barnabas Piper, N.D. Wilson (Foreword)

God is infinite, beyond our understanding—yet He chooses to reveal Himself in ways that spark questions rather than settling them all.

Instead of making Himself smaller, God invites us into a larger faith. One that has room for questions, victories, failures, and mystery. Because belief in an infinite God by finite humans is an act of exploration ... a process of learning—and then embracing—what we can’t learn but can trust.

Discover the God who not only desires our belief but actually welcomes our curiosity.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Theology, Christian Living, Faith, Christianity, Spirituality

176 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2015

About the author

Barnabas Piper is a pastor, author, podcaster, and speaker who lives near Nashville, Tennessee with his family. He writes regularly for He Reads Truth and blogs at BarnabasPiper.com. He has authored several books and Bible studies and also co-hosts The Happy Rant podcast, a popular show discussing issues of faith and culture in a light-hearted, humorous manner.

Barnabas's work can be found in many publications and websites. He can be heard regularly as a guest on various podcasts and speaks at churches, camps, and conferences nationwide.

Reviews

[Easton Tally · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve often disliked mystery and mysticism - especially when it pertains to the Christian faith. I love systematic theology, tight and buttoned theological frameworks, and being able to explain the Christian faith with rationality and logic. However, what this book reminded me of is this: “We pursue knowledge about God, about life, about the world, but we must recognize when “I don’t know” becomes “I can’t know,” when we’ve reached the limits of our human minds and hearts. That is where the prayer “Help my unbelief” matters most…” The God who is in many ways revealed and in some ways far beyond our ability to rationalize, comprehend, or make sense of is the very God that possesses the character and trustworthiness that allows us to rest in that mystery.

How I desire to have a faith that thoughtfully reasons to a wise extent. A faith that when brushing up against the divine mystery inherent to being a created being needs no neat and tidy explanation but rather trusts in the God of that mystery.

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

And they brought the boy to him. And when the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. 21 And Jesus asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. 22 And it has often cast him into fire and into water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” 23 And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” 24 Immediately the father of the child cried out[a] and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” 25 And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” 26 And after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse, so that most of them said, “He is dead.” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. Mark 9:20-27

Why do we need a book written on our unbelief? Do we have a crisis of faith? Have you lost a job? A spouse? A relationship? It is in our crisis of faith such as this father in Mark 9 that we can struggle with belief. I found this book helpful, thoughtful, insightful and all around isms of full.

Determining what belief is crucial. Why? Because doubt with the right motivation can increase our faith and we can come to a deeper relationship with the Father. Doubt with the wrong motivations is sin and only hardens our heart toward God and His will. Piper is adamant that our belief is grounded in our relationship with our creator. How well do we know him according to his word? Jesus in his ministry shows what that relationship looks like. In thankfulness, prayer, and worship we can know God. As God freed Israel from Egypt, he was making Himself known. His desire was to be known that Israel would worship him in the desert and thru the nation of Israel the world would know Him. Even now, it is in relationship that God desires and we need. It is our relationship; we learn who we are and our need for a savior and how great of God we have. That He is full of mercy and grace. It is important to know what makes Him God and what makes Him a god in our image.

Belief is a process. We will never arrive and the journey will only end on the other side of heaven. There will be tensions and to be honest, if there is tension then you are doing well. By being faithful in these tensions, is where growth and transformation is possible.

Embrace your doubt; see it as a chance to grow in maturity of faith and an opportunity to know God deeper still.


Some of the quotes that I found helpful are:

It is a confession of need. It is a celebration of hope. It is the full scope of a life of faith.

True belief looks at God and sees the extent of His character, the depths of goodness, the profundity of His perfection, and the immensity of His power and says, What else can I do but obey?

All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen. Ralph Waldo Emerson

A Special Thank you to David C Cook and Netgalley for ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

[Natacha Ramos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

I absolutely loved this book, one of my favorites on this topic.

I like to see how sons and daughters of famous preachers and pastors are raising their own voices to say to this new generation: we were taught well by the most qualified people on planet earth and yet only an encounter with God could set us truly free from our bondages (unbelief included).

The honesty you see through the pages makes you realize you’re learning from someone that struggles with unbelief as much as you do. That’s great, isn’t it?

The author is not saying: look, I can solve all your doubts through perfect reasoning and set your mind at peace because I’ve figured everything out (we’ve seen a lot of that). Instead, he’s making this point: you’re in a relationship with an infinite God. Mystery will be part of it.

This book actually encourages to see “I don’t know” as a possibility in our vocabulary and, to be honest, that was kind of new for me. I’ve wanted to explain God to myself and to others more times I can remember and yeah, there are times we just don’t and won’t understand Him. We have to trust our Dad knows best.

In the midst of uncertainty we can always cry out “help” and He’ll do for us what we can’t do for ourselves.

Also, I could mention that the book respects who you are as an individual and it’s not trying to tell you the journey of faith will be the same for everybody. “God has His way with each person”, C.S. Lewis would say. Barnabas Piper explains the very same thing but with other words.

Generally speaking, this book is easy to read, very well-written, it gives you hope and encouragement to pursue a relationship with God where His love overcomes your doubts.

**I received a copy of this book from David C Cook and Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own**

Full review: https://mibaileperfecto.wordpress.com...

[John Ayena · Rating 3 out of 5]

Barnabas Piper doesn’t really seek to provide any answers to the idea of unbelief, but he does comfort the believer with genuine doubts and shows that unbelief is not something to be ashamed of. Too often the church equates unbelief with sin, whereas Barnabas Piper explains unbelief more as a product of sin that all humans (saved or not) must deal with - pretending it doesn’t exist for the sake of appearance does no one any favours, and is in most cases destructive for the body of Christ.

I enjoyed reading this, and Piper provides encouragement to further look into areas of doubt with childlike faith, rather than having the constant worry of my worldview falling apart. 3.5 stars

…

“Relationship with God is the best apologetic in the word. We will never argue anyone into salvation. A healthy, strong relationship with God is a beacon; it's inviting. People see it and want to know what it means and what it is. A strong relationship with God is the strength a Christian needs to stand up to withering scorn or rapier arguments. You may not be able to out-argue an opponent, but you will not be shaken in your belief. Because your belief is in the One you know, not in a concept.”

[Jared Bercea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read. As a believer who is working on his faith this book points in the right direction to do so. This book is not full of answers, but it is full of encouragement to keep going. Doubt is not the enemy of faith because it shows a healthy yearn for knowledge. When you close your ears and heart to God you find the true enemy of faith; willful ignorance.

[Carissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars | While this book is a good overview of doubt/unbelief, I found myself wanting Piper to dig deeper. This is a helpful resource, but more of a starting point in discussing doubt & faith, not an in-depth exploration. N.D. Wilson’s introduction is worth the price of admission, though!

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I believe; help my unbelief," has been a heart cry for me for many years. When a little person in my life started confiding world-rocking doubts to me, seeking hope, I asked if she wanted to read this with me.

It took about 1.7 pages for me to realize that God wanted *me* to read this.

If you've ever struggled with doubt or disobedience and wondered why you don't *feel* more towards God--pick up this little book.

I was so helped by the honest and vulnerable questions this one-time "church kid" lays down to his reader and his God.

You don't have to be afraid of your questions.

Doubt can be full of faith. A question asked of God in expectation of an answer is asked in faith. If you want to believe, you already believe. Ask for help in what you cannot understand. He will answer.

[Ashlyn Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really grateful for this book! Praising the Lord that one day our faith will become sight & that he remains with me us in the not-yet.


“Thank God that our salvation is not dependent on an absence of our own fears. Our failures. Our doubts. In fact, our salvation is not dependent on us at all. It doesn’t depend on how we feel. It doesn’t depend on how well we answer challenges and questions, and it doesn’t depend on how deeply and authentically we really, really feel our answers deep down in our hearts.

Our salvation is on the cross. No matter how broken we may be, no matter how much we might struggle and fail to see and to know the truth (every truth) clearly, we can rest in the One who sees all and knows all. When we cannot see, we are still seen. Even when we stare at our own sputtering joy (and the more we stare, the more it sputters) so intently that we lose sight of the cross, the One on the cross does not lose sight of us.”

[Peter Yock · Rating 4 out of 5]

The tone of this book is bang on. I really appreciated how he doesn't shy away from asking the hard questions, and getting us more on board with the idea that some questions are just never answered.

I also really appreciated the teaching that none of us will have 'perfect faith/trust' this side of the new creation. Between now and then we live in the now/not yet, and that includes our faith - sometimes our faith will be strong, sometimes it'll waver, and we shouldn't be surprised by that. Or rocked by that. And it shouldn't stop us from prayerfully expressing doubts to God and to one another.

All of us should adopt the prayer, "I believe, help my unbelief" this side of the new creation.

I suspect this will be my go-to book suggestion for those struggling with doubt.

[Crosby Cobb · Rating 5 out of 5]

A key theme of this book is that we are limited in what we can know “not because we’re not allowed, but because we aren’t capable”. This reality is a tough one for me and my growth mindset-driven by curiosity-grew up playing (and thus being determined to win) Bible trivia-always desiring control-post-positivist researcher-self to accept. I want to know all the things all the time, and it’s pretty easy for me to carry that perspective over to my relationship with God in a way that looks like studying the Bible, theology, etc. in a way that is no different than the way I study things for my job. Barnabas talks about hating the limits of his understanding but desperately needing them so that he remains humble and aware of his finitude. I couldn’t relate more. I’m learning a lot about what faith actually is (a lot of “I don’t know”!) these days and this book was very helpful. Piper’s credible, authentic, and gentle writing create space to take an honest look at oneself in a way that is both convicting and hopeful. I’d *highly* recommend this to anyone who finds it more natural to love God with their mind than with their heart, soul, or strength! It will bless you!

[Jacob Roy · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Audible). Most helpful aspect of this book was Barnabas’ discussion on the difference between “believing doubt” (doubt that asks questions believing there are satisfactory answers) and “unbelieving doubt” (doubt that asks questions to disprove and dismantle the answers it finds).

After finishing seminary, there’s been a lot of residue left on the back burner of my faith I’ve needed to deal with and this book proved a helpful guide in alleviating much of that.

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to come

[Jonathan Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

First book I have read by Barnabas Piper, though I own several of his books. This book was honest and forthright in its assessment of doubt and unbelief. I read this in preparation for my sermon on John the Baptist’s doubt in Matthew 11 and found it very edifying and helpful. Even if you are not preaching on Matthew 11 this book is a must read. Recommended

[Casey]

Not for me.

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I could relate to a lot of Barnabas Piper’s struggles of making your faith personal when you’ve grown up with a lot of Christian influence, but in a sense I didn’t feel like his perspective was terribly helpful – or rather, it was helpful in pinpointing the struggles, but not so helpful in pointing the way out.

He makes a strong point of saying that belief is not just an intellectual assent – it’s something “more.” But then he proceeds to define belief in a content-based way, as in, belief is not believing this body of truths about God, it’s believing that body of truths about God. So which is it? I got the feeling that Piper’s indescribable “more” had to do with having a “faith that works,” and I wish he had just come out and said that more clearly so that I could agree or disagree with him instead of being confused.

In the end, I felt like this book (much like this review) lacked a bit of focus. I wish he had spent more time on the topic of doubt, and less time defining the nature of belief. I liked some parts of it, but came away confused at others. However, I can see how it would resonate with others more than myself.

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the thinker, the question asker, and those who should be.
Really loved this book.

[Marie Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Help My Unbelief, Barnabas Piper writes with the heart of a pastor as well as the heart of a seasoned disciple. The thesis of his book is that doubt is not always the enemy of faith. While there is an unbelieving doubt that leads us away from God, there is a believing doubt, which asks hard questions but rests in God when no answers are found. Faith, Piper argues, is not the mere intellectual knowledge of facts but a trusting in and relationship with God Himself, fueled by God's Word through the power of the Holy Spirit. One idea I thought of for study is Hebrews 11 and thinking through some of the questions each might have asked as they were spurred on toward hope. Humanly speaking, we would not have Romans 7-11 if faith never asked questions. I admit that I had trouble grasping the concept of believing doubt at the beginning, but by the end of the book, it made a lot more sense. But this actually helps prove Piper's point! Belief is a process, and we must live with the reality that there are things too infinite for the finite to grasp. The truth is not able to be put into nice, neat little boxes. Rather, we are to accept all of God's revelation. Incidentally, a friend and I had a conversation as I was reading this book that solidified the concept (again, it's a process). He asked why he was rejected by a supposed Christian friend who is on the way to heaven, while he was accepted with welcome arms by another who is not a Christian and, if God doesn't intervene, will spend eternity apart from him and from God. All I could say was, the Judge of the earth will do right! We intellectually know that we all deserve hell and none of us are deserving of God's grace, but sometimes common grace seems stronger than supposed special grace! I really appreciated Piper's appendix on Bible reading. He talks about how we often wrongfully treat Scripture as disconnected precepts and laws. This turns the stories into morality tales rather than seeing it as God's revelation of His own character and the unfolding drama of what He is doing in and for the world. He also offers a list of good books on theology, Christian living, and poetry. I would definitely recommend this thought-provoking book!

[Ted Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short book that packs a punch. Rather than claiming to solve, alleviate, or remove all your doubt, Barnabas Piper redirects the focus towards an acceptance that doubt vs. belief is a continual process/journey that evolves over time.

With surgical precision, he offers observations about the difference between helpful vs. unhelpful doubting. He encourages the honest questioning that a scientific researcher or a young child might ask, a questioning motivated by a desire to know and learn. But he points out how too often our doubting can be that of a frenzied lawyer who questions in an attempt to lure the opposition into a "gotcha" moment. Their questioning isn't about learning.

He convincingly shows how too often we do that with God. We want Him to submit to our understandings and our limitations, forgetting or even resenting Him for being infinite. We call into question his character and do not want to obey. We also have trouble being comfortable with saying "I don't know" and living with uncertainty about questions we have. The paralysis of not being able to find answers in the short-term or over the long-term is problematic for many. And while Piper doesn't spend a lot of time unpacking the link to the Enlightenment, I think his observation about the man-centered world that emerged from the Enlightenment is one of the reasons we are paralyzed by doubt and uncertainty. If we are the center of the world, then what does it say about our world that we cannot understand it?

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was everything I hoped it would be and more. As someone who has struggled with doubt most of my adult life, Barnabas Piper felt like talking to a friend who would not judge or condemn my questions/struggles. I really appreciated Piper’s honesty about the way doubt makes you feel towards God, reading the Bible, and prayer by giving personal examples. Piper acknowledges that we should be asking questions from a desire to learn rather than challenge, and to not be so passive that we misinterpret “child-like faith” as being childish in our faith. Questions and seeking answers are essential to learning more about the character of God which affects our belief and understanding, but we have to recognize that the infinite God can never be fully grasped.

“To live by faith is to rest in the object of our faith, the God of the Bible, and to come to terms with all of our “I don’t knows.”- Barnabas Piper

[Shaina Herrmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book. It's definitely one I will come back to.

[Rachel Song · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read, but definitely helpful and comforting

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is intelligent, honest, and doesn't settle for easy answers but points back to relationship with God.

[Nicholas Potts · Rating 5 out of 5]

A surprising theological-apologetic work that actually incorporates mystery and narrative. Truly appreciate this work!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

The genuine honesty from Barnabas Piper about his struggles with unbelief is refreshing. He effectively assures readers that it’s ok to ask questions about faith and how God is working. Too many times, Christians are made to feel guilty for asking questions or having doubts. Piper also gives good practical advice for getting back into Bible reading when it becomes stale.

[Dr. David Steele · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I believe; help my unbelief!" cried the father of a demon possessedpiper boy (Mark 9:24). This cry of anguish is the cry is necessarily emerges from the mouth of every believer. Why? Our faith is growing. Our faith is incomplete. We are works in progress. We still have much to learn. In fact, Barnabas Piper argues, that questions are normal, even healthy in the Christian life. This is the essence of Piper's newest book, Help My Unbelief

When the man in Mark 9 cried out, "I believe, help my unbelief," he was uttering more than a mere statement. Piper adds, "Requests can stem only from belief, even it it is just the tiniest inkling of belief." This kind of reasoning should breathe hope, strength and confidence in believers who doubt from time to time. For the very act of doubt, precipitates saving faith! Once again: we are in process. We are still growing. God is in the process of refining our faith. And he will complete the good work he started!

Piper introduces readers to the idea of "believing doubt." He says, "Believing doubt will always anchor in God's character and word as unshakeable and then take on questions that harass and attack." While much harm can come from doubt, Piper maintains, "Doubt can save us from much trouble and lead to much knowledge ... Doubt that seeks the truth and stems from the belief that God is the source of all truth."

But the author also presents the idea of "unbelieving doubt." "When unbelieving doubt poses a question, it is not interested in the answer for any reason other than to disprove it ... These doubts are the wild monsters that wreck faith and destroy the simplistically peaceful Christian lives so many people try to lead."

This doubt can surface in several ways - intellectual, emotional, or even theological. Truth be told, every Christian battles with unbelieving doubt. This is why the writer of Hebrews says, "See to it that none of you has a sinful unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God."

God has given us certain evidences of saving faith which include repentance, prayer, and humility: "Through repentance, prayer, and humility believers move away from unbelieving doubt and grow in holiness. The refusal to do these things is a spiritual red flag and evidence of wanting to be one's own god."

Piper discusses disobedience as unbelief: "Disobeying the command of God is disbelieving His character ... He [God] is authority itself, the essence of perfect, flawless authority. To disobey is to deny this about him." Piper also discusses obedience as belief. In a statement to is dripping with the wisdom of his father, he adds: "Obedience is not the end; God's satisfaction in us and our pleasure in Him are. It doesn't feel tangible in the moment, but as we grow in belief, we will find it gaining power over the desire to sin." Pure Christian hedonism!

Walking in obedience to God is not a magic formula or a recipe for perfection in the Christian life. The author rightly notes, "Belief [which is to say - obedience to God] does not mean sin will go away ... True belief is that which perpetually, magnetically pulls us toward the 'not yet' of Revelation 21." Believing the promises of God and being satisfied with all that God is for us in Christ leads us in the direction of the new earth where Jesus will make all things new!

Help My Unbelief is a plea for a faith which is transparent and vulnerable. It is a call for vibrant Christian living in the face of unanswered questions. And if offer hope for people who are desperately looking for answers. The search for answers is welcomed here. Indeed, the search for truth is a vital part of the Christian life. The book is a call to action; action which is grounded in biblical faith. While faith may waver and is "prone to wonder" as Charles Wesley wrote, we can be assured that God will never leave us or forsake us. He will complete the good work he started.

Highly recommended!

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.

[Otis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. What an wonderful inspiration. The way the book is written is easily understood and can be readily accessible if applied. This read made a lot of since to me. I enjoyed the transparency of the author. “Help my unbelief” really put things in perspective for me.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I proclaimed faith in Christ at a young age, I have undoubtedly wrestled with my belief as I grew up and got married. As a relatively new father, I find myself fearing and praying for the faith of my children.

How will I answer their questions? What happens when my life is an inadequate example? How do I make sure that I still believe in God and his goodness? In Help My Unbelief, Barnabas Piper shows us why doubt is not the enemy of faith.

Doubt

This particular edition is a revised and expanded edition and was previously published in 2015. Barnabas Piper is Director for Community at Immanuel Hasville. He co-hosts the Happy Rant podcast and blogs at BarnabasPiper.com.

As the son of John Piper, you would think that his experiences are not relatable. But Barnabas writes with full awareness of his upbringing and shortcomings. He details his Bible knowledge but tells of his previous doubts and distance from God. He claims he had faith, but keeps us informed of his spiritual failures. You can really sense the tension in his writing.

Tension

And tension is where he begins his book. In many ways, this book is a study of Mark 9 and the story of the demon-possessed boy. But we do not focus on the boy. Rather, we focus on the faith of his father. He cries out to Jesus, “I believe; help my unbelief!” It is clear that Piper has spent much time pouring over this text.

In the subsequent 8 chapters and in less than 200 pages, Piper helps explain the concept of Biblical belief and what we can know about God. He discusses doubt and what it means to see our belief in action. In chapter 7, we are shown how we need the Holy Spirit to give us sight and life. And the book ends with a call to child-like faith as we cling to hope and call for help to God.

Faith

My favorite feature of this book are the real-life stories where belief and unbeilef played out together in real life. Afshin Ziafat, C. S. Lewis, and John Piper are profiled. They are short and to the point, but they help illustrate Piper’s theme perfectly. I also enjoyed how this book was filled with quotes for support.

Two appendices are included at the end of the book. Appendix 1: Reading the Bible to Meet God gives seven practical suggestions to help with unbelief. Appendix 2: Suggested Reading provides a topical list of books for study.

Ask, Learn, and Trust

As I pray for the faith of my children and family, I remember that it is God who calls us and keeps us. And as I continue to grow in my own faith, I am reminded to ask questions, keep learning about God, and trust him and his purposes.

I was provided a free copy of Help My Unbelief but was not required to write a positive review.

[Tanya Marlow · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought I would really enjoy this book about doubt by John Piper’s son Barnabas, but I was a little disappointed by it.
The positives: he’s a great writer and his theological thinking is, much like his father’s, crystal clear and logical. He is also frank about his own weakness that led to his wrestling with doubt, which gives a sense of authenticity.
The negatives: the main thrust of his book is that there are two ‘types’ of doubt: ‘good’ doubt, that leads to a realisation that you are too sinful to understand God, and ‘bad’ doubt, that leads to a questioning of God, idolatry, and then apostasy. The trouble I have with this premise is that, in practice, most garden-variety doubt looks like his definition of ‘bad doubt’, and yet it is not true that that necessarily leads to idolatry and apostasy. Despite his intention of giving people permission to doubt, I think this book would have the opposite effect for many people and push them farther away from feeling there is space for their questions and doubts.
The theology has a strong Puritan emphasis on our inherent sinfulness – and although it helps some people when they are doubting to remind them of their sinfulness, others, who are already feeling guilty about having doubts, would just drown with these kinds of exhortations. I think this book would be best for those who are comfortable with strong Conservative Evangelical/ Puritan theology and spirituality – I get the feeling Barnabas is targeting people who’ve never before thought anyone is allowed to question their faith. But for those who have felt bruised by an emphasis on the smallness and insignificance of their humanity, or those who doubt in a ‘I don’t know anymore if God is good or real’ way, I would hesitate to recommend this book to them, because it doesn’t provide enough ‘breathing space’ or ‘permission’ to voice their questions without condemnation.

If you want a ‘breathing space’ book, where the author is more sympathetic towards those who doubt, try something on the spectrum from Philip Yancey to Rachel Held Evans on the subject, and I would feel much more comfortable recommending these. If you want a ‘kick up the backside’ book (which some people find do helpful when they are wavering) then this would probably suit you better. (I received an advanced review copy of this book in exchange for my honest review, which this is).

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Help My Unbelief is one of the best books I've read this year. It is one of the best books I've read in a long time. It's an honest look at doubt: believing doubt and unbelieving doubt. It is about coming to terms with the tension of the Christian life. In part, it is inspired by an encounter found in Mark 9:17-29. I'll share the most relevant verse: I do believe; help my unbelief.

Barnabas Piper shares a bit of his testimony and what he's learned since his big "aha" moment when he realized the vast difference between knowing about God and knowing God.

His story was incredibly easy to relate to. I think many people who have grown up in the church can relate to it as well. The book is honest and straightforward. It isn't a book that promises to have all the answers to all the questions you might have today and in the future. It isn't a book that promises an easy fix to your current faith dilemma.

I should mention that one thing this book is not: it's not an apologetic book seeking to prove anything about God: his existence, his goodness, his perfection.

It is a book that explores questions like: what is faith? what is belief? what is doubt? is there more than one kind of doubt? can doubting ever be a good thing? where do I go with my doubts and questions? what can I know--what can anyone know--about God? Can I have peace even if I don't have all the answers? will I always struggle with sin?

I loved, loved, LOVED this one. I loved it because it was thought-provoking and engaging. I loved it because it was so very honest. I thought Piper made some great points as well. I thought the appendix READING THE BIBLE TO MEET GOD was absolutely wonderful. It should be must-read for every believer.

[Phil Barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Believing Doubt

Barnabas Piper has written a very helpful and very easy-to-read book on the relationship between faith and doubt. Piper invites us to embrace the truth that these two concepts are not necessarily enemies and can be friends.