Ask: Faith Questions in a Skeptical Age

by Scott J. Jones, Arthur D. Jones

We live in a skeptical age. People—especially young people—express
doubts about Christian faith. In this thoughtful eight week study Bishop
Scott Jones, author of The Wesleyan Way , partners with his son
Rev. Arthur Jones, to address hard questions that all of us face when
considering faith, religion, and the church. The questions

Can only one religion be true?
Why is there suffering and evil?
How can I believe in science and creation?
How can I believe in a God I can’t prove?
Can I trust the Old Testament?
Are marriage, sex, and family life religious issues?
Was Jesus' resurrection real?
Why do Christians disagree about so many things?

The message is strong and Don't let your questions stop you
from accepting God's invitation to faith. Engage your doubt, and you may
find you are closer to God on the other side.

Genres: Religion, Theology, Christianity

130 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2015

Reviews

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was an insightful look at the varied viewpoints on multiple questions around the Christian faith. The answers (or lack thereof) absolutely made sense to me and encouraged me that one can have faith even in the presence of questions and doubts.

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read about spiritual questions of our day. Arthur Jones and his Dad Bishop Jones do an amazing job of explaining scripture through the lens of John Wesley and the Methodist church. Cannot recommend this book enough.

[Gail Burgess · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the most part I appreciated the authors' explanations and point of view, but I thought the discussion on why we disagree to be a bit disngenuous when I learned that their church is abandoning the UMC over a disagreement.

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent job of framing the questions. Explanations or answers are less satisfying.

[Alice Yoder · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick read for those searching for answers. We read this in my Wednesday night Bible Study.

I'm proud to say that I have met Scott Jones on a few occasions while he was teaching at SMU Perkins School of Theology.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This study was excellent for my adult Sunday School class, but I see it working for Youth Groups, as well. Compiled and edited by leaders in the Methodist Church, Ask details the theological, cultural, and secular differences that have led to the following "big" questions among the Christian community: Can only one religion be true? Why is there suffering and evil? How can I believe in science and creation? How can I believe in a God I can't prove? Can I trust the Old Testament? Are Marriage, Sex, and Family Life Religious Issues? Was Jesus' Resurrection Real? Why Do Christians Disagree About So Many Things? Each lesson is grounded in the historical shifts in church doctrine that have led to different approaches on a variety of issues. The accompanying video series gives a brief introduction followed by group discussion on the question by well-educated Christian ministers who have grappled with these issues in their own faith journeys. It led to deep constructive conversations in my class that ultimately highlighted our shared beliefs, rather than our differences. I would definitely recommend this one.

[Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some chapters were great, others were a complete miss for me and very hard to get through. Recommended for people struggling more with how to EXPLAIN to others how the church can coexist with science. There were a couple parts that helped me resolve within myself some of the seeming conflicts, but overall it was just ok.

[Evan Dolive · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book for discussion of questions that have been plaguing Christians for centuries. You will not necessarily find a clear cut answer but it will probe some discussion and questions in ones own mind. Use the DVD if you are using this in a group setting.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

The best part were the short responses given at the end of each chapter