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Unanswered: Lasting Truth for Trending Questions
We live in a radically skeptical age. Tough questions are being asked about Christianity. And most believers are ill-equipped to provide the answers our culture and communities desperately need. Many in today’s church do not know the Bible as well as they should and they struggle with their own “big questions” about the faith. After receiving more than four thousand questions at his Christian Thinkers Society events over the span of six years, Dr. Jeremiah Johnston began to recognize six categories of recurring, trending questions that dominated the rest. In Unanswered, he tackles these tough issues that plague the minds of believers but are rarely addressed in church, such as…Why is it that God often seems to remain silent?How can we trust in the bodily resurrection of Jesus, and what does it mean for us today?What do Christians need to understand about suicide and mental illness?How should Christians respond to spiritual darkness and the obsession with paranormal activity?Why is biblical illiteracy so dangerous for Christians and the church?Why do we experience suffering and pain? Unanswered will leave you enriched, characterized by a thinking faith, capable to communicate confidently, and committed to escape the tendency to offer trite answers to a skeptical world.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 3, 2015
36 people are currently reading
183 people want to read
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May 27, 2024
A “MILLENNIAL” PROFESSOR ANSWERS A VARIETY OF QUESTIONS THAT CHRISTIANS ASK
Author Jeremiah Johnston wrote in the first chapter of this 2015 book, “Having received over four thousand questions via text at our Christian Thinkers Society (CTS) events over a span of six years… I became acutely aware of the need to write [this book]… These questions are not on the periphery… They are front and center, and often unaddressed… I began to wonder if leaders in the church were actually aware how prominent and widespread these unanswered questions were among Christians?... I do not claim to have all of the answers. Rather, the purpose of this book is to begin a healthy discussion in the church.” (Pg. 24-27)
He points out, “Not only is God’s silence real, biblical and personal, it is also common… God’s silence can lead to our transformation… So here is the key application: when the silence is real in your life you must recognize that you are not alone in the stillness. In fact, you are in good company... When you realize that Abraham, Joseph, and many of the great prophets all persevered and were eventually promoted through God’s silence, you remember that you are not alone.” (Pg. 43-44)
He observes, “What troubles me is that in the whole history of the church, the twenty-first century has some of the most educated people ever sitting in its pews, yet they are also the most unengaged and biblically illiterate… it is also the frequent misrepresentation of the Bible’s message [that concerns me]... Notwithstanding… I have never been more encouraged … in considering the unrealized potential of the church, especially with my fellow millennials… The mission of [this book] is for you to become resourced: namely, receiving answers to your own unanswered questions, but also empowered to engage the content of these answers in order to bring freedom in your own community.” (Pg. 56)
About whether a Christian can contemplate suicide, he says, “The obvious answer is yes. An authentic Christian in disobedience can steal, murder, lie, and grieve the Lord in any number of ways. The distinction, however, of a genuine Christian is that they cannot habitually sin without experiencing spiritual discipline and correction from the Lord… A Christian can be chronically depressed… Christians suffer from a myriad of mental illnesses. If you do, you are not alone. Just because a person has received Jesus Christ as their savior does not eradicate their choice in behaviors, their hereditary traits, nor their biological, mental, and emotional states.” (Pg. 91)
He notes, “Today’s church is malnourished. Christians are biblically illiterate and theologically shallow, which has led to the tragic consequence of mass deconversion across all denominations… I was recently teaching a Bible survey class to first- and second-year undergraduate students… however, only three out of the thirty-six said they had ever READ the entire Bible…. If you were in my position and had to explain the long history of the Bible to an audience who had never read it, what would you say?” (Pg. 145-146)
He suggests, “Pau did not deny his feelings… Therefore, if you are having a tough day or a difficult time, it is okay for you to talk about it. Doing so brings healing. It is healthy to discuss your struggles. Paul certainly did… This is my frustration with some Christian media personalities. They demand that we only speak positively… The undertone is that if you are honest about your pain, you must not have enough faith. This is harmful and unhealthy… Not discussing your troubles will lead to more heartache.” (Pg. 174-175)
This book will be of great interest to Christians (not just Millennials) who have such “unanswered” questions.
Author Jeremiah Johnston wrote in the first chapter of this 2015 book, “Having received over four thousand questions via text at our Christian Thinkers Society (CTS) events over a span of six years… I became acutely aware of the need to write [this book]… These questions are not on the periphery… They are front and center, and often unaddressed… I began to wonder if leaders in the church were actually aware how prominent and widespread these unanswered questions were among Christians?... I do not claim to have all of the answers. Rather, the purpose of this book is to begin a healthy discussion in the church.” (Pg. 24-27)
He points out, “Not only is God’s silence real, biblical and personal, it is also common… God’s silence can lead to our transformation… So here is the key application: when the silence is real in your life you must recognize that you are not alone in the stillness. In fact, you are in good company... When you realize that Abraham, Joseph, and many of the great prophets all persevered and were eventually promoted through God’s silence, you remember that you are not alone.” (Pg. 43-44)
He observes, “What troubles me is that in the whole history of the church, the twenty-first century has some of the most educated people ever sitting in its pews, yet they are also the most unengaged and biblically illiterate… it is also the frequent misrepresentation of the Bible’s message [that concerns me]... Notwithstanding… I have never been more encouraged … in considering the unrealized potential of the church, especially with my fellow millennials… The mission of [this book] is for you to become resourced: namely, receiving answers to your own unanswered questions, but also empowered to engage the content of these answers in order to bring freedom in your own community.” (Pg. 56)
About whether a Christian can contemplate suicide, he says, “The obvious answer is yes. An authentic Christian in disobedience can steal, murder, lie, and grieve the Lord in any number of ways. The distinction, however, of a genuine Christian is that they cannot habitually sin without experiencing spiritual discipline and correction from the Lord… A Christian can be chronically depressed… Christians suffer from a myriad of mental illnesses. If you do, you are not alone. Just because a person has received Jesus Christ as their savior does not eradicate their choice in behaviors, their hereditary traits, nor their biological, mental, and emotional states.” (Pg. 91)
He notes, “Today’s church is malnourished. Christians are biblically illiterate and theologically shallow, which has led to the tragic consequence of mass deconversion across all denominations… I was recently teaching a Bible survey class to first- and second-year undergraduate students… however, only three out of the thirty-six said they had ever READ the entire Bible…. If you were in my position and had to explain the long history of the Bible to an audience who had never read it, what would you say?” (Pg. 145-146)
He suggests, “Pau did not deny his feelings… Therefore, if you are having a tough day or a difficult time, it is okay for you to talk about it. Doing so brings healing. It is healthy to discuss your struggles. Paul certainly did… This is my frustration with some Christian media personalities. They demand that we only speak positively… The undertone is that if you are honest about your pain, you must not have enough faith. This is harmful and unhealthy… Not discussing your troubles will lead to more heartache.” (Pg. 174-175)
This book will be of great interest to Christians (not just Millennials) who have such “unanswered” questions.
October 13, 2017
I have just finished reading the book "Unanswered" by Jeremiah Johnston. I encouraged every Christian to read it!
October 21, 2024
A good starter book for people of faith. Sadly this has been a problem for the church for a long time. I can’t see it ever changing in the establishment church. Believe what you are told and never question. 🙋♂️
November 15, 2025
So I ended going ahead with my first non-fiction. To be honest, I did not read this whole book Most of it, but some of the questions it tackled were not on interest to me currently. However, I am going to keep this book because those issues may come up later in my life!
December 29, 2019
I always picked this book up when I needed it. The chapters corresponding to what I needed to hear at that moment. Guess God is funny that way.
February 19, 2023
This is a great read where Johnston goes over many questions and situations that are extremely relevant but are rarely or never discussed in church or by other Christians.
March 24, 2024
Hits topics like suicide, mental health, biblical literacy, supernatural. Helpful even though its a little dated for 2024.
September 10, 2025
Very good book with lots of answers unanswered questions, thanks for your ministry.
April 10, 2016
When you ask a question don't you expect an answer? The problem with unanswered questions that we have about faith, God or Christianity is if we don't get an answer , we may decide it was not important . For some it may be that we start to believe false statements and our journey may take a different direction. I loved the authors' candor as he tackled tough questions. When we ask a question to God and don't receive an answer, we think He is not listening or maybe ignoring us. Of course that is not true but in the book he talks about God being silent in our lives for a reason. "God's silence is personal because it can be the agent of our transformation."
I was so enthralled with the statement of "memorial stones" in our lives. We all need to be reminded of times when He was there to help us through a hard time . Do we remember what He did for us? It's nice to remember those times and thank him for protecting us and perhaps growing our faith during those trials. I always remember people saying when you are in trouble , they don't hesitate to call out to Him. We also need to call out to Him and thank Him everyday for all He has done for us.
The chapter on mental illness and suicide was one of the best, most accurate accounts of this national epidemic. How many of us are guilty of letting the "beast' out when someone comes to us with a problem? We go into scripture quoting mode and make the person feel ashamed. The bottom line is people don't want to be lectured, they want to be loved and accepted. He goes on to say that no where in the bible does it say if you commit suicide that you are going to hell. What a bold statement. I have always been told the complete opposite. This doesn't mean He condones suicide, in fact it is "a poor testimony ."
There are so many great nuggets of revelation in this book that I feel like shouting from the rooftops. I'm thankful that I was able to read this book with clear eyes and an open heart. I encourage everyone looking for answers to take this book, study it and let the truth set you free. "Christians are not perfect, just forgiven ."
I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.
I was so enthralled with the statement of "memorial stones" in our lives. We all need to be reminded of times when He was there to help us through a hard time . Do we remember what He did for us? It's nice to remember those times and thank him for protecting us and perhaps growing our faith during those trials. I always remember people saying when you are in trouble , they don't hesitate to call out to Him. We also need to call out to Him and thank Him everyday for all He has done for us.
The chapter on mental illness and suicide was one of the best, most accurate accounts of this national epidemic. How many of us are guilty of letting the "beast' out when someone comes to us with a problem? We go into scripture quoting mode and make the person feel ashamed. The bottom line is people don't want to be lectured, they want to be loved and accepted. He goes on to say that no where in the bible does it say if you commit suicide that you are going to hell. What a bold statement. I have always been told the complete opposite. This doesn't mean He condones suicide, in fact it is "a poor testimony ."
There are so many great nuggets of revelation in this book that I feel like shouting from the rooftops. I'm thankful that I was able to read this book with clear eyes and an open heart. I encourage everyone looking for answers to take this book, study it and let the truth set you free. "Christians are not perfect, just forgiven ."
I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.
April 8, 2016
Unanswered: Lasting Truth for Trending Questions, written by Jeremiah J. Johnston, focuses on 6 tough questions taken from thousands of questions he received at his events. Topics covered are: when God does not answer prayer, the resurrection of Jesus, suicide and mental illness, paranormal allure among Christians, knowing “just enough” about the Bible, and pain and suffering. Each section of the book is finished with a short section he calls “Engagement Principles” in which he encourage us to take these answers to the world around us through leadership opportunities.
There are several parts of the book that I found very interesting. I found the author's topic on the paranormal very interesting. He uses examples from the bible to teach us about testing the spirit and understand the the paranormal teaches a false gospel. I also found the part on pain and suffering very interesting. Many times when asked how we are, we simply say fine. This part of the book focuses on Paul and his writing in 2 Corinthians. Using Paul's writings, the author stresses we should be honest about our pain and suffering. If we are suffering we should go to our pastors, our friends and share with them. We should not bottle things up and God does not want us to hide our emotions.
The part I appreciated the most was the section on mental illness. Of all the years of attending church, I have never heard a sermon on this topic. Yet I have heard many in the church whisper negative comments about people who struggle with mental illness. Many do not understand mental illness is an illness, just like diabetes and high cholesterol for example. And it needs to be treated and not looked down on. I appreciated the author spending the time to write about this, this helpful suggestions for talking with people with mental illness. As a wellness facilitator I really appreciated this. And I will be keeping this in mind when I am put in the situation of helping those who do not understand mental illness.
I received a copy of this book from Book Club Network for an honest review.
There are several parts of the book that I found very interesting. I found the author's topic on the paranormal very interesting. He uses examples from the bible to teach us about testing the spirit and understand the the paranormal teaches a false gospel. I also found the part on pain and suffering very interesting. Many times when asked how we are, we simply say fine. This part of the book focuses on Paul and his writing in 2 Corinthians. Using Paul's writings, the author stresses we should be honest about our pain and suffering. If we are suffering we should go to our pastors, our friends and share with them. We should not bottle things up and God does not want us to hide our emotions.
The part I appreciated the most was the section on mental illness. Of all the years of attending church, I have never heard a sermon on this topic. Yet I have heard many in the church whisper negative comments about people who struggle with mental illness. Many do not understand mental illness is an illness, just like diabetes and high cholesterol for example. And it needs to be treated and not looked down on. I appreciated the author spending the time to write about this, this helpful suggestions for talking with people with mental illness. As a wellness facilitator I really appreciated this. And I will be keeping this in mind when I am put in the situation of helping those who do not understand mental illness.
I received a copy of this book from Book Club Network for an honest review.
April 14, 2016
As a rule, I don’t willingly read non-fiction. It’s not that I don’t have a lot to learn about the Christian walk. It has much more to do with keeping my attention. Where I devour a good fiction book in a matter of a couple of days, non-fiction finds me plodding through at the speed of slogging through thick, gooey mud. That said, imagine my surprise when I picked up Unanswered by Jeremiah Johnston and found myself not only enjoying the book but learning something in the process of reading it!
Dr. Johnston’s writing style in many ways mirrors the writers of the Bible. He tells true stories to illustrate the spiritual truth he talks about in each chapter. When he wrote in chapter 2 about the “silence of God when we are hurting”, he tells the story of the five years of infertility that he and his wife endured – crying out to God all the while with not a peep. He knows whereof he speaks and it shines through on every page.
I plan to recommend this book as a possible Sunday School class at my church and if not that, a study book for my ladies Bible study. If I had only read Part 3: “My Invisible Disease and What Christians Should Know About Mental Illness”, this book would still have been well worth my time. Dr. Johnston speaks with great depth of feeling on the ever increasing rate of suicide, especially among Christians (and pastors). He gives real, concrete ways to help. His chapter on Mental Illness was equally illuminating.
If you have ever questioned the existence of God when he has been silent to your pleas for help or wondered how to respond to people who are skeptical about your belief in a risen Savior, this book will give you tools to win hearts. I highly recommend Unanswered! It answered questions that I didn’t know I had and pointed me to scripture while encouraging me to step up for the hurting among us.
I received this book from the publisher through Bookfun.org in exchange for my honest review. Thank you!
Dr. Johnston’s writing style in many ways mirrors the writers of the Bible. He tells true stories to illustrate the spiritual truth he talks about in each chapter. When he wrote in chapter 2 about the “silence of God when we are hurting”, he tells the story of the five years of infertility that he and his wife endured – crying out to God all the while with not a peep. He knows whereof he speaks and it shines through on every page.
I plan to recommend this book as a possible Sunday School class at my church and if not that, a study book for my ladies Bible study. If I had only read Part 3: “My Invisible Disease and What Christians Should Know About Mental Illness”, this book would still have been well worth my time. Dr. Johnston speaks with great depth of feeling on the ever increasing rate of suicide, especially among Christians (and pastors). He gives real, concrete ways to help. His chapter on Mental Illness was equally illuminating.
If you have ever questioned the existence of God when he has been silent to your pleas for help or wondered how to respond to people who are skeptical about your belief in a risen Savior, this book will give you tools to win hearts. I highly recommend Unanswered! It answered questions that I didn’t know I had and pointed me to scripture while encouraging me to step up for the hurting among us.
I received this book from the publisher through Bookfun.org in exchange for my honest review. Thank you!
April 15, 2016
I started reading this book and couldn't stop! Some of the questions he answers are not easy. They make you think and think some more. I was shocked as I was reading how mental illness is treated in the church. I personally have dealt with depression and anxiety for many years. Thanks to a wonderful family and therapy I know what I have to do each day to keep it in check. I also have to admit to being that person who says I am fine when I am really not. This chapter on mental illness was an eye opener and a great reason for everyone to read this book. The statistics are staggering. I was moved reading about Anna and her struggles with depression and anxiety as well as an eating disorder. I felt very sad reading it but was very happy after realizing that she did have a great support system and has it in control day to day. I love how the author tells us to listen and not judge. I do want to say that everyone needs to open their eyes and ears to those who may need us. They could be anyone at anytime and as a chapter says we need to "shut up and listen." We need to not sweep it under the rug any longer. I believe that if each person would read this book we could potentially save lives by the techniques that the author has written. People with mental illnesses need to know that they are not alone.
Another part in this book that is answered is about the paranormal, ghosts,and vampires. Funny as it may sound I didn't realize how it was affecting people. I admit I am one of those people who love a scary movie and scary book once in awhile. While reading I was amazed at how people are taking advantage of people who have lost loved ones and children by psychics and mediums. They scam these people into believing they can talk to their loved ones who have pasted. We need to be careful not to get sucked into these ideas. We will be reunited with our loved ones in heaven when God calls us home.
I recieved this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.
Another part in this book that is answered is about the paranormal, ghosts,and vampires. Funny as it may sound I didn't realize how it was affecting people. I admit I am one of those people who love a scary movie and scary book once in awhile. While reading I was amazed at how people are taking advantage of people who have lost loved ones and children by psychics and mediums. They scam these people into believing they can talk to their loved ones who have pasted. We need to be careful not to get sucked into these ideas. We will be reunited with our loved ones in heaven when God calls us home.
I recieved this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.
May 18, 2016
Johnston is concerned that Christians have unanswered questions that are not being addressed in churches. Based on the thousands of questions they received at their Christian Thinkers Society, they found “that there was a significant divide between the topics normally discussed in the pulpit and the actual unanswered grass roots questions that existed in our congregations.” (55-6)
This book address the major categories of unanswered questions Johnston receives. He wants Christians to be thinking Christians, engaging in healthy discussions. The aim of the book, he writes, is to “equip the reader to speak in an informed and responsible way about the deepest questions that lie at the heart of our modern Christian faith...” (31)
The major questions he addresses: God's hiddenness and silence, Jesus' resurrection, suicide and mental illness, the lure of the paranormal, Christians knowing just enough of the Bible to be dangerous, and suffering. I was a bit surprised that no sexual issues were included in the list.
Johnston does a good job of addressing these issues. He uses examples from life and the Bible to illustrate his principles. He uses plenty of Scripture too. I liked his “engagement principles,” one of which was “shut up and listen.”
The book contains much good material to help Christians deal with their questions. Having been taught as a child that I was not to question my belief but accept it in faith, I really appreciate the attitude the author has. Reading this book would help many wrestle with their faith. There are some current social issues that are not included but Johnston has invited readers to email him at the Christian Thinkers Society with additional questions.
This would make a good book for a church education class. There are additional resources available for this purpose, such as a study guide and a DVD.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through The Book Club Network for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
This book address the major categories of unanswered questions Johnston receives. He wants Christians to be thinking Christians, engaging in healthy discussions. The aim of the book, he writes, is to “equip the reader to speak in an informed and responsible way about the deepest questions that lie at the heart of our modern Christian faith...” (31)
The major questions he addresses: God's hiddenness and silence, Jesus' resurrection, suicide and mental illness, the lure of the paranormal, Christians knowing just enough of the Bible to be dangerous, and suffering. I was a bit surprised that no sexual issues were included in the list.
Johnston does a good job of addressing these issues. He uses examples from life and the Bible to illustrate his principles. He uses plenty of Scripture too. I liked his “engagement principles,” one of which was “shut up and listen.”
The book contains much good material to help Christians deal with their questions. Having been taught as a child that I was not to question my belief but accept it in faith, I really appreciate the attitude the author has. Reading this book would help many wrestle with their faith. There are some current social issues that are not included but Johnston has invited readers to email him at the Christian Thinkers Society with additional questions.
This would make a good book for a church education class. There are additional resources available for this purpose, such as a study guide and a DVD.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through The Book Club Network for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
July 15, 2016
Review Title: Q & A Time W/Encouragement2Ask More (review of Unanswered by Jeremiah Johnston)
Reviewer: Janice S. Garey
***** 5 Stars
The author, Jeremiah Johnston, serves as Founder and President of the Christian Thinkers Society in addition to his roles as professor, New Testament scholar, and other related positions. He wrote this book to help people within the Christian community who have questions about the faith that have never been properly addressed or answered in a satisfactory manner. Some people leave the faith after receiving a bad answer giving a false view. An improper answer at a vulnerable age turned Steve Jobs away from Christianity, as an example from the book.
I liked the encouragement given at the end of the book to keep asking valid questions. He points the reader to additional resources to keep up the quest for knowledge to enable readers to be question answerers themselves to those they encounter in their communities. He does not point to himself as the final authority. He is walking humbly with Jesus and hopes to motivate others to join the informed walk.
The book is easily read, down to earth, and overflows with relevant information that is worthy to share. It goes in depth about the background of some stories the reader may have heard of in a general way. The details from his research add interest and highlight God's amazing work in the world.
I thank the author, the publisher, and bookfun.org for giving me this book in exchange for reading it and posting an honest review. This book is a gem to share with a study group or read on your own. I am glad to have this information available to help Christians be more knowledgable when they discuss their faith with others.
Reviewer: Janice S. Garey
***** 5 Stars
The author, Jeremiah Johnston, serves as Founder and President of the Christian Thinkers Society in addition to his roles as professor, New Testament scholar, and other related positions. He wrote this book to help people within the Christian community who have questions about the faith that have never been properly addressed or answered in a satisfactory manner. Some people leave the faith after receiving a bad answer giving a false view. An improper answer at a vulnerable age turned Steve Jobs away from Christianity, as an example from the book.
I liked the encouragement given at the end of the book to keep asking valid questions. He points the reader to additional resources to keep up the quest for knowledge to enable readers to be question answerers themselves to those they encounter in their communities. He does not point to himself as the final authority. He is walking humbly with Jesus and hopes to motivate others to join the informed walk.
The book is easily read, down to earth, and overflows with relevant information that is worthy to share. It goes in depth about the background of some stories the reader may have heard of in a general way. The details from his research add interest and highlight God's amazing work in the world.
I thank the author, the publisher, and bookfun.org for giving me this book in exchange for reading it and posting an honest review. This book is a gem to share with a study group or read on your own. I am glad to have this information available to help Christians be more knowledgable when they discuss their faith with others.
June 20, 2016
Unanswered: Lasting Truth for Trending Questions by Jeremiah Johnston is a very well written book, with concise, sensible and worthwhile lessons. The author focuses on six key questions that touch on subjects dealing with when God is silent, the resurrection of Jesus, suicide and mental health, the paranormal, Bible-less Christianity and suffering. At the conclusion of the discussion of each of the questions, the author has a chapter on how to implement these answers using "Engagement Principles". Using examples of personal experience, other believers experiences and examples from the Scriptures, Johnston addresses these subjects in a helpful and practical manner, with the expressed purpose being to begin healthy discussions in the church about these oft-ignored questions from the skeptics of our world. The book would be an excellent springboard to more in-depth study into each of these key questions either singly or in a group setting. It is hugely relevant in this day and age and to an often dubious society. Questions abound and so often Christians just do not know what to say or how to respond. Unanswered, insightful and inspirational, is an excellent resource to equip the followers of Christ with answers to questions about their personal faith.
I received a copy of this book through The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review.
I received a copy of this book through The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review.
June 10, 2019
Could have gone a little deeper into some subjects. Liked some of the history he got into. Worth the read.
April 6, 2017
After listening to this author speak I was compelled to buy his book. I was not disappointed. I am very impressed with his faith, his knowledge of Christianity and what it entails, and his ability to express his thoughts and ideas. I am looking forward to the study group to delve deeper into these questions and what God has to say about it.
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