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Stay Curious: How Questions and Doubts Can Save Your Faith
Most of us are going through the motions when it comes to faith, either believing we've found all the relevant answers to life's questions or believing none can be found. We shy away from our deepest questions about God because we fear the uncertainty on the other side. But when we make certainty and correct belief the end goal of faith, we miss out on the chance to know God more deeply and to participate in God's work in the world. Pastor Steph shows us how to lean into our questions and embrace a life of curiosity. Taking Jesus's life as a model, we can confront our fears, be set free from our anxiety, ask new questions, and live into an adventurous life of curiosity. After all, Jesus was a question man, not an answer man. Our questions, and even our doubts, can push us closer to a God we can actually believe in--rather than further from a God we think we can contain. In Stay Curious , Pastor Steph walks readers through common obstacles and road blocks to curiosity, and offers practical strategies for embracing even the most intimidating questions.
284 pages, Hardcover
Published September 17, 2019
12 people are currently reading
180 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
September 17, 2019
Stay Curious is a spiritual reference book I am sure to revisit again and again. 4.5 stars. My own faith journey has been filled with questions and doubts, but after reading this over the course of a few days I have come to realize that it is the process of asking the deep questions – as Jesus, The Question Man, did! -that will bring me into closer relationship with God.
If you have ever hit “the wall” in your faith life and felt uncomfortable with the questions, doubts, and uncertainties that plague you this is the book for you! Pastor Steph brings you through the myriad ways to process your doubts and questions to begin the hard work of tackling your wall brick by brick. She opens her life and vocation up to us with honesty so that we can know we are not alone in our journey – that even our spiritual leaders struggle – but that it is in staying curious and open to receiving the wonders placed in our lives that we can expand our understanding of the divine.
Pastor Steph not only encourages us to stay curious about our faith lives, but to stay curious to everything we have begun to assume is true in life. We are challenged to listen with love to the stories of those who are different from us and to realize that there are not just two black and white sides to any issue, but as many shades of gray as there are humans to form opinions on it. Challenging our own assumptions is what will help us formulate the questions we need to ask of our faith, so that we can live the life of love that has been designed for us.
*Special thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with a digital advanced review copy of this book. The above is my own honest opinion.
If you have ever hit “the wall” in your faith life and felt uncomfortable with the questions, doubts, and uncertainties that plague you this is the book for you! Pastor Steph brings you through the myriad ways to process your doubts and questions to begin the hard work of tackling your wall brick by brick. She opens her life and vocation up to us with honesty so that we can know we are not alone in our journey – that even our spiritual leaders struggle – but that it is in staying curious and open to receiving the wonders placed in our lives that we can expand our understanding of the divine.
Pastor Steph not only encourages us to stay curious about our faith lives, but to stay curious to everything we have begun to assume is true in life. We are challenged to listen with love to the stories of those who are different from us and to realize that there are not just two black and white sides to any issue, but as many shades of gray as there are humans to form opinions on it. Challenging our own assumptions is what will help us formulate the questions we need to ask of our faith, so that we can live the life of love that has been designed for us.
*Special thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with a digital advanced review copy of this book. The above is my own honest opinion.
September 16, 2019
This book is powerful and freeing at the same time. If you've heard Pastor Steph speak or listen to her podcast (Lead Stories with Jo Saxton), then you know what to expect, but this is more. This is Steph writing at her best, from her heart and her experience, and it is just gorgeous! She offers real examples, solid direction, and permission to ask the hard, uncomfortable questions about faith. Jesus is a question man and we should all stay curious! I read it electronically (which is my norm), but I've got a hard copy on order and I'm going to reread with a journal and a highlighter because this text is that impactful and important!
Thanks to the author for providing me an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are honest and my own.
Thanks to the author for providing me an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are honest and my own.
December 27, 2019
I can only highly recommend this book to any Christian looking for resources that can guide them/help them grow in faith.
I picked up this book because I’ve struggled with the question of the Church’s relevancy in this world as a lot of churches continue to hold tight to old-fashioned ideas that don’t seem to reflect God’s love or how Jesus himself challenged old-fashioned ideas held by the Pharisees at His time.
This book first established that we shouldn’t be ashamed of questionning our faith, the Church, or God himself. Jesus himself always asked questions! And God reaches out to people who openly expresses their doubts to Him.
The book touches on subjects as doubt, the non-uniformity of everyone’s faith journey, God’s mystery, the Bible’s relevancy in our time, and many more.It gives out a lot of ideas for experiments or practices to help us discover and reflect on our own questions, which makes me realize this is also a good book for Bible study groups.
I picked up this book because I’ve struggled with the question of the Church’s relevancy in this world as a lot of churches continue to hold tight to old-fashioned ideas that don’t seem to reflect God’s love or how Jesus himself challenged old-fashioned ideas held by the Pharisees at His time.
This book first established that we shouldn’t be ashamed of questionning our faith, the Church, or God himself. Jesus himself always asked questions! And God reaches out to people who openly expresses their doubts to Him.
The book touches on subjects as doubt, the non-uniformity of everyone’s faith journey, God’s mystery, the Bible’s relevancy in our time, and many more.It gives out a lot of ideas for experiments or practices to help us discover and reflect on our own questions, which makes me realize this is also a good book for Bible study groups.
April 12, 2022
For anyone who feels like they have questions or doubts in their faith, this is the book for you! I felt so validated reading this as I’ve gone through serious seasons of questioning and wandering within my faith and the church. I’m so blessed to have found Mill City and to hear Rev Steph preach every week!
October 10, 2020
This was more of a self-help book with a handful of interventions which could be helpful if used in a group setting, where a space exists to discuss and process a bit deeper.
I appreciate the invitation to growth, asking questions, and moving into paradoxical thinking around faith.
I appreciate the invitation to growth, asking questions, and moving into paradoxical thinking around faith.
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November 29, 2021This book took me months to read because I kept putting off reading it. It felt like a book of sermons geared toward young adults, full of life metaphors, kind of cheesy at times. I skimmed the last bit of the book. There were some interesting thoughts but overall I wasn’t a fan.
October 16, 2019
I've loved reading this book. In the beginning, Pastor Steph lays out her arguments for why curiosity and doubt are good for our faith. Honestly, I didn't need much convincing of this point. But her stories were validating and definitely helped me not feel unique in my faith journey. The second half of the book is where all the meat is. She lays out several ideas for experimentation that help build the curiosity muscle. I'm in a spot where I'm looking for some new spiritual practices to incorporate and these ideas are really wonderful. I do also just love that we don't have another book on the shelves that exhorts us and challenges us to do something different with our lives without any practical tools. These experiments are concrete, helpful, and can't be skimmed over. (Well - full disclosure - I DID skim over them to get an idea of what was coming, but I'm excited to go back in and really dig in here.)
If you're a person of faith who hasn't really found a place to belong, I think you will appreciate this book. She offers a lot of hope, but no trite answers. It's refreshing and challenging all at the same time. Thank you to Fortress Press for an advance copy of this book!
If you're a person of faith who hasn't really found a place to belong, I think you will appreciate this book. She offers a lot of hope, but no trite answers. It's refreshing and challenging all at the same time. Thank you to Fortress Press for an advance copy of this book!
December 3, 2024
I applaud Stephanie O'Brien's effort to address the doubtful among the pews in a book. This is in contrast to the many pastors I've had who will only address such people in private office sessions, seemingly to avoid normalizing doubt in the congregation. O'Brien instead highlights the Barna studies showing that 2/3rds of Christians experience doubt, and even says at times that she prefers the people who doubt.
However, while I appreciate this approach, I think this specific book is intended for a specific kind of doubter, and that isn't made clear until near the end.
As O'Brien expresses in the middle of the book, sets of beliefs are built on top of one another like LEGO towers. Knocking down the towers is called deconstruction and reconstruction is building from the cornerstone blocks still left on the board. Which cornerstone blocks are still on your board will tell you if this is the book for you.
If you have had some bad experiences, but still find inspiration in John 3:16, then this book could save your faith. It has excellent tips for leaning into the mystical Ignation Christianity in structured "experiments" that can help you explore what is left of your faith. It won't give you answers, but it will give you useful systems to explore your questions. I especially liked chapter 10 and could recommend it to anyone.
However, if your doubts lie more in the reliability of historical testimony this book doesn't address that. And if your doubt is that a God intervenes in the world then this book will say you've fallen victim to Morally Therapeutic Deism and accuse you of trying to avoid doing the work of overcoming your fears.
However, while I appreciate this approach, I think this specific book is intended for a specific kind of doubter, and that isn't made clear until near the end.
As O'Brien expresses in the middle of the book, sets of beliefs are built on top of one another like LEGO towers. Knocking down the towers is called deconstruction and reconstruction is building from the cornerstone blocks still left on the board. Which cornerstone blocks are still on your board will tell you if this is the book for you.
If you have had some bad experiences, but still find inspiration in John 3:16, then this book could save your faith. It has excellent tips for leaning into the mystical Ignation Christianity in structured "experiments" that can help you explore what is left of your faith. It won't give you answers, but it will give you useful systems to explore your questions. I especially liked chapter 10 and could recommend it to anyone.
However, if your doubts lie more in the reliability of historical testimony this book doesn't address that. And if your doubt is that a God intervenes in the world then this book will say you've fallen victim to Morally Therapeutic Deism and accuse you of trying to avoid doing the work of overcoming your fears.
August 26, 2019
Pastor Stephanie O'Brien shares her thoughts quite often on the Lead Stories Podcast, which is where I found out about her new book, "Stay Curious." Both she and her co-host, Jo Saxton, have written books that encourage the reader to be open to God's leading, unafraid of questions along the way, and find joy in the journey.
Often we assume that what we know of God is all there is. But He is a God that is impossible to tame, yet we continue to try. Having questions and doubts is an honest human response. O'Brien opens up to allow the reader some insight into her own faith journey while giving them space enough to consider their own.
There are activities in the book that give the reader a chance to try out different ways to ask those tough questions that each of us deal with. While each activity allows for personal reflection, it also allows the chance to challenge perceptions and find new perspectives on handling doubt.
Jesus often spoke in parables, yet also asked lots of questions. Shouldn't we also feel comfortable enough to ask if we do not understand? Isn't He strong enough to handle our doubts and fears? Of course He is! O'Brien is encouraging, honest and vulnerable and that makes this read one worth sinking your teeth into. God's not afraid of questions--why should we be?
I received an early copy, thanks to Augsburg Books. All opinions are my own and I chose to review.
Often we assume that what we know of God is all there is. But He is a God that is impossible to tame, yet we continue to try. Having questions and doubts is an honest human response. O'Brien opens up to allow the reader some insight into her own faith journey while giving them space enough to consider their own.
There are activities in the book that give the reader a chance to try out different ways to ask those tough questions that each of us deal with. While each activity allows for personal reflection, it also allows the chance to challenge perceptions and find new perspectives on handling doubt.
Jesus often spoke in parables, yet also asked lots of questions. Shouldn't we also feel comfortable enough to ask if we do not understand? Isn't He strong enough to handle our doubts and fears? Of course He is! O'Brien is encouraging, honest and vulnerable and that makes this read one worth sinking your teeth into. God's not afraid of questions--why should we be?
I received an early copy, thanks to Augsburg Books. All opinions are my own and I chose to review.
September 18, 2019
I wish this book had been around 10 years ago, when I was paralyzed by my doubts but not ready to leave Christianity. Instead of embracing my questions as a path to a richer understanding of God, I felt frustrated, cynical, and just STUCK.
Through compelling stories and practical wisdom, this book just might free you from spiritual analysis paralysis and unleash a new way of being with uncertainty. O'Brien doesn't just give the reader a giant permission slip to follow the path of their questioning...she makes a strong case for how "wondering" can lead to higher heights and deeper depths in the spiritual life.
The author's voice is both bold and gracious, witty and wise, which makes for a truly enjoyable and powerful read. The mindset shifts and tools found in Stay Curious are friends for life that I will reference over and over as I uncover new questions and new mysteries in my faith. It's rare to find a book that is liberating and grounding all at once - Stay Curious hits the mark. Highly recommend.
Through compelling stories and practical wisdom, this book just might free you from spiritual analysis paralysis and unleash a new way of being with uncertainty. O'Brien doesn't just give the reader a giant permission slip to follow the path of their questioning...she makes a strong case for how "wondering" can lead to higher heights and deeper depths in the spiritual life.
The author's voice is both bold and gracious, witty and wise, which makes for a truly enjoyable and powerful read. The mindset shifts and tools found in Stay Curious are friends for life that I will reference over and over as I uncover new questions and new mysteries in my faith. It's rare to find a book that is liberating and grounding all at once - Stay Curious hits the mark. Highly recommend.
July 1, 2020
I had been looking forward to reading this book for quite a while, so was pretty excited when it arrived in my letterbox. An anticipated read can sometimes lead to unmet expectations, but not so here! As the title suggests, the book explores the benefits of approaching life & faith from a posture of curiosity, but it actually goes much further. It explores different ‘wilderness experiences’ or crises of faith and encourages the reader to use these times to push into a deeper, more authentic faith, as well as how a life of faith can be lived authentically. There are a number of exercises included that aim to facilitate personal growth or a deeper understanding of how to apply curiosity. If that wasn’t enough, it is enjoyable to read with plenty of illustrations and applications. Challenging, inspiring and deeply committed to helping people to live life to the full, ‘Staying Curious’ is highly recommended.
April 1, 2023
I sincerely hope I will always remain curious about the Bible, Jesus, and living a Christian life. I don’t see this as aimless wandering or being insincere in my faith. I see it as my life’s journey as I strive to go deeper into my faith, to learn more, and apply it better. Unless you are rigidly set in your ways; and you find it comforting, normal, and correct to accept situations where someone else explains everything to you without question, I think you would benefit from what this author has to say.
She convincingly explains why it is okay to be curious and ask questions. And then she offers a variety of ways to productively do just that. My faith doesn’t need “saving”, but there was plenty here for me to think about and use.
I participated in a book group and we had some honest, thoughtful, and lively discussions. I intend to go back and choose some more of her “experiments” to help me explore topics I’m interested in.
Highly recommended.
She convincingly explains why it is okay to be curious and ask questions. And then she offers a variety of ways to productively do just that. My faith doesn’t need “saving”, but there was plenty here for me to think about and use.
I participated in a book group and we had some honest, thoughtful, and lively discussions. I intend to go back and choose some more of her “experiments” to help me explore topics I’m interested in.
Highly recommended.
September 17, 2019
"It's as though the most important quest of the Jesus follower is to have a succinct response to all of life's questions. This seems like an interesting goal for a group of people who follow a man who rarely had a simple or concise response when questions were asked of him"
This is a book for anyone who has ever had a moment of doubt about life or faith; which is to say...ALL OF US. Stay Curious is a great read that has challenged me to be open to more questions and has reaffirmed my belief that there are not many simple answers to the big questions of life.
This is a book for anyone who has ever had a moment of doubt about life or faith; which is to say...ALL OF US. Stay Curious is a great read that has challenged me to be open to more questions and has reaffirmed my belief that there are not many simple answers to the big questions of life.
September 16, 2019
The theme of wonder versus wander resonates deeply with me. This book is addresses many of the questions that are often overlooked or simply not discussed. It is theologically sound and offers more than what is often discussed within the walls of our churches.
I’ve seen too many people wander away from their faith because they didn’t know they had the option to wonder. This book helps us to remember to be curious Christians.
I’ve seen too many people wander away from their faith because they didn’t know they had the option to wonder. This book helps us to remember to be curious Christians.
September 16, 2019
I first became introduced to Stephanie O’Brien through her Lead Stories Podcast with Jo Saxton. It is fabulous and I never miss an episode! No matter where you are in your faith journey I highly recommend Stay Curious. It will make you think, laugh, reflect and give you courage to lean into some of the difficult questions and mysteries of life. This will be a book I re-read every year because it is that good and compelling.
September 17, 2019
A book to go back to again and again. This is such a good book from Stephanie Williams O'Brien. Not only does this book value curiosity, questions and doubt, Pastor Steph creates safe space for asking questions and expressing doubt. This is a great book to read for your own growth in your faith or to read with a group of close friends and work through your questions and doubts together. Just do yourself a favor and buy this book!
August 2, 2019
This is incredibly timely and profound for anyone navigating the space of uncertainty, doubt, faith, and community. It is gently but firmly convicting - but always with an upswing of hopefulness and ease. It resonates on multiple levels and will be a great read to do in a group as well. Highly recommend!
September 17, 2019
This is such an important book, whether you're curious about Christian faith, just starting your journey, or have been walking with the Lord for a long time.
Stephanie O'Brien has made a wonderful guide for wondering - first building a case for curiosity, and then giving exercises to practice wondering and taking faith to a deeper level.
I'm looking forward to sharing this book with lots of people. I absolutely recommend it!
*I received an advanced reader copy from Fortress Press.
Stephanie O'Brien has made a wonderful guide for wondering - first building a case for curiosity, and then giving exercises to practice wondering and taking faith to a deeper level.
I'm looking forward to sharing this book with lots of people. I absolutely recommend it!
*I received an advanced reader copy from Fortress Press.
September 16, 2019
This book is full of practical stories that have challenged me to be me and ask questions. Questioning has been always part if my life but I have been made to feel less than when I ask...not anymore! Reading this book was actually like listening to the author talk. I highly recommend reading it and to Stay Curious!!!
September 16, 2019
Stay Curious is like sitting down with Pastor Steph (author) and having a conversation about all the things you’ve been afraid to admit you were confused (curious!) about regarding your Christian faith. But you don’t leave the conversation feeling bad about your doubts, you leave it feeling uplifted and renewed in your relationship with God.
June 24, 2021
Even though I didn’t agree with everything Stephanie (pastor of Mill City Church in Northeast Mpls) had to say, I found this book extremely helpful. For so long, I’ve viewed doubt as a bad thing in relation to my faith. But the author encourages curiosity and posits that doubt is not only positive but is a vital part of growth.
September 17, 2019
Such a fantastic book, I already have in mind a few young adults I want to give this to, so help normalise what I know they are currently going through and to give them tools to help them through it!
November 22, 2019
Solid overview of the experience sometimes called "deconstruction and reconstruction", with a focus on the hopes of rebuilding. I appreciated the posture of curiosity and wonder as a way to frame the sometimes very difficult journey.
July 26, 2022
Theological and practical - my favorite combo. Pastor Steph does a great job not only telling us it’s ok to be curious about our faith but also the how and what of curiosity. With experiments to try at the end of each chapter, I’ll be coming back to this book for years to come.
July 4, 2019
Part two. Wow o wow. So many quotes so many amazing experiments. Fantastic on the soul level. Must must read. Wow.
October 12, 2019
Thank you for a book that encourages the reader to think differently and raise questions.
October 12, 2019
Permission and encouragement to explore our beliefs and find a beep personal understanding!
December 24, 2019
An important and refreshing perspective for a time where the mysteries and wonder of faith have been reduced to cognitive certainty and intellectual assent.
June 17, 2022
So helpful and practical for navigating faith and doubt
December 28, 2022
A timely read for me after the spiritual devastation brought on by the last several years. I wonder if the author knew that she was writing it specifically for me?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews