Questioning Christianity: Is There More to the Story?

by Dan Paterson, Rian Roux

Have you ever seriously questioned Christianity? If so, you’re not alone. A lot of people have wondered if this faith is outdated . . . irrelevant . . . maybe even harmful. But what if everything is not as it seems? What if there’s more to the story? Questioning Christianity explores the nature and relevance of the Christian story in an accessible and compelling way. No slogans. No politics. No simple solutions to complex problems. After many years of exploring issues of faith with skeptics, seekers, and new believers, Dan Paterson and Rian Roux serve as guides to help you navigate what can be a disorienting and confusing journey. Perhaps you’re feeling lost, unable to find your bearings, and you need some help to map out the terrain around you. Or maybe you’ve encountered obstacles and have hard questions that need to be addressed before you can move ahead. Whatever it is that has made you curious about this faith, there are good answers waiting to be discovered. So go ahead. Question Christianity. Just give Christianity the chance to answer back.

Genres: Christian

176 pages, Paperback

Published June 2, 2021

Reviews

[Max T. · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is a book for bible studies consisting of new believers, not a book for people looking for any serious questioning of Christianity from the perspective of a Christian.

The book is broken out into 3 parts:
- Part 1 is a strange retelling of some of the highlights of the entire bible.
- Part 2 is just 5 short bible studies.
- Part 3 consists of condensed versions of the most common Christian apologetics arguments.

I'm not really sure what to call this other than "Christian slop". The book is riddled with errors, strawman arguments, and inconsistencies. My best guess for why this book was written was so that Dan Paterson can sell his "Questioning Christianity" book from his "Questioning Christianity" website/ministry.

Are you someone who doesn't know a lot about Christianity but really wants to be a Christian? Then give this book a try, I'm sure you'll get something out of it. But for everyone else: don't waste your time, learn from my mistakes.

[Sherry Keithly · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I give this book to a friend or family member to read - I’d recommend staring at Part 3 or Chapter 12, then read to the end and then start at the beginning and read Parts 1 and 2.

[Adam Lockhart]

I'm not entirely sure who the book is written for, but that doesn't make it a bad book. Without knowing the author's personal experience (and perhaps reading it with my own experience in mind) it seems written from the perspective of someone who is a lifelong Christian who has wrestled with tough questions but perhaps they were satisfied with the Christian answers readily available and never truly had dark nights of the soul that others experience.
While that might seem as a criticism, it isn't. I simply write that to say that I don't believe this book is going to convince someone to become a Christian on its own so it's not for them.
Who the book seems best suited for is the Christian who has some small questions about the big questions. Maybe better said, the person who has surface level questions about big objections but has never truly experienced something that might lead to a crisis of faith or questioning of things they'd always taken for granted.
The book might be even better for pastors as I believe there are some incredibly well written connect-the-dots type phrases and concepts that are so insightful and THAT may be where people turn to Christianity - the pastors who read this book and incorporate it into their lives and teachings. The authors write with a great sense of imagery and the big picture.
They can hardly be faulted for not fully examining each objection or even the order of the book because it is such a large subject that 170 pages is hardly enough to explore one objection fully let alone several. I would love to have seen what could have been done if this were a series of books instead of just trying to do it all in one.
Who should read it? PASTORS, CHRISTIANS LOOKING FOR AN INTRO ON THE SUBJECT
Who should pass? NON CHRISTIANS, CHRISTIANS WRESTLING WITH THE TOPIC ON A DEEP, PERSONAL LEVEL

[Paula O'Donnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many people have patched together a view of Christianity based on pop culture references, somewhat remembered childhood lessons and warped televangelists. 'Questioning Christianity' starts by doing a great job of sharing the truth of the Christian worldview in a clear and welcoming way. No presumptions and no jargon.

It goes on to show what a life might look like when lived with Jesus.

The last section addresses some common objections and problems people have with Christianity. These topics are discussed with the compassion and respect these genuine objections to the Christian worldview deserve. The book is honest about maintaining accessibility and not diving into these topics as deeply as it could, and further readings are suggested if you do want to go deeper.

I think it's a great read for non-Christians who want to unjumble the truth of Christianity for themselves; and for both non-Christians and Christians who would like to start looking for answers to the objections to the Christian worldview.

'Questioning Christianity' is not a heavy academic apologetics tome. And it's not 'preachy'. I found the style of the authors to be genuine, warm and conversational making for an approachable account of Christian worldview.

[Andy Donaldson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dan and Rian do a beautiful job of laying out the essence of the Christian story in an beautiful and engaging way. They do so in a way that is accessible for those less familiar with it or with minimal religious background. They then take the big picture story and bring it down to the personal level, which is something I haven't always seen done well in these kind of books, but Dan and Rian do it in a winsome way, while also providing a clear challenge for the reader to respond. And knowing full well that many might have objections or barriers at this point, they don't leave those unaddressed but break down a number of more common objections in a short, simple format, with encouragements to look further and recommended resources to do so.
All in all, this is an excellent book that I'd be more than happy to give to a friend who is exploring the Christian faith as a helpful resource to frame their search and answers some of their questions! Fantastic book!

[Rodney Callanan · Rating 5 out of 5]

After attending the actual book launch last week and purchasing a few copies, I could not stop reading it. What an amazingly well crafted book describing the Gospel, discipleship and some of life's tough questions we all face at some time. Well done to the authors for getting so much content into a single and relatively short book without glossing over the important facts and details.

I would rate this as the best book I've read to give to someone who is seeking Christ or who is a new Christian. It covers all the important aspects of Christianity in contemporary and easy to understand language. The chapters (or scenes) walk you through all of story of the Bible and the Gospel in easy to follow steps.

Well done Dan and Rian. I am sure I will be buying more copies!

Rod Callanan

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Questioning Christianity is a reasonable argument. It’s well referenced. It’s helpfully resourced. And it invites us to consider the Resurrected One, His message to us, for us, and through us. The remaining question is, it’s QC right? That, it leaves to us, the reader. Be warned however as a careful reading of the message of the Master requires a decision to become a radical disciple following Him or reject Him. The consequences are both immediate & eternal.

[Amanda Busstra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how the book was structured as it makes sense that the big questions can only find their answers in light of the story which they find themselves in. I thought the book was thought provoking, well written, practical, and engaging. I appreciate that this book provides a short summary of some major questions and answers, but is followed up with recommended readings for those who want to go deeper. I have already recommended this book to others.

[Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I would give to anyone who is investigating Christianity, or recently become Christian, or a Christian who wants to learn to better articulate their faith.

This book gives a clear overview of what Christians believe, what it means to live as a Christian, and responds to common questions, but it also gently and warmly repeats Jesus' invitation for the reader to "come and follow". I've not found another book like it.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written text fleshing out the christian story from start to finish making it easier to understand through the eyes of our culture today. It answers boldly some of the biggest questions both sceptics and christians have today about the faith. It encourages the reader to pursue a personal relationship with Jesus and describes what your incredible journey ahead can look like whilst doing life with Him.

[John Paterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great starting point for anyone enquiring about what the Christian story is all about, an easy read appropriate for anyone but especially young people.

In addition to a great overview of the Christian story the book also addresses five of the major issues those seeking Christianity might stumble over

[Glenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is in three sections - I really liked the first and third section... I thought that they would be so helpful to people who are questioning Christianity... The overview of the bible (first) and tough FAQ (third)... the middle section was okay, but maybe could have been the last section and shorter...

[Jeremy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dan and Rian have written such a beautiful and poetic perspective of being a Christian. Delving into the hard questions, answering in a simple yet deep way that can bring clarity to someone who is thinking about a relationship with Jesus or those who have been journeying with Him for decades.

[Phil Magarey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic read that helps unpack difficult questions! This book has so many applications and will reach a diverse audience.
Highly recommend!!

[John Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written book helpful for both believers and non believers answer questions about Christianity.

[geekoutonreading : Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not quite what I was expecting. I felt like the book was full of words people don't use in day to day conversation, it was a little dry in spots, and I felt like they over explained things which lead to confusion when they could have put things more simply. However, there were parts of the book that got me thinking and discussing so that was a positive! It wasn't a horrible book, but it wasn't fantastic either. An average read for me.

[Sage · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars for me. A good, short, sharp, concise read. I read it as a Christian, it pointed me to Jesus and reminded me afresh of his might, power and all he’s done for me.

[Isabel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a great book for understanding the basics of what it means to be a Christian, and for answering common questions/ objections for people exploring the gospel.