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Has God Failed You?
As well-known Christians announce a newfound loss of faith, other believers face increasing pressure or doubt. We feel let down, ashamed to question God's goodness, and in need of assurance of our faith and answers to our pain.
From a leading voice on issues facing Christians today comes a frank and insightful discussion about whether it's okay to doubt God and what to do about it. Michael L. Brown answers the very toughest questions, such as
· Why are people leaving the church?
· Why haven't my prayers been answered?
· Why do people have to experience pain?
· What if there is no God?
· And more
These pages will lead anyone who has been hurt, anyone with questions that will not go away, into a wonderful, fresh, life-transforming encounter with the living God.
From a leading voice on issues facing Christians today comes a frank and insightful discussion about whether it's okay to doubt God and what to do about it. Michael L. Brown answers the very toughest questions, such as
· Why are people leaving the church?
· Why haven't my prayers been answered?
· Why do people have to experience pain?
· What if there is no God?
· And more
These pages will lead anyone who has been hurt, anyone with questions that will not go away, into a wonderful, fresh, life-transforming encounter with the living God.
192 pages, Paperback
Published May 11, 2021
13 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
Michael L. Brown
143 books192 followersMichael L. Brown (born March 16, 1955) is a Messianic Jewish Old Testament scholar, professor, activist, itinerant speaker, and author who has preached in numerous countries and written twenty books. He is the founder and president of ICN Ministries. His writings have been translated into more than a dozen languages. He was married to Nancy Gurian on March 14, 1976 and they have two daughters, Jennifer and Megan, and four grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 23, 2021
In Has God Failed You, Michael L. Brown explored the difficult topics of where is God in our pain and struggles in life and does, He truly care about us. In this book, he looked at faith and how to deal with our doubts and how you can have a fresh encounter with God. He begins the book by revealing how Generational Z is identifying more as atheists and this is affecting our world. He decided to write this book directly to the readers who are hurting and they are wondering how they will regain their faith. He shared how he grew up in a Jewish home. He revealed how he became a rock drummer in his teens and he experimented with heavy drugs. A few years later, he had two of his best friends who became Christians. He attended their church and eventually became born again. He shared how he earned his Ph.D. in Near Eastern Languages and Literatures. He also opened up about his own struggles with doubt and how he still believes in the power of God. In the book, he looked at the topic of what if there isn’t a God. He explained that if there isn’t a God, then that also means no afterlife. He also looked at prayer and does it work and he looked at why God might not answer it right away or in the way that we think He should.
I would recommend this life changing book to anyone who is questioning their faith and they have doubts they are wanting answered. I immensely liked how Michael wasn’t afraid to deal with the difficult topics and he looked at prayers not being answered, people having to experience pain, what if there isn’t a God, and is the Bible an outdate resource. One of my favorite chapters was the two on is the Bible outdated and bigoted book. These two chapters explored how the Bible included violence, slavery, and other difficult subjects. I also liked how he wasn’t afraid to discuss male and females and gender identity issues. He explained how we were designed to reproduce. He explained how it isn’t a hatred of gays but how everyone can experience the love of Christ. I also liked how he looked at the story of Job and how we can apply it to our lives.
"I received this book free from the publisher, Bethany House/ Chosen for my honest review.”
I would recommend this life changing book to anyone who is questioning their faith and they have doubts they are wanting answered. I immensely liked how Michael wasn’t afraid to deal with the difficult topics and he looked at prayers not being answered, people having to experience pain, what if there isn’t a God, and is the Bible an outdate resource. One of my favorite chapters was the two on is the Bible outdated and bigoted book. These two chapters explored how the Bible included violence, slavery, and other difficult subjects. I also liked how he wasn’t afraid to discuss male and females and gender identity issues. He explained how we were designed to reproduce. He explained how it isn’t a hatred of gays but how everyone can experience the love of Christ. I also liked how he looked at the story of Job and how we can apply it to our lives.
"I received this book free from the publisher, Bethany House/ Chosen for my honest review.”
January 20, 2022
Times are increasingly tough for our society. Inflation is rising while incomes are falling. People are becoming more easily irritable and impatient. As far as faith matters are concerned, many are discouraged and disillusioned about Church and various other religious establishments. The daily news reports we get are often more depressing than uplifting, validating the popular maxim, "No news is good news." Statistics on religious communities also give similar negativity. For instance, we have all heard about an aging Church and an exodus of young people. More are abandoning churches, preferring to keep their faith private and confidential. People are asking questions about the relevance of God. Author Michael Brown summarizes this sentiment with this big question: "Has God Failed You?" Almost immediately, he questions the question, that it in itself is an oxymoron because God will never let anyone down. The real complication will happen if God is non-existent in the first place! That would put us in an even worse position of non-meaning, non-significance, and non-purpose. He engages some prominent atheists and takes issue with some of their arguments through a comparison between different worldviews. Even if one does not agree with Brown, one should also be open to question the alternatives, which too have their own flaws. A key pointer is the atheist common assertion that life began randomly. If that is true, then it throws the spanner in the works of life, that life too could also be random. Without meaning and purpose, life would not be necessarily better. After addressing the question of the existence of God, Brown then deals with the book title with associated questions such as:
- If God exists, what kind God is He?
- Where was God when I was hurting?
- Does prayer really work?
- Is it ok to doubt?
- Is the Bible an outdated book? Is it really bigoted?
- What about the problem of evil?
- What about the question of suffering?
...
Written with the disillusioned in mind, Brown goes through some typical questions that have generated doubt and despair. On Prayer, he covers the issue of unanswered prayers, that not getting what we want does not necessarily mean God doesn't answer nor care. There are other intangibles such as exercise in perseverance, testing of our faith, and sometimes conditions. On faith and doubt, Brown assures us that asking questions does not mean we doubt. It simply indicates our desire to learn. He also points out different kinds of doubts, some that seeks clarity while others could be mischievous. Just like not all doubts are alike, the same applies to the ones asking the question. What if the problem is not the doubt but the theology of the doubter? That is an important point because it helps us understand the context behind the question. Without addressing this, we will not get closer to the root of the issue. From the theological position of the questioner, the author then questions the ontological aspect of people. We are neither saint nor sinner but a little bit of both. That means that our reactions to pain and suffering are mixtures of our humanness. He then deals with the issue of the Bible where he dedicates two full chapters just to deal with it. In the first, he addresses several accusations about the Bible, such as misogyny, gender discrimination, bigotry, gender identities, and homophobia. In the second, he deals with the perception of God as vengeful with rigid laws. Brown addresses these questions thoughtfully and respectfully.
My Thoughts
==============
This is a book that challenges some popular negative views of God. The author does not simply deal with it at an academic or intellectual level. He takes it personally as well, choosing to begin with where disillusioned readers are. Without dumbing down the questions of doubt, Brown begins with a confession that he too has grappled with the same dilemma. He too has a crisis of faith. Sharing his early struggles with drugs, he gives us an insight into his 50 years of belief and how his faith not only strengthened but his conviction in God's love continues to grow each day. Anyone who desires to understand Brown's answers should consider his early beginnings with doubts. Once we realize that the common questions of doubt are also common to him, we will see him more as an ally rather than an enemy of our beliefs. After all, we are all human, seeking to live a life as meaningfully as possible. We all have our own struggles, just like what the author had gone through in his early years. That does not mean the author has sorted out all of his doubts. In his conclusion, she reveals the story of JT whose faith and perseverance paid off eventually. Brown is trying to tell us: Never Give up. Never give up on God.
Our questions about life's struggles can often be condensed into the word "search." We are searchers in many ways. Scientists search for answers. Philosophers search for meaning. People search for relationships and love. At the heart of it all, we are searching for something or someone larger than us. Questions that help us move forward are worth asking. That is what the author of this book has helpfully done on our behalf. Perhaps, we can also learn to ask other questions and learn of the author's approach in finding new answers for them.
How well did the author answer the title of the book? I would say his arguments are fair. It is helpful for him to start with the question of the existence of God first, to lay out the framework for any fruitful discussion. This should appeal to a general audience. The chapters further down are most relevant for believers and seekers. While many of the points are philosophical and theological, what really shines through is the way he personalizes the struggles. At the beginning and toward the end, he shows us his humanness and vulnerability to share that we are not alone in our struggles. He has also struggled through spiritual agony and he does not claim superiority nor perfection. Brown has boldly attempted to answer some of the most crucial questions of faith. All of us ought to do the same. If you are unsure about how to do that, read this book.
Michael L. Brown (PhD, New York University) is the founder and president of FIRE School of Ministry in Concord, North Carolina, and has served as a visiting or adjunct professor at seven seminaries. He hosts the nationally syndicated daily talk radio show The Line of Fire and has written more than 40 books. Learn more at www.askdrbrown.org.
Rating: 4.25 stars of 5.
conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of Chosen Books and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
- If God exists, what kind God is He?
- Where was God when I was hurting?
- Does prayer really work?
- Is it ok to doubt?
- Is the Bible an outdated book? Is it really bigoted?
- What about the problem of evil?
- What about the question of suffering?
...
Written with the disillusioned in mind, Brown goes through some typical questions that have generated doubt and despair. On Prayer, he covers the issue of unanswered prayers, that not getting what we want does not necessarily mean God doesn't answer nor care. There are other intangibles such as exercise in perseverance, testing of our faith, and sometimes conditions. On faith and doubt, Brown assures us that asking questions does not mean we doubt. It simply indicates our desire to learn. He also points out different kinds of doubts, some that seeks clarity while others could be mischievous. Just like not all doubts are alike, the same applies to the ones asking the question. What if the problem is not the doubt but the theology of the doubter? That is an important point because it helps us understand the context behind the question. Without addressing this, we will not get closer to the root of the issue. From the theological position of the questioner, the author then questions the ontological aspect of people. We are neither saint nor sinner but a little bit of both. That means that our reactions to pain and suffering are mixtures of our humanness. He then deals with the issue of the Bible where he dedicates two full chapters just to deal with it. In the first, he addresses several accusations about the Bible, such as misogyny, gender discrimination, bigotry, gender identities, and homophobia. In the second, he deals with the perception of God as vengeful with rigid laws. Brown addresses these questions thoughtfully and respectfully.
My Thoughts
==============
This is a book that challenges some popular negative views of God. The author does not simply deal with it at an academic or intellectual level. He takes it personally as well, choosing to begin with where disillusioned readers are. Without dumbing down the questions of doubt, Brown begins with a confession that he too has grappled with the same dilemma. He too has a crisis of faith. Sharing his early struggles with drugs, he gives us an insight into his 50 years of belief and how his faith not only strengthened but his conviction in God's love continues to grow each day. Anyone who desires to understand Brown's answers should consider his early beginnings with doubts. Once we realize that the common questions of doubt are also common to him, we will see him more as an ally rather than an enemy of our beliefs. After all, we are all human, seeking to live a life as meaningfully as possible. We all have our own struggles, just like what the author had gone through in his early years. That does not mean the author has sorted out all of his doubts. In his conclusion, she reveals the story of JT whose faith and perseverance paid off eventually. Brown is trying to tell us: Never Give up. Never give up on God.
Our questions about life's struggles can often be condensed into the word "search." We are searchers in many ways. Scientists search for answers. Philosophers search for meaning. People search for relationships and love. At the heart of it all, we are searching for something or someone larger than us. Questions that help us move forward are worth asking. That is what the author of this book has helpfully done on our behalf. Perhaps, we can also learn to ask other questions and learn of the author's approach in finding new answers for them.
How well did the author answer the title of the book? I would say his arguments are fair. It is helpful for him to start with the question of the existence of God first, to lay out the framework for any fruitful discussion. This should appeal to a general audience. The chapters further down are most relevant for believers and seekers. While many of the points are philosophical and theological, what really shines through is the way he personalizes the struggles. At the beginning and toward the end, he shows us his humanness and vulnerability to share that we are not alone in our struggles. He has also struggled through spiritual agony and he does not claim superiority nor perfection. Brown has boldly attempted to answer some of the most crucial questions of faith. All of us ought to do the same. If you are unsure about how to do that, read this book.
Michael L. Brown (PhD, New York University) is the founder and president of FIRE School of Ministry in Concord, North Carolina, and has served as a visiting or adjunct professor at seven seminaries. He hosts the nationally syndicated daily talk radio show The Line of Fire and has written more than 40 books. Learn more at www.askdrbrown.org.
Rating: 4.25 stars of 5.
conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of Chosen Books and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
November 4, 2021
From the title, I would expect this to be targeting somebody currently suffering a crisis of faith triggered by some event in their life … and it does sort of do that in the first part (Chapters 1-4); however, it makes an unexpected and unwelcome pivot into apologetics starting in Chapter 5: “Perhaps It Was Wrong Theology That Failed You.” Then the author doubles down on blaming the person’s moral formation specifically attacking anybody who does not hold the orthodox view of sexuality amongst other short-coming. What follows is so ham fisted that I serious doubt it would do anything other than reinforce the belief of superiority on the part of current believers and does nothing to bring those fallen away back to Christ.
I was given this free advance reader copy (ARC) ebook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
#HasGodFailedYou #NetGalley.
I was given this free advance reader copy (ARC) ebook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
#HasGodFailedYou #NetGalley.
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March 14, 2023I had thought of writing a study of the book of Job but Dr. Brown has beat me to it...and done a superior job of it too! He faces many of the issues that bother people, cause them to doubt or disbelieve the Bible and the fact of God's love for us. The cover and inside commendations of the book give you an idea of how much this book is appreciated by some top names among Christian thinkers today. Powerful presentation that should help many who have struggled with or are struggling with painful, difficult circumstances. I also read Ken Ham's book How could a loving God...? in the week just before or after reading Brown's book. They blended very well, as Ham used Job as well as he came to grips with the death of his brother in the prime of his life. Another powerful and helpful contribution to this critical concern for every thinking and feeling person today.
September 12, 2021
Dr. Michael L. Brown has contributed so much to society by offering us a written work that answers many relevant questions people struggle with today. It was interesting that even while I was reading this book, I was getting to apply what I had learned in conversations with people around me. I was immediately benefiting from what Dr. Brown had to offer in his book. I would highly recommend this book for anyone struggling with the problem of evil, anyone who has doubts about God, or even for people who merely want to help others.
I love Dr. Brown’s ability to speak the truth in love. I felt so convicted as well as loved while reading this book. I’m so encouraged and challenged.
I love Dr. Brown’s ability to speak the truth in love. I felt so convicted as well as loved while reading this book. I’m so encouraged and challenged.
June 7, 2021
Read this for a friend that’s wrestling and struggling — and it blessed me big time ! I will be passing it along with high recommendations . Soo much truth wisdom . The last words in the last chapter are the most powerful truths and things that the Lord spoke to my soul many years ago. Such an important book for what’s going on in our culture right now and the rampant confusion and lack of trust in the Lord.
March 27, 2025
I would definitely recommend this book.
It’s very thought provoking for the unbeliever, the believer that waxes and wanes on belief, or for a Christian who just needs to see things from a different perspective.
This book convicted me in a lot of ways and I’m so glad.
It has some good arguments and I believe it’s worth the read. It’s encouraging for those, like myself, who believe but struggle with consistency or losing hope.
It’s very thought provoking for the unbeliever, the believer that waxes and wanes on belief, or for a Christian who just needs to see things from a different perspective.
This book convicted me in a lot of ways and I’m so glad.
It has some good arguments and I believe it’s worth the read. It’s encouraging for those, like myself, who believe but struggle with consistency or losing hope.
August 11, 2021
Dr. Brown beautifully explained why God never fails on his promises. This book is not only a great read for nonbelievers but also for those who believe. God has always been the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. He does not change. God is not a punishing God but rather a compassionate, loving, graceful, and Almighty God.
March 4, 2022
It's not a "bad" book but he was writing a book, at least in part, for those "who used to believe but no longer do" and I don't think this book would be at all compelling for them. Now, for those who just have some doubts, this *might be* somewhat helpful.
September 21, 2021
Helpful. Encouraging. I will re-read it.
December 28, 2021
Written to a specific audience but can inspire anyone. Some excellent biblically based responses to the most common objections to God, His existence, and His Word.
October 23, 2022
Ch. 1-6 built foundations. Ch 7 and on finally had some decent arguments.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews