When Everything's on Fire: Faith Forged from the Ashes

by Brian Zahnd

Is it possible to hold on to faith in an age of unbelief?

Intellectual certainty has long been a cornerstone of the Christian faith. But in an age of secularism, skepticism, and cynicism, our worldviews have been shaken. Various solutions exist—some double down on certainty, while others deconstruct their faith until there is nothing left at all. But Brian Zahnd offers a third what is needed is not a demolition but instead a renovation of faith.

Written with personal and pastoral experience, Zahnd extends an invitation to move beyond the crisis of faith toward the journey of reconstruction. As the world rapidly changes in ways that feel incompatible with Christianity, When Everything's on Fire provides much-needed hope. A stronger, more confident faith is possible when it is grounded in the beauty and truth of Christ. Zahnd permits us to risk the journey of deconstruction so that God can forge something more beautiful in its place.

Genres: Faith, Nonfiction, Religion, Theology, Christian, Spirituality, Christianity

175 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 9, 2021

About the author

Brian Zahnd is the founder and lead pastor of Word of Life Church in St. Joseph, Missouri. As the lead pastor, he is the primary preacher during our weekend services, and he oversees the direction of the church. Pastor Brian is a passionate reader of theology and philosophy, an avid hiker and mountain climber, and authority on all things Bob Dylan.

He and his wife, Peri, have three adult sons and five grandchildren. He is the author of several books, including Unconditional?, Beauty Will Save the World, A Farewell To Mars, and Water To Wine.

Reviews

[Eliza · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel like I shouldn’t like this book, but I do. There were annoying things throughout for a cynical ex-fundamentalist evangelical like me. The intro by Brad Jersak interweaves Bible verses with Socrates’ story of The Cave, as though the words of Plato are powerless without a few proof texts drizzled over them. All of chapter 3, about a miraculous meeting at Notre Dame, irritated me and felt hyper-spiritualized. At times, Brian comes across as patronizing or condescending. He has reinvented his faith and struggled with it, but never lost it completely like many deconstructing have. This limits his understanding, and some areas felt almost naive.

He also does not truly discuss the ways that many leaving the church so because of trauma, abuse and manipulation. There is a disclaimer early on, and indeed, this book does not address church trauma. This means Brian sees little use for anger in deconstruction, as he approaches it as originating from beliefs, not life altering traumatic experiences. Overall, this book is a more philosophical/autobiographical discussion of Christian faith that ignores the elephant of religious abuse in the room.

So why did I like this book? Well, it kept making me cry. Where Brian truly excels is in painting a picture of hope and beauty. He deftly weaves together an extensive bibliography of writers, poets, scientists and theologians to make a case for mysticism and love as the path forward. He speaks movingly of Jesus, and a rejection of apologetic, biblicist, “evidence based” Christianity. He tells his own story without insisting others will get the same results by following his formula. And mostly, he’s just really really kind.

There aren’t many books that leave me feeling hope, or like maybe belief is possible. This one improbably did. That alone is worth all the other annoyances.

[Stephen Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brian Zahnd is a treasure, and the Spirit which he speaks from, is alive and well.

This book nurtures you through our perilous time of deconstruction and doubt, and ushers you gently into the realm where the patristic fathers and mothers are waiting, far on the other side of fundamentalist ideology and leftist materialistic ideology, just waiting for you to ditch it and join them.

BZ is wonderful here, as always. I’m so grateful for his influence on my spiritual walk.

I myself have been on a fantastic journey transitioning from a literal, to a analytical to a mystical interpretation.

This warmed my heart, shone a light on my path and held my hand.

We are not alone, and our hope is far far greater than our theology can conceive and hold.

Isaiah 43:19

[Tim The Enchanter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was sharing my views on the state of North American Christianity and was contacted be a friend hasn't spoken to in over a decade. We had a conversation about fundamental Christianity and I was sharing my decade long journey of deconstructing my faith. My friend said I sounded like I had read Brian Zahnd. I had not so I took the time to read this book.

I felt as if the book had been written to me and the author, fsr more eloquently, put words to the thoughts and ideas that have been bouncing around in my mind.

The book offer a view of Christianity that embraces doubt, releases the certainty of fundamentalism and call the believer back to the moment they knew Jesus was the Messiah.

I have walked away from a fundamentalist cult that raised me in my formative years. I have walked away from evangelicalism that values the body and the church above all else.

I believe in my core that the message tought by Jesus calls us to bring heaven to earth, To prioritize generosity, inclusion and equality and to put aside the insipid culture wars and show Christ to the world.

This is a book for those who believe there is a better way or who are questioning the literal certainty of the modern church. I highly recommend this book.

[Jakob Palmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 wirklich sehr sehr starkes Buch
Manchmal kam der Autor aber irgendwie bisschen arrogant oder zumindest sehr von sich selbst überzeugt rüber, fand ich bisschen anstrengend

[Gideon Yutzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the words of Zahnd, “Complacency, not doubt, is the great enemy of spiritual development.” And in a time when everything is truly on fire, his book provides a path for developing spiritually despite, and even through, our greatest doubts. For a full length review, visit my blog. https://gideonyutzy.com/2022/07/08/bo...

[Sean Deegan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thankful for this book. It met me where I am at. It gave me a different perspective. It gave me hope in my faith. It expanded my small worldview and opened the door for more. This book is for anyone but especially for those seeking faith amidst the world being on fire.

[Dorothy Greco · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very much appreciated Zahnd's insight and wisdom here. When Everything's on Fire encourages frustrated, confused believers not to deconstruct their faith, but to renovate it. I may not agree with all of his conclusions but I do agree that American faith is so wrapped tightly around our culture that we lose sight of Jesus. In essence, we need to parse out what it looks like to follow a true savior and leave behind the trappings of 21C American Christianity. It's a challenging, but important read.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic read. I've been exploring the idea of faith and defining faith and growing in faith and this perfectly encapsulated what I needed to hear at this moment. I appreciated his perspective on knowing, unknowing, and re-knowing. I also really resonated with the idea of literal reading of the Bible, literary reading of the Bible, and mystical reading of the Bible. As I define my faith and Christianity this has been a critical read in my faith journey.

[Katie Loveland · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oof I didn’t like this book and I still need to process through why. I think the biggest issue for me is that Zahnd doesn’t seem to have experienced or have any deep empathy who have been crushed by the church. His analysis around deconstruction and reconstruction seems very intellectual and not experiential- and it ended up feeling like another shaming lecture I didn’t need.

[Brandon Corsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goodness, this book was such a gem that I didn’t know I was looking for. Brian Zahnd oh so tenderly helps to restore the sometimes-over-sensationalized act of “deconstruction” to its rightful, pure intent: rooted in Christ and oriented towards re-constructing.

BZ clearly knows his stuff when it comes to the greater things of philosophy and doctrine, which provides high levels of intellectual pondering. But good LORD, this book is so evidently driven by his testimony and advocacy for mysterious, Divine revelation. The theological examinations are never separate from his wholehearted belief in the EXPERIENCE of the risen Christ.

If we embrace seasons of doubt, anger, confusion, or longing in the ways that BZ encourages in this book, I am convinced that we will find a better, healthier, more holistic relationship with Jesus and his Church.

[Joel Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is life-giving. BZ’s words are wise and tested. The way he interacts with various authors like Nietzsche, Dostoyevsky, and Kierkegaard is fascinating, and he outlines a picture of hope for the church of today and the church of tomorrow.
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While I disagree with some of Zahnd’s conclusions towards the end—or I’m not there yet, at least—I believe that this is a book that can minister to any seeker, deconstructer, or anyone who has ever experienced doubt. I wholeheartedly recommend it.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

First: I don't really recommend the audiobook. The reader has a weird intensity and reads insanely slow. I had to speed it up to 1.5x just for it to sound normal. However that is a purely subjective thing.

One issue I have with Pastor Zahnd is that he seems painfully focused on making Christianity palatable to the modern ear at almost all costs. There are some good points here, but I think he unfortunately swings too far on many issues and gets away from truth in the process. I love his passion for Jesus and his faith, but he often seems to be twisting Jesus into his own version. I also think his focus on spiritual experiences is dangerous and unhelpful, though he does caveat his statements here a good bit. That said, many Christians would do well to refocus on Christ and step away from much of the baggage of modern religion.

My favorite line was probably:
"We aren't a perfect church. We won't be a perfect church. We can't be a perfect church. For now it will have to be enough to be a church struggling imperfectly to be faithful. And since grace is given to the humble, let us be humble."

[Staci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes you encounter a book that puts words to your wonderings and text to your theology. As you read, your heart responds: Yes, Yes, Yes! Brian Zahnd speaks so compellingly to those who are tired of 'religion' and wondering if we went wrong somewhere. I have been dwelling a lot on the phrase "Spirit and truth" lately. Zahnd's book is a melding of both - Truth that has been lived and experienced and Spirit that draws our hearts towards the beauty of God. If you have a friend who is "deconstructing" their faith, read this book and then give it to them.

[Persis · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the end of the day, is our faith built on what we believe about Jesus and Christianity or the person of Jesus Christ himself? Is our faith only cognitive or has it captured our hearts?

This book asks some hard questions to bring us back to what really matters, and that process requires a reexamination of the many beliefs and attitudes we have taken for granted as 21st century Christians. This may require their repair and renovation or even their demolition. But if we truly believe that Jesus is king and that the Spirit is at work in believers, then we can trust that what is real and true can stand the scrutiny and will remain though tried by fire.

This was one of the best books I've read this year. I'm so tired of a cold, intellectual Christianity with no heart. I'm tired of the love of God being doctrinalized out of the church in the pursuit of certainty. This book gave me hope. Not because the church will eventually get it right, but because the church belongs to Jesus.

[Kim Shay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I was a book of hope, and Zahnd's hope shone through. For those who struggle with questions and doubts, Zahnd's experience will encourage them. He has come through doubt with a vibrant faith.

One of the things I appreciated most was his reminder that Fundamentalist belief is at risk for just the opposite: atheism. He pointed out that rigid fundamentalism can be the flip side of angry atheism. Very often, people who have a crisis of faith of the Fundamentalist kind have no other choice but no belief; and that's because Fundamentalism demands empirical evidence that God exists. Of course, we cannot prove God empirically. Faith requires a choice to believe. It is a choice based on the revelation of God through Christ, but it's a choice to follow Christ. Zahnd utilizes Kierkegaard's term "a leap to faith." It is a good reminder. In my own struggles with Evangelicalism, I have been fooled into thinking that if I just read the right book or found the right theologian, I would understand. No; faith is a leap. It's a leap I made many years ago, and one I must continue to make.

Zahnd talks a lot about mysticism; specifically that we must learn to more mystical in our thinking. Many people (especially Evangelicals) may have a problem with that. I did not. There is something to be said leaving behind a sterile, intellectual faith for one that actually puts a value on our experience. I'm often amused when I hear people in Evangelical circles talk about their "experience" of being born again, but subsequently treat experience as if it's something to be doubted.

I found Zahnd very balanced. It's clear that he values historic Christian creeds and traditions such as creeds, the eucharist, and liturgy. At the same time, he sees the need to face the changing nature of Christianity. He understands that some things need to be left aside if we're to survive in our faith.
At the end of the book, he gives this reminder: "Sometimes, we need old things to burn down before we can have new growth."

I have read reviews of this book saying that Zahnd doesn't address the hurts and abuse which the church has committed. No, he doesn't. But I don't believe that is the purpose of the book, nor do I think that it is the book's strength. It's purpose is not to convince someone that faith is worth keeping, but rather help those who have already decided that they want to. I want to, and this was really helpful.

[Erin Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

A life changing book for me! Anyone who loves the person of Jesus but has a hard time getting on board with American Christianity should read this. Zahnd paints an amazing picture of faith for those of us who love or have loved Christian spirituality but feel it’s been robbed from us through consumerism, fundamentalism, and moralism. I will likely re read this book many times in the coming years.
One disclaimer is for people who have experienced spiritual abuse or are facing a massive deconstruction with no desire for any spirituality, this book might or might not meet you where you are. I’d still encourage a read for a refreshing perspective on the who Christianity actually says God is, but be aware Zahnd is coming from a Christian point of view and making a case as to how we can develop a healthy spirituality if we desire it. I have read this only after deeply working through the questions of whether I desire any spirituality in my life and if I truly believe in God. It was after discovering that I still love Jesus despite the evil done by the church and that, whether I like it or not, I believe in some type of divinity, just perhaps not the one pitched to me by evangelical fundamentalism, and this book was the perfect place to figure out what to do with that and how to move forwards.

[Norman Falk · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many memorable quotes in here. Reading BZ can at times almost feel like a religious experience. I do think that there are stronger arguments for Christianity and I have mixed feelings about the extensive autobiographical material in the book. But overall, BZ is just such a skillful and provocative writer - one of the few people whose preacherly tone doesn't annoy me.

This is probably my go-to book on the subject matter (especially as it is written from an Anabaptist bias). He should have talked more about what practicing (as opposed to merely believing) one's way into faith may look like. I believe this is incredible important. More attention to what causes deconstruction, including religious trauma and family of origin issues, could also have been helpful.

That said, it's probably my favorite BZ book so far.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would recommend this book to anyone who is deconstructing their faith in any way, as I believe the author gives a very balanced approach to what this means. It doesn’t require destroying your faith completely or swinging from one end of the spectrum to another. If you’re not into the term “deconstruction”, this would be good for anyone disillusioned with American (consumeristic, nationalistic) Christianity. This book filled me with so much hope for the Church in the future in spite of the fact that all the world around us seems to “be on fire”. It made me so grateful for the revelation of Jesus Christ that is the foundation of our faith.

[Jared Kassebaum · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first few chapters and the final couple were very encouraging and insightful, the middle chunk felt inflated. Overall, a book that gives hope I can grow from a cynical faith to a hopfeul and loving one without reverting to a rigidity.

[John Anders · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here Zahnd charts a path forward for those grappling with the possibility of faith, those facing doubt, deconstruction, or perhaps just a hopelessness about the future of the church. This is probably my new favorite book on the subject: it’s highly accessible, hopeful, clear, and opens a window to an ancient AND living Christian spirituality.

So much ground is covered that it’s easy to disagree here and there, but overall this work is prophetic and on the mark, offering a Christocentric faith that deeply elevates Scripture alongside fresh work of the Spirit.

[Simon Wiebe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Das Buch ist goldwert. Zahnd nimmt das Thema der Dekonstruktion auf und reflektiert es auf eine ganz besondere Art und Weise. Mehr Gedanken von Zahnd bei meinem Instagram-Post.

[Seth Hogeterp · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was exceptionally helpful, encouraging, and challenging for me. Brian is honest and hopeful. He’s critical and also constructive. I highly recommend this book to anyone who’s trying to pick up the broken pieces of a faith life that stopped working, and who’s looking for a way to start building something new.

[Mattie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

[Henry Haney · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Complacency, not doubt, is the great enemy of spiritual development.”

This is a brilliant book. It’s a refreshing drink of water for anyone that’s questioning their faith (or movement), caught up in deconstruction or simply desiring something more.

Brian speaks as a pastor and a spiritual father who has walked these things out. He invites the reader to trade deconstruction for renovation and to give-up the desire for certitude and instead take the journey of faith, experience and relationship with Jesus.

I found myself smiling and wanting to shout “YES!” several times while reading. Thank you Brian Zahnd — I needed this book.

[David Morreale · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Helpful

I feel like this book helped articulate feelings and thoughts that had been ruminating in me but I couldn’t figure out how to express. I really recommend this book to any who take their faith seriously!

[Daniel Kent · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one intellectually challenged some of my intellectualism. It also provoked some important contemplation. Highly recommended.

[Birk · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5/5 bra, men har läst bättre av Zahnd. Kan ha att göra med att den var översatt.

[Ron Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

For numerous reasons, I was considering forsaking the faith. Those reasons were partly sociological (church hurt), but primarily theological. I had come to see that the god being preached in most evangelical churches on Sunday mornings looks nothing like Jesus, in fact, he is a monster.

How could I reconcile a God who is Love personified with a god who keeps a meticulous record of wrongs (contra 1 Corinthians 13:) in order to "justly" condemn even the mildest of sinners to eternal hell on Judgement Day? Could any sin, much less the more innocuous ones, really warrant everlasting torture? Could the sins of a distant relative really make us worthy of death (contra Deuteronomy 24:16 and elsewhere)? Where is the justice in that?

How could I reconcile the compassion of Christ for the lost with the vile cultural warfare which otherizes, demeans, and ridicules anyone not part of a particular evangelical tribe?

How could I reconcile the gospel mandate of justice for the poor and the outcast with right-wing evangelical politics which fights very hard against social welfare programs and open immigration in favor of special interests for the rich and powerful?

How could I reconcile the gospel mandate of enemy-love with the love affair evangelicals have with the US Military?

How could I reconcile the most empathetic event in the history of the world, The Incarnation of Jesus, with the evangelical shock-jocks who told me empathy was a sin? (Not a caricature. Look it up.)

I couldn't. And I was about to toss it all into a dumpster and set it ablaze.

"When Everything's on Fire" was the life preserver God provided to pull me back to Him. He showed me that I was confusing the traditions of men concerning Jesus with Jesus Himself. He convinced me that what I was trying to reconcile didn't need to be. I could let go of all the Christless theology, tradition, and politics while still clinging to the One who came to save and heal the nations from it all.

[Josh Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book was exactly what i expected in the best way possible. brian is worthy guide for any on the path to eternal life in jesus, especially those reaching deep inside to feel where the eternal one is active and moving our our spirits and intellects. for those who have an insatiable desire for the good , and for God to be the good, and to endlessly partake of that very basic goodness.

each chapter contained some kind of insight , but some of my favorites were from “all alone upstairs.” it is in this chapter, like many others, that zahnd interacts with giants of intellect or faith, in this case Descartes . commenting on the encounter with truth, the author says “the practice of only thinking about God is an incubator for atheism. we don’t encounter Christ in revelation, and then in response to this revelation, we worship Christ, we obey Christ, we follow Christ- this alone is faith. When we seek to understand and explain what we have encountered, this is theology- faith seeking understanding. But theology must be rooted in the faith action of actually seeking to worship and obey God.”

For my evangelical friends and frowners, BZ is not a liberal wacko leading all who listen to a perilous hell away from Christ. Although the American Gospel and similar reformed folk will paint such a picture, if you really listen to what he is saying, you will find a man deeply involved with the truth or non other than Jesus of Nazareth.

This book is a a vacation for the soul, a refreshing for the heart. God is Good.

full recommend to doubters, seekers, haters, lovers, and anyone who wants to truly follow Jesus

[Ida]

Efter att, för nu flera år sedan, simmat i havet av dekonstruktionspoddar och liknande material så fick jag nys om att det finns en bok som kör mer på spåret ”rekonstruktion” av tron. Något sådant sökte jag efter under en viss tid i livet, så roligt att nu hitta en sådan bok också utkommen i svensk översättning.

Jag tror att varje människa med en tro också vet att en tro förändras. Ibland dramatiskt, ibland bara lite och lugnt. Jag uppskattade hur författaren med hjälp av bibelberättelser, poesi och målande bilder beskrev tro i förändring. Beroende var man befinner sig i sin tro så kan olika bilder vara hjälpsamma. Jag uppskattade också hur han vävde in filosofer och teologer som en del av samtalet. Det gav bredd till boken och han lyfte fram många goda ”källor” att hämta från. Samtidigt var jag lite skeptiskt till vissa tolkningar han gjorde av olika historiska personer, kändes som han tolkade dem lite väl enkelt in i den linje han ville föra fram.

Till sist. Om jag skulle skriva en bok om rekonstruktion av tron så skulle församling, gemenskap, Kyrkan få mycket utrymme. Den historiska Kyrkan fick mycket utrymme av Brian och det var bra. Men den konkreta gemenskapen här och nu anser jag vara helt nödvändig också. Det största minuset med boken är att den har ett rätt så individualistiskt spår. Jag är både kritisk och förstående till ett sådant spår. Många av våra förändringsprocesser i tron är personliga och kan inte vara något annat än det, vilket gör att det individualistiska spåret är logiskt. Men gemenskapens närvaro och roll i ens personliga process är ändå nödvändig och något jag önskade att han skulle gått mer in på.