To My Friend Who Left the Faith: A Letter to a Prodigal from a Prodigal

by Wade Bearden

Wade Bearden and his friend met and grew up at church. After high school, they parted ways. Wade's friend left the faith. Wade stayed-only to wrestle with his own questions about Christianity.

Does doubt have a place in church?
How do I know that Christianity is true?
If God is so good, why do some Christians act so terrible?
How can a good God allow so much pain and suffering?

An powerful and timely look at what it means to lose faith, and then find it again, Wade Bearden writes a letter to his friend about some of Christianity's biggest questions. To My Friend Who Left the Faith is an absorbing memoir that "takes readers on a hilarious and moving journey through doubt, suffering, and the power of faith" (Mark Batterson).

This is his letter to a friend who left the faith.

"Gentle and full of wisdom, To My Friend Who Left the Faith, can help chart a way forward in this moment of cultural and faith deconstruction."
-Ashley Hales, author of A Spacious Life and Finding Holy in the Suburbs

"Written as a series of letters to a friend, Bearden takes readers on his own spiritual journey and explains how faith has sustained him even when faith seemed impossible to maintain. Read this book to have your faith strengthened-not by rigid certainty but by the wonder of faith that remains thanks to the God who goes with us every step of the way."
-Erin Straza, author of Comfort Detox and partnerships manager for Christ and Pop Culture

"Maybe you're a Christian. Maybe you're not. Either way, this book is for you."
-Mark Batterson, New York Times Bestselling Author

217 pages, Paperback

Published May 16, 2022

Reviews

[Wade Bearden]

I wrote this book so I guess I’ll go ahead and log it.

[Erin Straza]

Shared faith has the power to create an instant connection between strangers. Likewise, differences in faith can deeply divide even the closest of friends. In short: What we believe has a profound impact upon our relationships. So when those beliefs shift? Our relationships shift too. That’s what Wade Bearden explores in To My Friend Who Left the Faith. Written as a series of letters to a friend, Bearden takes readers on his own faith journey and explains how faith has sustained him even when faith seemed impossible to maintain. Personal memories are paired with theological musings to create a sort of apologetic for the mystery and necessity of belief. Bearden gives time and space for explaining the weighty and meaningful, which is wonderfully refreshing in our hot-take era that seeks to drop the apologetic mic rather than tend cherished relationships with those who think and believe differently. Read this book to have your faith strengthened—not by rigid certainty but by the wonder of faith that remains thanks to the God who goes with us every step of the way.

[David O]

To My Friend Who Left the Faith: A Letter to a Prodigal from a Prodigal by Wade Bearden is a reflective and emotionally grounded work that explores themes of faith, doubt, distance, and spiritual return. The title frames the book as a personal letter, suggesting an intimate and conversational approach to one of the most sensitive and deeply personal aspects of human experience.

What stands out most is the tone of empathy and lived understanding implied by the concept of a “prodigal from a prodigal.” This perspective suggests a message shaped by personal experience rather than detached observation, which often allows for greater emotional honesty and relatability. The book appears to offer reassurance and reflection for readers navigating questions of belief, belonging, and spiritual change. It is a thoughtful and compassionate work that speaks to readers on both sides of faith journeys, whether staying, leaving, or returning.