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Know Doubt: The Importance of Embracing Uncertainty in Your Faith
Without a doubt Ever "stumbled" in your faith? Wrestled with uncertainty? Wondered if you're a true believer? If the answer is yes to any of these questions―and it probably is―you have reason to celebrate. In this candid book based on his own struggle with doubt, John Ortberg traces the line between belief and unbelief and finds that it's less a dividing line between hostile camps than a razor's edge that runs through every soul. His findings point toward the relief of being totally honest. Doubt … Questions … Honest faith … Outrageous hope … It's a chain reaction that can actually strengthen our relationship with God, and that, says Ortberg, is cause for celebration.
192 pages, Paperback
First published September 5, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
March 14, 2012
I am so glad I have discovered John Ortberg and I am equally glad that I read Faith and Doubt as my first one of his books. I admit that I had to stop reading about halfway through and take a breather because of the intensity of my own experiences with doubt, but after a couple of days of reading something else, I picked up Faith and Doubt and finished it in one sitting. I was hungry for the thoughts this author spread out before me with such clarity and thorough probing. Ortberg does not hesitate to explore his own doubts honestly and is willing to present the arguments of well known doubters as diverse as "doubting" Thomas, Freud and many oft-quoted and published atheists and agnostics. Including extensive footnotes, Ortberg covers many facets of faith and doubt.
That all sounds awfully boring, doesn't it? But the philosophical, theological nature of this book is deeply embedded in skillful storytelling. I would love to hear John Ortberg speak if he speaks as naturally as he writes. I found myself smiling, crying and actually laughing out loud. I kid you not. The nature of this book doesn't seem to be geared toward laughter, but this read covered a full range of emotions for me. I can't wait to pick out my next Ortberg book.
I recently watched Oprah interviewing Joel Osteen. I am impressed by the humility and simple, straightforward nature of this unlikely media superstar and I have enjoyed listening to the positive, uplifting words he unapologetically imparts so prolifically in written and spoken forums. But when Oprah asked him if he had ever doubted and he answered "No, I really never have", my heart sank down into the toes of my shoes. Don't get me wrong. I think it is awesome that there are those with so much faith that doubt is considered a foreign concept. Still, I would be dishonest if I didn't acknowledge that I sometimes identify myself with that much maligned pariah, Thomas. This book helped me to understand that my doubt doesn't diminish my faith, but gives more meaning to choosing to believe.
These are a few quotes that touched me from John Ortberg's Faith and Doubt:
"Uncertainty is a gift because it gnaws at us to pursue truth. As hunger prompts our stomach to find food, doubts prompt our minds to find reality."
"When we can live in the midst of uncertainty with joyful and courageous commitment, we will change. We will become, maybe not more certain, but more faithful. And faithfulness matters more than certainty. It just doesn't feel as good."
"To choose doubt as a philosophy of life is akin to choosing immobility as a means of transportation."
"When the doubts are gone, the person doesn't need faith anymore. Knowledge has come."
"Disciples are not people who never doubt. They doubt and worship. They doubt and serve. They doubt and help each other with their doubts. They doubt and practice faithfulness. They doubt and wait for their doubt one day to be turned to knowing."
I believe. Help thou my unbelief.
That all sounds awfully boring, doesn't it? But the philosophical, theological nature of this book is deeply embedded in skillful storytelling. I would love to hear John Ortberg speak if he speaks as naturally as he writes. I found myself smiling, crying and actually laughing out loud. I kid you not. The nature of this book doesn't seem to be geared toward laughter, but this read covered a full range of emotions for me. I can't wait to pick out my next Ortberg book.
I recently watched Oprah interviewing Joel Osteen. I am impressed by the humility and simple, straightforward nature of this unlikely media superstar and I have enjoyed listening to the positive, uplifting words he unapologetically imparts so prolifically in written and spoken forums. But when Oprah asked him if he had ever doubted and he answered "No, I really never have", my heart sank down into the toes of my shoes. Don't get me wrong. I think it is awesome that there are those with so much faith that doubt is considered a foreign concept. Still, I would be dishonest if I didn't acknowledge that I sometimes identify myself with that much maligned pariah, Thomas. This book helped me to understand that my doubt doesn't diminish my faith, but gives more meaning to choosing to believe.
These are a few quotes that touched me from John Ortberg's Faith and Doubt:
"Uncertainty is a gift because it gnaws at us to pursue truth. As hunger prompts our stomach to find food, doubts prompt our minds to find reality."
"When we can live in the midst of uncertainty with joyful and courageous commitment, we will change. We will become, maybe not more certain, but more faithful. And faithfulness matters more than certainty. It just doesn't feel as good."
"To choose doubt as a philosophy of life is akin to choosing immobility as a means of transportation."
"When the doubts are gone, the person doesn't need faith anymore. Knowledge has come."
"Disciples are not people who never doubt. They doubt and worship. They doubt and serve. They doubt and help each other with their doubts. They doubt and practice faithfulness. They doubt and wait for their doubt one day to be turned to knowing."
I believe. Help thou my unbelief.
May 17, 2023
This book is such a comfort to the doubting follower of Jesus. It encourages readers that God use doubts for His glory and that one can still be a faithful follower of Jesus if they struggle with doubt. Ortberg writes as one who can relate to the struggle with doubt and faith and, with a delightful combination of humor and direct truth, exhorts readers struggle well with faith and doubt.
February 8, 2023
Easy to read although the American allusions can be off putting at times. I didn't agree with all his presuppositions eg that it is unbearable to consider there might not be anything after this life therefore people can not live meaningful lives without faith. Plenty of good people do. I dislike and don't agree with his analogy that all a non believer can say to a dying nine year old girl is 'sorry, tough luck'. His last chapter 'why I believe' was subjective and not convincing enough for me. It also used a lot of scriptural references and assumptions about Jesus that could be questioned and not used to support an objective argument.
Interesting though.
February 12, 2017
الكتاب رائع وصادق ...
هل يمكن أن يتعايش الشك والايمان؟
هل هما عدوان أم تؤمان ...ستكتشف أن انهما وجهان لعملة واحدة ...
رحلة ممتعة مع الكاتب ... اسلوبه سهل وشيق ومقنع
كثير من الاسئلة اجابتها بين دفتى الكتاب
هل يمكن أن يتعايش الشك والايمان؟
هل هما عدوان أم تؤمان ...ستكتشف أن انهما وجهان لعملة واحدة ...
رحلة ممتعة مع الكاتب ... اسلوبه سهل وشيق ومقنع
كثير من الاسئلة اجابتها بين دفتى الكتاب
May 25, 2021
John Ortberg writes well, with an interesting style, on the topic of doubt within the Christian faith. Unlike some, he insists that doubt is an essential part of real faith. After all, as he points out, if we have no doubt at all - if we are totally, 100% certain of something - then there is no need for faith.
He looks in some depth at reasons why people doubt God, and problems that can arise when doubt is taken too far, or turns into skepticism, cynicism or worse. He looks, too, at a few of the questions asked by agnostics, and while he doesn't give any answers, he explores the issues thoroughly.
It's good stuff. Sound, clear, with interesting anecdotes and the occasional amusing aside. I like Ortberg's style, which is casual yet well structured, and I find his books easy to read. I've read a chapter or so each day for around the past ten days.
Latest full review: https://suesbookreviews.blogspot.com/...
He looks in some depth at reasons why people doubt God, and problems that can arise when doubt is taken too far, or turns into skepticism, cynicism or worse. He looks, too, at a few of the questions asked by agnostics, and while he doesn't give any answers, he explores the issues thoroughly.
It's good stuff. Sound, clear, with interesting anecdotes and the occasional amusing aside. I like Ortberg's style, which is casual yet well structured, and I find his books easy to read. I've read a chapter or so each day for around the past ten days.
Latest full review: https://suesbookreviews.blogspot.com/...
May 30, 2020
This was an interesting book. What I liked about it was its honestly. It's honest about the fact that people have doubts and that you can be a very intelligent person, a good Christian, and still have doubts. And how faith and doubt go together.
And that if certainly existed, which would remove all doubts, faith would be made obsolete. And so it raises the question, why do we need faith? Why not just remove all doubts? That should help solve the problem right? Right?........
And so it's an interesting read, both as a former Atheist and now as a current Christan. This book doesn't "Solve" any of the multitude of philosophical problem surrounding God, like the problem of evil.
And the book doesn't attack straw man arguments which atheist put up. But rather, it's honest in it's treatment of them, laying down the arguments for why the author believes and at the same time the reason why he doubts. (The one's why he doubts are pretty convincing, and the Atheist in me felt nostalgic looking at the names of Sam Harris, Christopher Hitchen and Dawkins).
What I liked about the book
The second last chapter, on Why I believe. Wherein he talks about the different reasons he believes in God. And not all of them are convincing. But what I liked was that Christianity is different from other worldviews and religions. And how religion provides Hope.
At the end of the day, we all need something to live for, we need some purpose in life, we need some reassurance that our lives aren't meaningless, that we weren't an accident, and we matter, and that we are loved.
And for all the good postmodernism has got us, it has taken this one thing, and that is meaning.
(Now I agree that just because something makes us feel good doesn't mean we should long for it, I'm not saying turn to religion as a panacea of sorts, no)
But that, Christians has the power to change people's lives, to turn deathrow inmates into productive beings, to help people live life meaningfully and provide them with purpose. And Christianity has a pretty decent track record of turning lives around for the better.
And so, while not everyone will not buy this reason, it's one of the reasons why I believe.
We may cry out with longing and despair to the cold uncaring universe . . .
but we will only hear silence in return. The universe is mute, devoid
of all power to either affirm or deny the worth we place on either ourselves or on others. So be it. We do not matter to the universe.
Nihilism is nice, nice is fun, but nihilism is also depressing and not really the best kind of worldview for humans. Feeling a sense of purpose, a sense of agency and free will, all go a long way to living a healthy life. And Christianity has an answer to that.
So yea, thanks for the read, and I hope you stumble onto the answers you're looking for.
Cheers
And that if certainly existed, which would remove all doubts, faith would be made obsolete. And so it raises the question, why do we need faith? Why not just remove all doubts? That should help solve the problem right? Right?........
And so it's an interesting read, both as a former Atheist and now as a current Christan. This book doesn't "Solve" any of the multitude of philosophical problem surrounding God, like the problem of evil.
And the book doesn't attack straw man arguments which atheist put up. But rather, it's honest in it's treatment of them, laying down the arguments for why the author believes and at the same time the reason why he doubts. (The one's why he doubts are pretty convincing, and the Atheist in me felt nostalgic looking at the names of Sam Harris, Christopher Hitchen and Dawkins).
What I liked about the book
The second last chapter, on Why I believe. Wherein he talks about the different reasons he believes in God. And not all of them are convincing. But what I liked was that Christianity is different from other worldviews and religions. And how religion provides Hope.
At the end of the day, we all need something to live for, we need some purpose in life, we need some reassurance that our lives aren't meaningless, that we weren't an accident, and we matter, and that we are loved.
And for all the good postmodernism has got us, it has taken this one thing, and that is meaning.
(Now I agree that just because something makes us feel good doesn't mean we should long for it, I'm not saying turn to religion as a panacea of sorts, no)
But that, Christians has the power to change people's lives, to turn deathrow inmates into productive beings, to help people live life meaningfully and provide them with purpose. And Christianity has a pretty decent track record of turning lives around for the better.
And so, while not everyone will not buy this reason, it's one of the reasons why I believe.
We may cry out with longing and despair to the cold uncaring universe . . .
but we will only hear silence in return. The universe is mute, devoid
of all power to either affirm or deny the worth we place on either ourselves or on others. So be it. We do not matter to the universe.
Nihilism is nice, nice is fun, but nihilism is also depressing and not really the best kind of worldview for humans. Feeling a sense of purpose, a sense of agency and free will, all go a long way to living a healthy life. And Christianity has an answer to that.
So yea, thanks for the read, and I hope you stumble onto the answers you're looking for.
Cheers
June 23, 2018
I enjoyed the book and was motivated to read it because John Ortberg is going to be at an event in my area this Fall. However, this initial push faded as I was stirred by what I will call "ground-level" insights and illustration that captured my interest. Read it, you will helpful.
February 20, 2019
A work written about the nature and relationship of uncertainty and truth. A book for both skeptics and believers.
November 3, 2025
John Ortberg’s books were meant to be heard. I so appreciate the author taking the time to personally record his own audiobooks
I benefited greatly from Ortberg’s refreshing honesty. There is a part of him that will be very surprised if when he dies he arrives at heaven - “wow it is true after all”. He made me feel like I’m not alone. I love how he pulls no punches on his doubts - and also his faith.
My main takeaway is how much more comfortable I now am with my doubts about God’s existence, and how I will continue to have faith in Him even with a mixed bag of faith and doubt.
I found myself constantly thinking of family members who I wish could hear this message - so that they might believe. I think this would be a uniquely refreshing book to someone who is turned off to even the idea of religion, or a Christian like me, who in his core beliefs has some serious doubts (but doesn’t want to) (such as in the power of prayer, or miracles).
With faith and doubt you must make choices, and place your bet. Belief in God is a forced choice - “putting it off is like putting off thinking about diving into the water after you’ve already jumped off the diving board”.
His intellectual honesty in making this book is apparent for many reasons, including his inclusion of many quotes from atheists (including all 4 New Atheists).
Amazing treatment of the problem of evil - there is no good answer. He uses such terrible but unfortunately real examples of infant deaths and preventable tragedies, where God stays silent.
Tackles themes of uncertainty and how we can’t get the certainty we’d like for most things in life. To illustrate this, he uses a beautiful analogy to marriage - making a 100% commitment without 100% certainty.
Ortberg covers the inevitable ebb and flow of doubt and faith, citing quotes from many stalwart believers (including Martin Luther, Billy Graham, and Mother Teresa), who you’d be shocked to learn deeply doubted God at times.
His insight and presentation of ideas caused me to pause, memorize, and meditate. Also, Ortberg’s humor brought life throughout.
The idea of faith as trust in a person is one I deeply believe in, and was effectively presented in this book.
Reminds me of the quote from the movie Conclave - “If there was only certainty and no doubt, there would be no mystery, and therefore no need for faith.”
His penultimate chapter Why I Believe was phenomenal and his ultimate reason for believing was so surprisingly effective - because Jesus believed.
I started this book on a whim and absolutely tore through it in 3 days, all to the book’s credit for captivating me. Go read it! I can’t fully do it in justice in a review.
Other quotes:
“Sometimes private convictions may involve self deception. We want to believe something, or are committed to believing in something, even though at some level we know it is false”
“Jesus never said “believe my arguments”, Jesus said “follow me””
“To choose doubt as a philosophy of life is akin to choosing immobility as a means of transportation.”
“No heart is as whole as a broken heart, and no faith is as solid as a wounded faith”
I benefited greatly from Ortberg’s refreshing honesty. There is a part of him that will be very surprised if when he dies he arrives at heaven - “wow it is true after all”. He made me feel like I’m not alone. I love how he pulls no punches on his doubts - and also his faith.
My main takeaway is how much more comfortable I now am with my doubts about God’s existence, and how I will continue to have faith in Him even with a mixed bag of faith and doubt.
I found myself constantly thinking of family members who I wish could hear this message - so that they might believe. I think this would be a uniquely refreshing book to someone who is turned off to even the idea of religion, or a Christian like me, who in his core beliefs has some serious doubts (but doesn’t want to) (such as in the power of prayer, or miracles).
With faith and doubt you must make choices, and place your bet. Belief in God is a forced choice - “putting it off is like putting off thinking about diving into the water after you’ve already jumped off the diving board”.
His intellectual honesty in making this book is apparent for many reasons, including his inclusion of many quotes from atheists (including all 4 New Atheists).
Amazing treatment of the problem of evil - there is no good answer. He uses such terrible but unfortunately real examples of infant deaths and preventable tragedies, where God stays silent.
Tackles themes of uncertainty and how we can’t get the certainty we’d like for most things in life. To illustrate this, he uses a beautiful analogy to marriage - making a 100% commitment without 100% certainty.
Ortberg covers the inevitable ebb and flow of doubt and faith, citing quotes from many stalwart believers (including Martin Luther, Billy Graham, and Mother Teresa), who you’d be shocked to learn deeply doubted God at times.
His insight and presentation of ideas caused me to pause, memorize, and meditate. Also, Ortberg’s humor brought life throughout.
The idea of faith as trust in a person is one I deeply believe in, and was effectively presented in this book.
Reminds me of the quote from the movie Conclave - “If there was only certainty and no doubt, there would be no mystery, and therefore no need for faith.”
His penultimate chapter Why I Believe was phenomenal and his ultimate reason for believing was so surprisingly effective - because Jesus believed.
I started this book on a whim and absolutely tore through it in 3 days, all to the book’s credit for captivating me. Go read it! I can’t fully do it in justice in a review.
Other quotes:
“Sometimes private convictions may involve self deception. We want to believe something, or are committed to believing in something, even though at some level we know it is false”
“Jesus never said “believe my arguments”, Jesus said “follow me””
“To choose doubt as a philosophy of life is akin to choosing immobility as a means of transportation.”
“No heart is as whole as a broken heart, and no faith is as solid as a wounded faith”
April 20, 2024
Soo good and on point! First time reading Ortberg - but surely not the last - I LOVE his spiritual perspectives and insights.
A few favorite parts from the book.
“I find it incapable of believing that the universe is a random machine that does not care if we love or hate her.
I could not look at, I could not hold my baby without thanking someone for her. I could not think of her future without praying to someone more powerful and wiser to watch over her…Every child is a testimony that the world go on.”
“Evidence alone cannot clearly indicate whether God does, or doesn’t exist. However, you must choose if you are going to seek him. NOT to seek him is its own choice.
Your wager began the moment you were born. You will bet your life one way or the other. God either exists or he does not. Heads or tail.
There is no third option.”
“If God does not exist (and you don’t choose that path), we lose a life dedicated to seeking to love, to seek generously and speak truth and do justice. But if God does exist and we choose otherwise, we lose everything.”
A few favorite parts from the book.
“I find it incapable of believing that the universe is a random machine that does not care if we love or hate her.
I could not look at, I could not hold my baby without thanking someone for her. I could not think of her future without praying to someone more powerful and wiser to watch over her…Every child is a testimony that the world go on.”
“Evidence alone cannot clearly indicate whether God does, or doesn’t exist. However, you must choose if you are going to seek him. NOT to seek him is its own choice.
Your wager began the moment you were born. You will bet your life one way or the other. God either exists or he does not. Heads or tail.
There is no third option.”
“If God does not exist (and you don’t choose that path), we lose a life dedicated to seeking to love, to seek generously and speak truth and do justice. But if God does exist and we choose otherwise, we lose everything.”
March 23, 2024
I really enjoyed this testament to the inevitablity of doubt that comes with faith. “Faith is built in the mountaintop moments but we can’t remain there—we always end up in the valley of ambiguity.” I love how John Ortberg always imbues serious topics with lighthearted humor and always, always points everything back to Jesus. I also love how he compares the stages of faith to trapeze artists: swinging, letting go, and being caught.
While I wish this book touched more on the depths of despair that often come with doubt, it still had such great insights, most importantly that the goodness of creation and our moments of joy testify of Him.
While I wish this book touched more on the depths of despair that often come with doubt, it still had such great insights, most importantly that the goodness of creation and our moments of joy testify of Him.
June 9, 2024
Encouraging in terms of doubt being a healthy and at times often feeling when it comes to faith, something we don’t discuss enough as Christians. Too Christian American for me though (iykyk) and often just repetitive for no real reason. Overall a decent read, but I expected more.
June 3, 2021
Fantastic book. This hit different — doubt is not the opposite of faith, pride is.
October 12, 2025
excellent insight about doubting life events.
February 21, 2018
Very good book with many meaningful insights
The author talks about it in a very humble and wise way, I would recommend this book for believers and non-believers.
The author talks about it in a very humble and wise way, I would recommend this book for believers and non-believers.
July 19, 2018
John Ortberg is incredible. He delves into a topic that even today I find few pastors and teachers dare to touch - that of doubt and how it is so intertwined and even necessary to faith. His refreshing candor and humor were illuminating. This is the second book I've listened to by him and I just really like his style. Not fusty, not staid - just approachable, relevant, and real. I'm purchasing a copy of this and If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get Out of the Boat because I know I'll pick them up again and again.
June 29, 2010
A very solid look at how doubt can enhance one's faith, not necessarily destroy it.
Like the book The Reason for Believing God the author doesn't claim he has all the answers. He doesn't say he has evidence to convince you to believe he just lays out his reasons for why he believes. I appreciated his humility.
Anyone exploring Christianity or has been a believer for many years or just a few weeks will benefit from reading this book. Several times I put down the book and had to honestly evaluate my beliefs, prejudices, etc.
I was fortunate enough to have some eye opening revelations.
Some parts that I liked included:
- Doubt is good as it leads to humility
- The part that says that trust opens one up to vulnerability which leads to highs and lows in a relationship (faith and doubt?)
- It is okay to explore secular philosophers and atheists books. To wholeheartedly reject those means you have big doubts, not any doubts, as the rejections would claim. Some of those works may help one understand God better - they could also lead to rejecting God too.
- I loved the analogy on pages 164-165 explaining the joy of Christianity. It made me smile and put into words what I have been leaning towards for years.
- The drive for humans to find joy in life - to be happy, to be satisfied, to be fulfilled, to have hope. Where does that come from? If there is no God then why are so many people who seem to have everything unsatisfied?
- The nail picking part is great - i.e. how we are horrible at waiting on God. I had to look up the verses in Genesis myself where is says that Abraham and Sarah laughed at God and then God gave them a baby boy in their old age despite their unbelief. They named their son Issac which means "He laughs." I am smiling typing this out!
Like the book The Reason for Believing God the author doesn't claim he has all the answers. He doesn't say he has evidence to convince you to believe he just lays out his reasons for why he believes. I appreciated his humility.
Anyone exploring Christianity or has been a believer for many years or just a few weeks will benefit from reading this book. Several times I put down the book and had to honestly evaluate my beliefs, prejudices, etc.
I was fortunate enough to have some eye opening revelations.
Some parts that I liked included:
- Doubt is good as it leads to humility
- The part that says that trust opens one up to vulnerability which leads to highs and lows in a relationship (faith and doubt?)
- It is okay to explore secular philosophers and atheists books. To wholeheartedly reject those means you have big doubts, not any doubts, as the rejections would claim. Some of those works may help one understand God better - they could also lead to rejecting God too.
- I loved the analogy on pages 164-165 explaining the joy of Christianity. It made me smile and put into words what I have been leaning towards for years.
- The drive for humans to find joy in life - to be happy, to be satisfied, to be fulfilled, to have hope. Where does that come from? If there is no God then why are so many people who seem to have everything unsatisfied?
- The nail picking part is great - i.e. how we are horrible at waiting on God. I had to look up the verses in Genesis myself where is says that Abraham and Sarah laughed at God and then God gave them a baby boy in their old age despite their unbelief. They named their son Issac which means "He laughs." I am smiling typing this out!
May 28, 2009
Wrestles with the issue of uncertainty and doubt and how we as followers deal with it on different levels through different phases of our lives. Although the whole book is crammed with insightful thoughts and quotable lines, I will copy a small section that really impacted me where I am right now.
"And I recognize the 'not knowing' eras are the biggest growth eras of all. If they can be poised and confident and care about other people even in the valley of uncertainty, they will grow more than they know. To be uncertain yet still care for others is maturity. To be uncertain and yet cheerful is to develop as a person. Sometimes, as we saw earlier, we will have to make a 100 percent commitment to something even though we do not have 100 percent certaity in our beliefs about it. When we can live in the midst of uncertainty with joyful and courageous commitment, we will change. We will become, maybe not more certain, but more faithful. And faithfulness matters more than certainty. It just doesn't feel as good." (Ortberg 149)
"And I recognize the 'not knowing' eras are the biggest growth eras of all. If they can be poised and confident and care about other people even in the valley of uncertainty, they will grow more than they know. To be uncertain yet still care for others is maturity. To be uncertain and yet cheerful is to develop as a person. Sometimes, as we saw earlier, we will have to make a 100 percent commitment to something even though we do not have 100 percent certaity in our beliefs about it. When we can live in the midst of uncertainty with joyful and courageous commitment, we will change. We will become, maybe not more certain, but more faithful. And faithfulness matters more than certainty. It just doesn't feel as good." (Ortberg 149)
August 20, 2013
I'm not a fan of 'Christian books' but I picked this up because the concept and introduction seemed incredibly refreshing: Doubt isn't something to be afraid of. It's useful. In fact it's healthy. Ortberg's introduction gave me hope that someone would finally speak honestly about doubt in faith and expose those who are overconfident in their beliefs.
The first couple chapters held to his promise (even if they weren't mind-blowing). But by about chapter 3 he started to drift...it became just another 'Christian Book'. He completely lost the topic at hand and just wrote generic crap that could be in any book about faith. He almost lost me. I was headed for a 2-star review.
The last couple chapters picked back up with the actual concept he addressed in the intro. It got back on track which earned it back a star.
There's pearls of wisdom here regarding a 'doubtful faith' (I especially enjoyed his descriptions of skeptics and cynics)..but you have to dig and endure all the stuff you've heard a million times.
The first couple chapters held to his promise (even if they weren't mind-blowing). But by about chapter 3 he started to drift...it became just another 'Christian Book'. He completely lost the topic at hand and just wrote generic crap that could be in any book about faith. He almost lost me. I was headed for a 2-star review.
The last couple chapters picked back up with the actual concept he addressed in the intro. It got back on track which earned it back a star.
There's pearls of wisdom here regarding a 'doubtful faith' (I especially enjoyed his descriptions of skeptics and cynics)..but you have to dig and endure all the stuff you've heard a million times.
November 17, 2015
Serviceable, but not jaw-dropping. His illustrations were good and they helped to do away with the devil's trick of convincing us that the Scriptures belong to a bygone age because they don't include tonight's television lineup. He does include a lot of contemporary cultural references, and threw them in Debracy show that God is trustworthy. Would that be focused more on that character than on how easily we forget it.
November 22, 2016
Fantastic Read!
This book addressed the fact that it is OK to believe and doubt at the same time. This book was exactly what I needed; it reaffirmed my faith for me.
This book addressed the fact that it is OK to believe and doubt at the same time. This book was exactly what I needed; it reaffirmed my faith for me.
June 11, 2020
This book was absolutely lovely. However, there were moments where I could easily put it down due to it being almost too based on theology. But the last two chapters were absolutely worth it.
June 18, 2021
I both enjoyed it and was annoyed at times. I loved the author's style, witty sense of humor, ability to state things clearly. He felt like a genuine person who was humble about his own doubt and not someone preaching at me. I laughed out loud more than once.
I felt like a fish on a line. For the first third I was allowed to meander leisurely enjoying little light bulbs of stimulating ideas. Then the middle third got a little heavier and I felt I was questioning the author's correlation and causation concepts. He pushed a little hard. I thought he was going to set the hook, but he did not.Then just when I was feeling annoyed he went the other way again, and I was once again delighted with the freedom to explore. The book made me THINK! My very favorite kind of thinking. I never totally bought everything he was saying but 80% of it was in the range that encouraged me to allow myself to think outside the box and consider some new ways of seeing things. I love the place where he stated that it is toxic and dangerous to press oneself to accept anything that doesn't quite fit for the sake of relieving the tension.
He talked from philosophy, psychology, personal experience, and the experiences of others. He did his very best to keep things in middle of the road but he swerved a bit, never hitting either line at the edges. In the end he did not reel me in, but he also did not cut the line. He helped me see the tension between faith and doubt. He was a tiny bit judgemental of atheists here and there, but he really did give it his best shot.
I feel more comfortable in the realization that the only people who are totally sure one way or the other are either deluded, afraid, or not terribly bright. It is clear that neurology, temperament, past experience, and accident of birth are all factors in how much we have faith and how much we doubt. The book pushed me to expand my range a bit more intentionally on this subject. I am very glad I read it and can whole heartedly recommend the book.
I felt like a fish on a line. For the first third I was allowed to meander leisurely enjoying little light bulbs of stimulating ideas. Then the middle third got a little heavier and I felt I was questioning the author's correlation and causation concepts. He pushed a little hard. I thought he was going to set the hook, but he did not.Then just when I was feeling annoyed he went the other way again, and I was once again delighted with the freedom to explore. The book made me THINK! My very favorite kind of thinking. I never totally bought everything he was saying but 80% of it was in the range that encouraged me to allow myself to think outside the box and consider some new ways of seeing things. I love the place where he stated that it is toxic and dangerous to press oneself to accept anything that doesn't quite fit for the sake of relieving the tension.
He talked from philosophy, psychology, personal experience, and the experiences of others. He did his very best to keep things in middle of the road but he swerved a bit, never hitting either line at the edges. In the end he did not reel me in, but he also did not cut the line. He helped me see the tension between faith and doubt. He was a tiny bit judgemental of atheists here and there, but he really did give it his best shot.
I feel more comfortable in the realization that the only people who are totally sure one way or the other are either deluded, afraid, or not terribly bright. It is clear that neurology, temperament, past experience, and accident of birth are all factors in how much we have faith and how much we doubt. The book pushed me to expand my range a bit more intentionally on this subject. I am very glad I read it and can whole heartedly recommend the book.
January 15, 2018
John Ortberg is one of my favorite pastors. He is witty, deep, and practical, juggling these well to make his sermons so good. And as expected, his books tend to be tightly and humorously written.
Know Doubt is one of his less tight and polished, yet humorous, works. Although his stories remain entertaining, I thought many of his points seemed to wander more than usual. Still, he makes many statements that had me doing a double take, as they were not what I expected an Evangelical Christian pastor to write. For example, admitting that a pastor has doubts (kind of a given since the title) is decidedly un-Evangelical and un-Christian from most traditional Christian backgrounds. This is a gutsy book that dares to open discussion on a rather taboo Christian subject.
3 stars
P.S. Be forewarned: This is a revised version of an earlier book of his, "Faith and Doubt." The change in the name of the title did cause confusion as to whether this was a new book/content, which it mostly is not.
Number of pages: 177
Number of my highlights: 138
My favorite quote(s):
Sometimes I get frustrated and feel that if I were only smarter I could figure the whole God-issue out beyond doubts.
We're all just atoms. Maybe so. But I don't know anyone who lives consistently with that idea.
They could live anywhere, but they live in Michigan. I asked him why. He said Esther likes Michigan. I asked him, "But what about you, Max?" He said, "I decided a long time ago that home is where Esther is." Home for Max is less about a place than a person.
Nobel laureate Czeslaw Milosz observed in The Discreet Charm of Nihilism, "A true opium of the people is the belief of nothingness after death--a huge solace for thinking that we are not going to be judged for our betrayals, greed, cowardice, murders."
"Almost nothing that makes any real difference can be proved." --Frederick Buechner
Know Doubt is one of his less tight and polished, yet humorous, works. Although his stories remain entertaining, I thought many of his points seemed to wander more than usual. Still, he makes many statements that had me doing a double take, as they were not what I expected an Evangelical Christian pastor to write. For example, admitting that a pastor has doubts (kind of a given since the title) is decidedly un-Evangelical and un-Christian from most traditional Christian backgrounds. This is a gutsy book that dares to open discussion on a rather taboo Christian subject.
3 stars
P.S. Be forewarned: This is a revised version of an earlier book of his, "Faith and Doubt." The change in the name of the title did cause confusion as to whether this was a new book/content, which it mostly is not.
Number of pages: 177
Number of my highlights: 138
My favorite quote(s):
Sometimes I get frustrated and feel that if I were only smarter I could figure the whole God-issue out beyond doubts.
We're all just atoms. Maybe so. But I don't know anyone who lives consistently with that idea.
They could live anywhere, but they live in Michigan. I asked him why. He said Esther likes Michigan. I asked him, "But what about you, Max?" He said, "I decided a long time ago that home is where Esther is." Home for Max is less about a place than a person.
Nobel laureate Czeslaw Milosz observed in The Discreet Charm of Nihilism, "A true opium of the people is the belief of nothingness after death--a huge solace for thinking that we are not going to be judged for our betrayals, greed, cowardice, murders."
"Almost nothing that makes any real difference can be proved." --Frederick Buechner
August 7, 2025
I've always struggled with doubt and in the Bible, I most identified with Thomas. As I've grown and matured in my faith, I've come to the point where I am comfortable with the fact that I have doubts that will come and go. My favorite quote from this book is "disciples are not people who never doubt. They doubt in worship. They doubt and serve. They doubt and help each other with their doubts. They doubt in practice faithfulness. They doubt and wait for their doubt one day to be turned to knowing." This really sums it up for me. John Ortberg has quickly become one of my favorite Christian authors. I've enjoyed all 6 of his books that I have read and have quite a few more on my list to read.
August 23, 2025
The doubters keep dying and faith keeps spreading
We often trust Jesus to get us into eternity, but we forget to trust him in our daily lives
God is a God of the third day
Gk Chesterton - If people cease to believe in God, they do not believe in nothing, they believe in everything
At your wedding vows, Would you tell your wife you’re 95% into the relationship?
Humans believe these two things:
There is a way we ought to behave And we also know we don’t live up to the standard
What is more impressive about creation is not the complexity of it but the goodness of it
What do I need to let go of in order to follow Jesus?
We don’t need a map - we need a guide
We often trust Jesus to get us into eternity, but we forget to trust him in our daily lives
God is a God of the third day
Gk Chesterton - If people cease to believe in God, they do not believe in nothing, they believe in everything
At your wedding vows, Would you tell your wife you’re 95% into the relationship?
Humans believe these two things:
There is a way we ought to behave And we also know we don’t live up to the standard
What is more impressive about creation is not the complexity of it but the goodness of it
What do I need to let go of in order to follow Jesus?
We don’t need a map - we need a guide
September 24, 2025
A good, instructive read. John Ortberg has a sound knowledge of his subject, a balanced understanding (to which I can say Amen), a comfortable knack of explaining and illustrating his points and an awesome sense of humour. However, I found some of his explanations and his build-up to the final chapter which, after all was the crux of the book, a bit long winded.
In spite of this, the book has great value to both the Christian who is plagued by doubts and the doubter who needs convincing of the existence of God and the fact that He loves humankind. It is a book that is truly worthwhile reading.
In spite of this, the book has great value to both the Christian who is plagued by doubts and the doubter who needs convincing of the existence of God and the fact that He loves humankind. It is a book that is truly worthwhile reading.
June 19, 2022
I always enjoy reading John Ortberg. This was a good overview of faith & doubt instead of getting stuck in the weeds. Some people would prefer a more intense study but I found there to be good amount of intellectual & spiritual to the arguments.
I also find it good to explore different Christian leaders discussion on the topic of faith & doubt. Andy Stanley has an honest look doubt and why he believes.
I also find it good to explore different Christian leaders discussion on the topic of faith & doubt. Andy Stanley has an honest look doubt and why he believes.
April 18, 2025
3.5 stars. I enjoyed reading this - the author writes well, is easy to read, makes great points and is also funny. I didn’t rate it higher because I found it more philosophical, more apologetical, and only minoring in theology. It’s helpful, but I wanted something that would take me further into the theological side of doubt.
August 11, 2019
I love Ortberg’s writing - easy to follow, understand and applicable to everyday life while addressing big theological questions. All his books I’ve read I’ve come away with greater understanding and encouraged in my faith. Highly recommend.
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