Description
Book Synopsis"Those at a faith crossroads will want to pick this up."--Publishers Weekly The Gospel Coalition 2023 Book Award (Evangelism & Apologetics) Even those who live by faith sometimes doubt. Those doubts don't have to mean the end of Christian identity. In Surprised by Doubt, Joshua Chatraw and Jack Carson help readers rediscover a deeper faith in the midst of a confusing world. They invite skeptics and doubters to explore the ancient faith for a new perspective on contemporary Christianity. Chatraw and Carson build on C. S. Lewis's metaphor that envisions Christianity as a house with many rooms, suggesting that readers move beyond the cramped attic of reactionary versions of the faith to explore the larger, more ancient main floors of the house. With pastoral care and intellectual rigor, Chatraw and Carson not only help Christians think through the issues confronting them. They also help readers engage their emotional journey of anxiety, fear, anger, and frustration. Readers will discover the wisdom of the past and ways to reimagine a faith that can thrive alongside doubt.
Table of ContentsContents
Preface: Confessions of a Theologian
Part 1: The Attic
1. This Isn't How They Told Us It Would Be
2. An Invitation to Explore the House of Faith
3. Looking Back to Look at the Attic
4. Life in the Attic
5. Finding a Better Posture
Part 2: Outside the House
6. New Atheism
7. Optimistic Skepticism
8. Open Spirituality
9. Mythic Truth
Interlude: Before Exploring Downstairs
Part 3: The Main Floor
Perspective 1: Looking At
10. The Historical Foundation
11. The Person at the Center
12. The Load-Bearing Walls
Perspective 2: Looking Through
13. Wagering Wisely
14. A Window to See Through
Perspective 3: Stepping In
15. "But I Still Can't Believe! Now What?"
16. Practicing Your Way through Doubt
Epilogue: Praying with the Dead
