"Surprised by Doubt" is a remarkable book that offers a fresh perspective on the intersection of faith and doubt. In a world where skepticism and questioning have become increasingly common, Joshua Chatraw and Jack Carson provide an insightful guide for those seeking to enhance their spiritual lives and reconcile their doubts with their Christian identity.

The authors draw inspiration from C. S. Lewis's metaphorical house of Christianity, urging readers to move beyond the reactionary beliefs to explore the vast, more ancient main floors of the faith. This shift in perspective encourages a deeper exploration of the Christian tradition, ultimately leading to a more profound and resilient faith.

Chatraw and Carson combine pastoral care and intellectual rigor. They offer thoughtful insights to help Christians navigate the challenges they face. They also empathize with the emotional journey that often accompanies doubt. Whether it's anxiety, fear, anger, or frustration, Chatraw and Carson provide guidance on how to engage with these feelings in a way that is constructive and spiritually enriching.

"Surprised by Doubt" blends the wisdom of the past with a vision for the future of faith. The book is a beacon of hope for those who may be wrestling with uncertainty, showing that doubt need not spell the end of a Christian identity but can instead be a catalyst for a more profound and authentic faith. Chatraw and Carson’s work demonstrates that doubt is not the enemy of belief but rather a potential partner on the journey towards a deeper understanding of God.

Have you ever grappled with doubt and sought a way to reconcile it with your faith? Chatraw and Carson offer a road map for rediscovering and revitalizing one's relationship with Christianity, making it a valuable resource for both skeptics and seasoned believers. "Surprised by Doubt" is a meaningful exploration of faith's capacity to thrive in the face of doubt, and it's a book that has the power to enrich spiritual lives.

"A transformative journey through doubt, 'Surprised by Doubt' offers a guiding light for those who seek to rediscover the beauty of faith amid uncertainty." – A beacon of hope for believers seeking answers.

"Chatraw and Carson breathe new life into C. S. Lewis's metaphor, inviting readers to explore the vast, uncharted rooms of their faith." – Open the door to a deeper spirituality.

"This book is your companion on the winding road of doubt, offering solace, insight, and a path to a more profound, unshakable faith." – Walk through doubt's valley with newfound strength.

"With wisdom and empathy, 'Surprised by Doubt' reminds us that doubt can be a trusted friend, guiding us to a faith that's stronger and more vibrant than ever." – A guide to an unbreakable faith.

"In 'Surprised by Doubt,' doubt is not the end but a powerful beginning. It's a journey of self-discovery, faith renewal, and deep spiritual understanding." – The start of a profound adventure.

"For skeptics and believers alike, this book is an invitation to explore the uncharted territory of doubt and emerge with a faith that proves its lasting strength." – Doubt's invitation to a lasting faith.

"Discover the strength in vulnerability and the beauty in uncertainty. 'Surprised by Doubt' is a heartfelt embrace of the spiritual quest, flaws and all." – Embrace your spiritual imperfections.

"This book combines intellectual depth with pastoral care, offering a lifeline for those caught in the storm of doubt, helping them find solid ground in their faith." – Navigating doubt with grace and resilience.

"In a world of questions, 'Surprised by Doubt' provides the answers you need to revitalize your faith. A powerful call to rediscover the essence of Christianity." – Rediscover the essence of faith.

"An indispensable guide for those who dare to question. 'Surprised by Doubt' shows that in the midst of doubt, a profound faith awaits." – Dare to question, embrace a deeper faith.

I didn’t get to finish the book before it came out and I lost access, but the first third was great and I appreciated hearing more during TGC. I didn’t personally experience these things, but I found it helpful in thinking through how to talk with and help others who have grown up in fundamentalism.

Suprised by Doubt by Joshua Gathrow and Jack Carson has an audience, and I think that audience is a very specific niche. And I’m afraid I have to say I’m not entirely in that niche, which is why this book mostly wasn’t what I was looking for though the ending more than made up for it. It’s hard to rate a book that can bring much peace and understanding to others but 90% didn’t do much for me personally, so I’ll try to describe why it failed for me and what the intended audience is.

I think this book would be perfect for people still in the evangelical/calvinist fundamentalist world, and are doubting whether it’s true. If you’re fed up with the same answers and how you need to fake happiness, and you’re basically disillusioned with faith as it is.

This is a beginner friendly introduction on how to find renewed faith after being disillusioned with the fundamentalistic worldview. There are lots of examples of historical figures and what they thought which is really interesting and makes you realise these doubts are of all the ages. The authors take you in depth with the problems of evangelicalism and want to offer a more basic faith. It doesn’t have anything to offer on progressive christianity or other paths like agnosticism or spirituality, in fact they make cases against it, but they want to stay true to the original meaning of christianity, one of love and meaning and mystery and justice.

For me, I’m a little further along my journey. I’ve rediscovered the meaning of faith, know all the arguments, know my CS Lewis quotes, read a ton, and am still very much doubting christianity is real. For me, this book was written from “the attic” of fundamentalism with arguments I’ve heard before so often they fall flat to me. I don’t have the mindset of a christian anymore to agree with a lot of the statements.

I feel like the authors are making a case using the same evangelistic apologetics they dislike… I’ve definitely heard it before and even used it myself when I was a fundamentalist. The assumption that people are selfish is one I definitely don’t share. The idea that justice is a sign that christianity is true, doesn’t ring true, as there are lots of other explanations why we crave justice.

There is a lot on open spirituality, where it is explained how hollow and self righteous it is compared to christianity, which apparently has a fixed set of rules to believe that makes all the difference, felt very condescending and didn’t make me see at all how christianity (aside from those fixed rules) is any different from open spirituality.

Aside from that, I did like the other information offered. The book is easy to read, it has a nice flow and keeps the interest - and is also quite short which I like. There is a clear structure and narrative. I did have trouble with my concentration in the long middle though, but that’s because I already know most of the information being given - and I kept thinking of counterarguments. I did like what the middle was trying to do, provide a counterargument to leaving christianity, but I just heard it before and it just wasn’t for me. I kept reading because it’s an arc, and it was worth it because the last part was very interesting and really helped me gain another perspective. I have no idea if it’s enough but maybe it’ll be one day.

I received an e-arc through Netgalley, thanks to the publisher, but it hasn’t influenced my opinions.