Surprised by Doubt
How Disillusionment Can Invite Us into a Deeper Faith
by Joshua D. Chatraw; Jack Carson
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Pub Date Aug 29 2023 | Archive Date Sep 22 2023
Baker Academic & Brazos Press | Brazos Press
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Description
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.
Advance Praise
“Reading Surprised by Doubt is like sitting in a comfortable room and enjoying a thoughtful conversation with generous and stimulating hosts. You leave feeling challenged, more knowledgeable, heard, and understood. The coffee is on. Come. And be sure to invite your friends.”—Karen Swallow Prior, author of The Evangelical Imagination: How Stories, Images, and Metaphors Created a Culture in Crisis
“For too long, doubt has wrongly been considered to be worthy of condemnation, and the unfortunate reaction to the condemnation of doubt has been the misguided idea that doubt is to be celebrated. Josh Chatraw and Jack Carson take a better approach, which is to address doubt, to seek to aid in the alleviation of burdensome doubts, and to comfort in the midst of doubt. This is apologetics at its best, grounded ultimately not in a rigid confidence in the ‘right ideas’ but in the person of Jesus, who is himself the Word, the Way, the Truth, and the Life. This book will help you trust him.”—Michael Wear, president and CEO of the Center for Christianity and Public Life; author of The Spirit of Our Politics
“Moving more deeply into a post-Christian and secular culture, we are increasingly ‘surprised by doubt.’ In our pews, in our homes, and in our own hearts. Josh Chatraw and Jack Carson have written a book ‘for such a time as this,’ a warm, urgent, thoughtful, and practical book that invites us into a faith more expansive, captivating, and compelling than we could have imagined.”—Richard Beck, author of Hunting Magic Eels: Recovering an Enchanted Faith in a Skeptical Age
“As a Great Storyteller once said, houses built on sand tend to fall flat at the first gust of wind. The edifice of personal faith is also prone to swift deconstruction when built on flimsy footings. This book is a gift to anyone seeking to reconstruct Christian faith on firmer foundations, with Josh Chatraw and Jack Carson acting as seasoned structural engineers. As they map out the house of faith, you will find they provide an invaluable guide to making sense of belief, doubt, and Christianity. If you (or someone you know) is surprised by doubt, read this book.”—Justin Brierley, author and broadcaster
“Joshua Chatraw and Jack Carson invite us to explore our doubts, to embrace the gnawing questions, to tackle the anxieties we have about faith, truth, and everything in between. This is a great book about how to build a house of faith from the debris of doubt. Terrific for believers, skeptics, and inquirers alike.”—Michael F. Bird, academic dean and lecturer in New Testament, Ridley College, Melbourne, Australia
“Most pastors struggle to know what to recommend when a friend or church member asks for a book on doubt. Doubt is easily misunderstood and sometimes abused. It needs wise counselors and generous friends, which are hard to find in a book. At last, I have a book to recommend! Josh Chatraw and Jack Carson treat doubt with respect and tenderness, walking a path of steadfast hope rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ. I’m grateful for these wise counselors and generous friends, and I look forward to introducing others to them.”—Rev. John Yates III, rector of Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Raleigh, North Carolina
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781587435591 |
| PRICE | $21.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 192 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Kayla S, Reviewer
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.
Kevin W, Educator
"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.
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