One of the topics that I have brought up in the past (see here and here) is the issue of doubt. It is a huge reality in the Christian life, and it is unfortunate that there is so much bad counsel in handling it. To make matters worse, we live in a postmodern ethos that appraises doubt and skepticism as a virtue, calling into question anyone who has confidence in God or assurance in their faith. The ditches on either side are colossal. On the one hand, there are those who tell you that if you ever doubt (think you are 99% saved = being 100% lost), you need to get saved, “nail it down,” or rededicate your life; on the other hand, there are those who argue that you can never have assurance of salvation or confidence in God. Both attitudes of triumphalism and nihilism should be carefully avoided. In any case, I came a cross a recent reprinting of Alister McGrath’s book Doubting which was recently published by InterVarsity (January 2007) and believe it could be a helpful resource for those who are wrestling with this issue.
McGrath argues that doubt is not a sign of spiritual weakness–rather it’s an indication of spiritual growing pains. He concludes with these wise words:
Doubt is a subject that many Christians find both difficult and sensitive. They may see it as something shameful and disloyal, on the same level as heresy. As a result, it is often something that they don’t–or won’t–talk about. They suppress it. Others fall into the opposite trap–they get totally preoccupied by doubt. They get overwhelmed by it. They lose sight of God through concentrating on themselves. Yet doubt is something too important to be treated in either of these ways. Viewed positively, doubt provides opportunities for spiritual growth. It tests your faith and shows you where it is vulnerable. It forces you to think about your faith and not just take it for granted. It stimulates you to strengthen the foundations of your relationship with God.
I hope that this book will not just help you to handle doubts, but will allow you to begin evolving strategies for spiritual discipline and growth, developing both the personal and doctrinal aspects of your faith. Viewed positively, doubt can be a way to rediscovering the full depths of faith and growing in your commitment to the gospel. It is a constant reminder that we need to discover more of this God who has called us, who invites us to know him more fully and deeply. Be reassured that “the one who called you is faithful, and he will do this” (1 Thessalonians 5:24).
Here’s the details:
Title: Doubting: Growing Through the Uncertainties of Faith
Author: Alister McGrath
Publisher: InterVarsity
Date: January, 2007
Pages: 155
ISBN: 0-8308-3352-8
Format: paperback
You said the book is a reprint, what was the original date of publication? Have you finished reading the book? If so, does McGrath engage the “postmodern ethos” you mentioned?
I ask because this book may be a great help to one of our young converts seeking to renew his mind in God’s truth.
Klay,
The book was first published in 1990 under a slightly different title. I have not read the book thoroughly, so I want to make it a point to say that this is not a book review but rather a book alert. I do these frequently when new or upcoming releases come out, and I want to highlight a book that I or others might be interested in. Therefore, I cannot tell you at this time whether or to what degree McGrath addresses the postmodern ethos. Unfortunately, this book does not have an index. It does, however, have a nice, condensed bibliography of books which give good treatment to the subject of doubt.
So doing a brief and cursory look, McGrath does address doubt and its relationship to atheism (ch. 3) and “the search for certainty” (ch. 2). The latter part of the book deals specifically with doubt in the Christian life, namely about the gospel (ch. 6), about yourself (ch. 7), about Jesus Christ (ch. 8), and about God (ch. 9). I hope that helps a little bit!
I am also working with some young Christians, and we are currently going through John Stott’s Basic Christianity. I don’t know if you have seen or read it, but it is a very good intro book to understanding the gospel as well as layinga theological foundation for their faith. Also, you might want to check out a book by Winfried Corduan called No Doubt About It: The Case for Christianity wherein he addresses doubt in a more apologetic and in-depth way.
I am excited to hear about the new Christians in your life. If there is any way I can be of some help, please let me know.
Timmy
Thanks – as a new believer from a non-religious background he is necessarily examining the basic tenets of the faith and I encourage Him to know what & why he believes. Unfortuanately, he got ahold of some Emergent/Rob Bell/Nooma stuff. We had a long discussion and study of God’s Word. One of the things that appealed to him was Bell’s allowance for questioning and searching (Velvet Elvis – doctrine as trampoline springs if you’re familiar). Right now, I’m putting together a suggested reading list for him and your book alert peaked my interest.