Faith & Doubt
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Faith & Doubt
by
John Ortberg
What if the most important word is the one in the middle?
We often think of doubt as the opposite of faith, but could it actually strengthen our relationship with God? According to John Ortberg, best-selling author and pastor, the very nature of faith requires the presence of uncertainty. In this refreshingly candid look at a life of faith, he traces the line between
Paperback, 192 pages
Published
September 5th 2008
by Zondervan
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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...more
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...more
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 wi...more
"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 wi...more
This is my third Ortberg book, and based on what I've read so far, I look forward to reading more. Every book of his that I've read is honest, straightforward, and witty -- all without being preachy. Very down to earth. This book was especially wonderful -- mostly because it hit so close to home. I am always struggling with doubt and kicking myself for not having stronger faith. Ortberg explains that we all have doubts -- no one is 100% one way or the other when it comes to faith. Doubt is actua...more
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 an...more
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 an...more
Er packt das Thema sehr gut an und ich möchte jeden empfehlen das Buch zu lesen. Egal ob man selbst mit Zweifel zu tun hat um einen besser Verständnis für das Thematik zu bekommen oder selbst mit Zweifel keinen Problem hat und dadurch die Menschen um einem herum besser zu verstehen die immer wieder mit Zweifel zu kämpfen haben.
John Ortberg has a gift for teaching practical application of Biblical truths. He is an inspired speaker. I always left his sermons feeling uplifted & was very sad when he left the Chicago area for sunny California. His books are thought provoking, practical, down-to-earth, and encouraging towards self-discovery rather than spoon feeding facts.
The new title of this book is Know Doubt. Again, another book I wish that I read ten years ago. It's nice to know that others have doubt too.
I think this has great information, is inspirational and is presented in a format that is easy to read.
Not as good as some of his previous books, but still the same easy going style that I've come to appreciate. The last few chapters truly make the book. Honest and open while getting to you thinking.
Powerful and thought-provoking.
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Tremendous book on dealing with the tension between faith & doubt... as usual, John Ortberg writes in a personal, thoughtful style with flashes of humor that is disarming & wise. If I wasn't a pastor myself, I'd probably try to be somewhere I could hear this man teach on a regular basis.
The book is probably best for those who believe but are struggling with doubts (for folks who've not yet chosen to believe, I'd probably send them to Tim Keller's "The Reason for God").
The book is probably best for those who believe but are struggling with doubts (for folks who've not yet chosen to believe, I'd probably send them to Tim Keller's "The Reason for God").
Great so far
Who doesn't have doubts about their religious upbringing? Who hasn't wondered about the validity of God? Religion is usually only discussed at church...they are definitely in the Pro camp...or at atheist gatherings...pretty sure they're in the Anti camp. This book is John Ortberg's treatise on faith & doubt and why the two are not mutually exclusive. I enjoyed it.
This book was a very compassionate and thoughtful discussion about the importance of doubt as a part of being faithful. And having faith in the face of doubt, and in fact having a stronger faith because of doubt. Really interesting take, and sort of bridged the gap for me between believing while questioning, and naive "blind faith".
In a friendly, conversational style, Ortberg mixes exposition (for understanding), story (for empathy), image (for tickling the imagination), and humor (for lifting spirits) to create a wonderful balm for the doubting soul. If Ortberg's other books are as good as this, I look forward to reading them all.
Faith without doubt is as invalid as doubt without faith.
Through examples, the author illustrates that a bit of both is actually a healthy combination.
Everyone will understand the book depending on where they are in their life.
Let go of....and have faith
Through examples, the author illustrates that a bit of both is actually a healthy combination.
Everyone will understand the book depending on where they are in their life.
Let go of....and have faith
I was struggling and I needed this book this week. John Orberg always knows how to relay a message to me so that I "Get it". Well done! I need to read more of your books!
You've gotta read this one. I am inclined to enjoy Ortberg, I'll admit, but this is a really good read. Thought-provoking. Encouraging.
This was one of the most insightful books I have read. John Ortberg is an amazing author and gives me so much to think on and remember.
Anything by Ortberg is worth reading
excellent book for anyone with questions about doubt
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