Faith Under Fire: Dramatic Stories of Christian Courage

by Matthew Archbold

Faith Under Fire: Dramatic Stories of Christian Courage celebrates the lives of eighteen Christian men, women, and children who chose to do what they knew to be right, even if the rest of the world hated them for it. Read the fascinating behind-the-scenes true stories of Christians who made the headlines, including: Mother Antonia Brenner, Heather Mercer, Fr. Mychal Judge, Jill Stanek, Sister Laura Mainetti, Jack Phillips, Joe Kennedy, and George Isajiw.

These behind-the-scenes stories of Christians who made courageous decisions in a moment of crisis, reveal the courage and inner strength of these individuals who chose life in Christ, even when it meant public ridicule, rejection, or death.

This book is about decisions and consequences and the emotional journey in between, and delivers a beautiful and much-needed message of hope. Each story concludes with questions that may be used for group discussion or personal reflection.

Genres: Faith, Nonfiction

123 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 30, 2016

Reviews

[Julie Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The stories in this book reveal a world that can seem increasingly dark, and I fear that things will grow darker still in the years to come. And yet these stories also reveal what happens when darkness encounters light: The light is not extinguished at all. It just appears brighter in the advancing darkness. ...

This is not a book about a gunman who attacked a schoolhouse; it's about the little girl who sacrificed herself for her classmates. This book isn't about abortion, but about the doctor who dedicated his life to helping women with crisis pregnancies. And this isn't about the radical terrorists who kill, but about those who choose love over life.

This is a book about hope and faith and light, and while it includes some terrible events, in the end it is, I believe, a hopeful book about love in a world that's often surprised and sometimes even opposed to those who show it.

Part of what attracted me to this book was the fact that these are modern people, not canonized saints but saints-in-training as we might say. It has not only the dramatic stories mentioned above but those about a man who prays the rosary, a baker who loves his work, and a basketball player getting to play her first NCAA game. Some stories made me cry and some seemed all too familiar, but all of them inspired me.

Matthew Archbold has a real talent for telling these stories with sincerity but without pathos. He helps us see how these stories connect with our own lives, whether through his introductions or the three discussion questions that close each chapter. And that makes us realize that we too are saints-in-training, called to stand up for our faith under fire, even if just in the very small ways that present themselves in everyday life.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a relatively short book Faith Under Fire, Matthew Archbold shares 18 stories of men, women and children standing up against the odds for their Christian beliefs. Through these stories, Archbold shows that even faced with censure, loss of jobs, prison or even death, these individuals triumphed. Each story is preceded by a selection from the Bible and followed by a series of questions for reflection or discussion. In times like we are facing now, these serve as a reminder that Christian persecution is not new, and that others have stood strong in their beliefs. The question now is can we be as strong in our beliefs and faith as they have been.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and Franciscan Media in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Janka H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is enriching and inspiring collection!

Author Matthew Archbold shares 18 stories of men, women and children serving God and us by their courage in professing the faith. Their faith is shown in many circumstances of the modern life - from real death threats (or even real killings) to simply staying their grounds in the good fight (and the professional and medial threats are scary, too). I have benn very much inspired!
All the stories have something to say to its reader (probably according to their situation in life) and the values they are showing can back you up in the everyday (or oxtraordinary) decisions to life your faith. I was very much inspired by the stories of Fr. Mychal Judge and Jill Stanek amongst the others.
I think that this inspiring book ashould be read within Christian communities (and non-believers, as well) to show how Christians care - for the others and for their values.

Most stories are of Catholic background - any every one of them is of Christian background.

To offer a small piece of critique, too - some slightly political aspects (like the style of the public/political fights) do not sit with me well. But I am not American, so it might be both my European background and the European style of writing I am surrounded with that might be responsible for this slight discomfort.

[Amy Supernaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

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[Lorraine Shelstad · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of the stories were good but some were just mediocre.

[Patrice Fagnant-macarthur · Rating 5 out of 5]

What would you do if your Christian faith was put to the test in dramatic fashion? In "Faith Under Fire," Matthew Archbold shares “modern stories of practicing Christians who – faced with the prospect of pain, persecution, or even death – chose faith and love.”

Archbold offers examples of those who have exhibited great forgiveness, loved strangers, trusted God when all the odds were against them, sacrificed themselves in service to others, and showed courage I the faith of great opposition. Each chapter is introduced by a quote from Scripture, contains one profile, and includes discussion questions suitable for private reflection or use in a group setting.

Each chapter can stand alone as a moving testimony to the power of faith. Archbold invites readers into each of these profiles, setting the scene, providing backstory, and then centering on the individual(s) making positive choices in the face of pain and evil. The stories are powerful and heart-wrenching. Read them with a box of tissues nearby. “While it includes some terrible events, in the end it is . . . a hopeful book about love in a world that’s often surprised and sometimes even opposed to those who show it.”

“Faith Under Fire” offers powerful examples of how to live. Those of us who read it can only hope and pray that if put to the test in such a fashion, we would respond with the same inspiring level of courage and love.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Messages of hope are gifts from the Lord. And when told in the form of a real life story, the impact is even greater.

Archbold writes as if he is sitting in your living room, telling the kind of story that draws people overhearing them, in from the other rooms.

This book is full of powerful stories of courage….stories that leave you with hope. Reading through them gives the opportunity to see how these apply in one’s own life. How have I been challenged to stay faithful? How can I be a witness to Christ?

Most of us will not likely be asked to give to the extreme that most of these people have. Our tasks are more ordinary, our encounters more subtle. But more and more we are being confronted. The line is being drawn in the sand. Do I really believe what I say I do? Does that really affect my speech and deeds?

From stories of war to stories of career challenges, the drama comes down to one thing- faith.

Looking for inspiration? Looking to draw strength from others in the conviction of faith?

Pick up Faith Under Fire, and be moved to pick up your daily cross, and follow Jesus to the hope and joy of the Resurrection!

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

A timely look at modern Christians who spent their lives (and in some cases gave their lives) doing what they knew to be right, even if they were dismissed, hated or persecuted for it. 18 courageous Christians are profiled in this book. As each chapter runs 10 pages or less, this book is tailor-made for people who don’t have much time to read. This book would be an excellent Confirmation gift and will appeal to readers in high school and up. Discussion questions at the end of each chapter make it perfect for study groups. The mini-biographies in this book are classified according to virtue: forgiveness, loving strangers, trusting God, self-sacrifice and courage.

[Deacon Tom (Feeling Better) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice Book

These stories about courage and faith are truly inspiring. The author provides a wide range of situations across the globe so that they are relatable to as many people as possible.

[Theresa Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very inspiring stories, ones that need to be told. We're in a real spiritual war and we must be ready to arm ourselves.