Faithless

by Seth Walker

Raised in an extreme Christian household, Seth entered Theological College at the age of 20, and by the age of 24 was living and working in one of the most deprived housing estates in England. He served a a priest for 10 years before attempting suicide. “Have you ever questioned whether you are doing the right thing?” Beginning with his bungled suicide attempt, Faithless charts the incidents within his ministry that led him to that point. He met a cult leader, fought with a wife beating alcoholic, performed an exorcism, made a visit to a haunted house, had an attempt on his life by a man who showed signs of being possessed and helped to rebuild a family after their baby died and their other children were taken into care. These incidents have one common thread. A young man, with little life experience struggling to find the right thing to do in some of the most desperate situations. All the time, his once boundless faith was dwindling, as logic and tragedy forced him to take a different path.

240 pages, Paperback

First published February 3, 2022

About the author

There is more than one author with this name
Seth Walker was born in the UK to 60s to parents whose life choices were determined by a strong Christian faith. He spent over 30 years working with people in need. Now he mainly helps others who work with people in need. His family is his life – and walking with his wife and children across the valley to call the deer is “priceless”. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Reviews

[Keli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Content/Trigger Warning: distressing content includes attempted suicide, self-harm, attempted murder, violence, the occult, spiritual warfare, demonic possession, faith crisis, swearing etc.

‘Faithless’ is a fascinating book about the life and ministry of an ex-priest, Seth Walker, who is now an atheist and sceptic. I found it difficult to put the book down but it’s not easy reading. The book is shocking in places, especially the opening pages, yet it is a true account of the authors life. I have read similar books, written by members of the clergy, or ex-members of the clergy but some are sensationalistic and promote fear, and propaganda. Seth is simply sharing his journey. And what a journey…

Seth’s journey takes him from suffering from night terrors as a child to being a young and ill-prepared lay minister living and working on a rough and socially deprived council estate serving members of the ‘underclass’ of society. These people are victims of life more than anything. Seth’s predecessor was the victim of a horrific, brutal attempted murder in his own home by a gang of kids high on drugs/glue-sniffing whilst fooling around with the occult: a oujiboard. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to continue reading at that point. It sounded terrifying and I’m so glad that he [the victim] survived. Seth had to live in that same house and make it his home. Can you imagine?

Although spiritual warfare and a few cases of demonic possession/demonisation are mentioned in the book, Seth tries to be rational and questions the authenticity of each case; is it really demonic or a mental health issue? It’s a good thing that he does question suspected demonic activity and is able to stay calm and take authority over the situation. Some of the scenarios include: demonic presence in a house, supernatural strength in a petite and mature lady attacking her husband and Seth, a suicidal man self-harming and intent on killing himself, a man hissing and writhing like a snake on the floor, and others.

Overall, initially, I wasn’t sure about reading ‘Faithless’ because I’ve experienced a crisis of faith too. At times, I had nothing to hold on to and I was concerned that reading this book may unsettle me and shake my faith. It didn’t. I’m so glad that I chose to read ‘Faithless’. I can’t escape the irony of a line in the book; ‘becoming a christian is hard, but staying a christian is even harder.’ I empathise with Seth Walker’s apathy and spiritual desolation; his point of view. In his own words, he was ill-prepared for the responsibilties put upon his shoulders and it crushed him. When he cried out to God … Nothing. This is a very powerful testimony. I like how he ends the book.

Seth, if you read this review: I prefer the way you did it to the way I didn’t.

There are a number of typo’s that I couldn’t overlook. Otherwise I’d give the book 5 stars.

[Moona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Faithless by Seth Walker is a raw and deeply personal memoir that explores the author’s journey from devoted faith to profound doubt. Raised in an ultra-religious environment, Seth entered Theological College at 20, full of conviction and purpose. By 24, he was serving as a priest in one of England’s most impoverished areas, navigating challenges that would test even the most steadfast faith.

The book begins with a harrowing suicide attempt, setting the tone for a brutally honest account of the events that led him there. Seth recounts encounters with a cult leader, domestic violence, exorcisms, haunted houses, and a life-threatening attack. Each experience is vividly portrayed, showcasing the impossible moral dilemmas he faced as a young priest with limited life experience.

Through these anecdotes, Faithless examines the erosion of faith in the face of tragedy, logic, and human suffering. Walker’s reflections reveal the complexity of balancing spiritual beliefs with real-world challenges, making this a thought-provoking read for those interested in religion, doubt, and the human condition.

This memoir is a compelling exploration of faith’s fragility and resilience, offering insights into the personal cost of serving others while questioning oneself.

[Julia Upton · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was disappointed, and started skipping after the first eight chapters. There are many stories of hardship and deprivation where Seth was working, and it becomes clear that while trying to work with some severe mental health problems in others, he had been living with some of his own for a long time. What I felt was lacking from the story was more analysis of his own theology. Otherwise it’s a familiar story of faith failing in the face of deep human suffering, and where clergy find alternative employment if their vocation lapses.

[Progress Wings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

Its a story of Seth, a priest who faces tough times and doubts his faith. It starts with Seth trying to end his life but failing. Throughout the book, Seth deals with scary situations like exorcisms and helping troubled families.

Each challenge makes Seth wonder if he's doing the right thing. Despite his doubts, Seth keeps helping people.

The story is realistic and keeps you hooked until the end. It's a thrilling read for anyone who likes mysteries and stories about faith.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!

“Faithless” by Seth is a raw, powerful journey through the highs and lows of a priest’s life in an extraordinary parish. With remarkable honesty, Seth dives into his experiences—performing exorcisms, facing tragedies, and even escaping a man who seemed possessed. His story reveals the weight of serving others in the church and the struggles that come with it. Seth's openness about his dwindling faith and mental health feels incredibly relatable and important. If you're thinking about becoming a Vicar, or just want an eye-opening, heartfelt read, this book will move you deeply.

[Nikita Zoë · Rating 1 out of 5]

There were numerous typos and errors in this book which made the whole thing come across as a bit of a rushed job. I think Seth has quite a high opinion of himself throughout most of the book... Maybe I'm being harsh? But it did seem slightly conceited in places.

All in all, it's a quick read with some humour.