Knowing Darkness: On Skepticism, Melancholy, Friendship, and God

by Addison Hodges Hart

Too often, Christians who find themselves feeling skeptical or melancholy are perplexed, troubled, or even ashamed. In Knowing Darkness Addison Hodges Hart provocatively argues that both skepticism and melancholy are not necessarily detrimental but can actually strengthen and deepen Christian faith. / Citing diverse examples ranging from Ecclesiastes and Job to Mother Teresa and Jack Kerouac, Hart shows how skepticism and sadness can inform faith ― and how genuine spiritual friendships can sustain those experiencing dark times. / Hart’s forthright, engaging reflections will inspire readers to broaden their ideas about belief and thus find a more authentic faith.

Genres: Theology, Spirituality

144 pages, Paperback

First published August 15, 2009

Reviews

[Daniel Burch · Rating 5 out of 5]

An essential read for every Christian and/or critical thinker. Fascinating point-of-view on how melancholy, sadness, loneliness, skepticism and other “heavy emotions” can be beneficial to a strong faith.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoughtful, occasionally profound, and liberating to some extent.

[Bryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a pleasure to read because of its superb writing and depth of substance. For quite some time I've thought that Ecclesiastes ought to be the first book of the Bible us moderns should read, and this book exquisitely and provocatively explains why. The book could be subtitled "from religion to reality" and deserves a wide readership since so many of us seem to fall prey to mistaken notions about both.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid little book on the validity of being sad and experiencing melancholy on occasion. Too often Christians come across as if faith means being happy all the time and always smiling (exhibit a- much contemporary worship music). Harts book is helpful in reminding us that normal humanity includes dark nights of the soul. It is in such experiences that we experience the deepness of friendship with God and others

[ISH · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first chapters and bits of the last chapter on melancholy and scepticism were phenomenal. I wish every Christian would read that and learn from it. However, the chapters on friendship were okay, not as much new or deep insights. Overall I thought it was a great book and I can really recommend reading it.

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 5 star rating is really more about the author and his approach than about how the text itself impacted me. This book is full of wisdom, written well, and broaches topics that are sorely lacking investigation in modern Christianity. I may not agree with all his sentiments but they’re beautiful, necessary and helpful.

[Jordan Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend this book for anyone that has experienced depression, grief, questioning their faith, or overall skepticism (or if someone you love does) It’s not well known but should be! Reads similar to a CS Lewis style book. Was really helpful and encouraging to me.

[Andy Lind · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read for these dark times.

[Ian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good. Loved the importance given to friendship and the simple style.

[Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that's all about finding hope in the darkness. I'd recommend this to anyone because life isn't always sunshine and thankfulness.

[Peter · Rating 3 out of 5]

very short, somewhat disjointed, but also profound