Benefit of the Doubt
Breaking the Idol of Certainty
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4.4 • 5 Ratings
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- $10.99
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- $10.99
Publisher Description
In Benefit of the Doubt, influential theologian, pastor, and bestselling author Gregory Boyd invites readers to embrace a faith that doesn't strive for certainty, but rather for commitment in the midst of uncertainty. Boyd rejects the idea that a person's faith is as strong as it is certain. In fact, he makes the case that doubt can enhance faith and that seeking certainty is harming many in today's church. Readers who wrestle with their faith will welcome Boyd's message that experiencing a life-transforming relationship with Christ is possible, even with unresolved questions about the Bible, theology, and ethics. Boyd shares stories of his own painful journey, and stories of those to whom he has ministered, with a poignant honesty that will resonate with readers of all ages.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Influential theologian and pastor Boyd (Letters from a Skeptic) is not, per se, a confident Christian. Indeed, he wrestles with doubt, and believes other Christians should also. The author inveighs against Christian environments where questioning matters of faith is suspect, and expressing doubt is considered "misguided, self-indulgent, idolatrous, and even dangerous." An autobiographical and theological refutation of the glorification of Christian certitude, this book is a narrative of skeptic solidarity and essay on Christian doubt. It proves a comforting read for anyone struggling with the faith handed to them and a challenge to Christians who rely on cognitive conviction. Boyd bluntly argues that a covenantal relationship with God through Jesus is preferred to psychological certainty, developing his argument solidly with reference to his own story and the narrative of Scripture. Although a bit long and occasionally tedious, this book is highly recommended for skeptic and Christian alike; it could well breathe new life into the dwindling embers of a person's faith.
Customer Reviews
When Faith and Doubt Collide!
Every book I have read by Greg Boyd has impacted my life and my faith in ways I never expected, always drawing me closer to Jesus. Greg is a "Jesus freak" in the best sense of the word, always honoring Jesus and placing him above all else.
I give "Benefit of the Doubt" 5 stars, not because I agreed with everything he wrote, but because everything he wrote made me think. It challenged me to dig deeper into what I actually believe. Most of my theology has been developed haphazardly over a lifetime of embracing teaching after teaching that I often had to later adapt or sometimes reject. I wish this book had been around when I was a new believer, it would have helped me in my journey with Jesus and the Bible.
I am still "wrestling with God" (a phrase from the book) over many questions I cannot find solid answers to in the Bible. Benefit of the Doubt didn't answer any of these questions for me, but it gave me Biblical and Christi-logical reasons to continue to wrestle through the questions without shame or guilt.
The most amazing concept this book gave me is the difference between "contractual" and "covenantal" faith. I confess that I have often approached the Scriptures like a lawyer, looking for iron clad assurances that would "guarantee" earthly outcomes to my prayers. The chapter on "Legal Deals or Binding Love" is alone worth the price of this book.
This is a book I had to sit with and some sections I had to re-read more than once, as I found myself erecting barriers in my mind to his initial statements. It was not easy for me to let down my well guarded theological "convictions" and take an honest look at the what I thought were solidly held Biblical beliefs.
In the end, I can honestly say that there is genuine benefit to questioning our beliefs. It will help purify and strengthen our faith. Not because we can be "certain" of everything, but to have the confidence that the Bible serves it's inerrant purpose of pointing us to the one and only sure author of our faith--Jesus the Son of God!
Thank you Greg Boyd for your courage and honesty in writing this book.