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Introduction to my upcoming book: "Questioning my Childlike Faith"

 

Introduction:


If you are reading this, you might be a Christian who has started to notice cracks in the foundation of your faith and are worried about what that might mean.  Or perhaps you no longer believe, and are left feeling scared of the new reality you have found yourself in.  

The purpose of this book is to assure you that those feelings are completely normal.  In fact, it’s healthy to challenge your own beliefs.  It’s also common to fear concepts that you no longer believe in. 

Growing up in church, it is encouraged to have a “childlike faith.”   We are often told to simply trust and believe.  But what does that actually mean?  Children often believe in many things that are not real (Santa Claus, Tooth Fairy, Easter Bunny, etc..) simply because they trusted adults.   As these children begin to grow, it is a natural process to ask questions and eventually uncover the truth.  As parents, we should encourage this, as it’s a natural part of maturing. 

Questioning religious beliefs is no different.   If a belief is fundamentally true, it should be able to withstand the most rigorous, exhausting questioning you can throw at it. Truth does not fear scrutiny.  Take the scientific process for example.  A theory is published in peer-reviewed journals so that other scientists can try to prove it wrong.   A scientific theory is never accepted just because a scientist claimed it to be so. 

When a group restricts your ability to ask questions, or makes you feel guilty for research outside information, that is a huge red flag.  This is often a tactic of high control groups, or even cults. An objective truth should welcome scrutiny!

When you finally allow yourself to ask the hard questions, there are really only two possible outcomes. The first is that you find solid, satisfying answers. If that happens, your faith is affirmed; it grows stronger, deeper, and you become better equipped to defend it. You could also realize the foundation isn't sturdy, and you no longer hold those beliefs as strongly as you once did. But no matter which path your questions lead you down, the process itself is a victory. It means you stepped out of your comfort zone and asked the hard questions. It means you were honest with yourself.

My journey went the latter way but was not an overnight decision. It was not a choice to rebel against God. It was a slow realization that I was no longer convinced, somewhat similar to that child realizing the pieces of the Santa story no longer fit together.

This book is my story. I am not here to talk down to you or imply that you are irrational for believing. I am simply sharing the path I walked. If you are currently questioning your own faith, I hope my journey gives you the courage to keep asking questions.

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