Customer Reviews

The Christian Agnostic (Abingdon Classics)

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I read this book over 30 years ago when I was a struggling young Christian trying to make sense of other philosophies and beliefs that I was exposed to, even drawn to. Weatherhead cleared out the cobwebs, let me know that I could wonder about some things, even believe other things, and still be a Christian, still accept the living Jesus in my life. In fact, reading this book helped make it possible. This was one of the most important books in my life.

The Christian Agnostic is one of the most important books of my life. It showed me a way back from my confusing Missouri-Synod Lutheran religious upbringing to be able to look at Jesus' life and what he taught anew, and feel that Jesus would welcome me. Leslie Weatherhead was probably the second best known British Christian writer of the mid 20th century (after his friend, C.S. Lewis). At the end of his tenure as minister of the Methodist Temple in London he wrote this book because he was upset that so many people were turned off to looking at Jesus and what he taught because they were told they had to sign on the dotted line and believe all of this doctrine and dogma about him. Weatherhead writes that Jesus simply asked us to "follow me" and learn to love God and our neighbors -- and points out reasons that some thinking people question elements of Christian doctrine. As an example, while Weatherhead himself believes in Christ's literal resurrection, he spells out why others may reasonably take a more metaphysical approach to the subject. If we would only look where Jesus pointed -- and practice loving God and our neighbors instead of fighting over what we do or don't believe about him, we would be so better off. This book is a treasure and I thank Leslie Weatherhead for writing it.

As a perpetually confused Christian, this book spoke to me.I was searching for a way to come to terms with certain Biblical stories and teachings that didn't make sense to me. Dr. Weatherhead put everything I was feeling into words. And hearing my thoughts stated so matter-of-factly from such an astute and well-respected theologian really helped me to know I was not crazy after all. He was also able to blend modern Spiritualist theory into Christianity (I just knew they didn't have to be mutually exclusive). I highly recommend this book!

I read this book many years ago and recently decided to read it again. I am totally amazed at the willingness of Leslie Weatherhead to open the Christian Faith to open minded thinking. He says it's ok to be an agnostic about the doctrinal stuff, and still find great meaning and life in the core of the faith. He then proceeds to open mindedly deal with many issues in an "outside the box" kind of way. I did not agree with everything he says, but he does not require this. He gives the thinking Christian permission and blessing to think for himself or herself, and insists, that the truth of Christianity is that which we grasp and apprehend for ourselves, the rest can be stored in an imaginary file in the mind. He writes with warmth and humility. He was one of the great preachers and pastors of our time. Everyone, Christian or not, will be enriched by this special book. It was written many years ago, and dated in some respects, but the flavor of Weatherhead is a wonderful flavor indeed. I loved it.

Most people struggling with the idea of religion - Christianity and feeling a bit uncomfortable because they don't "buy in" to the "truths" of Christianity as easily as others will love this book. Weatherhead encourages the reader to use his mind and supports the reader who doubts and questions with a biblical "thats okay". Read it! If anything, it will increase your faith in yourself and in Christianity!

This book gives a persuasive account of why an intelligent theological Christian believes in Christian values while recognising the legitimate doubts others. It raises questions on the factual reality surrounding the life of Jesus while reaffirming the strength of Christian values. An excellent and thought provoking piece.

In the early 1980's following marriages of both my daugthers, it seemed as-if their husbands went thru that crisis of Faith when they wondered about the Virgin Birth, the Resurrection, and the Holy Trinity...Whatever was on their list of Doubts! About that time, Barbara was leading her continuing Book Club Searches! She happened upon this awesome Psychologic/Philosophic/Theological+ Sermonic Book of Leslie Weatherhead! A great contrast to some of the other Reviews.

After passing it off to Randy, who taught a Sunday School Class of Young Adults and to Steven, a Junior Deacon in the University of Georgia College Church, within a few weeks both commented on their pleasure and help received from the esteemed ENLISHMAN! Since they knew his relationship to C. S. Lewis, they expected what they learned from Professor/Teacher/Pastor Weatherhead!

Later in early 1990 as Prison Chaplain, It came upon my Top 10 book-list passed-off to Inmates who asked me for suggestions in RE-Building their Christian Faith! I will be forever indebted to Sir Leslie Weatherhead! Retired Chaplain Fred W Hood

I read this book when I was ~17 years old; I am now 61. This book made such an impression on me that I still use it as a reference for helping people understand the "not understandable" happenings in their lives. Probably the best book I have ever read for making sense of those things in our lives that we cannot match up to the commonly accepted dogma related to God, Jesus, and Religion. I would recommend it to anyone who is struggling with believing/not believing in God.

6 months ago when I picked this book up I had so many questions and problems with Christianity. Weatherhead explain why it is ok to be open minded and how I shouldn't feel excluded because there are some things that I don't understand and thus can't believe. The term Christian Agnostic is not a contradiction, there is no reason why you can't be unsure of certain about some things and still be Christian, in fact it is almost essential. I would suggest this book to struggling or confused Christians.

"I believe passionately that christianity is a way of life, not a theological system with which one must be in intellectual agreement..." Thus the author takes many Christian beliefs/doctrines and discusses them from a minimalist point of view, making a strong case that loyalty to and love for Christ and his spirit go hand in hand with a rejection of much theological dogma and creed. Traditionalists may be shocked! Highly recommended! This, along with C.S. Lewis' "Mere Christianity," ought to be required reading for all Christians.