Stumbling toward Faith (Emergent Ys, No. 19) [Paperback]

Renée N. Altson (Author)

Book Description

Series: Emergent Ys, No. 19 | Publication Date: August 24, 2004

Author Renee Altson understands all about being hurt, feeling alone, and full of doubt. While her story is an extreme example of abuse and mistreatment done in the name of God, her struggles with God as Father and with faith and disbelief are universal. This book is a perfect companion for those who have survived or know someone who has survived abuse, as well as for anyone who has ever questioned whether the journey toward faith is worthwhile. As you stumble with Renee, you will discover new deep places within your own heart and the freedom to question a God who is big enough to handle your doubts. May this book help you learn the breath and depth of the love of God and may the prayer you offer be the same as Renee's: 'I believe. Help my unbelief.'

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

This story of pain, healing, and growth provides insight into how postmodern pilgrims grasp for hope and faith despite frustration and disappointment. This narrative theology aims to help Christian leaders relate the message of Christ to those who feel disenfranchised from the traditional Christian church. Using personal experiences, humor, compelling stories, poetry, and her weblog, author Renee Altson helps readers understand those at the fringes of faith and what motivates them.

About the Author

Renee Altson's nonfiction and poetry have been published in journals and anthologies nationwide. Her weblog (www.ianua.org/weblog.php) has received wide acclaim and is viewed by the Christian and secular communities as an extraordinary narrative. She is the author of Stumbling Toward Faith, on staff at Infuze magazine, and the managing editor of The Journal of Student Ministries. Renee and her family live in La Mesa, California.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (August 24, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310257557
• ISBN-13: 978-0310257554
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 4.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,074,475 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I'm Renee Altson, the author of the book "Stumbling Toward Faith" (which was reprinted in February of 2008) and the upcoming book "When Seventy Times Seven Isn't Enough: One Woman's Journey through Forgiveness". I love mindfulness, courage, hope, faith, and Jesus. I am blessed to have a wonderful husband, an incredible daughter, and 2 very lovely cats.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars right under their noses, September 4, 2004

By 

Heidi "Heidi" (Atlantic, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Stumbling toward Faith (Emergent Ys, No. 19) (Paperback)

i have avoided writing this review because i would hate to say anything that would keep someone from reading this important book.

the level of abuse and trauma that renee endured at the hands of her father and the church is sickening, and yet she writes with beauty and depth. there are times you wish she'd stop, you can't fathom anyone enduring the horror she did, but you feel a bit braver for having heard her story, shared her journey.

never have i read anyone with the courage and stamina to endure what she has endured. yet her pain is laced with glimpses of hope, beautiful prose and inspiring tender moments of care. it's unlike anything you have ever read.

if you work with children/teens, or in a church or know someone who has been abused this is a MUST READ. never again should this be allowed to happen. renee's abuse had the church's stamp of approval, it must stop, we must hear the child, we must punish the abuser and allow the hurt to grieve at their own pace.

amazingly this is a story of hope, a story of grace and a story of courage. you won't be the same after you read it.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspirational and thought provoking, August 23, 2004

By 

Kathie (Rockford IL USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Stumbling toward Faith (Emergent Ys, No. 19) (Paperback)

This book is a `must read' for all, but particularly for teachers and youth leaders. It is the story of a young girl who endured horrific abuse from those in whom God entrusted her care. Yet it is so much more than that for it is a story of hope and life and love arising out of the chaotic ruins of a childhood gone terribly wrong. It is a hauntingly beautiful narrative told in bits and pieces of both prose and poetry that invites more questions than answers. While she will never be able to recover completely, Renee Altson has allowed herself to be loved, to claim a new life, and to open her heart to search for the God she desperately wants to know. She has found her voice and she delivers a powerful message that cannot be ignored. This is an inspiring and thought provoking book that will leave the reader hungering for more from this exceptionally gifted writer.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Excellent and Transparent Biopic, March 9, 2005

By 

Amy E. Sondova "BackseatWriter dot com" (Macungie, PA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Stumbling toward Faith (Emergent Ys, No. 19) (Paperback)

Renee Altson's book is marvelous! Pastors, youth workers, lay leaders, and counselors NEED to read this book to understand the trauma of sexual abuse, the pitfalls of fundamentalism, and how God can use all things for His glory. The book has an artistic format, which also features Renee's wonderful poems, as well as glimpses of her life. It is poignant, painful, and well worth your time, thoughts, and contemplation.