Faith and Doubt (Hardcover)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

John Ortberg demonstrates how doubt is very much a part of faith and how uncertainty can lead to trust. “The beliefs that really matter,” he writes, “are the ones that guide our behavior.” We all hope, Ortberg writes, but we cannot hope without faith, and so we must not hope for something but someone?Jesus Christ.

From the Back Cover

What if the most important word is the one in the middle?

We often think of doubt as the opposite of faith, but could it actually strengthen our relationship with God? According to John Ortberg, best-selling author and pastor, the very nature of faith requires the presence of uncertainty. In this refreshingly candid look at a life of faith, he traces the line between belief and unbelief: less a dividing line between hostile camps than a razor’s edge that runs through every soul. His findings point us toward the relief of being totally honest. Questions can expand our understanding, uncertainty can lead to trust, and honest faith can produce outrageous hope. Written from Ortberg’s own struggle with faith and doubt, this book will challenge, comfort, and inspire you with the truth that God wants all of us—including our doubts.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (October 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310253519
• ISBN-13: 978-0310253518
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #26,390 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Faithfulness during uncertainity, November 20, 2008

By	Michael Wells "Mike Wells" (Alexander City, Alabama) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

John OrtbergFaith and Doubt has once again masterfully shed light on something most Christians are afraid to admit exist in their lives because of the fear of being ridiculed. In this book, he is able to explain, as only he can do, that having doubts is necessary in developing faith. This book will be as tremendous benefit to new believers as well as those who have been walking in the faith. I like the way he is able to educate the reader on remaining faithful during times of uncertainity. This book will end up being a Christian Classic.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars John Ortberg Does it Again, January 4, 2009

By	Daniel Harrell (Spring Grove, IL USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I've read many of John's books. My first experience was a tape of the message "It all goes back in the box". I listened and was convicted by his words.

Finding John, for me, was like finding a great mystery writer. I am not always able to determine how the puzzle will be solved until the end. But the gems of wisdom, the humor and the personal anecdotes keep me spellbound until the last page.

In this book he describes degrees of doubt, both the helpful and the destructive kind. He talks about faith and how it always applies only to the unseen.

I guess the most telling thing for me is that after 60 years someone has helped me realize that my doubts are not a condemnation to hell, but a starting point to find my faith.

15 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another great book by John Ortberg, November 19, 2008

By	Cynthia C. Hebert "Holly" (Salinas, Ca USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have now read 3 of John Ortberg's books and am also presently in a short bible study he co-wrote.

I love him.
I love his story's. What a great story teller.
I love his jokes.

One of my favorite treats is on my 2 work days, I go to lunch alone. The same restaurant....every Tuesday and Wednesday, and I read.

With John's work, I find myself laughing out loud, in the restaurant, as I savor one of his stories.

Then, in the next paragraph, he's moved my heart and I'm trying to hide my tears.

I love how He makes my Lord and Savior feel so close to me.

He knows the bible so well and he makes it so very applicable to EVERY situation I find myself in...be it a blessing or a challenge.

John is very real. There is no lecturing or 'talking down' to his reader. I guess 'authentic' is a good word for him.

This book especially reveals him as an 'every man' kind of guy.

He lays out his own doubts in this book and doesn't candy coat or defend his own issues with doubt.

I love how he interjects scripture. With out being 'preachy'

I do not lend out my Ortberg books. I've offered to...and then I never want to part with them. I am reading 'Everyone's Normal till You Get to Know them' for the second time. I highlight John's books. I make smiley faces where they make me laugh and I circle what breaks my heart.

I have overcome my Ortberg-hording by just buying his book for my friends/loved ones and even my Boss! (He's a great guy and lover of Christ.)
John is an excellent author for that new believer. All of his books are great for that friend you want to introduce to Christ. Yet someone that is more mature in their walk will be refreshed, renewed and refined in their belief.

So there you have it.

I've never felt about an author the way I do about John Ortberg.
Buy this book with confidence...you'll enjoy it and grow from it.
Better yet, save on shipping and just buy a few of his works. You'll be back for more. : )