At some point in life, every Christian will have questions about their faith and/or the Bible. Having questions is normal. Even the Bible is honest about this fact, openly showing us in books like the Psalms, Ecclesiastes, and Job the questions believers have had over the centuries. If you are going through a time of questioning right now, do not be discouraged. God is big enough to handle your questioning. He has also given wisdom to many people who have struggled with similar questions to yours. Here are five book recommendations that are written specifically for the questioning Christian.
1. Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis
Mere Christianity is a timeless exploration of the reasons to believe Christianity is true. C. S. Lewis was a giant intellectual who thoughtfully presents the arguments for why Christianity makes sense. If you wonder whether faith is compatible with reason, this book is for you.
2. Embodied Hope: A Theological Meditation on Pain and Suffering by Kelly M. Kapic
This book doesn't claim to answer all the questions brought up by going through suffering, but it does helpfully unpack what the Bible says about suffering and how the coming of Christ is the ultimate answer to our cries for God's presence. It also offers a refreshingly compassionate and thoughtful attitude towards those who experience great suffering and grief. I recommend reading this if you are suffering or know others who are suffering.
3. Is the Bible Good for Women? by Wendy Alsup
While I think this book is lacking sufficient depth in some areas, it is a good starting point for anyone wondering whether the Bible, and Christianity, is good for women. The first couple of chapters especially were helpful to me and I hope they help others begin to investigate and unravel some of the misconceptions regarding what the Bible has to say about and to women.
4. Quarks, Chaos, & Christianity: Questions to Science and Religion by John Polkinghorne
This book is short, down to earth, readable, and addressed to the non-scientist (although scientists can benefit from reading it as well I'm sure). It won't address every single question on science and faith but it does provide some fundamental insights and thoughtfully addresses some of the main questions people have about the compatibility of science and faith.
5. Triumph of the Lamb: A Commentary on Revelation by Dennis E. Johnson
Although technically a commentary, this book is very readable and engaging. Dr. Johnson uses helpful pictures and analogies to bring to light all the confusing and difficult aspects of the Book of Revelation. He also brings Revelation to bear on the current issues facing the church, showing us how this book has much to say to today's Christians. I return to this book again and again when I teach or write anything on Revelation.
