Five Books for When You’re Struggling with Your Faith
Faith is not easy. Being a Christian is not a one-and-done moment in time. It’s a life-long journey, and sometimes that journey gets rocky and steep, and the bridge gets washed out, and you’re not sure you can continue.
That’s okay.
It happens to all of us. In fact, if you’ve never questioned your faith, you should probably start. A faith that struggles with questions is always stronger than one that never asks any.
A strong, supportive faith community is a real blessing in those times when we wrestle, but when we don’t have such a community (or our struggles make it difficult to connect with them), these books are all great resources to help restore our souls and our faith.
This book has become a new classic and is a must read for all Christians, but particularly those who are struggling. Life is messy, and having Jesus in it doesn’t magically make everything clean and shiny. Lamott writes beautifully about how the grace of God shows up in the middle of the mess.
I have read this book many times–often when I find myself struggling to figure out why on earth God has placed me in a particular place at particular time (NYC in the midst a pandemic, perhaps?). Norris’ book is a beautiful reminder that the presence of God finds us everywhere, and we find evidence of God in the most unlikely times and places.
A great memoir about walking away from faith and finding a different path back.
Another powerful memoir (by the late Rachel Held Evans) about walking away from faith and finding your way back, but this one is written through the lens of the seven sacraments of the church.
I got to hear the author speak shortly after this book came out. BBT encourages us not to simply search for a way out of the dark, but to embrace those times that are dark and uncertain– what she calls “lunar spirituality.”
What books have you found most helpful in times you’ve struggled with your faith? Share with us in the comments.
Rev. Anne Russ is an ordained pastor in the Presbyterian Church (USA), currently based in New York City. Doubting Believer provides tools and encouragement for the rollercoaster ride of your faith journey. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram and YouTube. You can also follow on TikTok. Get emails to keep up with all that is happening.
