Review: Surprised by Faith

Surprised by Faith book cover on blue background

This book review was long overdue, and though it took longer than it should have, I'm grateful that I had the opportunity to read this book recently.

I'd like to thank Aneko Press and LibraryThing for providing a complimentary copy of Surprised by Faith by Dr. Don Bierle for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Thoughts content is also posted on LibraryThing.

Book Synopsis

The world is changing so rapidly that many are shaken with uncertainties. This is compounded by an erosion of confidence in absolute truth and traditional values. The result is a floundering search for a reliable source of purpose and meaning in life. Fear, not anticipation, fills some hearts as people think about the future. Some contend that turning to faith is anti-intellectual. “God is about religion,” they say, “a crutch for the weak.” These are mere caricatures resulting from ignorance.

This book confronts false stereotypes and examines the astonishing body of scientific and historical evidence supporting the truth that God exists and cares about people’s future. This is the Gospel with evidence.

As a college student, amid academic success and athletic achievement, Don Bierle began searching for answers to the important questions of life. He found there is more to life than what can be seen, touched, and measured! Using the scrutiny and logic of his scientific training he tested the foundations for faith, and was surprised—and changed—by the answers he discovered. Hundreds of thousands of people have now discovered these answers through his book Surprised by Faith. For them, the discovery has been an “Ah-ha!” experience resulting in transformation and a life of peace and hope.

Source: Amazon

Book Thoughts

This book is likely one of the most accessible Christian apologetics books that I have read, distilling the great works of C.S. Lewis and countless other authors into a compelling narrative that takes readers on a journey with both thoughtful questions and answers. The visual elements break down key concepts within the Christian faith into a clear and understandable manner.

Surprised by Faith provides one of the best definitions of faith that I have encountered to date; the analogy of faith being translated from the head to the heart to the hands and feet will remain with me as a simple way to explain the concept. Dr. Bierle's background as a scientist shines through in this book as it is laid out logically with teachings progressively building on each other. For skeptics and believers, the content in this book is both an intellectual and a personal challenge that is well worth investigating.

Book Summary

Format of book: 📱
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommendation: 👍

Comments

Christian Book Review Programs

Over time, I've been on the hunt for Christian book review programs that readers can join. As a result, I've been able to compile the following list which may be of interest if you are seeking review copies of Christian books. This list mostly applies to print and ebooks, although some publishers offer audiobooks as well. If further information is available for any of the publishers below (or any missing publishers), please let me know as I am happy to update this list—thank you! Please note that you can also search for these publishers on NetGalley and other review sites in case there are no review programs available or you don't qualify for one 😊 Christian Publishers B&H Publishing Group Previously offered the B&H/Lifeway Blogger program which has since closed Availability: Professors and instructors Link: B&H Academic Book Requests Baker Publishing Group Availability: U.S. and Canadian residents Genre: Christian fiction, Christian non-fiction Imprints: Bet...

Review: The Divine Proverb of Streusel

This is a book that has been on my TBR for some time and it's been perfect timing that I've been able to complete it before the holidays. The Divine Proverb of Streusel by Sara Brunsvold is a story that invites fellowship and retrospection while indulging in mouth-watering meals, growing faith, and family secrets. Many thanks to Revell and LibraryThing for providing a complimentary copy for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Thoughts content is also posted on LibraryThing. Book Synopsis Shaken by her parents' divorce and discouraged by the growing chasm between herself and her serious boyfriend, Nikki Werner seeks solace at her uncle's farm in a small Missouri hamlet. She'll spend the summer there, picking up the pieces of her shattered present so she can plan a better future. But what awaits her at the ancestral farm is the past—one she barely knows. Among her late grandmother's belongings, Nikki finds an old notebook filled with...

Review: The Biblio Diet

Over the years, I've had the joy of reading many books on health and nutrition, partly a product of some studies I've done on it and also due to personal interest. As a result, I'm always intrigued when there is a Christian perspective on this subject. I'm grateful that I learnt about The Biblio Diet by Jordan Rubin and Dr. Josh Axe after having previously read Eat Dirt by Dr. Josh Axe. Many thanks to Worthy Books for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis In this breakthrough book, New York Times bestselling authors and nutrition experts Jordan Rubin and Dr. Josh Axe offer a simple and holistic plan for building strength, health, and longevity. Based on the ancient wisdom of the Bible and confirmed by modern science, The Biblio Diet’s intuitive and easy-to-follow plan invites you to experience a breakthrough in the health of your entire family by learning to eat and live God’s way. In this book, y...