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

Review: The Cul-de-Sac War

For National Good Neighbour Day , I thought this fun title from Melissa Ferguson would fit the bill! The Cul-de-Sac War is just the guide to neighbourly relations, right? 😂 (Fine, it's an American holiday and I should spell it the American way, but I can't let go of the "u".) Book Synopsis In this charming rom-com, two enemies find something they never expected in one another—taking "all's fair in love and war" to a hilarious and heartwarming new level. Actress Bree Leake doesn't want to be tied down, but just when it's time to move on again, Bree's parents make her an offer; hold steady in Abingdon for one full year, and they will give her the one thing she's always wanted—her grandmother's house. Her dreams are coming true... until life throws her some curve balls. And then there's her new neighbor. Chip McBride. For the first time in her life, she's met the person who could match her free-spirited air—and it's drivin...

Review: Reunited with the Hero - Heroes of Freedom Ridge #5

I'm really doing this; I'm going through the Heroes of Freedom Ridge series, and it's been a great Christmas journey! Living near the mountains, I'm starting to feel at home with this amazing ensemble of characters and families. A place like Freedom Ridge Resort may be out of reach, but it's fun to imagine being there. The fifth book in the series, Reunited with the Hero by M. E. Weyerbacher, is a food-oriented read as one of the central activities in the book is a cookie bake-off, along with a sweet romance, of course. Now, who could pass up Christmas cookies (and the relentless search for good coffee, although I can't relate as a tea drinker)? 😄 Book Synopsis A shocking reunion between high school sweethearts and a daughter with an avalanche of prayers leads to an unexpected Christmas. Fueled by faith and coffee, Widower Thea Riley sets out for a fresh start in her hometown of Freedom, Colorado. Housesitting her sister's cottage for the winter makes it ...

Review: He Is Faithful in Every Season

I'm a little sad that I read so little poetry as an adult compared to my youth. I don't know whether it's a lack of exposure to Christian poets or that I forget to seek it out, but am I ever grateful for opportunities to come across it when others reach out about it. Christian poetry is such a special genre that draws on truth and beauty in its arrangement of words to compose an entirely new scene. He Is Faithful in Every Season by Julia Rose does just that, providing us with a lovely reminder to encounter words in a fresh and inspired way. Many thanks to the author for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis Fifty poems intricately woven together with God's faithfulness and the truth of His Word. "He Is Faithful In Every Season" is a book of worship, love, redemption, freedom, and dependency. It touches on topics such as anxiety, fear, loneliness, and grief. It brings to light the aboundin...