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Benefit of the Doubt: Breaking the Idol of Certainty
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Benefit of the Doubt: Breaking the Idol of Certainty Paperback - 2013

by Gregory A. Boyd


From the publisher

In Benefit of the Doubt, influential theologian, pastor, and bestselling author Gregory Boyd invites readers to embrace a faith that doesn't strive for certainty, but rather for commitment in the midst of uncertainty. Boyd rejects the idea that a person's faith is as strong as it is certain. In fact, he makes the case that doubt can enhance faith and that seeking certainty is harming many in today's church. Readers who wrestle with their faith will welcome Boyd's message that experiencing a life-transforming relationship with Christ is possible, even with unresolved questions about the Bible, theology, and ethics. Boyd shares stories of his own painful journey, and stories of those to whom he has ministered, with a poignant honesty that will resonate with readers of all ages.

From the rear cover

Let your questions lead you to a stronger faith

Have you ever struggled with doubts about your faith? Has the Bible sometimes felt like a shaky foundation? Are you afraid to talk about it for fear of judgment from those who seem to have it all figured out?

Gregory Boyd knows how you feel. For him, faith has been anything but certain. In Benefit of the Doubt, he invites you to embrace a faith that doesn't strive for certainty but rather for commitment to Christ in the midst of uncertainty. Join him as he shares with poignant honesty his own inspirational journey, offering reassurance that you can experience a life-transforming relationship with Christ, even with unresolved questions about the Bible, theology, and ethics.

"Even when certainty is inaccessible, commitment remains an option. Greg Boyd is incapable of uninteresting thoughts. And this book is not merely thoughtful; it will be a tremendous help to doubters (and non-doubters) everywhere."--John Ortberg, author of Who Is This Man?; pastor of Menlo Park Presbyterian Church

"Boyd has gotten used to exploring new territory, and in this book he dives into the issue of doubt and certainty--and recovers the lost treasure of Christlike humility and childlike wonder. Enjoy."--Shane Claiborne, author, activist, and lover of Jesus; www.thesimpleway.org

"Benefit of the Doubt is a deeply personal yet profoundly theological look at the important role of doubt in the Christian faith. Prepare to feel a little less crazy, a little less alone, and a lot more challenged to take the risk of following Jesus with your head and heart engaged. Boyd is the best sort of company for the journey."--Rachel Held Evans, blogger at www.rachelheldevans.com; author of Evolving in Monkey Town and A Year of Biblical Womanhood

"If you're a Christian who wrestles with doubt or you know someone who does, Benefit of the Doubt is one of the best books ever written on the subject."--Frank Viola, author of God's Favorite Place on Earth; www.frankviola.org

Gregory A. Boyd
(PhD, Princeton Theological Seminary) is the senior pastor at Woodland Hills Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, and the founder of ReKnew. He is the author or coauthor of numerous books, including Letters from a Skeptic, Is God to Blame?, Repenting of Religion, and Across the Spectrum.

Details

  • Title Benefit of the Doubt: Breaking the Idol of Certainty
  • Author Gregory A. Boyd
  • Binding Paperback
  • Edition First Edition (U
  • Pages 272
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Baker Books, Grand Rapids, Michigan
  • Date 2013-09-15
  • Features Bibliography, Table of Contents
  • ISBN 9780801014925 / 0801014921
  • Weight 0.72 lbs (0.33 kg)
  • Dimensions 8.46 x 5.59 x 0.73 in (21.49 x 14.20 x 1.85 cm)
  • Themes
    • Religious Orientation: Christian
  • Library of Congress subjects Faith, Belief and doubt
  • Library of Congress Catalog Number 2013016850
  • Dewey Decimal Code 234.23

Media reviews

Citations

  • Publishers Weekly, 08/26/2013, Page 0

About the author

Gregory A. Boyd (PhD, Princeton Theological Seminary) is the senior pastor at Woodland Hills Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, and the founder of ReKnew. He is the author or coauthor of numerous books, including Letters from a Skeptic, Is God to Blame?, Repenting of Religion, and Across the Spectrum.
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Benefit of the Doubt: Breaking the Idol of Certainty
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Benefit of the Doubt: Breaking the Idol of Certainty

by Boyd, Gregory A.

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Benefit of the Doubt: Breaking the Idol of Certainty

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Benefit of the Doubt: Breaking the Idol of Certainty

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Benefit of the Doubt: Breaking the Idol of Certainty

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Benefit of the Doubt : Breaking the Idol of Certainty

Benefit of the Doubt : Breaking the Idol of Certainty

by Gregory A. Boyd

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Benefit of the Doubt : Breaking the Idol of Certainty

Benefit of the Doubt : Breaking the Idol of Certainty

by Gregory A. Boyd

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Benefit of the Doubt : Breaking the Idol of Certainty

Benefit of the Doubt : Breaking the Idol of Certainty

by Gregory A. Boyd

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Benefit of the Doubt: Breaking the Idol of Certainty

by Gregory A. Boyd

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