A Skeptics Guide to Belief

Helps the Search for Truth and Faith

Ken Crispin has written a fantastic book for those of us who are not satisfied with easy answers or simplistic cries to “keep the faith.” His book, A Skeptics Guide to Belief, (Resource Publications, Eugene, OR, 2019). leads the reader on an intellectually challenging search for truth and faith. The search is well worth the effort. While engaged in the journey of discovery the reader discovers the journey is as important, if not more important, than the destination.

There are many fine attributes to this book. One of them that I appreciate the most is its balance. The author is as critical of the atheist/agnostic skeptics as he is the bulwarks of the faith. Crispin examines both sides in the arguments for and against God, the purpose of life, spiritual experience and near death experiences. He helps the reader see the strengths and the weaknesses of each argument. By doing so, Crispin enables the reader to catch glimpses of the truth and of faith. In the end, the reader is given the opportunity to choose the next step based on what he or she has discovered.

Crispin writes that the true skeptic is always open to new ideas in his or her continual search for truth. The search never ends. Truth is discovered, but there is always more truth to be discovered. I think that the life of the skeptic mirrors the life of the follower of Jesus. We are also seeking to learn more about God and experience God in different and deeper ways. Spiritual growth is a lifelong process. We never fully understand God or experience God in this earthly life. This doesn’t stop us from taking the next step of faith along the path on which the Spirit leads us.

A Book to Ponder

This book is not a quick read. I found that I needed to put it down frequently and read other books while I processed what Crispin wrote. This book is worth the effort, though. I grew in my understanding of different points of view and skeptical opinions. The book was also affirming in my own personal search for truth and faith. This book will have these positive effects on anyone who picks it up and reads it.

I received this book free from the author and/or publisher through the Speakeasy blogging book review network. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.