Book review: “Surprised by Doubt” an encouraging examination of historic Christianity

Surprised by Doubt: How Disillusionment Can Invite Us Into a Deeper Faith by Joshua D. Chatraw and Jack Carson. Brazos Press, 2023

There is much talk today about people “deconstructing” their faith. Even many committed Christians struggle with questions and doubts. Joshua Chatraw and Jack Carson have written a wonderfully helpful book for those seeking to stabilize their Christian beliefs in times of anxiety, challenge and uncertainty. Chatraw formerly taught apologetics at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, along with Carson. Chatraw is now professor of evangelism and cultural engagement at Beeson Divinity School at Samford University in Birmingham. Carson continues teaching at Liberty. 

Using C.S. Lewis’ analogy of Christianity as a house, the two submit that many are struggling “in the attic” (p. 10). The attic may seem disconnected from the other rooms, and many evangelicals may not be fully aware of the heritage and diversity of the Christian Church through the centuries. Some of what leads to disillusionment — like “bumping your head on the rafters” (p. 24) — is being limited in your perspective and not knowing what answers and issues other believers have traced out before you. The authors give a kind of tour of the house by engaging the major ideas people often struggle to grasp, such as certainty about God’s existence, how to respond to other challenges from “outside the house” like new atheists (p. 43) and the “optimistic skepticism” of scholars like Bart Ehrman (Chapter 7). Also, in Chapter 9 they interact with the “mythic truth” approach of Jordan Peterson and show ways that classic Christianity has a wiser approach.

They examine the historical claims of Christianity in Chapter 10 and point to the absolute uniqueness of Jesus as central to Christianity’s credibility in Chapter 11. They express appreciation for the early creeds of the Church as a source of unity and catholicity for all Christians in Chapter 12. In the next chapter the authors review Pascal’s wager and find value in the kind of commitment he proposed. They give practical guidance in the later chapters, encouraging those who struggle to ask honest questions, to stay engaged in church and to continue seeking the Lord. I gladly recommend this book to college students and adults who are wrestling with their faith.