In Rumors of Another World, previously titled A Skeptic's Guide to Faith, I write: “I am where you are . . . an ordinary person trying to figure things out. I love, I experience beauty and pain, my friends die, I weep, I live.  And as I live I try to figure out if there is a God, and what difference would that make . . . This book comes out of my own search and is written on behalf of those who live outside of belief—that borderlands region between belief and unbelief.”  In this book I attempt to explain why I believe, keeping in mind a person who does not share my faith. 

Sometimes I’m asked, “What is your favorite, of the books you’ve written?”  Each time I point to this one. Why?  I got to write about my heroes, some of the people who  have most deeply affected me. Everyone should have the opportunity to write a book about their heroes!

My most personal and introspective book, this one explores times of doubt, silence, and confusion that occur in the Christian life, and gives practical hints on how to cope with the inevitable problems that arise in a relationship with a God who is invisible.  It serves as a kind of sequel to Disappointment with God.

Like most Christians, I have been baffled and disturbed by parts of the Old Testament.  Its books comprise the majority of the Christian Bible, but how should we read them? I select sample books (Deuteronomy, Job, Ecclesiastes, Psalms, Prophets) and describe how I have struggled and then come to terms with each.  In the process my own understanding of and appreciation for the Old Testament undergoes a startling change.

This short book addresses a question that seems more and more widespread.  How many times have you heard someone say, “I’m spiritual but not religious”? Churches are morphing into new forms–emergent  churches, shopping mall churches, megachurches–yet surveys show that an increasing number of believers are opting out altogether.  Is involvement with a local church really that important?