Which Path of Faith Will You Follow?
By Lauren Yarger
We make choices every day, all of them involving some degree of faith. The direction we take to arrive at the place of faith may vary, but inevitably, we end up choosing which path to follow.
So is the premise for Mark Mittelberg’s thought-provoking book "Choosing Your Faith" (in a World of Spiritual Options) (Tyndale 2008). In language that isn’t condescending or preachy, Mittelberg explores the various options and asks the reader to question each one to get to the bottom of why we believe what we believe. Mittelberg points out how we use logic and faith in every day situations and then asks us to apply the techniques when considering God. It makes good sense.
He points out the various paths we can choose to follow when approaching faith:
• This is my truth—you find your own
• I’ve always believed what I believe
• You’d better believe it!
• I just feel that it’s true
• God told me it’s true
• I’ve got to see it to believe it
Those paths, while offering some understanding, don’t necessarily lead to the faith that will result in salvation. Using practical applications and examples, Mittelberg points out that “feel” doesn’t equal “real,” and sometimes “real” doesn’t equal “good.” The book includes some in-depth analysis of faiths such as Islam, Mormon, Jehovah’s Witness, Baha’i, Scientism as well as new age movements and popular culture sensations like the book “The Secret.,” all which claim to be the way. Many of these paths fail to reach the promised end when they don’t pass their own or other recognized tests for authenticity.
The author, skilled in apologetics, doesn’t let Christianity off the hook either. He explores its claims and applies the same scrutiny to it as the other faiths. While he does approach the topic from a Christian point of view that non-Christians might find a little unbiased, Mittelberg does challenge the reader to conduct his or her own exploration and to find the core of belief.
"Choosing Your Faith" is an informative read, especially the parts examining other faiths. Find out what path you’re on and possibly how to take a fork in the road.
To purchase this book, click here.
By Lauren Yarger
We make choices every day, all of them involving some degree of faith. The direction we take to arrive at the place of faith may vary, but inevitably, we end up choosing which path to follow.
So is the premise for Mark Mittelberg’s thought-provoking book "Choosing Your Faith" (in a World of Spiritual Options) (Tyndale 2008). In language that isn’t condescending or preachy, Mittelberg explores the various options and asks the reader to question each one to get to the bottom of why we believe what we believe. Mittelberg points out how we use logic and faith in every day situations and then asks us to apply the techniques when considering God. It makes good sense.
He points out the various paths we can choose to follow when approaching faith:
• This is my truth—you find your own
• I’ve always believed what I believe
• You’d better believe it!
• I just feel that it’s true
• God told me it’s true
• I’ve got to see it to believe it
Those paths, while offering some understanding, don’t necessarily lead to the faith that will result in salvation. Using practical applications and examples, Mittelberg points out that “feel” doesn’t equal “real,” and sometimes “real” doesn’t equal “good.” The book includes some in-depth analysis of faiths such as Islam, Mormon, Jehovah’s Witness, Baha’i, Scientism as well as new age movements and popular culture sensations like the book “The Secret.,” all which claim to be the way. Many of these paths fail to reach the promised end when they don’t pass their own or other recognized tests for authenticity.
The author, skilled in apologetics, doesn’t let Christianity off the hook either. He explores its claims and applies the same scrutiny to it as the other faiths. While he does approach the topic from a Christian point of view that non-Christians might find a little unbiased, Mittelberg does challenge the reader to conduct his or her own exploration and to find the core of belief.
"Choosing Your Faith" is an informative read, especially the parts examining other faiths. Find out what path you’re on and possibly how to take a fork in the road.
To purchase this book, click here.
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