“The Hopeful Skeptic” – Review
I know my postings on here are less than infrequent (apologies, apologies), but I couldn’t pass up this opportunity to write a quick review about a great book I just finished. As someone who works in ministry, it’s often refreshing to get a look at the world I live and work in from the outside, from the fringe, because of the clarity and hope this perspective offers. Nick Fiedler’s “The Hopeful Skeptic” shares some of that freshness and critique, enough to keep me honest and on my toes.
Part of the larger community of skeptical, reluctant and questioning faithful, Nick’s stories share deep conviction. I really appreciate his honesty about not buying all the packaged, “arranged-marriage” Christianity of the culture. Instead, his journey takes him around the world and through a complete (quite literal) yard sale of faith to another side, where he can be honest about doubts and open about what he sees as faithful truth.
I’ve taken a liking in the Nick and Josh Podcast as of late, where I heard about this book and the stories of Nick’s travels. It’s refreshing to find people who are willing to ask honest questions, not simply for the sake of asking them, or because they’re trying to tear down the system, but because of an honest, earnest desire to know truth and to see God more fully. Some might question these stories or call them heretical. I would call them faithful and honoring to a tradition of hopeful skepticism that drives many, myself hopefully/humbly included.
While I know that many people I meet day-to-day don’t share these doubts or this willingness to gain the wider-lens perspective spoken about in this book, I know there are many who feel they have no place to do just this. This book might be a good beginning for someone who’s tired of “business as usual” but who isn’t ready to throw it all away, knowing that the faith they question is the faith they are deeply bound to and hopeful for. I would encourage any one who is willing to take stock of their religion and find Christ at the center, not pushed to the sidelines, to pick up this book and enjoy the humor, stories, and faithfulness that fill the pages.
Thanks to Nick for writing this and sharing it. Keep it up.
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