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A review by steveinadelaide
Trusting Doubt: A Former Evangelical Looks at Old Beliefs in a New Light by Valerie Tarico
challenging
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
5.0
Valerie Tarico's TRUSTING DOUBT: A FORMER EVANGELICAL LOOKS AT OLD BELIEFS IN A NEW LIGHT may interest those who are grappling with the convictions and doctrines of their faith, particularly those who have been or are currently part of the Evangelical Christian community. Tarico's book provides a detailed account of her personal journey from a devout fundamentalist to a freethinking psychologist. Through her book, Tarico expounds on the perils that often arise from biblical literalism, such as the belief that the Bible is perfect and error-free, that God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-good, and that humans are inherently sinful and need salvation.
Tarico challenges these preconceived notions with well-founded arguments, ranging from logic, evidence, history, science, morality, and compassion. She convincingly argues that such beliefs can lead to falsehood, bigotry, violence, guilt, fear, and despair. Instead, she offers alternative ways of comprehending Christianity, which are in line with reason, love, truth, interfaith dialogue, and human dignity.
Tarico's writing style is both lucid and compelling, and she treats the subject matter with respect and sensitivity, encouraging readers to question their presumptions and explore new perspectives. She skilfully draws from various sources of knowledge and scholarship, including her own experiences, to bolster her arguments, which makes the book an intellectually rich and satisfying read.
It's essential to note that Trusting Doubt may not be suitable for everyone. Some readers may find Tarico's challenges to their faith to be too demanding or overly critical. Conversely, some may perceive her arguments as overly sympathetic to Christianity. However, for those who are open-minded and curious about their own convictions and those of others, Tarico's Trusting Doubt is an enlightening and empowering read. It's a call to embark on a journey of trusting doubt that can result in spiritual clarity and freedom.
Tarico challenges these preconceived notions with well-founded arguments, ranging from logic, evidence, history, science, morality, and compassion. She convincingly argues that such beliefs can lead to falsehood, bigotry, violence, guilt, fear, and despair. Instead, she offers alternative ways of comprehending Christianity, which are in line with reason, love, truth, interfaith dialogue, and human dignity.
Tarico's writing style is both lucid and compelling, and she treats the subject matter with respect and sensitivity, encouraging readers to question their presumptions and explore new perspectives. She skilfully draws from various sources of knowledge and scholarship, including her own experiences, to bolster her arguments, which makes the book an intellectually rich and satisfying read.
It's essential to note that Trusting Doubt may not be suitable for everyone. Some readers may find Tarico's challenges to their faith to be too demanding or overly critical. Conversely, some may perceive her arguments as overly sympathetic to Christianity. However, for those who are open-minded and curious about their own convictions and those of others, Tarico's Trusting Doubt is an enlightening and empowering read. It's a call to embark on a journey of trusting doubt that can result in spiritual clarity and freedom.