Why I Still Believe
A Former Atheist’s Reckoning with the Bad Reputation Christians Give a Good God
- Apologetics
- Publisher: Zondervan
- Published: 2019
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Publisher's Description
For anyone who feels caught in the tension between the beauty of God's story and the ugliness of human hypocrisy, Why I Still Believe offers a stirring story of hope. Why would anyone be a Christian when there is so much hypocrisy in the church? Mary Jo Sharp shares her journey as a skeptical believer who still holds to a beautiful faith despite wounding experiences in the Christian community. At a time when de-conversion stories have become all too common, this is an earnest response - the compelling conversion of an unlikely believer whose questions ultimately led her to irresistible hope. Sharp addresses her own struggle with the reality that God's people repeatedly give God's story a bad name and takes a careful look at how the current church often inadvertently produces atheists despite its life-giving message. For those who feel the ever-present tension between the beauty of salvation and the dark side of human nature, Why I Still Believe is a candid and approachable case for believing in God when you really want to walk away. With fresh and thoughtful insights, this spiritual narrative presents relevant answers to haunting questions like: Isn't there too much pain and suffering to believe? Is it okay to have doubt? What if Jesus' story is a copy of another story? Is there any evidence for Jesus' resurrection? Does atheism explain the human experience better than Christianity can? How can the truth of Christianity matter when the behaviors of Christians are reprehensible? At once logical and loving, Sharp reframes the gospel as it truly is: the good news of redemption. With firmly grounded truths, Why I Still Believe is an affirming reminder that the hypocrisy of Christians can never negate the transforming grace and truth of Christ.
Endorsements (8)
“In Why I Still Believe, Mary Jo Sharp describes her journey as a believer and Christian apologist, retracing experiences that will help you grow in your faith and understanding. If you’ve ever struggled with uncertainty, the ugliness of hypocrisy, or the ever-present problem of pain and suffering, this book will help you understand the “messy” nature of life as a Christian from the perspective of a winsome and thoughtful defender of the faith.”
“This book is Mary Jo at her most personal—witty, smart, genuine. She walks her readers through the story of her conversion to Christianity after having grown up in a thoroughly nonreligious West Coast culture . . . and afterward the shock of being hit by a host of second thoughts, doubts, and questions. She describes the secular claims and counterclaims she found herself having to work through after her conversion and gives insight into the personal challenges of encountering church culture for the first time as an adult, surprised by its frequent small-mindedness and anti-intellectualism. Mary Jo gives an honest, even raw, account of the doubts and questions even Christians may still have and guides them through to real answers.”
“Why I Still Believe is a masterfully written book. Mary Jo shares her journey from atheist to influential apologist, and many of the lessons she learns along the way. It’s a fun, unique, and thought-provoking book.”
“Mary Jo Sharp tells her fascinating Christian story with candor and color. Hers is a pilgrimage of bold, no-nonsense exploration—one that is filled with honest questions, frank conversations, and a spirit of wonder. She reminds us that a thoughtful faith in Christ can withstand severe scrutiny as well as open our lives to new horizons and paths of delight.”
“If you’ve ever been hurt or disappointed by the church, then you’ll relate to Mary Jo Sharp’s candid account. If you’re looking for inspiration to move past your pain and keep growing in your faith, then you’ll love her redemptive journey. This book is unflinchingly honest; unfailingly hopeful.”
“I am grateful for Mary Jo’s friendship and her willingness to tackle tough questions and wrestle them through to a biblical solution. I also know, after having grown up in the church and having been a pastor’s wife for almost four decades, that the church is not perfect. But the church is the bride of Christ, and he is perfecting her and getting her ready for his return. Join Mary Jo as she journeys through the pain of imperfect people to the only perfect one—Jesus Christ! I too still believe!”
“Mary Jo was my graduate student, so the minute her story arrived, I began consuming it. Then I saw the chapter title, “Lessons from a Sociopath and an Ex-Muslim.” Wow! Now who’s going to stop, especially since both fellows were also grad students? Well, I was not disappointed. Try to stop reading. A new world will open before your eyes.”
“I meet many people who are attracted to Jesus but are put off by the church and the behavior of Christians. Why I Still Believe is a powerful and honest response to that challenge. Mary Jo Sharp weaves together her powerful story of her own journey from atheism to faith with the stumbling blocks that Christians sometimes put in her way. Unafraid of facing real issues head on, but always responding with generosity, grace, and hope, Why I Still Believe is a challenge to the church to do better, a fascinating insight into a skeptic’s journey to Christ, and a great resource for friends who are drawn to Jesus but suspicious of those who bear his name.”
Dr. Andy Bannister
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