Conway - Doubting Toward Faith

Religious doubt exists at epidemic levels today, and it is usually not primarily factual or intellectual in nature. As a result, we need books on this topic like this one by Bobby Conway. Many of us require a Doubt GPS to lead us stealthily through the twists, turns, and even the drop-offs. And just as doubt comes from many different angles, so it was wonderful to see the multitude of insights, suggestions, and even remedies that are found in this text, all at different levels, as well. On top of everything else, this volume is well-writtena quick read. If you know Bobby, youre probably not surprised. I suggest that you take a look and see the suggestions for yourself, a loved one, or a friend who may be going through a painful process. Gary R. Habermas , distinguished research professor and chair, philosophy department, Liberty University and Theological Seminary

Bobby Conway has written an immensely practical, well-informed, and much-needed book on doubt. It deserves a wide readership, as it addresses a significantthough often neglectedconcern in many Christian circles. Paul Copan , professor of philosophy and ethics and the Pledger Family Chair, Palm Beach Atlantic University

If youre agonizing from the deleterious effects of doubting your faith, let me offer up a remedy. Read Bobby Conways Doubting Toward Faith . William Lane Craig , research professor of philosophy, Talbot School of Theology

In an era in which Internet distortions travel halfway around the world before truth has had a chance to put its boots on, doubt is as common as rust and, left unresolved, equally corrosive. Bobby Conway exhorts us to be skeptical of our doubts and to relentlessly pursue God in the midst of them. Application of the principles in this timely book moves us past the specter of debilitating doubt to definitive devotedness to the mind of Christ. Hank Hanegraaff , president of the Christian Research Institute and author of numerous books, including AfterLife: What You Need to Know about Heaven, the Hereafter, and Near-Death Experiences

Bobby Conway shows how God can use our spiritual questions to lead us to a more confident faith in Christ. Drawing on a wealth of biblical insight, expert opinion, and hard-earned experience, Conway will help you address your own doubtswhile learning how to help friends work through theirs. Mark Mittelberg , bestselling author of Confident Faith and The Questions Christians Hope No One Will Ask (With Answers)

Bobby Conway has been responding to doubt and skepticism for years as the host of the One Minute Apologist. In Doubting Toward Faith , he has given us a valuable tool to help those who have been injured by doubt and those who seek to use their doubt to energize their own spiritual journey. Bobby defines the various forms of doubt, examines specific doubts particular to Christianity, and then provides a roadmap toward clarity, peace, and confidence. If youre struggling with doubt, or know someone who is, this book is a godsend. J. Warner Wallace , cold-case detective and author of Cold-Case Christianity and Gods Crime Scene

Bobby Conway shows you the causes of doubt, the solutions to doubt, the benefits of doubt, and why you should start doubting your doubts. This encouraging book will have you realizing that it takes too much faith to believe anything other than Christianity. Frank Turek , author of Stealing from God and coauthor of I Dont Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist

Choosing our worldview is perhaps the most important decision an individual will ever make, since ones destiny in life and eternity may be determined in the process. It is only normal, therefore, to second-guess or have doubts pertaining to the wisdom of our choice. For those of us who are often tortured with doubt, Bobby Conway brings hope and guidance! Michael Licona , PhD, associate professor of theology, Houston Baptist University

HARVEST HOUSE PUBLISHERS

EUGENE, OREGON

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from the ESV Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Verses marked NASB are from the New American Standard Bible , 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. (www.Lockman.org)

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Cover by Dual Identity, Inc, Whites Creek, Tennessee

Published in association with William K. Jensen Literary Agency, 119 Bampton Court, Eugene, Oregon 97404.

DOUBTING TOWARD FAITH

Copyright 2015 Bobby Conway

Published by Harvest House Publishers

Eugene, Oregon 97402

www.harvesthousepublishers.com

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Conway, Bobby, 1973-

Doubting toward faith / Bobby Conway.

pages cm

ISBN 978-0-7369-6354-1 (pbk.)

ISBN 978-0-7369-6355-8 (eBook)

1. Faith. I. Title.

BT771.3.C67 2015

234'.23dc23

2015004704

All rights reserved. No part of this electronic publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any meanselectronic, mechanical, digital, photocopy, recording, or any otherwithout the prior written permission of the publisher. The authorized purchaser has been granted a nontransferable, nonexclusive, and noncommercial right to access and view this electronic publication, and purchaser agrees to do so only in accordance with the terms of use under which it was purchased or transmitted. Participation in or encouragement of piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of authors and publishers rights is strictly prohibited.

To my dear friend and fellow elder, Matt Hatfield.

I cant imagine life without your friendship.

Youve stood by my side through a hundred trials and more.

And when doubts brought me despair,

you quietly and wisely helped carry me through.

Ill forever be grateful.

Thanks to

My beloved wife and children: Heather, Haley, and Dawson. Thank you for your support and encouragement through writing this book. You guys are the best.

My fellow elders and staff. Oh, how I love serving the Lord with you. I could never do all this alone. Together is definitely better.

Harvest House Publishers for your passion to publish a book designed to provide hope for hopeless doubters.

Jeff Kinley, Rod Morris, Bennett Harris, Gary Habermas, and Christian Research Institute for your editorial help and creative insights. You guys helped bring this all together. I so appreciate you.

Bill Jensen, my literary agent, for believing in this book. Youve opened so many doors for me. For that, Ill always be indebted.

Sean McDowell for championing Doubting Toward Faith by writing a gracious foreword.

William Lane Craig for your overwhelming influence on my life. Your books, podcasts, debates, and ministry have shaped the way I think about many subjects, including doubt. Your scholarship is so appreciated.

The Lord Jesus Christ for never leaving us or forsaking useven through our darkest doubts, Youre always there.

CONTENTS

By Sean McDowell

D oubting Toward Faith is a refreshing book. It made me laugh. It made me cry. And yet it also made me upset. Why? Because I wish this book had existed years ago when I went through my own period of substantial doubt. Even though I have been blessed with amazing friends and family during my entire journey of faith, this book would have been life-giving when I first began to seriously doubt my own beliefs. The insights Bobby shares would have saved me a lot of heartache and given me a helpful roadmap for navigating the world of doubt and faith.