Do you ever struggle with matters of faith? Or wonder why you believe what you do (or don’t), and whether it really matters? Are we always (or ever) able to simply choose what we believe? If not, what impact does that have on our ability to have faith, if any? Must genuine faith always be free from doubt? What if you’re just honestly unsure about it all? Can one truly be both a Christian and an agnostic at the same time? If so, how? And what does it really mean to have faith, anyways?
In Faith Seeking Belief, I present an academic treatise in analytic philosophy of religion which seeks to wrestle with precisely such questions while also offering a fresh approach to answering them. Ultimately arguing that genuine faith can be, and in fact often times is, expressed even in the absence of belief, I conclude that Christian agnosticism is a plausibly viable option which may not only provide significant benefits for apologetics and evangelism, but may also offer much needed encouragement and hope for seekers and believers who find themselves plagued with doubts.
Engaging, provocative, and insightful, Faith Seeking Belief presents a timely and thought-provoking perspective on the matter which is sure to pique the interest of contemporary philosophers, theologians, and laypersons alike.
Reviews
Elegantly written and carefully argued, Faith Seeking Belief provides a helpful analysis of an important issue that troubles many thoughtful people today. Bryan crafts a clear and persuasive case that not only offers an attractive solution to an admittedly thorny problem, but that is also a genuine pleasure to read.
Jerry Walls (Professor of Philosophy, Houston Christian University)
Bryan is a markedly careful and creative thinker. His book reflects these virtues and is an insightful study that skillfully integrates philosophy and the Christian faith.
Jeffrey Green (Vice President of Academic Affairs, Arizona Christian University)
Faith Seeking Belief is a thought-provoking defense of Christian agnosticism. The reader may not agree with Smith’s conclusion, but she will leave with several interesting questions to pursue more deeply.
Joshua R. Farris (Visiting Lecturer, London School of Theology)
Bryan tackles philosophical questions with relentless curiosity. Surface answers never satisfy him; he probes broadly and deeply. In Faith Seeking Belief, he explores the idea of “Christian agnosticism.” Can a person be saved by faith in God through Christ without believing certain essential Christian doctrines? His book examines the distinction between belief and trust, the relationship of belief and control, and the nature of faith – both philosophically, Biblically, and historically. In the end, although I found myself disagreeing with Smith’s views on the nature of saving faith on both Biblical and theological grounds, I truly appreciated the ways he forced me to wrestle with this profound issue.
Chris Sneller (Director, Bridges International)
Having studied with Bryan during graduate school, I can honestly say that he was one of the brightest and most talented classmates I’ve ever had. His impressive ability to think through very sophisticated ideas and concepts was equally matched by his pronounced level of dedication and hard work. Faith Seeking Belief is a testament to these virtues that provides a thoughtful approach to a difficult issue which is sure to benefit seekers and believers alike.
Juan Carlos Heredia (Pastor, Sugar Creek Baptist Church)
Logically meticulous in approach and compassionately evangelistic in spirit, Faith Seeking Belief offers a breath of fresh air on the subject of faith and doubt that strikes that rare balance of intellect and heart which makes for a definite must read; and for those who may themselves desire the riches of faith but who are painfully plagued by doubts – it could very well change your life.
Jim Calvert (Senior Pastor, Grace United Methodist Church)
