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Overview
Named one of the 2004 Top Ten Religious Books by the Massachusetts Bible Society!
#8 on the New York Times Hardcover Advice Bestseller List! (June 14, 2004)
#7 on the Publishers Weekly Religion Hardcover Bestseller List (October 2004)
Do you wonder whether or not God is real?
Do you doubt that religion can be relevant?
Do you wish that faith were possible for you?
Don't shy away from your questions, says Dr. Timothy Johnson, medical editor for ABC News. He believes that's where God meets you—in the midst of honest grappling with heartfelt issues.
In this remarkable book, Dr. Johnson discloses his deeply personal journey of faith. With the same keen mind accustomed to medical and scientific examination, he investigates the plausibility of God's existence and explores the significance of the person of Jesus. Despite all the difficulties of faith, he explains what he believes and why. He writes,
"As a physician, I have committed my professional life to healing and wellness. But my public work is only a small part of who I really am—or rather, who I want to be. This book is, in a sense, 'the rest of the story.'
"For many people, religion provides answers to the big questions of life. For others, the absolute claims of religion raise more questions than they answer. I have lived on both sides—and in some senses, I still do. My path of faith has wandered through both doubt and belief, often at the same time.
"Doubt doesn't have to tear down belief, however; it can purify it. When it does, the beliefs on the other side become more certain. This is why I would like to affirm that it is possible to find God even while you are still asking the big questions."
Come join a fellow pilgrim on the journey. Ask your questions—and perhaps find God behind them.
This new paperback edition includes a new afterword and a study guide with questions for personal reflection or group discussion.
Synopsis
Do you wonder whether or not God is real? Do you doubt that religion can be relevant? Do you wish that faith were possible for you?
Don't shy away from your questions, says Dr. Timothy Johnson, medical editor for ABC News. He believes that's where God meets you—in the midst of honest grappling with heartfelt issues.
In this remarkable book, Dr. Johnson discloses his deeply personal journey of faith. With the same keen mind accustomed to medical and scientific examination, he investigates the plausibility of God's existence and explores the significance of the person of Jesus. Despite all the difficulties of faith, he explains what he believes and why.
Publishers Weekly
It is always interesting when a public figure like Johnson, medical editor for ABC News and frequent medical journalist on shows like Nightline and 20/20, writes about faith from a personal angle. The initial chapter relates much of his life story, outlining the questions that have caused him to question and doubt. The remainder of the book is a pithy discussion of what he has discovered (and what he still doubts) about issues like the origin of the universe, proofs for the existence of God, the identity and teachings of Jesus and the practical difference that religion should make in people's lives. While peppered with gently humorous asides and personal observations, the overall focus of the book is not on Johnson himself but on the questions he explores. Most notable is his excellent discussion of the "intelligent design" arguments that have recently become so widely discussed in academic settings. His brief and very comprehensible discussion will introduce a much wider audience to these ideas. In discussing his faith, Johnson is honest enough to surprise many readers. As he himself states, "some who admire my secular achievements will be turned off by this spiritual exploration and some who admire my spiritual stance will be disappointed in my conclusions." Although some readers may disagree with Johnson, they will find it difficult not to be stimulated to think much more deeply about their own answers to these questions. (May 18) Forecast: A $75,000 promo budget and endorsements from the likes of Ted Koppel will help bring attention to this title by the 30-year media veteran. Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.