Finding Faith---A Search for What Is Real

I found these two short books in a book warehouse. McClaren writes in a way that is very comfortable. He's not preachy and he explains things in ways that everyone can understand. His Finding Faith books are written with spiritual seekers in mind. In A Search for What Is Real, McLaren talks about finding faith by way of emotions. The other volume, A Search for What Makes Sense, deals with intellect. Two ways people argue about faith and McLaren exposes the truth in his signature gentle way. I've read both Finding Faith books and strongly encourage anyone to read them. You can be someone who already has strong convictions about your faith and these books will challenge you to go deeper.

McLaren explores the ways in which people "experience God." In this book he addresses those who have not yet come to belief, who have not yet come to experience God. His stated goal is to help the reader discover how to believe. This book is not for a person who has decided they have already figured God out. McLaren takes God seriously and leads us to explore God in relational terms that draw us into the actual life of God, not just an easy dogma. McLaren takes seriously the inner turmoil and uncertainty many of us have when moving into faith or progressing in the rich and uncharted depths of the Faith-Life. This sensitive writer is clear that he has beliefs and that these are basic to his identity. But he understands his task to be not telling others what to believe, how to believe or how to experience God. Rather, he takes the approach of an advocate, a partner in the search, and steps back from his own experience to explore how various people of his personal acquaintance have come to experience the reality of God and to come into relationship with God. In the process, he shows no fear as he additionally reports on personal experiences, problems and challenges that have led to his own insights and awareness of the reality of God. He speaks of experiencing God in various situations and coming to constant awareness of God's presence and working in his life. McLaren does not set out to give answers to common problems. This book is not another of those popular books in the vein of "Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About God and How to Believe in Him." No, this thoughtful and sympathetic book takes seriously people's inner experience of life and its complexity. As in previous books, McLaren takes both Faith and his readers seriously, inviting the reader to engage the topic and explore the possibilities. In this focused, personal and readable book, McLaren encourages exploration, and leads us on a journey through the real experiences of people who have experienced God and come to understand life in Faith. He illustrates 12 common ways that individuals come to faith through their experiences and thought processes. He then spends one whole chapter on an additional possible way to come to faith. Chapter 3 asks "Can I experience God through Doubt?" He then proceeds into two areas: Help for the Spiritual Search and Milestones for My Spiritual Journey. As usual, McLaren does not waste time on useless philosophies or abstract ideas. This is not a rationalist presentation of abstract intellectual constructs. This is a practical guide, with a friendly tone and an understanding heart. McLaren's little volume will be a helpful and non-threatening aid for those who have the feeling there is something in the reality beyond us that holds value for us, but who are tired of the silly and judgemental trivialities usually presented as the way to find the spiritual reality we call God. McLaren is nobody's fool. This book could be considered

Very good for an honest seeker. Very good for believers who need to process a bit more their convictions or presumed convictions. In a way it meets a need similar to that met by C S Lewis' Mere Christianity, but more conversational, more thorough, and definitely more contemporary. Highly recommended for all who care about the credibility of their own faith experience.

Brian does a great job of thoughtfully and logically addressing basic questions that people face then trying to navigate the maze of "spirituality"in our culture. Like the C. S. Lewis classic "Mere Christianity" which is quoted often in the book it does not attempt supply all of the answers the "life the universe and everything" but offers thought provoking logical arguments for meaningful faith in a real God. His conversational style is easy to read and the arguments are compelling. I highly recommend it no matter where you may be on your spiritual journey.

McLaren does a great job in this book with putting out the options and asking the questions to help people figure out which way they want to go in their faith. He doesn't answer many of the questions - that's for you to do - but he gently prods about church preferences, how you meet God, etc., hoping that in your answers you will find God. It's an interesting approach, and feels fresh. However, this book is geared toward people that are seeking answers to emotional questions about God. His other book in this series is geared for people seeking answers more intellectual questions. I didn't realize this or I would have purchased the other book, given that that's my doubt struggle. Overall, a good book, and great to get discussion started about how people meet God. It reminded me that my ways are no less valid than my husband's, and that God uses our different personalities accordingly.