Rebuilding a Lost Faith: By an American Agnostic

The author explores his troubled journey from sincere Protestant seminarian to full-fledged agnostic and finally to a devout Catholic. While the book was published in 1922, its themes and ideas are as fresh as if they were written yesterday. It clarifies why Protestants seem to have a deep-seeded dislike for anything Catholic and the Pope, specifically, whom they reject as Vicar of Christ. Stoddard emphasizes that, in the case of Protestants, it's not the person, it's the message which creates havoc in matters of theology. At one point in the book, the author lists all the Protestant sects he could think of (several pages). This is not anti-Protestant, rather, it looks tenderly at the inheritors of Protestant traditions. He is not so kind regarding the instigators of the Protestant Reformation. He also explores Catholic traditions and theology (Pre-Vatican II); particularly things that Catholics accept and simply do as these practices have been handed down over the past 2,000 years. Whether one agrees with his conclusions or not, his perspective is refreshing.

The book reads like an Agatha Christie mystery book. It was so engrossing, I could not put it down-- it is interesting because it involves real people --the author's description of his own life-story and struggle from agnosticism to a clearer understanding of the mysteries of faith. What makes the book interesting is that the author weaves a presentation using sometimes seemingly disjointed pieces of knowledge into an integrated view of a point which sheds light on a mystery of the Christian faith. The book was written in the 1920's and re-issued again in 1994. It is most entertaining because it describes the struggle of an individual with the articles of faith. It is a book that will satisfy both the orthodox for the clarity (certainty) of the arguments, and the liberal mind because it is non-judgmental -- an extraordinary feat! In addition, the book is interesting because it provides the reader with a view of some key issues of doctrine and faith Christians were struggling with at the end of last century and the beginning of this one. It certainly helped me gain an appreciation for the struggles mainland Protestant churches, as well as the Catholic Church is currently experiencing with their congregation and clergy. The author organizes the chapters by postulating individual difficulties of faith he faced, and then proceeds to show how he resolved some of the conundrums. He gave excellent references to support his arguments. The English prose is superb; the logic used to tackle the difficulties posed is impeccable; the arguments, tight. After reading the book I could understand why Christianity has survived two thousand years. When all the arguments fall in place like weaving a complex tapestry, one can appreciate that while certain truths are not self evident, those seeking it with persistence and an open mind, will eventually find it. I would recommend this book to anyone who is seriously interested in understanding the tenets of the Christian faith, or want to understand why Christians believe what they believe. The book is engrossing.

I found this book in a rummage sale of books and recommended that TAN reprint it. It was very good and one of the first conversion stories I'd ever read. Some of it was over my head at the time but he covered many of the concerns of contemporary converts very well. The truth is its own reward. I recommend it to anyone but remember that it was originally written early in this century, so it is from a different time and perspective on religion in America.