Surprised by Faith

I first read this book in college. It was the first logical, historical, evidence-based defense of Christianity that I had read. Suddenly I realized that my faith wasn't a blind leap but that it rested on solid historical and logical evidence. Dr. Don Bierle, a PhD in life sciences and former skeptic himself, shares the results of his personal search for meaning, evidence and faith. The style is persuasive and personal, just detailed enough to whet your appetite for even more in-depth books on the subject. In Chapter 1, he analyzes the "Crisis of Purpose and Meaning" through illustrations and logic. Chapter 2 looks at the "Issue of HIstorical Reliability" of the Bible. The fact is that the Bible is much more well documented and preserved than any other historical work. Chapter 3 looks more indepth at "The Evidence" for Jesus being God, the resurrection, etc. Chapter 4 analyzes "Faith" and whether it can be reasonable. This chapter demolishes stereotypes. In Chapter 5, Dr. Bierle looks at the other side of the coin and analyzes "Unbelief, Belief & Doubt" and what it means for an individual searching for solid ground. Finally, in Chapter 6, Dr. Bierle looks at the "Bottom Line" questions that we must answer: "Who Am I?" and "Who Is God?" He reveals important ways that we can go from intellectual understanding to having knowledge that affects our lives in the deepest possible ways. This book is a great first start for a Christian who doesn't know why they believe what they believe, or for an unbeliever who is open to a logical, factual approach to faith (which is too-often presented as merely 'feeling' based or something that each person has to make up for themselves.) If the "you just have to believe it" approach isn't doing it for you, this book is for you. If you're looking for an overview of some very persuasive facts about why Jesus is the only way to heaven, why we can trust the Bible, how to know that God really exists, and how know for sure how you can spend eternity with Him, this book is for you.

Fortunately, most of the people who have actually read this book can appreciate it for what it is (an understandable application of reason and logic as applied to the concept of God), as opposed to the piece of writing which some individuals incorrectly assert that Bierle was trying to write (a concise one-volume work that extensively answers every possible argument conceived by all scientific elitists). "Surprised By Faith" is an even-handed, fair look at a topic which far too many other books approach with a presupposed agenda--political, theological, or otherwise.Sadly, a few "readers" failed to pick up on this. D. McGowan, for example, expected the wrong things from this book while simultaneously purporting the tired arguments of an overtly biased humanist (see his other reviews for further evidence of this). His review isn't entirely without merit--his writing was clear, and hopefully his opinions will help us all in one way or another--but his arguments come across as a little narrow-minded and intolerant.The vast majority of the other reviews, however, help prove that Bierle's research has been deftly presented with a helpful dose of reality. But perhaps what makes the argument of "Surprised By Faith" most effective and indisputable is the author's personal accounts of legitimate revelation.

This book is such an excellent tool to use to share your faith - why you believe what you believe - explained by a scientific mind who was once a skeptic of the Christian faith - and yet he manages to keep it so accessible to the average person. (a much easier read than "Case for Christ" - no offense, Mr. Strobel.) This book encouraged me as someone who already knew the Lord and got me excited about sharing my faith with others - using this tool. I carry some in my car and when I get into conversation with someone who has questions that are addressed in this book, I give them a copy and tell them that this scientist explains it much better that I could. I really appreciated his honesty in admitting his problem with pride and being the lord of his life - and how God changed his heart! The book is great!!

As an analytical and skeptical kind of person, I was very surprised and impressed with Dr. Bierle's book. He paints a compelling case for the rational belief in the Christian faith by using the tools of the scientist. A great book for those who seek objective truth.

Originally published by a small non-profit in the early 1990s, "Surprised by Faith" has received deserved attention in the Midwest. In the book, a science professor, Don Bierle, Ph.D., recounts his journey from atheism to full acceptance of the Christian faith. As would be expected from a scientist, the treatment is linear, rational, and based on evidence. "Surprised by Faith" outlines the case for theism and Christianity in just six short chapters. The presentation is accessible and is frequently used in churches to introduce Christianity to the unfamiliar or skeptical. The book's strengths, in addition to its folksy approach, include excellent references and a chapter which helps readers analyze their doubts. This title should sit on every pastor's bookshelf, and a lot of other people's as well. --David A. Frenz