Why Faith Matters

Rabbi David J. Wolpe's book, Why Faith Matters, came to my attention as I prepared to teach a class on Hebrews 11. "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see" (Hebrews 11:1). Wolpe is more philosophical and focuses on the quest for meaning. "Faith believes in the legitimacy of asking 'why'--that the very question is an animating force in life" (p. 193). While I am interested in the question and believe that faith is a journey, the truth of faith begins with its content. Wolpe provided me with snapshots of brilliance when what I searched for was direction in faith's journey. Though we travel different paths at this point, I loved his book. After a brief prelude, Wolpe organizes his book into 8 chapters: (1) From faith to doubt, (2) Where does religion come from? (3) Does religion cause violence? (4) Does science disprove religion? (5) What does religion really teach? (6) Reading the Bible (7) Is religion good for you? and (8) Why faith matters. His introduction is written by Pastor Rick Warren. Wolpe's strengths as a writer include his ability to dialog with the reader, his keen insight into the human condition, and his brilliant analytical mind. In his prelude, for example, he tells the story of a man using his sickness to teach his children and grandchildren how to die. He writes about his friend Isaac: "Here was a chance to teach his greatest lesson. They would remember much about him to be sure, but they would never forget how he died" (p. xiv). Wolpe's brilliance comes in getting to the heart of complex matters quickly. Why do atheists try to make science into a religion? They confuse puzzles (which can be figured out) with mysteries (which are unsolvable) (p. 11). Why does Nietzsche dislike democracy and Christianity? He is a classicist who prefers the morality of masters (classical view) over that of slaves (Christian view) (pp. 48-49). Wolpe's writing is a joy because of these many insights. Wolpe enriches his readers in thousand ways. I will be gifting friends and family with this book over the coming months. Dr. Stephen W. Hiemstra Centreville, Virigina

David Wolpe understands the words of Tennyson: "There lives more faith in honest doubt, believe me, than in half the creeds. At the same time, Wolpe understands the power of faith and gives comfort to those who make the leap of faith. Truly a Renaissance man, Wolpe has the extraordinary ability to inspire readers to be introspective, which is a key to our essence and existence. His knowledge of history, philosophy, psychology and theology, and various other belief systems, is obvious in his presentation. I believe that all people who are open to enhancing their self-awareness, and to considering varied ideas about faith, should read "Why Faith Matters." Even for those who are rightly skeptical about some of the author's assertions, and who might not be comfortable with certain of his approaches, Wolpe is still a very serious and important thinker who deserves our consideration. (Reviewed by Jerry Marcus, author of four novels, including The Salvation Peddler and Broken Trust - The Murder Of Basketball Star Jack Molinas.)

Like many Americans, I have endured at various times in my life periods of faith and doubt in the existence of God. I was surprised to read that in his youth, Rabbi Wolpe also was a practicing atheist. So, from the beginning of the book it was easy to equally consider the arguments in favor of faith, knowing that Rabbi Wolpe contemplated these issues on a personal level, too. While his writing is cerebral, the book is an easy read of an incredibly difficult subject. The book will help those with faith re-affirm their connection to their God, and for those without, the book will force you to seriously reflect on just who holds the tiller of your moral rudder. Without qualms, Rabbi Wolpe raises arguments about the importance of a religious component to your life. His most poignant point may be the role that organized religion plays as a check and balance to government. Rabbi Wolpe does not take the unsupportable position that religious institutions are infallible. In fact, he openly acknowledges that just like out of control governments can wreak havoc, so can out of control religion. But his overall case that the scales of goodness ultimately tip in the favor of belief in God is compelling.

David Wolpe writes of Faith with eyes wide open, displaying both honesty and wonder. He reminds us of the humanizing gifts of faith with thoughtful quotes, stories, and erudition. For instance, I was unaware of historian Edward Gibbon's critic of Christianity, with its emphasis on peace, as the cause of the demise of the Roman Empire. Rabbi Wolpe writes personally, revealing his own health crises and how those encounters with vulnerability opened him to the power of prayer and the presence of a Divine, caring Being. Last, he writes with humility, acknowledging that religious questions are never answered completely and that wrestling with the questions is the ongoing homework of our lives. Why Faith Matters? has mattered to me, deepening my own exploration of what it means to believe and to live with faith.

Rabbi Wolpe has written a book that will open the minds of doubters and talk to us all about the importance of belief. The language is pure poetry. The history and personal accounts of the Rabbi's own life and journey help it all to flow. A beautiful book and delightful read.