Eclipse of Faith: When doubt overwhelms religious belief Hardcover – October 30, 2013

This book made me dizzy. A lot of information here. Very well written, but still a lot to digest.It forced me to ask some tough questions, like, "Why do I believe what I believe?" My answer: "Because my parents believed it and taught me to." Wow. Not a good reason.Then, as if I were a fresh recruit in the Army, Steve shattered my reasons for believing in order to show me the real reasons for Christianity.It could have been a couple (or more) books.First, you have the personal story of the author, who loses his faith, and sets out on a journey to re-discover his first love. This could have been expanded and would have made a nice stand alone book.Next, you have a survey-style course in world religions. This part really interested me. Steve asks a lot of good questions and digs deep for the answers.Honestly, the first two-thirds (the 'shattering' I referred to earlier) of this book made me a bit uncomfortable...like I was cheating on God. But I'm glad I read it. Especially when combined with the last part of the book, where the author built a solid wall of belief, and instructs the reader to do the same.

I applaud the author for casting a hyper-critical eye toward Christianity, and not accepting the lame answers so often offered by apologists. I really credit him for his point blank candor regarding his own hard core doubts about the faith.But I think he takes too long to set up the punch line. Actually, given his critique in the run-up, it is almost surprising he returned to the faith at all. Ultimately, it seems he had a personal experience with God he is convinced was real, but critics would likely say was just his imagination. The bottom line is that we cannot know for sure either way.Truth for one person may not be truth for another. That is why when all is said and done and all the books are written pro and con, it comes down to what resonates in your own heart.

If you are a person who has ever questioned your religious belief or background, purpose in life, or who is searching for truth, you will find this book a fantastic read. It is only for a serious reader, though. It is deep and raw. Whigham is wide open and willing to ask any and all questions. If you believe you are well grounded in your faith, be prepared for a few moments of questioning. It is uncomfortable. But if you are willing to read the entire journey you will find yourself more solid in your faith. Whigham is clearly an intellectual person who has spent years researching and reading, and it is reflected in his writing. It is very difficult and rare for a writer to be able to make such a deep topic so readable and relevant; yet, Steve accomplishes this brilliantly. This may be a book you read several times.

In this intriguing, bold and winsome book, Whigham wrestles with numerous doubts and questions about Christianity and explores a wide range of alternative worldviews. While deeply personal and engaging, it is more than just a spiritual memoir. The book is intellectually robust. It contains in depth discussion and analysis of philosophical concepts, historical events and scientific thought that shape and inform both his questions and conclusions. I also appreciate that he is gracious and respectful towards those with whom he disagrees.

I use Steve Whigham’s book at the end of the college-level apologetics course that I teach in order to illustrate the real struggles and questions that many thinking Christians face when their faith is tested by withering circumstances, attacks from atheist scholars, and offers from competing worldviews. Multiple students have mentioned how it mirrors their own journey of skepticism and then reinforces the experiential, rational , and relational superiority of a relationship with our compassionate God and our risen Lord Jesus. I highly recommend the book!

One of the best books I have ever read, possibly THE best. I buy this for anyone in emotional or spiritual need.I wish everyone could have access to this book.

Whigham shares a deeply personal journey of faith that I believe any heart and any human can relate to at one point or another along his journey. As he descends to the depths of his crisis of faith, he identifies with virtually any belief system a person can have. But the beauty is in the journey upwards as Whigham lifts us up through his humble example to the apex of faith and the climax of his book. Your faith cannot help but be challenged and changed as a result of reading Eclipse of Faith.