We run our website the way we wished the whole internet worked: we provide high quality original content with no ads. We are funded by your direct support for ReKnew and our vision. Please consider supporting this project.

Atheism, Doubts, Faith, and Dads

Dr. Boyd,

I began listening to your book, Letters from a Skeptic: A Son Wrestles with His Father’s Questions about Christianity, on tape yesterday while walking in my neighborhood, and before long I was totally absorbed, tears running down my face, as I recalled my life with my own father.

You see, my father, was an avowed atheist for as long as I can remember. He accepted Jesus as his savior one month before he died, February third of this year.

I felt an overwhelming desire to write to you while listening to this book because it touched my heart so profoundly, but in truth I have had many imaginary conversations with you since I first read your interview with Lee Strobel in The Case for Christ, one month ago. Since then, I have read Benefit of the Doubt: Breaking the Idol of Certainty, and I have to tell you that I feel like that book changed my life.

I have always been a guilty doubter, perhaps because of my father’s atheism, or because of my inherent inquisitive nature( I am a medical doctor). I always felt that it was wrong to doubt, but I just couldn’t help it. I realized, by reading your book, that Jesus gives me permission to doubt, and what an epiphany! I felt such an amazing relief, that when I read your analogy of the non- doubter’s interpretation of Matthew 21:22, where people might choose a Mercedes instead of asking for peace in the Middle East, – I just burst out loud with laughter.

This whole concept of allowing myself to be able to doubt without risk of damnation is so new to me that I have to keep reminding myself that it’s OK. But the funny thing is- and what I never would have expected, is that allowing myself the freedom to doubt is making my faith so much stronger, and my relationship with God so much more real – and good.

I wish that I would have discovered your books before my dad died so that we could have discussed them. Like I imagine your dad, mine was an intellectual, who loved nothing more than a good exchange of ideas with his children, who loved him so much. I look forward to the talks we will have in heaven.

Thank you so much, Dr. Boyd, for opening my eyes to a concept that has made my faith, and my relationship with Jesus, crucified, so much better. I feel such a Christian love for you- that must be odd, knowing that people you have never met love you- but I truly do, and feel so grateful for everything you do.

Thank you and God bless you,

Jeana