Review: If I Really Believe, Why Do I Have These Doubts? by Dr. Lynn Anderson

February 22, 2011 8:42PM By The Parchment Girl

Title: If I Really Believe, Why Do I Have These Doubts?
Author: Dr. Lynn Anderson
Released: April 1, 2000
Publisher: Howard Publishing Co.
Pages/format: 208 (Trade Paperback)
Source: I purchased my copy.

Quick Synopsis: Author Lynn Anderson helps believers understand doubt and guides readers on a journey towards a more vibrant faith.

From the back cover:

Faith is the most fundamentally important aspect of following Christ. Yet there are times in every believer’s life when the inevitable question arises in the heart and works its way to the soul: If I really believe, why do I have these doubts? The question may have been planted by tragedy or trial. It may have been ignited by rejection or heartbreak. It may even be as simple as an intellectual burr that can’t be shaken. Regardless of the cause, Lynn Anderson helps readers understand doubt and take steps towards a more vibrant and muscular faith.

Quick Review: If I Really Believe is a well-written and helpful guide for the Christian trying to understand his or her faith and doubt (and the relationship between the two) and who wants to mature in faith.

In-Depth Review:

If I Really Believe is eleven chapters long and divided into four parts. Part one (chapters 1-3) paints a picture of the different manifestations of doubt that may crop up in a believer’s life, exposes the origins of doubt, and cautions against certain methods of pursuing faith that the author refers to as “blind alleys.” Part two (chapters 4-5) answers the question, “What is faith?” by first tearing down common misconceptions of what faith is and then rebuilding a biblical model of faith by examining the life of the Father of the Faithful, Abraham. Part three (chapter 6) answers the question, “Why does my faith look different than yours?” by explaining faith in terms of stages of growth. Finally, part four (chapters 7-11) lays out a practical action plan for growing and maturing in genuine faith. There is also an epilogue which addresses the role of mystery in the believer’s life, an appendix which provides a number of faith-building materials, and a section outfitted with discussion questions for personal or group use.

Overall, I was very impressed with Anderson’s understanding and representation of doubt–it’s roots and how to deal with it. He draws from a reservoir of Scriptural and psychological wisdom, with an emphasis on the latter for understanding the origins of doubt and the former for dealing with it effectively. Anderson also engages the doubting reader by recounting elements of his own faith journey in which the friction between doubt and belief is palpable.

The easy, flowing narrative in this book dispersed with illustrative stories kept me reading at a brisk pace and it didn’t take me long to click with the author’s personality. I also appreciated the exemplary organization of the text, which makes referencing it a breeze.

It should be noted that If I Really Believe is not a work of apologetics. Dr. Anderson’s purpose is not to try to persuade the skeptic that God exists or that Jesus really did rise from the dead. This book is not aimed at the person who seeks proof before believing. It is instead targeted at the person who believes, or at the very least wants to believe, but needs help with their unbelief (to paraphrase Mark 9:24). I believe it will also prove helpful to any Christian who wants to understand his faith better and mature in it.

About Lynn Anderson:

Dr. Lynn Anderson has been in ministry for over thirty-five years and currently serves as president of Hope Network, a ministry dedicated to coaching, mentoring, and equipping spiritual leaders. Anderson has spoken nationwide to thousands of audiences and authored eight books. He and his wife, Carolyn live in Dallas.