Changing Faith: Questions, Doubts & Choices about an Unchanging God

In this welcome addition to the array of theological explorations of contemporary Christianity, Hidalgo (Unlost: Being Found by the One We Are Looking For), pastor of Denver Community Church, explores scriptural stories, offering honest critiques of church and Christian communities as well as hopeful guidance for those who wrestle with doubts. In chapters titled "From Closed to Open," "From Legalism to Wholeness," and "From Fear to Love" Hidalgo challenges dogmatism and examines what motivates Christians to focus on answers and definitions, instead of questions and descriptions. He uses specific illustrations to describe universal experiences: when a congregation devastated him by dismissing him as pastor with no explanation, the rejection and pain "felt like hell because it even seemed God was nowhere." His somber, yet hopeful account of his long, painful relationship with his father and their unexpected later-in-life healing helps him relate how he came to understand that "God is telling his story, through everyday people like you and me." A group discussion guide with open-ended questions adds value to this thoughtful, accessible resource for Christians on many stages of their faith journey. (May)