Faith, Grace, and Free Books

Tasra Dawson — May 27, 2010 — 9 Comments

Because I’m such an avid blogger and serious lover of books, publishers send me books to review and giveaway. Two of the books I received recently were similar in topic, O Me of Little Faith: True Confessions of a Spiritual Weakling and The Naked Gospel: The Truth You May Never Hear in Church.

Both were compelling and had great messages that made me rethink faith, grace, and organized religion. See what you think, then leave a comment to win a copy of both books.

Themes and Takeaway from O Me of Little Faith
In his book Jason Boyett says: It’s not the end of the world to experience doubt as a Christian — even the really scary “does God even exist?” kind of doubt. Your faith can not only withstand doubt, but can even be strengthened by it. As a doubter, you are not alone.

Doubt is not the opposite of faith, but a necessary companion to faith. Faith and doubt can and should exist side-by-side. Doubt is no excuse for inaction or paralysis as a follower of Christ. The best response to doubt, as a Christian, is to continue to live out your religious faith — to take action — even if the following sometimes gets ahead of the belief.

Learn more about Jason at http://www.jasonboyett.com.

Insight from Naked Gospel Author
In Naked Gospel, Andrew Farley shares his heart: I found myself lying on the floor of my apartment, sobbing for hours on end: “God, I’m doing everything I’m supposed to do, and I still don’t feel closer to you. In fact, I feel worse than ever! How could this have gone wrong? I can’t see any way out. Help me.”

The Naked Gospel finds friends among those who are burned out on experience-chasing, ceremonialism, or legalism. It attacks churchy jargon and powerless ideas and puts forth a message that is simple but life-changing. With a fresh take on Scripture and unapologetic style, The Naked Gospel will challenge you and stir you to re-examine everything you thought you already knew.

Learn more about Andrew at http://www.TheNakedGospel.com.

HERE’S HOW TO WIN…
Just leave a comment below about why you want to read one of these books and you’re in!

Earn extra entries by signing up for the newsletter, becoming a Fan on Facebook or Tweeting about the contest on Twitter… just use the retweet button above!

In contests, reviews Andrew Farley, book giveaway, book review, Free books, Jason Boyett, O Me of Little Faith, The Naked Gospel

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Tasra Dawson

Author, designer, photographer, teacher... just an artistic curious girl learning to live insanely great and sharing what I learn along the way.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000504819738 Donna McCollough

These 2 books sound pretty interesting. Just wondering have you read “The Happiness Project” by Gretchen Rubin. I saw a quote from it that really spoke volumes to me and Ive been researching it but havent decided if I needed to go out and buy the book! The quote was… “the days are long, but the years are short.” Anyway its always good to find someone who’s actually read it and get their opinion.
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dquatta

Hello Tasra, both of these books look to be something that will help me in my time of “struggle” right now. I grew up in church and am familiar with all the cliches and colloquialisms of Christians/religious people. I seek to walk the path God has designed for me and share Christ along the way but as of late I'm having a difficult time understanding my relationship with God and how to get past this test. I continue to pray and seek His face so I know I'll get the answers I need. I love Him dearly and will never let go of my faith in Him.

Donna
- http://tasra365.com tasra
  
  I think your last line sums it up best… love to hear that.
http://simplydar.wordpress.com Darlene T.

Both books look so good. There are so many books out there that tell us how to walk righteously or how to do the right thing; we already know that. What we don't often know is the struggles and heart aches we experience are not unique to us. Christians like to look good, myself included. Yet, when we see the naked heart of a struggled lover of Jesus we are relieved to find that we are not alone. I think we struggle so that we do draw closer to Him. If ever we're too comfortable we stop seeking. I think. I guess I don't know for sure. All I know is that I love Jesus.
- http://tasra365.com tasra
  
  Even if all you know is the last sentence you wrote, you're on the right path.
http://gallow-photo-year.blogspot.com Steve Gallow

I'm a member of a book club that takes place in our church. We've been reading books for about 8 years. Always looking for the answers. The variety of books has been incredible. They have always led to very deep conversations about what we truly believe. I'm always looking for new books, and these look like some great possibilities. I'd be very interested in reading them.
- http://tasra365.com tasra
  
  Very cool… I think book clubs are such a great way to enjoy and learn about new books and to challenge what you read and believe.
http://www.facebook.com/Iseanwrench Sean Wrench

Ohhhh I would LOVE to win free books !!! pick me pick me lol I heard both books were AMAZING!