2

Are there Christian books for fence-sitter agnostics—those for whom spirituality and God feel as foreign as trying to explain colors to someone blind from birth or quantum mechanics to a 5-year-old? Such readers might be curious about what Christian spirituality actually entails: what it means, in practical terms, to have a "relationship" with an unseen, undetectable being who, if real, seems hidden in another dimension. How is this relationship supposed to work? How might such a being interact with you? Are there books that address these questions directly, making Christian spirituality concrete and relatable instead of abstract and vague? Ideally, these books would use down-to-earth examples and clear language, leaving readers with genuine insights instead of confusion.

Additionally, the book should explore what readers might expect if they choose to engage more deeply in Christian spirituality. What does it mean to "go deep" in a spiritual context? What kinds of experiences or changes—emotional, mental, spiritual, or even supernatural—might they encounter? Clear explanations of this deepening process, with illustrative examples of what a genuine journey of faith might look like, would provide the reader with a clearer roadmap to understanding.

Regarding denominations, I'm open to multiple perspectives, so it would be great to receive book recommendations representing the major branches of Christianity—namely, Catholicism, Orthodoxy, and the major subbranches of Protestantism, including Evangelicalism, Anglicanism, Lutheranism, and Pentecostalism/Charismatic traditions. This way, I can gain a well-rounded understanding of Christian spirituality as viewed through different theological lenses, practices, and traditions.

13
  • 3
    The Gospel of Jesus Christ begins with the preaching of repentance. See the first verses of Mark chapter 1. There is no other way to discover the Christian religion in a spiritual fashion. The epistle to the Romans also makes clear what must be received in terms of sin, death, righteousness and life. These, the books of scripture, are what is needed - the word of God.
    – Nigel J
    Commented Oct 30 at 23:25
  • 1
    What do you mean by Christian "spirituality"? Are you just wanting an introduction to Christianity, or something else?
    – curiousdannii
    Commented Oct 30 at 23:40
  • 1
    @curiousdannii The official tag definition seems okay: "Relationship between an individual Christian and God, and different ways to perceive or live this relationship."
    – user81556
    Commented Oct 30 at 23:46
  • 1
    So okay, just general introductions to Christianity then? There are loads of books that do that! That unfortunately is why we don't generally allow book recommendation questions, because they're open ended and can turn into author popularity polls. (That tag, by the way, is not useful one for this site. I'm tempted to purge it.)
    – curiousdannii
    Commented Oct 30 at 23:52
  • 1
    You are going to be much better off talking to a person rather than reading a book. If you know a Christian, talk to them about it. If you don't then go to a church and ask to speak to someone bout this. Commented Oct 31 at 0:19

5 Answers 5

3

There are a host of books that I am tempted to recommend (and a few that I will) but I must first say that it is not primarily a matter of which books to read ... and I include the Bible in this statement. The condition of the human heart which does the reading is paramount.

And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. - Jeremiah 29:13

The heart, for the ancient Hebrew as for us, pictures the inner man; the desires, understanding, intent, and will. God tells us (if we are willing to receive the Bible as His communication to us) that we shall find Him when we seek and search with our whole inner being. That is to say, when we desire to find Him more than we desire to maintain our own worldviews, our own philosophies, our own agendas, etc. In my own personal experience, I had to reach the point of desperation. I do not say this is required of all.

... he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. - Hebrews 11:b

To the one who could never be convinced that a can of soda pop just happened by random processes over millions of years and yet is very or completely unsure that the universe is by design there is little to recommend. Books offering evidentiary support (like "Evidence That Demands A Verdict") for the mere existence of God (never mind the Christian God) are of little use to the one determined not to relinquish agnosticism (this I know quite well). God's mere existence is loudly proclaimed by creation itself (Psalm 19, Romans 1).

If God's mere existence cannot replace agnosticism in the inner man, in the heart, then the pursuit of a relationship with that Being appears to be folly and futile frustration and yet might not be so. Seeking with the whole heart is not a matter of human perfection but of Divine wisdom. I might think I am wholehearted on a matter but God might see that I have reservation that I am unwilling or unable to admit or leave aside.

Therefore I may think I am seeking God without finding Him, all the while He is working to expose my hidden reservations so that I may. This is true not only for His mere existence but also every step of the way in getting to know Him.

If God is really true, I mean ontologically rather than philosophically or theoretically, then the acceptance of that as fact should reasonably change everything. A worldview shaken to it's core. An entirely different foundation for an entirely different building. If you truly want to find God, this will be the cost.


The following book recommendations can easily be considered representative of the various major Protestant denominations asked after. I am unsure of how Catholicism and Orthodoxy view them.

The God Who Is There by Francis Schaeffer

An American evangelical theologian, philosopher, and Presbyterian pastor. This is a book that analyzes the cultural and intellectual climate of the second half of the 20th century and argues that Christians should engage with the questions of their generation. This book does not so much argue for God's existence as it makes practical intellectual application of a Christian worldview.

Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis

From a series of radio talks given in England during the height of WWII, Lewis argues that we can argue that God exists by the very fact that all humans believe that there is a standard of morality in the universe. Different cultures might disagree on the standard, but all agree that there is some form of standard.

Knowing God by J.I. Packer

This is a tentative recommendation because it speaks primarily to the theist. It does, however begin with the distinction between knowing about God and knowing God. The general outline of the book is described here: “Knowing God involves first: listening to God's word and receiving it as the Holy Spirit interprets it, in application to oneself; Second: noting God's nature and character, as his word and works reveal it; Third: accepting his invitations, and doing what he commands; Fourth: recognizing and rejoicing in, the love that he has shown in thus approaching one and drawing one into this divine fellowship.”

4
  • 1
    I think most Catholics like Mere Christianity. There were only a few cringe parts in there, which I think you'd have to want to take the wrong way to find off-putting.
    – Peter Turner
    Commented Oct 31 at 14:04
  • Mere Christianity is theology, with only hints of spirituality. It's an excellent foundation for any Christian spirituality though. The Narnia books would be closer to spirituality, so does The Four Loves. Commented Nov 1 at 14:25
  • @GratefulDisciple I don't know if the distinction has to be that dramatic. For an intellectually driven person theology could be the same as spirituality. At the very least they are probably symbiotic. Commented Nov 1 at 16:01
  • @MikeBorden let's go to the chatroom. Commented Nov 1 at 16:04
1

This question (and the OPs comments) sound like a cry from the heart, addressed to Christians, to see if they know of any literature that would help get them off the agnostic fence. It's probably safe to assume that the fence-sitting agnostic sooner or later becomes really uncomfortable perched on such a hard, narrow bar, and wishes to come down, but on which side?

A major problem for Christians wanting to help is that the agnostic cannot see the matter of God's existence from the Christian point of view. One view is looking into light; the other into darkness. Trouble is, the atheist/agnostic thinks believers in God are staring into impenetrable darkness. So, for them to ask Christians for a torch that may get them 'seeing' God in the darkness, is absurd, for the Christians can only say, "Turn around. You're looking in the wrong direction. Look in the opposite direction where God's light is everywhere."

Therefore, I'm now going to quote extracts from a book entitled, "Behold Your God", written by a Christian, its opening chapter being "Is There Such A Thing As An Atheist?" (For 'atheist', you can equally read 'agnostic'.) The author starts by saying Christians stand between the world and the Word (later explaining how there is the written word of God and the person of Jesus Christ, known as the Word of God, who we read of in the written word - the Bible.)

"The world, unlike the Word, is constantly changing, not least in the way it understands itself. Today, for example, we describe ourselves as a secular society. Our laws, our manners, our education and our culture are entirely divorced from religion. Our society is made up of atheists. At least, so everyone keeps telling us.

For the Christian communicator this creates enormous problems... Where can we find a point of contact with a man who believes nothing and to whom religious language and concepts make no sense (assuming there is such a man)?... But is it true? Is modern man an atheist?

When we turn to the Bible for answers to such questions we find, first of all, that it never, anywhere, tries to prove the existence of God. From Genesis to Revelation it simply assumes that God exists: and that man knows that He exists.

We find, secondly, that when Paul preaches to the philosophers of Athens he takes it for granted that they believe in God. He certainly does not approach them as if they were atheists...

Thirdly, we find Paul in Romans 1:18-32 telling us in so many words that God has revealed Himself to every human being: 'That which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God has shown it to them.' 'Since the creation, the invisible things of God are clearly seen, being understood through the things that are made, so that men are without excuse.'

This is a theme that goes back to the Old Testament, especially to Psalm 19: 'The heavens declare the glory of God and the skies proclaim the work of his hands.'... This has surely lost none of its force with the passing of the years. A generation which can peer into the structure of the atom and stand on the surface of the moon has more reason than even Paul to cry out, 'Oh! the depth of the wisdom and of the knowledge of God!'

But the revelation is not confined to man's static environment. It takes place, too, through the movements of history. This was particularly true of the history of Israel. Time and again God invaded the lives of his people... But the Gentiles too, experienced God's revelation through providence. Even when He allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways, 'He did not leave himself without witness: for he did good and gave you from heaven rains and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness' (Acts 14:17 & Matthew 5:44 f.). God shows His love or His enemies by making His sun rise on the evil and on the good and sending rain on the just and on the unjust.

Even in Romans 1:18-32 Paul is largely concerned with God's revelation through history rather than His revelation through creation. This is particularly true o the divine wrath, which is revealed not through the things that are made but in the life-style to which God has abandoned civilisation. The degeneracy, vice and idolatry which prevailed in the Roman empire were themselves demonstrations of the judicial alertness of God...

[Notice] the phrase 'what may be known' of God. This strongly suggests that there is a range of truth that may not be known... because only a little is within man's grasp... He remains a mystery. As Deuteronomy 29:29 reminds us, there will always be 'secret things'. 'Man,' said Blaise Pascale, 'must not see nothing at all, nor must he see enough to think that he possesses God, but he must see enough to know that he has lost him'." Behold Your God pp.22-24, Donald Macleod, Christian Focus, 1990

There is much more in that chapter, but that point is the right one at which to stop - that we must see enough to know that we have lost God. Any agnostic having a sense of lostness, of needing redirection in life in order to 'discover' God, needs to adjust to that frightening truth. We have lost God. Therefore, we are lost. But God is not lost to those sincerely seeking after him. Turning around to look for God's light (which is all over the place, for those with eyes to see) is the first step in the right direction. God's light has been revealed. No more so than in the person of Jesus Christ, who said himself that no-one comes to God as Father, except through himself, the Son of God.

The book I quoted from is not, however, one I recommend for you to get, for after the next chapter (What Is God?), it majors on the attributes of God. Until the first vital step, of turning around to search in the opposite direction, no progress can be made. Only the sincerely searching agnostic can do that, with God's help.

4
  • "Until the first vital step, of turning around to search in the opposite direction, no progress can be made" - This is precisely the kind of vague, metaphorical language I'm trying to avoid. What does it mean to "turn around to search in the opposite direction" in practical terms? Regarding the quoted text, it reminds a bit of this. There are responses to that, but it's not my aim to get into a philosophical debate on this specific point.
    – user81556
    Commented Oct 31 at 10:09
  • There is also a response to Romans 1 in section 4 of this article.
    – user81556
    Commented Oct 31 at 10:13
  • 2
    @user80226 Ah well, if you want to keep looking in the same places (directions) you've been examining so far, then your mind will remain unchanged. But I hope the incredible simplicity of stopping, and saying to the invisible God, "I admit I could be wrong. God. Help my unbelief, please" will yet be your experience.
    – Anne
    Commented Oct 31 at 10:19
  • 3
    @user80226 Once a soul is deeply convicted of their own immorality and unrighteousness and deeply convicted that they must give an account (to the One who made them) of their state, all these theoretical and philosophical arguments just evaporate. And this is the gospel. It s not for those who want to argue and disbelieve. It is for sinners who crave to find righteousness that their existence may not be an unprofitable waste.
    – Nigel J
    Commented Oct 31 at 10:30
1

I will go ahead and proactively attempt to answer my own question by gathering book recommendations from other answers (thanks), my own googling, and what ChatGPT recommended as well. Feel free to edit this answer.


Introductory books for the skeptical


More philosophical books


"Going deep" books

Comparative

Eastern Orthodox

Catholic

Protestant

Pentecostal/Charismatic

4
  • I think this is a good model for how we'd want to allow chatGPT to assist people with answers on the site. For some of the books, it might be good to have a mini bio of the authors so you can explain why they're good representatives of the perspectives
    – Peter Turner
    Commented Oct 31 at 17:32
  • Oh if you CW this, I'd add "A Guide for the Perplexed" by E.F. Schumacher to the Philosophical books so your one that is in there isn't so lonely.
    – Peter Turner
    Commented Oct 31 at 17:35
  • @PeterTurner I'm not really sure if they truly are good representatives, so feel free to edit. I just turned it into a community wiki.
    – user81556
    Commented Oct 31 at 18:32
  • Tozer's book 'God's Pursuit of Man' is a fascinating insight and a prequel to 'The Pursuit of God'.
    – Lesley
    Commented Nov 2 at 17:33
0

I think this is what C.S. Lewis was trying to do when he came up with Mere Christianity. Although it might even be a little heavy for today's disaffected atheists who don't remotely speak the same language as Lewis.

The best book for a fence sitter, in my opinion, its the Gospel and all of the New Testament. We all need need to be able to see ourselves as the hypocrites that Jesus talks about and pray to get that stuff out of us. Let our yes mean yes and our no mean no realizing that anything else is from Satan. Then there's the first hunk of Revelation where the fence sitter can't help but see themselves covered in spittle with the Laodiceans. And the entire narrative part of the Old Testament where it's shown time after time that the wages of sin is death.

Another good book is Yes or No by Peter Kreeft https://www.amazon.com/Yes-No-Peter-Kreeft-ebook/dp/B002VU8W0C it is written as a socratic dialogue between a believer and a non-believer - Kreeft is Catholic, but the book more or less eschews doctrines people often think are particularly Catholic (which is a contradiction in terms).

-1

I highly recommend Alister McGrath's textbook Christian Spirituality: An Introduction that covers the theory and the practices of all major denominations, making it a kind of guide book before you choose one theory+practices and "go deep". What's sometimes called "mysticism" is included in that textbook. The book has extensive bibliography to help you choose a book that guides you in a particular theory.

Each of all Christian spiritual practices presumes a theory which in turn is based on the theology of that branch / denomination. So when choosing, first choose the theology, then the theory, then try the practices. If it doesn't work for you, choose another theory, or even another theology, and try to corresponding practices. As long as the theology stays within the orthodox 3 main branches, you're okay.

A more famous practice usually has a few key figures and a large following in history. Therefore, additional safeguard is to evaluate the reputation of the key figures, the fruits of the majority of the followers (whether they exhibit Christlikeness), how long the practice has been around (time tested is always better), and how widely practiced it is across cultures (more universal is better). If the practitioners span multiple denominations it's even better!

2
  • 3
    How is an agnostic (unsure if God even exists or can be known) supposed to "choose a theology, then a theory, then try the practices and know whether it works; if not ... try another"? Is this a process to find God or just to find a religious framework which feels comfortable? There are many lost souls who are comfortable in their religion. Commented Nov 1 at 13:38
  • 1
    @MikeBorden This book offers options within orthodox Christianity. If an agnostic wants to believe and wants to engage with God through any orthodox theology (say Reformed) that in turn prescribes a certain theory+practice (say Evangelical prayer and devotional Bibke study practices), then that agnostic is already in a well-trodden path to encounter God there. It's not guaranteed, of course, but more likely to happen in that path, as opposed to a meditation practice based on New Age theory which in turn is based on a Pantheistic theology. If he doesn't like it, he can try the Ignatian way. Commented Nov 1 at 14:02

You must log in to answer this question.