I’ve been meaning to wax my car for at least six months. I’m not usually one to procrastinate, but this chore has made itself comfortable on my task list, rolling over week after week, month after month. I’ve bought the cut and polish, but come Saturday afternoon there’s always something else (anything else!) to capture my attention. Waxing the car just doesn’t appeal. It feels all a bit too hard.
According to Kristen Young, we’re often just like this when it comes to our doubts. We push them aside, for dealing with later. But she urges us not to procrastinate. Her new book, , published by Youthworks’ Fervr, and pitched primarily at teenagers, is a fitting resource for tackling doubt head on.
Familiar material is arranged in five sections: God, Jesus, the Bible, Me, and Life. And for a book which doesn’t set out to be exhaustive, it’s pretty thorough. If anything, it’s on the long side for a book pitched at teenagers (although Young encourages readers to dip in and out as their particular doubts lead them).
Young addresses common questions one by one (e.g. Does God exist? Can we know God? etc.), attending to typical arguments, presenting appropriate evidence and gently seeking to persuade readers to a position of faith. More personal questions (e.g. What if I fail? What if bad stuff happens? etc.) are considered sensitively – one of this book’s strengths. The gospel is clearly explained and appropriately shapes the content of the book.
My only hesitation in recommending What If? whole-heartedly is the voice Young has adopted. While mostly engaging and very readable, from time to time her use of the teenage vernacular grates (and could lead to the book dating quickly?). Saying this, her tone is spot on, open and gentle, and this is far more important.
My favourite thing about What If? is that is encourages young readers to investigate their doubts from a position of faith. Not to throw out their faith when it’s challenged, but to seek answers to their questions. To read God’s word. To pray, asking God to reveal himself.
Young urges her readers not to procrastinate when it comes to questions of faith. And in What If? she’s provided a suitable starting point for dealing with such doubts.
