Deepest Thanks, Deeper Apologies: Reconciling Deeply Held Faith with Honest Doubt

by Stephen Shortridge

Overview

FOR ALL WHO DARE TO BE HONEST... Most Christians are content to spend their lives in churches where mystery is denied and doubt is unwanted. Where uncertainty is shunned and honest questions are stuffed into a corner, never to be brought out again. This book is for the rest of us. For those who live with distinct doubts . . . but whose passion for God remains deeper still For those who have been confused by the world-and perhaps by our own desires-and still long to connect with a God who forgives and embraces us. For those who believe that our personal wrestlings can somehow make our faith mature-and our need for God complete. Sharing his own personal vulnerabilities with soul-stirring reminders for your faith journey, Stephen Shortridge delivers a hope-filled work-encouraging mystery rather than explaining it, affirming doubt rather than removing it . . . for all who dare to be honest.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781936034574
Publisher:	Worthy
Publication date:	10/11/2011
Pages:	192
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.10(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

S.C. Shortridge has been a professional artist for more than thirty years. In the 70s and 80s he had a successful career in acting which included film, TV and commercials. In 1989 he left Los Angeles and acting to pursue his love of art. He has since become a world-renowned painter. His brilliant creativity and profound spiritual insights are reflected in both his painting and his writing. Stephen and his wife, Cathy, live in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, where they raised their family and own The Painter's Chair Fine Art Gallery.

Table of Contents

A Note of Explanation
Introduction:  The Colors of God's Palette

STAGE ONE:  I Love Myself for My Sake

1.The Journey Begins: Blinded by My Glory
2. Selfishly Deceived and Hopelessly Proud
3. Imagining Our Strength and Others's Weakness

STAGE TWO: I Love God for My Sake

4. The Good Fortune of a Good Gold to Help Me on My Journey
5. The Appearance of Evil—or Good
6. Refusing Mystery and Creating Fantasy Faith

STAGE THREE:  I Love God for God's Sake

7.  The Confusion of Having a Holy God Who Loves Me
8.  What Is Wrong with the World? We are
9.  Loving Myself as My Neighbor

STAGE FOUR:  I Love Myself for God's Sake

10.  Receiving God's Forgiveness and Love:  Strength for the Journey
11.  Confused by Experience and Spared Success
12.  Where the Road Turns to Water

Epilogue:  Arriving on the Shore of Heaven and Earth
Gratitudes
Notes