Overview

"Most Christians strive to know the will of God and follow the example of Jesus as seen through the eyes of the Gospel writers. But a belief that the Bible is literally true can put many in the odd position of defending falsehood, bigotry, or even violence. In Trusting Doubt, psychologist and former evangelical Valerie Tarico examines common but harmful beliefs that often flow from biblical literalism. In their place, she offers alternatives that are compatible with Christianity's multi-millennial quest for love and truth, while also honoring what we know about ourselves and our world. This award-winning second edition of Trusting Doubt is for those who suspect that some Christian beliefs are manmade and flawed. It is for those who know that ""All Truth is God's Truth,"" and for those who are ready to let reason and conscience guide their spiritual journey. If you find some traditional beliefs morally troubling, if you have doubts about teachings you formerly embraced, if you question authorities who claim to have all the answers, or if you seek a fresh approach to the timeless wisdom in the Bible, then Trusting Doubt is for you! Valerie Tarico, Ph.D., is a former fundamentalist Christian and graduate of Wheaton College, a bastion of Evangelical education. She holds a doctorate in Counseling Psychology from the University of Iowa and completed postdoctoral studies at the University of Washington. Trusting that her own doubts were morally meaningful, Dr. Tarico committed to follow her spiritual questions wherever they might lead. Ultimately they led her away from Evangelicalism. She now speaks to churches and secular groups on topics such as moral development, the psychology of belief, and wisdom convergence. In 2008, in response to Seeds of Compassion, Dr. Tarico founded www.WisdomCommons.org, an interactive website that allows users to find and discuss information on universal ethics - values that are shared across secular and religious wisdom traditions. She writes regularly for The Huffington Post and ExChristian.net where she sustains a lucid critique of fundamentalist religion in light of recent scholarship in social sciences. Her articles can be found at www.ValerieTarico.com and followed at Twitter (ValerieTarico)."

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9781937465223

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Reviews

Every human, at one time or another, must recognize and confront doubt. Tarico offers a moving account of her gradual willingness to trust her own doubts about religion and the ultimate questions of life, despite a religious upbringing that taught her to fear those same thoughts. At the same time, Tarico brings a clarifying perspective to this process, combining a psychologist's analytical ability with the incisive skills of a gifted and introspective writer. Whether you are a practiced doubter or have hardly begun, welcome to the journey. --Dale McGowan, Ph.D., author of Parenting Beyond Belief, Raising Freethinkers, and In Faith and In Doubt Trusting Doubt powerfully affirms the message of religious history: The world's religions are moving through successive developmental stages, the ultimate fruit of which is higher levels of inclusivity and, thus, of Love. --Kurt Johnson, Ph.D., co-founder of the Interspiritual Network and co-author of The Coming Interspiritual Age Tarico's book is candid, authentic, insightful, engaging, and beautifully written. From the moment I began reading, I felt as if we were best friends sharing a spiritual journey, and such a friend is indeed a gift from the Divine! --Rev. Donna L. Johnson, President of Unity Church Worldwide Ministries Tarico is devastatingly honest in bursting cherished illusions of literalist Christianity. In sharing the journey of her soul, Tarico's well-reasoned comments open doors, bringing fresh air and new light to the spiritual quest. --Margaret Starbird, author of The Woman with the Alabaster Jar Trusting Doubt is an astounding and insightful expose of today's Evangelical phenomenon. In it, Tarico expertly examines the roots of the movement along with its contradictions and inconsistencies. The book also weaves the author's own fascinating story of spiritual and intellectual struggle. Tarico's unique combination of impressive scholarship and beautiful prose makes this one of the finest books I have ever read on the topic of today's Religious Right. It is a 'must read' for anyone wanting to understand the movement. --Carlene Cross, author of Fleeing Fundamentalism: A Minister's Wife Examines Faith Dr. Tarico's message is unique, exquisite, and deeply rooted in a heartfelt and experiential understanding of extremism. Her insights are delightfully fragrant with wisdom, compassion, and hope. Regardless of your belief system, her words will splash in your chest! --Jamal Rahman, Sufi Muslim Minister at Interfaith Community Church Spiritual inquiry is the beginning of a lifelong journey toward Truth. And when we discover Truth, we begin to trust and to build a philosophy of deeper awareness of life's meaning and our own purpose. No longer just following, but asking critical questions about our Bible, we learn who we are and why we are here. This book guides the reader to inner peace and shared harmony. --Nina Meyerhof, Ed.D., President of Children of the Earth Foundation, recipient of the Mother Teresa Award and International Educators Award, and co-author of Conscious Education and Pioneering Spiritual Activism I've not bonded with a book like this since I read Constantine's Sword in 2005! --Mikey Weinstein, author of With God on Our Side

Author Information

Valerie Tarico, Ph.D., is a former fundamentalist Christian and graduate of Wheaton College, a bastion of Evangelical education. She holds a doctorate in Counseling Psychology from the University of Iowa and completed postdoctoral studies at the University of Washington. Trusting that her own doubts were morally meaningful, Dr. Tarico committed to follow her spiritual questions wherever they might lead. Ultimately they led her away from Evangelicalism. She now speaks to churches and secular groups on topics such as moral development, the psychology of belief, and wisdom convergence. In 2008, in response to Seeds of Compassion, Dr. Tarico founded WisdomCommons.org, an interactive website that allows users to find and discuss information on universal ethics - values that are shared across secular and religious wisdom traditions. She writes regularly for The Huffington Post and ExChristian.net where she sustains a lucid critique of fundamentalist religion in light of recent scholarship in social sciences. Her articles can be found at www.ValerieTarico.com and followed at Twitter (ValerieTarico). Dale McGowan is an author, educator, and world renowned speaker. His critically acclaimed books include: Parenting Beyond Belief: On Raising Ethical, Caring Kids Without Religion, Raising Freethinkers, Atheism for Dummies, Voices of Unbelief: Documents from Atheists and Agnostics, and In Faith and In Doubt: How Religious Believers and Nonbelievers Can Create Strong Marriages and Loving Families. In 2009, he started Foundation Beyond Belief, the largest humanist charity in the world. Currently, Dr. McGowan is the Director of Engagement for Patheos, a global platform for commentary from various belief perspectives. To learn more about Dr. McGowan, visit: www.DaleMcGowan.com.

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