It’s really interesting that you bring up the point that we need first to know there’s a God before we consider Christianity. I completely agree (and another friend of mine, a NASA scientist who became a Christian in her 40s, felt exactly the same way). A lot of people try to argue for Christianity, forgetting that if you don’t believe in God, the only argument for Christianity is a utilitarian one: that whether or not it’s true, it helps you live a good life. I always found that approach repugnant.

I, too, always felt that science and evolutionary theory explained everything, until a good friend of mine pushed me to recognize that it didn’t *actually* explain creation itself. It can handle development, but not origin. Like you, the investigation into Christianity came *after* I arrived at a theistic worldview.

Thanks again for all the kind words! I’m looking forward to some great summer reading & writing.

Perhaps your story and search will become one of those helpful books one day. You are now a bookmark and I look forward to your posts.

I found answers largely through reading & discussion. Hmm, maybe I’ll write up a book list of books that really influenced me… I would say that the two authors who most firmly built up my understanding were CS Lewis and NT Wright. Lewis’ Mere Christianity was tremendous for me in terms of explaining faith in rational terms. His book Miracles was also helpful, as was The Great Divorce. NT Wright’s massive book The Resurrection of the Son of God was the final piece I needed, as it helped me to intellectually understand that the Resurrection was a historical fact. It’s heavy going at times but it was exactly what I needed, because it goes into real depth of detail. Since then, I’ve found that Wright’s other books are fantastic as well – I’m currently reading through his “For Everyone” series of New Testament commentaries/translations.

Let me know what books you’ve found helpful with your young adult group, or any titles you’d suggest for adding to my to-read list!

I have found that many, many Christians fall into your first two categories of belief. They are leery, even fearful of testing or questioning – convinced that faith stands without reason. Sigh. My journey began with the mind and then moved to the heart. I now lead a young adult group and wonder if you have a recommendation for a book or study aimed at building up understanding. The people in my group are eager to learn the reason for the hope they have and have experienced the need to defend their faith in school and with unbelieving friends.

May the Lord bless you and your work.