
(Un)Certain
A Collective Memoir of Deconstructing Faith
Olivia Jackson(Author)
SCM Press
Published on 28. March 2023
Book
Paperback/Softback
256 pages
978-0-334-06363-6 (ISBN)
Description
(Un)Certain: A Collective Memoir of Deconstructing Faith uncovers the courage and vulnerability of over 150 individuals from around the world as they navigate through their unravelling beliefs. Olivia Jackson weaves together stories of deeply committed believers who reached a breaking point with the Christian certainties and doctrines they once held dear. Exploring tales of abuse, exclusionary or harsh theologies, and a slow crumbling of conviction as interviewees share their journey towards a carefully considered expansion of faith, the book offers a glimpse into the nuanced and diverse experiences of those who reached the end of the road and dared to keep walking.
Reviews / Votes
"Deconstructing any belief system can be a lonely road, but especially so when that belief system is intimately tied up in a faith community. So what a gift (Un)Certain is to anyone on this journey. While sharing her own journey with us, Olivia also gives voice to dozens of people from around the globe, all of whom know what's at stake when you ask tough questions about the faith you inherited. I only wish Olivia had written this 10 years ago when I was starting out on this journey." -- Tim Nash "The deconstruction of faith is central to contemporary understandings of Christianity. Olivia Jackson has gathered together a wide range of voices that speak to this powerful examination of faith and Christian living around the world. The stories she has gathered are both startling and, sadly, unsurprising, speaking of abuse, manipulation, trauma, and loss. Throughout the book, the sadness of what has been lost through this deconstruction is palpable. But there is also a joy in discovering a new way of living faith, a new way of following Jesus that might carry us forward. Theologians, church leaders, and those in their own processes of working out what kind of faith they can flourish with must read this book." -- Karen O'Donnell "If you're uncertain about your faith, Uncertain will help you know that you aren't alone. When you meet your fellow seekers in these pages, you'll know you're in good company. If you're a faith leader, this book will help you understand why people are leaving. especially the younger generations you say you care about. It will help you avoid the common mistake of blaming messengers, and it will help you become less certain about the way you're doing things being the only right way. If you're a parent whose kids have left your faith, this book will help you understand them and maybe even learn something from them. Highly recommended!" -- Brian D. McLaren, author of Do I Stay Christian?More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Dimensions
Height: 234 mm
Width: 156 mm
Thickness: 15 mm
Weight
445 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-334-06363-6 (9780334063636)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
03/2023
1st Edition
Hymns Ancient & Modern Ltd
€24.49
Available for download
Person
Olivia Jackson spent nearly 20 years working for mission agencies in the UK and overseas, and then as a human rights consultant with a focus on the use of violence against women, all of which fed into her own faith deconstruction. She lives on the side of a windswept hill with two dogs.
Content
Acknowledgements ix
On Fire xi
Part 1: Money, Sex and Power
It's Not a Religion: It's a Relationship 3
Breakthrough 8
All or Nothing 13
Pressed Down and Shaken Together 16
Called 18
Read your Bible, Pray Every Day 23
Sin Management 26
Spirit of Rebellion 29
The Heart is Deceitful 31
Unoffendable 33
Worship 40
Soaking 44
Warfare 50
Dodgy 53
Them and Us 56
Politics 61
Saved 64
Lemon Meringue Pie Gospel 68
Why didn't you just leave? 73
Part 2: Stumbling Blocks
He/Him/God 77
Chewed Gum 90
Perfect Design 116
White Jesus 130
Prayed For: Preyed On 144
Heretic 156
Part 3: Slippery Slope
Pilgrimage 177
Amazing Grace Revisited 205
Bittersweet Hope 220
References 229
Further Resources 231
On Fire xi
Part 1: Money, Sex and Power
It's Not a Religion: It's a Relationship 3
Breakthrough 8
All or Nothing 13
Pressed Down and Shaken Together 16
Called 18
Read your Bible, Pray Every Day 23
Sin Management 26
Spirit of Rebellion 29
The Heart is Deceitful 31
Unoffendable 33
Worship 40
Soaking 44
Warfare 50
Dodgy 53
Them and Us 56
Politics 61
Saved 64
Lemon Meringue Pie Gospel 68
Why didn't you just leave? 73
Part 2: Stumbling Blocks
He/Him/God 77
Chewed Gum 90
Perfect Design 116
White Jesus 130
Prayed For: Preyed On 144
Heretic 156
Part 3: Slippery Slope
Pilgrimage 177
Amazing Grace Revisited 205
Bittersweet Hope 220
References 229
Further Resources 231