To alleviate a crisis, you have to get to its source, not just treat the symptoms. Many say they are leaving the faith as the result of conscious intellectual doubts or relational hurts. But often, what’s driving the doubt is just outside of one’s conscious awareness. Unbeknownst to those struggling—and those trying to help them—these unconscious factors can be the actual source from which their doubt springs.
Before You Go is a diagnostic tool for addressing doubts. Rather than rehash surface-level apologetic answers, Marriott and Wicks dig deeper into overlooked factors that frequently are the real culprits when it comes to faith crisis, namely the unconscious aspects of our experience. Find real hope for those struggling to maintain their faith and genuine help for those trying to prevent faith loss in those they love.
John Marriott (Ph.D. Biola) is coordinator for the Biola University Center for Christian Thought and teaches in the Philosophy and Intercultural Studies departments at Biola. He is the author of The Anatomy of Deconversion: Keys to Lifelong Faith in a Culture Abandoning Christianity and A Recipe for Disaster: How the Church Prepares Believers to Lose Their Faith. A former pastor, John, his wife Nancy and their children, Cody and Moriah, live in Los Angeles. Learn more at www.johnmarriott.org
Shawn C. Wicks graduated from Talbot School of Theology in 2005 (MDiv). He currently serves as a pastor and elder at Westminster Bible Chapel and as the vice president of Verdugo Pines Bible Camp. He preaches on a regular basis and ministers to people of all ages and backgrounds throughout the year. He especially enjoys ministering to families, couples, and those who serve in leadership. Born and raised in Southern California, Shawn also enjoys the beach, camping, and other outdoor activities. He has been married to his wife, Dawnita, for fourteen years and has four children.
“Marriott and Wicks are wise guides for those seeking to understand and help those on the verge of losing their faith. Before You Go goes beyond traditional apologetics to ask deeper questions about what lies behind one’s doubts and questioning of Christianity. Their answers are thoughtful and their writing is engaging. A remarkably helpful book!”
—Uche Anizor, Associate Professor of Theology, Talbot School of Theology, author of How to Read Theology
“If you know someone struggling with the loss of faith, this book is for you. Based on extensive research and personal experience, Marriott and Wicks explore many of the underlying reasons why people lose faith. Yet Before You Go doesn’t just describe the problem; it offers practical wisdom for those of us who want to lovingly come alongside our friends and family members struggling with faith.”
—Sean McDowell, PhD, Associate Professor of Apologetics, Biola University, author of over twenty books, including So the Next Generation Will Know and Evidence That Demands a Verdict
“In this book, Marriott and Wicks pull back the curtain to reveal the many forces that shape what we believe and why we believe. Those willing to be challenged will find the book an insightful companion to self-knowledge. The practical applications will reassure those who walk alongside doubters that you don’t have to be an apologist to be helpful.”
—M. Elizabeth Lewis Hall, PhD, Professor, Rosemead School of Psychology, Associate Editor, Psychology of Religion and Spirituality
“In an age that is becoming increasingly secular, the phenomenon of people walking away from Christianity is becoming more commonplace. If you are on the verge of leaving, this book will help you ask the questions that you need to ask before making that jump. If you have been hurt by someone you care about walking away from Christianity, this book will help you think through what happened, and give you the tools to better understand why this person might have made that choice. No matter where you sit in relation to Christianity, there is something here that will challenge you, and help you better understand our current culture.”
—Sam Welbaum, PhD, Assistant Professor of Philosophy, California Baptist University
“Before You Go promises ‘hope and help for those struggling with the loss of faith.’ It delivers! As a thirty-year pastor I have grieved with families of those who drifted from any recognizable relationship with Jesus and I have walked with strugglers who can no longer reconcile what they ‘know’ to be true with God’s word. These journeys are usually complex and just leaning into truth or offering a good apologetic often seem so inadequate. This book brings clarity and maps out practical steps for navigating these waters more effectively. I highly recommend it!”
—Robert Bishop, Senior Pastor, Redemption Hill Church, Whittier, California
ISBN 9781684263417
Pages 176
Dimensions (inches) 5.25 x 8.25
Weight (pounds) .5
