Book Review: What Good is God? In Search of a Faith That Matters by Philip Yancey

Philip Yancey looks at the least likely situations and places to find God—campus massacres, revolutions, the Middle East, to name just a few. And he comes away amazed at not only finding God but finding his faith strengthened.

For instance in communism’s fierce opposition to the gospel, Yancey finds the church grows. And he offers interesting statistics. According to human rights organizations, more Christians were martyred in the 20^th century than in all the rest of history combined.

Yancey credits the moral foundation for the success of the western world and warns against taking it for granted. “Christianity can be good for a society. But as that society achieves a level of comfort and prosperity, its citizens feel less need for religious faith. They live off the moral capital of the past. Meanwhile God moves on, to a place that senses more need.”

The author’s background raised serious questions about Christianity. He noted the churches of his youth paid scant attention to the evils of racism and injustice. So as Yancey matured and became a journalist, he went on a search to find a faith that matters.

In Bible schools, he learned discipline and commitment, but as he spoke with people including addicts and prostitutes, he recognized the power of God to overcome evil. Yancey also studied the life of C. S. Lewis, a British writer and lay theologian, who became a changed man and after his conversion. From Lewis, Yancey better understood there are no ordinary people. Lewis saw the image of God in every person.

I appreciate Yancey’s honesty and his thorough research. No matter your level of Christian maturity, his writing is insightful regarding the challenging life of the 21^st century.