Book Review:

my faith so far

A Story of Conversion and Confusion

by Patton Dodd

Published November 2004, by Jossey-Bass, An Imprint of Wiley

When I received the first "blurb" on this book, my first thought was that Patton Dodd was still in his 20's and was still too young to write a memoir of any type. After all, I'm much older (I won't say by how much) and still can't claim to be at any lucid point in my spiritual journey to be able to look back with any kind of clarity. But, I guess writing a memoir is a lot like becoming a parent - you're never ready, no matter how old you are.

I was also expecting to find this to be another self-serving, post-modern, whiny, I'm-messed-up-but-so-what kind of books. You know the ones I'm talking about. It didn't take long to realize that my presumption was way wrong. For one thing, Mr. Dodd is a pretty darn good writer, and his sense of humor, honesty and ability to string words together make this a very enjoyable read.

What really impressed me about this book - and what has served as an encouragement to me in my advanced years - is that in spite of his various experiences, he was committed to finding and hanging on to faith. He didn't, as so many others have done, "throw the baby out with the bath." The church, with all of its many failings and inconsistencies and insanities, can make a critical-thinking kind of person just want to give up. However, the church is no reason to give up on faith. Patton Dodd remains true to his commitment to faith in Christ, and his attitude is refreshing and encouraging.

And, the book is just plain enjoyable. I highly recommend it, and look forward to his next book.

Read an excerpt from the book.

Check out Patton Dodd's website.

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