If I could have commissioned a book to be written about faith, this would be it. Kat tackles head on how she came to, and dealt with, doubt. Not just what she describes as the more acceptable forms of doubt - is this the church for me or, what does that teaching really mean, but deep fundamental doubt ‘does God exist?’ She describes the shame associated with ‘deep doubt’ and the lengths many of us can go to avoid holding our hand up and saying ‘I am not sure I believe any of this’. Her first chapter ‘Lost’ describes how she came to recognise and face up to this deep doubt and the angst it caused her. She also asked herself, ‘why did I not just walk away?’ as some famously and publicly have. Her journey continues, without God. She builds a ‘purposeful life’ - good work, exercise, hobbies, meditation - all that secular society has to offer. This fails to fill the void. The next step is the acquisition of knowledge about God. Override doubt with study and see if that unlocks the door. It doesn’t. Behind it all is her feeling that living in a world where there is no more to life than what we see feels unbearable. Through conversations and reflections and learning inside and outside of the church, Kat came to a place of peace. I will not spoil the story by revealing the ending. I will read and re-read this book and, for those who have their own doubts and for those who support friends, families or church family members who have deep doubts, this is a book to read and to share. I am so very glad to have read it. ~ Progressive Voices - Issue 45, Progressive Voices - Issue 45

In the words of Dominic Done, If all we care about is certainty, we lose the beauty of mystery. If all we value is explanation, we lose the joy of exploration. Deep faith is about progress, not perfection. In closing, and in admitting that absence of doubt in the public spaces of Christian culture has several consequences - first and foremost, experiencing doubt can become desperately tangled with feelings of isolation, shame and fear, and secondly, the ability of friends and family to offer meaningful support can be severely damaged - her book was written solely to break the cycle of shame and isolation that we all, at some point, most assuredly feel. And for that statement alone, I urge you to buy and then quickly read this quite enthralling prose of enlightenment. ~ Exclusive Magazine, Review

In this beautifully written book, Kat Wordsworth uncovers one of the taboo subjects of today’s Christian church. Drawing on her own life experiences, she lifts the lid and talks about doubt with honesty and transparency. As a young woman who had grown up attending church, doubt was something from which Kat was not expected to suffer. Like Paul’s traveling companion Timothy, she had learned the scriptures at an early age. However, her own experiences didn’t seem to live up to those of her fellow churchgoers, and the day came when she could no longer run away from her unanswered questions. Yet, having faced up to her doubts, what could she do about them? Would they cause her to walk away from Christianity, or would they lead her on a deeper search for answers? This book is part memoir, part reflection. Kat gives useful and practical advice concerning how we can help those who are struggling with doubt. She is a comforting voice for the doubter, assuring them that their experiences are not unique, and they are not alone. There are no clichés, and no tidy endings, all wrapped up with a shiny ribbon. Kat hasn’t found all the answers. She still faces her doubts, but she has learned that she can take them to the throne of grace without the fear of rejection. My favourite part was when the author talked about how doubt is encouraged in new Christians, but is presumed to be done and dealt with when a person gives their heart to Jesus. This is totally unrealistic, as doubt is an ongoing struggle in a world filled with sin and suffering. I also related to her binge reading of Christian material, desperately trying to seek the answers she craved, and the way she watched everyone else enjoying dynamic experiences of worship while she felt empty and alone. I too have struggled when singing songs with words full of joy and hope when my heart was heavy and the pain was too raw. I was extremely grateful to be given a pre-release copy by the author, as I read it during my season of doubt and fear. Kat’s words helped me understand I am not alone. They drew me closer to my Saviour, and I pray they will do the same for you. ~ Alex Banwell

In this thought-provoking debut, Wordsworth recounts her quest to understand religious doubt. Wordsworth grew up with an outwardly impeccable Christian faith: she boasted “perfect [church] attendance from the womb onward,” attended Christian youth groups, and otherwise “ticked every Christian box possible”—but had long felt spiritually empty. At 21, she attended a worship leaders conference where she felt so alienated by other attendants’ “certainty, passion, [and] faith” that she broke down, an event that spurred her investigation of her religious doubt and, eventually, efforts to forge a new relationship with God. Wordsworth shares short, diaristic meditations on her inquiry (on losing her faith: “I’m not sure how much longer I can go on... going to church is emotional torture”) before landing on a reframed day-to-day practice that recognizes God in common “moments of goodness” and accommodates some doubt as a natural part of religious identity. This offering provides a deeply candid look into a mind at war with its faith, and Wordsworth’s raw emotion will resonate with readers who have found themselves in similar situations. The doubting Christian is sure to find solace in Wordsworth’s story. ~ Publishers Weekly

I am so grateful that Kat Wordsworth is inviting people to talk about doubt by going public with her story. While the writings of theologians and pastors on doubt can be helpful, there is something especially helpful about a “lay person” who is honest without being cynical and hopeful without being unrealistic. Kat Wordsworth’s book could be your guide in discovering for yourself how to be a doubtful Christian. ~ Brian D. McLaren, author of Do I Stay Christian? and Faith After Doubt

This book is a gift, Kat writes beautifully about her journey with doubt, her writing is infused with hope and her words will be a balm to fellow questioning souls. ~ Rachael Newham, author of And Yet and Mental Health Friendly Church Project Manager at Kintsugi Hope

In recent years, the Western church has sought to paper over the cracks of people's questions and wonderings in favor of presenting a happier, slicker, easier Christianity. Let's Talk About Doubt is the book we've all been waiting for, whether or not we've acknowledged it. With gentleness, grace and good humor, Kat Wordsworth presents an articulate picture of doubt and what it feels like. Her words are neither glibly victorious nor pessimistically depressing, but full of hope that doubt can exist within the realms of faith in our sovereign creator God. If you are a doubter, you will find solace within the pages of this book. If you are not, you will find enlightenment - which is why I not only heartily recommend it, but strongly urge every Christian to read it. ~ Lucy Rycroft, founder of thehopefilledfamily.com and author of Redeeming Advent and Deborah and Jael.

From the very first pages, Wordsworth puts into words thoughts and feelings that many will have barely dared articulate to themselves. Her writing is tender and unflinching, compassionate and honest. This book is for anyone who feels on the fringes of the church and fears they are alone in their wondering, wrestling and wavering. ~ Florence Gildea, author of Lessons I Have Unlearned.