Grand Paradox Paperback – January 12, 2015

I tried to read The Grand Paradox on my Kindle but quickly decided I needed a book so I could comment, underline and assign stars or checks at will. I have interacted with this book more than anything I've read in a long time, found some of it remarkably fitting for the chronological way I've experienced life as a Christian. I've been to those churches, read those books, listened to those speakers who promised certain things if I only had faith, donated this much, read this book or attended this seminar. Somewhere sometime long ago, I too concluded that life was messy and that God was indeed mysterious. I hope other readers sigh with relief while absorbing these conclusions.This is a book that challenges the reader to consider and reconsider what we've longed believed and perhaps what we long to believe.I appreciated the author's own personal stories blended with hearty doses of C. S. Lewis and Kierkegaard, inspiring stories of Teddy and Eleanor Roosevelt, add some Catch 22 and throw in Pascal's Wager and how can you not conclude that this is a nuanced and provocative read?As someone who started a book club at church with ground rules that we not read many Christian books since so many are so poorly written, I was relieved to find what I expected with this book. Wytsma displays his intellectual grasp of church history and integrates his philosophical training with tender encouragement toward honesty and maturity. Bravo.

I'm a huge CS Lewis fan...and apparently, so is Wytsma. No bother, though, for as much as his writing reminds me (and references) the great writer, it is still poignant and rich with observations that cause you to take pause and consider how it can or does apply to your own life. The depth of the investigation into how reality often frustrates the picture of Christian living is so rewarding because it meets all of us who attempt it right where we are; somewhere between giving up & giving in and accepting that the trials we encounter in life can be used (and are perhaps purposed) by God to bring us out with a stronger faith on the other side.

In the context of my learning and what I already know, I would give this book a 3 star rating. It is well-written, accessible, and has good content, but is not unlike anything I haven't already read in Relevant Magazine, Christianity Today, or from Donald Miller. However, I am giving this book a 4 star rating because I believe that it would be beneficial for more people in the Church to be fluent and influenced by this perspective.

I cannot say enough about this book. If you’re going through any season of doubt, depression or struggle, Ken offers helpful insight to keep moving forward in faith. I had been struggling with doubt and depression for quite for some time before reading this book. Like others, I got burned out in the social justice space. Ken's book brought life and faith back in there proper place and helped me climb out of my little hole. Some things we won't know this side of heaven, other things are meant for searching out. The Grand Paradox is a great road map for working through the complexities of life. This book lands in my top 5. Thanks Ken.Scott P

This book has really meant a lot to me. It gives real hope in times of suffering and confusion by focusing attention on the trustworthiness of Christ. I was also surprised by easy, practical steps that we can take to help our faith walk such as: remembering and reciting past works of God, being obedient despite feelings, praying authentically, etc.. Ive grown tired of the trappings of books that promise 6 steps to this spiritual breakthrough or 12 minutes to that life change. This book doesnt promise instant, greater faith, but it does give a biblical and philosophically mature perspective on lasting growth. This is worth reading and re-reading.

I appreciate Ken's holistic views of life and his desire to make things right in this world where oppression of the weak is widespread.I'm not convinced that a form of hedonism (seeking happiness, even as the ancients defined it) will suffice as the core motivation. I appreciate his thoughts, however, on our stories being a part of God's bigger story and of happiness as our role in a larger community.

Never heard of this guy before. But that is the beauty of it. God never makes it about the messenger it is about the message. The Holy Spirit sent me a comforting message about walking by faith through this book. I love the way Ken took thought that can be confusing and brought a clarity that is wrapped in the certain uncertainty of our Christian Faith. Let us trust in God’s Plan.

I appreciated the honesty and the “you won’t find answers here” candor in the first few chapters. But, then the latter half of the book fell into the same old verse-quoting, niceties that we’ve been telling ourselves for centuries that always leave us looking for more. Maybe that was the point? I just expected something a bit more intellectually honest and perhaps something to help put some structure the questions we all have. Still worth a read.