Title: Finding Truth: Journey of a Christian and His Church
Author: William G. Chipman
Publisher: Independently published
ISBN: 979-8603372105
Pages: 192
Genre: Middle grade fiction, Religious, Christian
Reviewed by: Leah Shepherd
Hollywood Book Reviews
Christian is a sensible, resourceful nine-year-old who finds a way to feed and shelter himself after his parents die of smallpox. He catches fish and traps animals to eat. He’s so mature and practical that you may find it hard to imagine. He even has the foresight and knowledge to build a deer-proof fence before he creates a garden with carrots, onions and beets. Sadly, he no longer goes to school after his parents die.
One has to wonder, why did no one from school or church help Christian when his parents died? It’s two years later before the pastor invites Christian to his home for Sunday dinner. Christian wrestles with deep spiritual questions and earnestly wants to know God in his heart. He wants to obey God and be saved. In a moment in church, he is born again at age 11.
The book describes a holy way of living with no tension, pettiness or selfishness. A key lesson is always doing what’s best for others. Living with God, we do not become lonely or bitter. The author uses the metaphor of a family to illustrate the holy trinity and the way God adopts us as his beloved children if we are willing. Christian listens as his friends struggle with guilt and doubt. He encourages them and sets a good example for them.
Chipman deftly introduces interesting theological questions: Does God live outside of time? Does God know and control everything in the future? Is trusting us part of God’s love for us? If we do have free will, and God doesn’t control everything, does that make us feel insecure?
In their Bible discussions, Christian and his pastor emphasize forgiveness and lovingkindness toward others. If we want to do God’s will, then God will give us faith, which leads to eternal life. The act of choosing to seek God and His path is what gets you into heaven, not a predetermined selection by God before you’re born.
The small-town congregation grows in numbers and spirit, partly due to Christian’s enthusiasm for scripture. Many church members and neighbors realize they have been trapped by selfish attitudes and self-centered thinking, and they change their ways. Changing our wrong thinking and bad habits is hard, but it’s something we can do together with God in order to have a better relationship with God.
Christian realizes faith involves being committed to what you believe and acting as though it is true. Faith also requires fearless obedience to God. It’s a pleasure to watch Christian’s spiritual growth over many years. This book certainly is thought-provoking and inspiring for older children exploring their Christian faith. The language is simple, but not boring or condescending. I’d especially recommend it for those ages 9-13.