Fractured Faith

June 28, 2021
In this stirring memoir, pediatric ER doctor Abujamra (Living with Power) bares her soul as she chronicles a crisis of faith. After having been a loyal member of a megachurch outside Chicago for nearly a decade, Abujamra left the church after allegations of abuse of power led a number of church elders to resign. The subsequent disillusionment led Abujamra to question her faith, and she writes that she now believes God used the experience to rebuild her faith: “It was the deconstruction of my faith that gave me a taste of His unconditional love and never-ending grace.” Abujamra identifies the five things—justice, suffering, surrender, rejection, and expectation—that began her unraveling, and explains common reasons for disillusionment (such as believing innocent people suffer or justice hasn’t been handled evenly), explores ways to reframe them (God’s plan often transcends human understanding), and encourages Christians to confront doubts about one’s faith and questions about God. Providing examples from the Bible, she reminds Christians who feel they have hit bottom that God gives second chances. The author’s determination and humility in the face of disappointment set this apart from similar fare. Abujamra’s optimistic guidance will be of help to Christians at a faith crossroads.