In this engrossing memoir, Christine Berghoef takes us on a journey exploring the simplicity and complexity of faith. Growing up certain she knew what life with God entailed, Berghoef soon found out otherwise. This vivid account, beginning in a conservative religious subculture that valued knowing the “right” answers over asking questions, will take readers on a voyage beyond dogmatism. No topic is off-limits, no stone is left unturned in this quest to discover what one really can know about God and faith, life and politics.
In her winsome and witty style, the author candidly reveals to us her own doubts and struggles, which will leave you at times laughing, at other times in tears. Cracking the Pot is sure to provoke deep thinking and needed conversation about the substance of faith!
“Honest doubt and disillusionment are commonplace. Dishonest faith and untested hope are widespread. But honest faith and tested hope—they are rare and precious indeed, and you will find them in this new book by Christine Berghoef. She represents a new generation of emerging Christian leaders who lead with transparency and inspire by authenticity. Highly recommended!”
—Brian D. McLaren, author of Why Did Jesus, the Buddha, and Mohammed Cross the Road?
“Theological autobiographies are rare, and intriguing ones are even rarer. Few of us have the candor to construct them, much less the skill to endow the result with grace. Christine Berghoef has all those things, however, and the result is this enormously appealing memoir of a questing Christian mind.”
—Phyllis Tickle, author of The Great Emergence
“An authentic story of a simple faith that matures into deep trouble and then matures out of it. . . . Lively and compelling.”
—Cornelius Plantinga Jr., Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, Calvin College
“Through this fetching memoir, Berghoef shows us that religion can be wonderful but is sometimes a terrible trap. But that’s just a warm up for the actual mission of this wonderful book. Great writing aside—and it is great writing—this is a how-to on rediscovering faith by escaping our frightened rigidity.”
—Frank Schaeffer, author of Crazy For God
“Christine is a great storyteller! From growing up in a warm but incredibly conservative church in West Michigan to being recruited to serve Republican powerbrokers as a member of the secretive family in Washington, Christine’s description of her faith journey never bores. What she finally reveals is that to grow up in the faith you may have to set aside simple structures and ancient doctrines for a new and transforming encounter with the Word.”
—John Suk, author of Not Sure
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