In the 17th and 18th centuries, the Enlightenment challenged Christianity by emphasizing intellect, science, and the pursuit of certainty. Thomas Jefferson's Bible exemplified this, removing all supernatural elements that conflicted with Enlightenment ideals. This rationalist approach left Christians grappling with the supernatural, which struggled to align with Enlightenment categories. For many outside the faith, belief in the supernatural presented enough difficulties to dismiss rather than confront.
Today, a similar challenge arises with the postmodern worldview, which questions metanarratives like the biblical story that provide a coherent understanding of history's beginning, middle, and end. Although skepticism toward religious faith persists, a compelling case can be made that secular perspectives also rest on unprovable assumptions, just as religious worldviews do.
Anthony Robinson, in his article, notes, “After years of sneering at the credulousness of believers, at least some enlightened have begun to have doubts of their own. The decline of the church has not ushered in the brave new world of secular peace and joy. Instead, Americans find themselves spiritually and morally naked, isolated in the storm.” He also references Ross Douthat, who observes that secular individuals are often “comforted by neither God nor history, and hoping vaguely that therapy can take their place.” Such reflections highlight the question: if every story requires faith, what should that faith be placed in?
Tim Keller’s podcast series, Questioning Christianity, delves into contemporary issues like identity, meaning, and satisfaction while revealing how secular worldviews often borrow from religious narratives to address their shortcomings. In one episode, Keller draws on Charles Taylor's A Secular Age to illustrate how beliefs about the universe’s origin—whether a "Big Bang" initiated by God or an event without cause—are shaped by underlying worldviews. These background beliefs demonstrate that both secular and religious perspectives rely on stories of faith.
The possibility emerges that Christian faith could experience a revival, as everyone still requires faith, hope, and love in their lives. If every story indeed requires faith, the question becomes whether the Christian story might better meet the longings for identity, meaning, and satisfaction than secular alternatives.
Casey Coston’s book, Made Competent: A Story about Life in Ministry, provides a modern example of faith in action. The narrative recounts years marked by challenges, including professional incompetence, family health struggles, and the end of a ministry tenure in Mississippi. These experiences reveal a profound resilience rooted in faith, an identity beyond performance, and guidance through suffering.
The book explores themes of waiting on God, enduring hardship, and finding joy amidst trials. As a reflection of the biblical story in a contemporary context, it demonstrates how faith transforms even the most difficult moments. Made Competent invites readers to consider how the Christian story might provide a more satisfying framework for life’s struggles.
About Made Competent: A Story about Life in Ministry by Casey Coston
This is not a story of strength but one of vulnerability, failure, and redemption. The journey begins with a surprising call to leave a stable career in engineering to follow Jesus into full-time ministry. Yet, challenges quickly surface, including family health crises, professional setbacks, and moments of personal incompetence.
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/embed/zdeS21REHAM
Over two decades, this story reflects the struggles and growth that accompany ministry. It offers an honest look at how faith in God provides identity, meaning, and joy, even amid trials. Written for ministers and those exploring ministry, Made Competent serves as both encouragement and inspiration.
- A journey spanning twenty years
- A narrative from someone who has failed, not an expert
- A campus ministry story for ministers of all kinds
- A resource for a new generation considering ministry
- A candid reflection on personal struggles
Get a Copy of this Book at:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DR2S1QK4
Kharis Website: https://kharispublishing.com/kp/product/made-competent/
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