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Faith Among the Faithless: Learning from Esther How to Live in a World Gone Mad
Encounter a timeless story of evil, awakened faith, and hope for good in a world where God seems absent.
Can Christianity survive a secular age? Can Christians live without compromise in an increasingly hostile society? And what if they’ve already given in to that society’s vision and values?
In this revelatory and provocative new book, Mike Cosper answers these questions by pointing out the parallels between our world and the story of Esther. A tale of sex, ego, and revenge, the book of Esther reveals a world where God seems absent from everyday life—a world not unlike our own. Far from the gentle cartoon we often hear in Sunday school, the story of Esther is a brutal saga of people assimilated into a pluralistic, pagan society, embracing its standards. Yet when threatened with annihilation, they find the courage to turn to God in humility.
A call to spiritual awakening and to faith in an age of malaise and apathy, Faith Among the Faithless is an invitation to remember the faithfulness of God, knowing that in dark times—as in the days of Esther or our own—God may be hidden, but he is never absent.
Can Christianity survive a secular age? Can Christians live without compromise in an increasingly hostile society? And what if they’ve already given in to that society’s vision and values?
In this revelatory and provocative new book, Mike Cosper answers these questions by pointing out the parallels between our world and the story of Esther. A tale of sex, ego, and revenge, the book of Esther reveals a world where God seems absent from everyday life—a world not unlike our own. Far from the gentle cartoon we often hear in Sunday school, the story of Esther is a brutal saga of people assimilated into a pluralistic, pagan society, embracing its standards. Yet when threatened with annihilation, they find the courage to turn to God in humility.
A call to spiritual awakening and to faith in an age of malaise and apathy, Faith Among the Faithless is an invitation to remember the faithfulness of God, knowing that in dark times—as in the days of Esther or our own—God may be hidden, but he is never absent.
205 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 8, 2018
About the author
Mike Cosper
17 books80 followersMike Cosper is the executive director of Harbor Media, a non-profit media company serving Christians in a post-Christian world. He served for sixteen years as a pastor at Sojourn Community Church in Louisville, Kentucky, and is the author of Recapturing the Wonder, The Stories We Tell, and Rhythms of Grace. He lives with his family in Louisville, Kentucky.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
September 14, 2018
A fresh and dazzlingly insightful look at the story of Esther and its message for us. Mike Cosper takes the familiar Sunday School Esther and turns the story on its head, highlighting details in the narrative that our modern eyes skip over. In his words, the story of Esther is “less VeggieTales and more Game of Thrones.” Cosper compellingly highlights the surprising contours of the book: a story of ruthless exploitation and power, in which a religiously-compromised and culturally-assimilated Esther awakens to her buried identity as a member of God’s people, the prodigal daughter coming home.
Interwoven in his retelling of Esther are searing insights into the story’s application in our modern day. We too, Cosper argues, are like Esther: compromised by the idolatry of our time, drunk on illusions of political power, living half-lives of timid faithlessness, and in need of the same awakening that changed Esther.
I can’t recommend this book more highly. It was a quick and easy read, but one that will stay with me for a long, long time.
Interwoven in his retelling of Esther are searing insights into the story’s application in our modern day. We too, Cosper argues, are like Esther: compromised by the idolatry of our time, drunk on illusions of political power, living half-lives of timid faithlessness, and in need of the same awakening that changed Esther.
I can’t recommend this book more highly. It was a quick and easy read, but one that will stay with me for a long, long time.
May 11, 2018
The author says he doesn't quote the text much (on purpose). If that makes sense to you, you may like the book. However, I'd rather have a book about a Bible chapter reference the source more.
May 1, 2018
I don't really know how to rate this book, to be honest. I definitely enjoyed parts of this book, but other parts could be unnecessarily hurtful, in my opinion. For example, the discussion of abortion was so harsh that I wouldn't even feel comfortable recommending it to a person who is strongly against abortion but has had a miscarriage.
I understand the author feels strongly and wants to make an emotional impact, but I feel like it lacks any consideration for people who have been in difficult situations. It almost felt in places like the author was simply using Esther to push his biblically-informed political positions.
This was particularly disappointing because other parts of the book were so good. I really appreciated his insights on how the story of Esther ties into today's culture. If it hadn't gotten so soapbox-y, I think I would have really recommended it.
I understand the author feels strongly and wants to make an emotional impact, but I feel like it lacks any consideration for people who have been in difficult situations. It almost felt in places like the author was simply using Esther to push his biblically-informed political positions.
This was particularly disappointing because other parts of the book were so good. I really appreciated his insights on how the story of Esther ties into today's culture. If it hadn't gotten so soapbox-y, I think I would have really recommended it.
December 17, 2019
4.5*
Years ago, a professor of theology came to visit us. He postulated that the biblical Esther may not be as “good” as Sunday School teachers may have taught her to be. This was the first time I had ever heard this and I was immediately intrigued. I read and studied The Book of Esther and I understood in my limited way what the professor meant.
Faith Among the Faithless is the book that I wished I read then. It explains the context and message of the story of Esther. It is definitely “less VeggieTales, more Game of Thrones” as the author describes it, at least in the beginning of her story. She and Mordecai did have a change of heart somewhere along the way that made her say her famous words, “If I perish, I perish.” (Esther 4:16). Esther, though started as a disreputable woman, put her life at great risk to save her people.
As fascinating as her story was, her struggles resonate with ours as Christians. The author explains how her courage is one we could emulate as we ourselves face a hostile culture that opposes what we hold dear. I especially appreciate the time the author devoted to explaining the difference between true vulnerability and, today’s buzzword, victimhood.
My one issue with the book is the author’s use of Mother Teresa as a good example of living out her conviction. Though she may have done some good, her motivation, if driven by her Roman Catholic faith, could not have been biblical. As a former Catholic, I saw my good deeds as a way to salvation, rather than a result of salvation, as the Bible teaches (Eph 2:8-9). If you could ignore that part, this timely and encouraging book is a great read.
Years ago, a professor of theology came to visit us. He postulated that the biblical Esther may not be as “good” as Sunday School teachers may have taught her to be. This was the first time I had ever heard this and I was immediately intrigued. I read and studied The Book of Esther and I understood in my limited way what the professor meant.
Faith Among the Faithless is the book that I wished I read then. It explains the context and message of the story of Esther. It is definitely “less VeggieTales, more Game of Thrones” as the author describes it, at least in the beginning of her story. She and Mordecai did have a change of heart somewhere along the way that made her say her famous words, “If I perish, I perish.” (Esther 4:16). Esther, though started as a disreputable woman, put her life at great risk to save her people.
As fascinating as her story was, her struggles resonate with ours as Christians. The author explains how her courage is one we could emulate as we ourselves face a hostile culture that opposes what we hold dear. I especially appreciate the time the author devoted to explaining the difference between true vulnerability and, today’s buzzword, victimhood.
My one issue with the book is the author’s use of Mother Teresa as a good example of living out her conviction. Though she may have done some good, her motivation, if driven by her Roman Catholic faith, could not have been biblical. As a former Catholic, I saw my good deeds as a way to salvation, rather than a result of salvation, as the Bible teaches (Eph 2:8-9). If you could ignore that part, this timely and encouraging book is a great read.
January 5, 2023
Such mixed feelings about this book. On one hand, Cosper creates a mesmerizing retelling of the story of Esther. His comparison between Daniel and Esther was compelling, fresh and thought provoking. However, in between cultural, Biblical, and historical sources that enhanced my understanding lurked sharp critiques of contemporary Western culture that occasionally detracted from a powerful narrative.
Perhaps some will nod their head vigorously that this dissection of our Age is what we need, and that this rough and specific commentary is exactly what Cosper set out to create. However, his lengthy comments on sexuality, abortion, and women's issues ignored the deep and personal struggle that these "issues" spring from in our personal lives. In dealing with them on a solely historical, philosophical and cultural plane, he missed a chance to show compassion and understanding to the painful places our culture can take us. In some areas, this seemed almost cruel. Ultimately this is what keeps me from recommending this book to most of my friends.
Perhaps some will nod their head vigorously that this dissection of our Age is what we need, and that this rough and specific commentary is exactly what Cosper set out to create. However, his lengthy comments on sexuality, abortion, and women's issues ignored the deep and personal struggle that these "issues" spring from in our personal lives. In dealing with them on a solely historical, philosophical and cultural plane, he missed a chance to show compassion and understanding to the painful places our culture can take us. In some areas, this seemed almost cruel. Ultimately this is what keeps me from recommending this book to most of my friends.
January 18, 2019
A mixed bag for me. Some of his analysis of modern Christians and ways we compromise with the world was spot on. However, I was less enthusiastic about some of his conclusions about the motivations of Esther and Mordecai.
February 8, 2021
I heard of Mike Cosper’s Faith Among the Faithless in an interview he did where he shared that he believed the book of Esther provided unique insight to our cultural situation. I was intrigued.
Cosper delivers in spades on that promise in Faith Among the Faithless. Among the parallels Cosper notes between our situation and Esther’s is the secular-exilic environment of both. In our secular world we have shrunk the place for the transcendent. Cosper notes, “Secularism is today’s incontestable god.” He continues, “We’re creatures looking for meaning and purpose, and these pursuits can quickly become pseudo-religions that offer some sense of meaning or a hint of longed-for transcendence.”
Similarly, any reference from God is absent from the book of Esther. Esther has not just given into the promises of the world, she is the very embodiment of worldly success. In Cosper’s words, she is Kim Kardashian.
Cosper also notes that while we have often turned to Daniel’s exilic situation in Babylon, Esther serves as a more similar referent to us. While Daniel lived a pure life of rejecting the lures of his world, Esther and Mordecai have assimilated to the Persian world, effectively masking their Jewish identity. Cosper says, “So this is not a story about virtue and character, but about someone who has become acclimated to a godless world and has grown quite comfortable with it. It’s about compromise and crisis, and God’s way of preserving and renewing faith in the midst of it all.”
Both Mordecai and Esther eventually choose to make a bold decision to follow God and both choices are marked by vulnerability.
Ultimately the book of Esther reminds us that while God may seem missing, he is faithful. He never leaves his children. Cosper points us to 2 Timothy 2:13, where Paul reminds us, “if we are faithless, he remains faithful.” Cosper concludes, “I may not see his hand or hear his name, but I know he hasn’t left us.”
We are about to start preaching through Esther and I can't wait to have Mike Cosper join us as a guide into the rich word God has for us through the lives of Esther and Mordecai.
For more reviews see www.thebeehive.live.
Cosper delivers in spades on that promise in Faith Among the Faithless. Among the parallels Cosper notes between our situation and Esther’s is the secular-exilic environment of both. In our secular world we have shrunk the place for the transcendent. Cosper notes, “Secularism is today’s incontestable god.” He continues, “We’re creatures looking for meaning and purpose, and these pursuits can quickly become pseudo-religions that offer some sense of meaning or a hint of longed-for transcendence.”
Similarly, any reference from God is absent from the book of Esther. Esther has not just given into the promises of the world, she is the very embodiment of worldly success. In Cosper’s words, she is Kim Kardashian.
Cosper also notes that while we have often turned to Daniel’s exilic situation in Babylon, Esther serves as a more similar referent to us. While Daniel lived a pure life of rejecting the lures of his world, Esther and Mordecai have assimilated to the Persian world, effectively masking their Jewish identity. Cosper says, “So this is not a story about virtue and character, but about someone who has become acclimated to a godless world and has grown quite comfortable with it. It’s about compromise and crisis, and God’s way of preserving and renewing faith in the midst of it all.”
Both Mordecai and Esther eventually choose to make a bold decision to follow God and both choices are marked by vulnerability.
Ultimately the book of Esther reminds us that while God may seem missing, he is faithful. He never leaves his children. Cosper points us to 2 Timothy 2:13, where Paul reminds us, “if we are faithless, he remains faithful.” Cosper concludes, “I may not see his hand or hear his name, but I know he hasn’t left us.”
We are about to start preaching through Esther and I can't wait to have Mike Cosper join us as a guide into the rich word God has for us through the lives of Esther and Mordecai.
For more reviews see www.thebeehive.live.
April 5, 2018
Faith Among the Faithless
Learning from Esther How to Live in a World Gone Mad
by Mike Cosper
Thomas Nelson
Nelson Books
Christian , Nonfiction (Adult)
Pub Date 08 May 2018
I am reviewing a copy of The Faith Among the Faithless through Thomas Nelson and Netgalley:
In his book Faith Among the Faithless Mike Cosper reminds us how Christianity can survive in a world that is becoming more and more secular.
Cosper reminds us that in a world without God, we can spend a lifetime searching for satisfaction and meaning, without really finding it.
There are parallels from our world and Esther’s , like Esther’s world sex, and labels have become a part of the norm, perhaps we are not sent off to exile but in many ways we are left to feel like Exiles in our own communities simply because we believe.
I give Faith Among the Faithless five out of five stars!
Happy Reading
Learning from Esther How to Live in a World Gone Mad
by Mike Cosper
Thomas Nelson
Nelson Books
Christian , Nonfiction (Adult)
Pub Date 08 May 2018
I am reviewing a copy of The Faith Among the Faithless through Thomas Nelson and Netgalley:
In his book Faith Among the Faithless Mike Cosper reminds us how Christianity can survive in a world that is becoming more and more secular.
Cosper reminds us that in a world without God, we can spend a lifetime searching for satisfaction and meaning, without really finding it.
There are parallels from our world and Esther’s , like Esther’s world sex, and labels have become a part of the norm, perhaps we are not sent off to exile but in many ways we are left to feel like Exiles in our own communities simply because we believe.
I give Faith Among the Faithless five out of five stars!
Happy Reading
May 2, 2019
I really enjoyed the way Cosper links our current experience as Christians in a highly secular culture to Esther, pointing out that we are not like Daniel, but far more like Esther, who had assimilated into the culture she was born into, often hiding her Jewish heritage. At times I felt he took a bit of poetic license with the story, and perhaps stretched a few too many metaphors, but mostly I thought it was a great analysis of both the Jewish significance of the story and its relevance for the Christian church today. Really liked the Christology (taken from Keller) in how Esther’s entering the throne room to save her people mirrors Jesus entering God’s throne room and facing his wrath to save us from the penalty for our sins.
September 5, 2019
This is a fantastic book. You'll fall more in love with the book of Esther and you'll understand our cultural moment a little bit more. Everyone talks about Daniel's faithfulness in exile. This book explains how Esther, a Jewish woman who had lost sight of her identity ended up being used by God to save God's people.
October 8, 2022
Some interesting thoughts on Esther and culture.
Not convinced by some of the links to the gospel.
Not convinced by some of the links to the gospel.
March 25, 2019
I am a little conflicted about my thoughts on this book. I picked it up because it was a TGC suggestion and I really appreciate the book of Esther. I was thrown off at first by the author's decision to retell the tale. I am not normally a fan of rewording Bible passages and was a bit skeptical. I did find that the author inferred some on the character's motivations (which were not clear in the Biblical text). He also compared Esther to Kim Kardashian, and I still don't know how I feel about that.
If I step back from some of my minor critiques, I do appreciate Cosper's point that Christians are more akin to Esther than Daniel. Unlike Daniel, we were born and raised in exile. Also, the feeling that God is absent from the situation and isn't explicitly interacting or guiding is one that is relatable to believers today. He makes a strong point regarding the overuse of the phrase, "for such a time as this" as not the most important aspect of the book. That phrase can actually overshadow many messages that are more applicable to our lives as believers in exile.
This is a very easy read, so I would feel comfortable giving it to a wide variety of cognitive levels.
If I step back from some of my minor critiques, I do appreciate Cosper's point that Christians are more akin to Esther than Daniel. Unlike Daniel, we were born and raised in exile. Also, the feeling that God is absent from the situation and isn't explicitly interacting or guiding is one that is relatable to believers today. He makes a strong point regarding the overuse of the phrase, "for such a time as this" as not the most important aspect of the book. That phrase can actually overshadow many messages that are more applicable to our lives as believers in exile.
This is a very easy read, so I would feel comfortable giving it to a wide variety of cognitive levels.
September 19, 2020
One of the best books I've ever read. Makes the book of Esther come alive for today.
A couple of months ago 2 pastors recommended Mike Cosper's book on Esther "Faith Among the Faithless". I picked it up to skim. But when I started reading it, I couldn't put it down, reading it in 2 days.
Why is this book so good?
Cosper basically tells the story of Esther in a creative but faithful way and weaves in a lot of Charles Taylor's insights about how Esther applies to us in our secular culture.
These quotes from the preface capture the themes of the book:
“Christians have always served a different King and a different kingdom, and every generation faces the temptation to compromise-whether it concerns sexual ethics, racism and human dignity, or the ever-present lure of power and money. And of course, compromise is never confined to one single issue. Today, we're immersed in a secular age, and we're profoundly shaped by its values-its consumerism, its addictive nature, its pleasure and distraction seeking.” (xiii)
“the real Esther—the biblical and historical Esther-whose life was a whirlwind of spiritual compromise and spiritual awakening, and whose story is full of power, sex, and violence. This is the Esther whose great moment is marked not by a show of force, but by vulnerability. The climax of her story comes when, after weakening her body with three days and nights of fasting, she walks a path that could most likely end in her death, in hopes of saving God's people.” (xvii)
“Hiddenness is a theme that shapes the whole book of Esther, Mordecai and Esther have hidden identities. Haman the story’s villain has hidden motives. More important, God himself is hidden throughout the book, His name isn't mentioned once, and his absence is a key feature of the story God's hiddenness is what makes Esther such an important book for our day too, a day when belief in God feels always resisted, always contested, when everything seems to have a natural explanation, and when our own experience often makes us feel as though God is indeed absent."
In other words, we are a lot like Esther in our culture, compromised and worldly in a way that makes us wonder how we could effectively be used by God. But Cosper through this book shows us that God loves to call people just like us, when we have been hiding and when we wonder if He is hiding, to accomplish His purposes for those around us.
A couple of months ago 2 pastors recommended Mike Cosper's book on Esther "Faith Among the Faithless". I picked it up to skim. But when I started reading it, I couldn't put it down, reading it in 2 days.
Why is this book so good?
Cosper basically tells the story of Esther in a creative but faithful way and weaves in a lot of Charles Taylor's insights about how Esther applies to us in our secular culture.
These quotes from the preface capture the themes of the book:
“Christians have always served a different King and a different kingdom, and every generation faces the temptation to compromise-whether it concerns sexual ethics, racism and human dignity, or the ever-present lure of power and money. And of course, compromise is never confined to one single issue. Today, we're immersed in a secular age, and we're profoundly shaped by its values-its consumerism, its addictive nature, its pleasure and distraction seeking.” (xiii)
“the real Esther—the biblical and historical Esther-whose life was a whirlwind of spiritual compromise and spiritual awakening, and whose story is full of power, sex, and violence. This is the Esther whose great moment is marked not by a show of force, but by vulnerability. The climax of her story comes when, after weakening her body with three days and nights of fasting, she walks a path that could most likely end in her death, in hopes of saving God's people.” (xvii)
“Hiddenness is a theme that shapes the whole book of Esther, Mordecai and Esther have hidden identities. Haman the story’s villain has hidden motives. More important, God himself is hidden throughout the book, His name isn't mentioned once, and his absence is a key feature of the story God's hiddenness is what makes Esther such an important book for our day too, a day when belief in God feels always resisted, always contested, when everything seems to have a natural explanation, and when our own experience often makes us feel as though God is indeed absent."
In other words, we are a lot like Esther in our culture, compromised and worldly in a way that makes us wonder how we could effectively be used by God. But Cosper through this book shows us that God loves to call people just like us, when we have been hiding and when we wonder if He is hiding, to accomplish His purposes for those around us.
March 24, 2024
This was a great book that I won as a Goodreads giveaway and would recommend to others to read-A fresh and truthful perspective showcasing the story of Esther. The comparison of Esther's world to our world to day was very insightful showing how as Christians we are to be separated from the world :to be in the world but not of the world. The assimilation of Mordecai and Esther along with the other captive Jews of Persia reveals how they separated themselves by risking what they had gained to be a separate people governed by God's rules. Esther could have kept everything as a queen but decided to risk it all to save her people as Moses did in Egypt. She would have gained nothing in the end had she kept quiet and denied her people's salvation. We as Christians in today's world must speak up when confronted with today's issues also and otherwise we deny God's power in our lives
January 21, 2019
I loved this book! I added it to my list after it came highly recommended by The Gospel Coalition and it did not disappoint.
The book bounces between a dramatic historical retelling of the book of Esther and modern day parallels and applications. You would expect it to feel disjointed but the fact that it doesn't is a credit to the skill of the author.
I walked away with a better understanding of both the book of Esther and the gospel, as well as their application to my modern life. Immediately after finishing I requested all of the author's other books from the library- pretty high praise from me. 😂
The book bounces between a dramatic historical retelling of the book of Esther and modern day parallels and applications. You would expect it to feel disjointed but the fact that it doesn't is a credit to the skill of the author.
I walked away with a better understanding of both the book of Esther and the gospel, as well as their application to my modern life. Immediately after finishing I requested all of the author's other books from the library- pretty high praise from me. 😂
May 2, 2018
It had its good and then its bad. It was an ok read for me, some of it was hard to take in. Some parts felt like the author was forcing his views.
I did love the refresher that the author, Cosper, reminds us that in a world without God, how it can simply lack meaning. We can spend an entire lifetime searching, needing and wanting to know the meaning of life, without ever truly finding it.
I did love the refresher that the author, Cosper, reminds us that in a world without God, how it can simply lack meaning. We can spend an entire lifetime searching, needing and wanting to know the meaning of life, without ever truly finding it.
August 31, 2021
★ ★ ★ 1/2 (rounded up)
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
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WHAT'S FATH AMONG THE FAITHLESS ABOUT?
This is hard to sum up briefly, but I'm going to give it a shot—we live in a compromised age, society is changing, shifting—it's difficult to predict what the next few years are going to look like, but one thing is certain: Western Culture, particularly that of the U. S., isn't going to look anything like it did before. How is the Christian to react?
Many hold up Daniel as the model of how to behave in a culture hostile to the Faith. Cosper thinks he's the wrong model
Instead, he suggests we look to Esther.
As in Esther's day, the Church is compromised, we've taken on a lot of the World's values, and we should look for people in the Bible who find themselves in that situation rather than men like Daniel.
When we examine Esther, we see that
So Cosper examines the Biblical account, retelling the story in a very non-Sunday School way and uses that to illustrate the situations that believers may find themselves in and how we can learn from Esther and Mordecai (both positively and negatively) in our cultural moment.
I'm going to end up writing twenty thousand words if I don't cut myself short, so I'm going to do that.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT FAITH AMONG THE FAITHLESS?
This book is told in an easy, breezy style—full of wit, and wisdom. Cosper knows how to communicate engagingly and clearly. I walked away thinking Cosper would be a fun guy to talk books, TV, and The Bible with. But that style doesn't belie the seriousness of the material, this is a high-stakes situation, and he's fully aware of that. But Cosper uses his style to connect to the audience, not to sugarcoat anything.
It's clear that Cosper has done his research on the book—I wish he'd shared more of his homework in footnotes for the reader. Not necessarily to check his work, but to expand on it—to get a greater appreciation for what he summarized.
Do I agree with every jot and tittle? Of course not. But there's a lot to appreciate here, and more to chew on, to reflect on, and to learn from. There's hope in the darkness—and Cosper is good to point the reader to it. It's not because we're morally strong and faithful like Daniel, nor does it come from the weakness that characterized Esther's early life and then the ways she found to do the right thing. The hope of the book of Esther is that the Lord is faithful when we are not, and he will provide for His people.
I do recommend this book, it'll entertain you and then make you think as well as pray.
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
WHAT'S FATH AMONG THE FAITHLESS ABOUT?
This is hard to sum up briefly, but I'm going to give it a shot—we live in a compromised age, society is changing, shifting—it's difficult to predict what the next few years are going to look like, but one thing is certain: Western Culture, particularly that of the U. S., isn't going to look anything like it did before. How is the Christian to react?
Many hold up Daniel as the model of how to behave in a culture hostile to the Faith. Cosper thinks he's the wrong model
...there’s a problem with looking to Daniel: Most of us aren’t a Daniel. In fact, we are far from it. As much as we recognize that our culture is in decline, we also kind of . . . like it. Christians in general consume as much mass media and are as addicted to pornography, as likely to divorce, as consumeristic, and as obsessed with social media as the rest of our world. Again: we’re immersed in a secular age, and it’s had a profound effect upon us...while [Daniel is] a great model of faithfulness, I’m not sure he’s the best reference point for most of us.
Instead, he suggests we look to Esther.
...her story is more complicated than [the storybook versions we're used to]. And much darker. It’s less VeggieTales and more Game of Thrones, with a lot more sex, murder, and impaling than the usual version of the story would imply. (There’s actually quite a bit of impaling.) Mordecai and Esther’s motivations are sometimes murky and sometimes blatantly self- serving.
As in Esther's day, the Church is compromised, we've taken on a lot of the World's values, and we should look for people in the Bible who find themselves in that situation rather than men like Daniel.
Esther’s story reveals a way forward in a culture where people of faith find themselves at the margins of society. She neither clutches for power nor seeks self- protection. Instead, she faces reality, embraces weakness, and finds faith, hope, and help from a world unseen...Her story is also an invitation to those whose faith, convictions, and morality are less than they wish they were.
When we examine Esther, we see that
...the story is a reminder that God doesn’t abandon his people, no matter how dark their circumstances, how compromised their hearts are, or how hidden he may seem.
So Cosper examines the Biblical account, retelling the story in a very non-Sunday School way and uses that to illustrate the situations that believers may find themselves in and how we can learn from Esther and Mordecai (both positively and negatively) in our cultural moment.
I'm going to end up writing twenty thousand words if I don't cut myself short, so I'm going to do that.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT FAITH AMONG THE FAITHLESS?
Whatever happens in the years and decades to come, we can be sure that faithfulness looks pretty much like it did three thousand years ago. Sometimes it looks like Daniel: a steady path of spiritual formation and obedience. But sometimes, and perhaps more often than not in the world we occupy today, it looks more like Esther: a path of awakening, risk, vulnerability, and, ultimately, hope.
This book is told in an easy, breezy style—full of wit, and wisdom. Cosper knows how to communicate engagingly and clearly. I walked away thinking Cosper would be a fun guy to talk books, TV, and The Bible with. But that style doesn't belie the seriousness of the material, this is a high-stakes situation, and he's fully aware of that. But Cosper uses his style to connect to the audience, not to sugarcoat anything.
It's clear that Cosper has done his research on the book—I wish he'd shared more of his homework in footnotes for the reader. Not necessarily to check his work, but to expand on it—to get a greater appreciation for what he summarized.
Do I agree with every jot and tittle? Of course not. But there's a lot to appreciate here, and more to chew on, to reflect on, and to learn from. There's hope in the darkness—and Cosper is good to point the reader to it. It's not because we're morally strong and faithful like Daniel, nor does it come from the weakness that characterized Esther's early life and then the ways she found to do the right thing. The hope of the book of Esther is that the Lord is faithful when we are not, and he will provide for His people.
I do recommend this book, it'll entertain you and then make you think as well as pray.
July 12, 2018
This is the first book I have read of his, he is a really talented writer! They way he interwove the book of Ester and more from the Bible, along with history and facts that are currently going on in our culture made for a very interesting read, one I couldn't stop reading, so I finished the book in less than three hours, late last night! So I may be tired today, but it was good reading time! Even though the story of Ester and that time took place, three thousands of years ago, there is much we can learn from it. We need to be reading our Bible (not only to know God) and history to bring awareness and understanding to deal with our current issues and problems we face living in our world today. I have never heard or read a version of Esther like the author wrote, he provided lots of details and facts I didn't know about that was going on during that time in history. He goes so much deeper into the story and it isn't as pretty as you may have heard it explained to before either. So much of what was going on then is still going on today, we can learn so much from that time. However, we have hope and a God we can trust with these issues and time, much like Esther did in the end. We may not understand it all, but we must learn to resist falling into the trap and trust God who is all powerful and has a plan much better for us.
Here are a few highlights from the book, though there are many more:
Faithfulness looks pretty much like it did three thousand years ago.
Their culture reflects the hunger of the human heart, much as our own does.
We're creatures looking for meaning and purpose, and these pursuits can quickly become pseudo-religions that offer some sense of meaning or a hinge of longed-for transcendence....They're mostly harmless. Their goals are narcissistic, me-centered...they're like temples to the sun god.
In a world without God, life remains a quest for satisfaction and meaning, and marketers have learned to prey on our insecurity and longings in hopes of stirring and appetite for their products. To live in the midst of such a culture is to be subject to a thousand little acts of violence and hostility.
The law isn't just a restriction; it's a signpost. It cries out against great evil because it's better for your soul and for society-not to throw your friend out the window. It's better not to deal when you're hungry. It's better to seek contentment than to foster envy. Doing so makes for a better life, a better society. It's a picture of the good life.
If history teaches anything, these compromises (we make) always end in weakening the church's prophetic witness.
The laws that defined Jewish identity in the Old Testament united them and made them distinct from their neighbors. They were called to beliefs and practices that transcended class. In the church, the distinction is in the character and beliefs of the church - in its transcultural unifying power. If we fail to live that out, then we are not the light of the world. We are instead assimilated. We are Mordecai.
The same temptations the exiles faced exist for us today. In ways both overt and subtle, Christians are under pressure to conform to the values of a secular age. The overt ways are reported and debated regularly on cable news. The subtle ones are even more powerful... The church itself takes on the features of mass culture; a focus on entertainment, the celebritization of pastors, and obsession with novelty, technology, and innovation that leaves tradition in the dust. These symptoms reveal a kind of permeability in both our souls and our institutions. We're being shaped and changed by the world around us, and in many cases (most?) we do so without giving it a second thought.
Technology has profound effects...Our thoughtless participation in a consumeristic culture of perpetual entertainment is as clear a sign as any of our assimilations into our own secular Persia. (consumption, distraction, idolatry)
Our whole consumer economy is designed to prey on our sense of weakness and our longings, and it works. We are an anxious, rootless, desperate world.
We don't love our neighbors well if we fail to speak up when we see them inflicting harm on themselves.
The life the Bible offers is not one of safe from the tragedies of the world, but one in which God suffers with us and accompanies us through our hardships. There is a utopian vision in the Scriptures, a promise of a time when all things will be made new, but that promise will be fulfilled only by Jesus himself, in a time He determines, and in a way that surely - like His first coming - will surprise us all. Thus, no one should be more suspicious of idealistic fantasies than Christians.
Here are a few highlights from the book, though there are many more:
Faithfulness looks pretty much like it did three thousand years ago.
Their culture reflects the hunger of the human heart, much as our own does.
We're creatures looking for meaning and purpose, and these pursuits can quickly become pseudo-religions that offer some sense of meaning or a hinge of longed-for transcendence....They're mostly harmless. Their goals are narcissistic, me-centered...they're like temples to the sun god.
In a world without God, life remains a quest for satisfaction and meaning, and marketers have learned to prey on our insecurity and longings in hopes of stirring and appetite for their products. To live in the midst of such a culture is to be subject to a thousand little acts of violence and hostility.
The law isn't just a restriction; it's a signpost. It cries out against great evil because it's better for your soul and for society-not to throw your friend out the window. It's better not to deal when you're hungry. It's better to seek contentment than to foster envy. Doing so makes for a better life, a better society. It's a picture of the good life.
If history teaches anything, these compromises (we make) always end in weakening the church's prophetic witness.
The laws that defined Jewish identity in the Old Testament united them and made them distinct from their neighbors. They were called to beliefs and practices that transcended class. In the church, the distinction is in the character and beliefs of the church - in its transcultural unifying power. If we fail to live that out, then we are not the light of the world. We are instead assimilated. We are Mordecai.
The same temptations the exiles faced exist for us today. In ways both overt and subtle, Christians are under pressure to conform to the values of a secular age. The overt ways are reported and debated regularly on cable news. The subtle ones are even more powerful... The church itself takes on the features of mass culture; a focus on entertainment, the celebritization of pastors, and obsession with novelty, technology, and innovation that leaves tradition in the dust. These symptoms reveal a kind of permeability in both our souls and our institutions. We're being shaped and changed by the world around us, and in many cases (most?) we do so without giving it a second thought.
Technology has profound effects...Our thoughtless participation in a consumeristic culture of perpetual entertainment is as clear a sign as any of our assimilations into our own secular Persia. (consumption, distraction, idolatry)
Our whole consumer economy is designed to prey on our sense of weakness and our longings, and it works. We are an anxious, rootless, desperate world.
We don't love our neighbors well if we fail to speak up when we see them inflicting harm on themselves.
The life the Bible offers is not one of safe from the tragedies of the world, but one in which God suffers with us and accompanies us through our hardships. There is a utopian vision in the Scriptures, a promise of a time when all things will be made new, but that promise will be fulfilled only by Jesus himself, in a time He determines, and in a way that surely - like His first coming - will surprise us all. Thus, no one should be more suspicious of idealistic fantasies than Christians.
July 11, 2018
Can Christians survive a secular age without compromise in an increasingly hostile society?
In Faith Among the Faithless, Mike Cosper takes the well-loved story of Esther and connects it to the post-Christian world we live in today. Cosper intertwines his fresh retelling with commentary regarding our culture, and includes historical Jewish/Persian cultural details that really add to the story and bring it life. At the very beginning of the book, Cosper says the book of Esther is more like Game of Thrones than VeggieTales… Kings and queens, war, sex, power, egos, lies, conspiracy, and murder.
(He also compares Esther to Kim Kardashian… Does the thought make you cringe? It made me cringe A LOT!)
I’m paraphrasing a quote from the book that I’m too lazy to find and directly quote…
Those who have examined our cultural situation see the prophet Daniel as a role model. There’s a problem with comparing ourselves to him. He lived in Babylon with pressure to compromise, but he remained unstained by the pagan culture around him. We aren’t anything like him… We’ve assimilated to the pagan culture around us, and have a lot to learn from Esther.
Christians are just as likely to divorce. Christians are just as addicted to porn as non-Christians. Christians are just as obsessed and addicted to social media and other things of this world.
When Mordecai is first introduced in Esther it reads, “Now there was a Jew in Susa the citadel whose name was Mordecai.” The name “Mordecai” comes from the name of the Babylonian god Marduk and literally means “man of Marduk” or “worshipper of Marduk. Not only was he named after a pagan god, Mordecai was in the citadel and had to compromise his Jewish identity to get there.
Esther is the only book in the Bible where God’s name isn’t mentioned. Cosper says at the end, “I believe that’s why God is ‘hidden’ throughout the story. It is the story of a group of people finding their way back to God through a darkened world; finding their voice for faithful, vulnerable witness; and seeking to ensure that the generations after them don’t make the same mistake.”
*I received a free copy from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for an honest review.*
In Faith Among the Faithless, Mike Cosper takes the well-loved story of Esther and connects it to the post-Christian world we live in today. Cosper intertwines his fresh retelling with commentary regarding our culture, and includes historical Jewish/Persian cultural details that really add to the story and bring it life. At the very beginning of the book, Cosper says the book of Esther is more like Game of Thrones than VeggieTales… Kings and queens, war, sex, power, egos, lies, conspiracy, and murder.
(He also compares Esther to Kim Kardashian… Does the thought make you cringe? It made me cringe A LOT!)
I’m paraphrasing a quote from the book that I’m too lazy to find and directly quote…
Those who have examined our cultural situation see the prophet Daniel as a role model. There’s a problem with comparing ourselves to him. He lived in Babylon with pressure to compromise, but he remained unstained by the pagan culture around him. We aren’t anything like him… We’ve assimilated to the pagan culture around us, and have a lot to learn from Esther.
Christians are just as likely to divorce. Christians are just as addicted to porn as non-Christians. Christians are just as obsessed and addicted to social media and other things of this world.
When Mordecai is first introduced in Esther it reads, “Now there was a Jew in Susa the citadel whose name was Mordecai.” The name “Mordecai” comes from the name of the Babylonian god Marduk and literally means “man of Marduk” or “worshipper of Marduk. Not only was he named after a pagan god, Mordecai was in the citadel and had to compromise his Jewish identity to get there.
Esther is the only book in the Bible where God’s name isn’t mentioned. Cosper says at the end, “I believe that’s why God is ‘hidden’ throughout the story. It is the story of a group of people finding their way back to God through a darkened world; finding their voice for faithful, vulnerable witness; and seeking to ensure that the generations after them don’t make the same mistake.”
*I received a free copy from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for an honest review.*
July 24, 2018
I’ve honestly not spent much time reading and studying through the book of Esther. It’s an intriguing story, and I love the tie-in with the Battle of Thermopylae and the 300 Spartans, but it’s not something I’ve spent a whole lot of time studying.
Mike Cosper, the author of Faith Among the Faithless: Learning From Esther How to Live in a World Gone Mad, has revamped my interest in this book where God is mysteriously silent, Esther and Mordecai are mysteriously silent for a good bit of time regarding their Jewish heritage, and the god-king Xerxes has a second name, “King Headache,” that would earn him some old-fashioned ridicule in middle school.
This is a timely book. We truly live in a world gone mad--a cultural climate that makes it extremely difficult to have strong, faithful convictions rooted in the inerrant Word of God. We live in a culture where bold truth-claims are looked down upon and vehemently fought against on a grand scale. Ours is a world gone mad, and getting madder.
I would highly recommend this book. Cosper may take a few liberties with the story as he puts it into his own words, but the contextual and theological study he provides more than makes up for creative writing. He does a great job of bringing the reader into the story, providing connections from the world of the Persians to the world of today. The comparisons are surprising, and comforting. We are not where we’ve never been before. God is not silent. God is at work.
This is an encouraging book that helps the reader understand more and more than our hope is not in anything earthly, but we belong to a different world. We are strangers and aliens on this earth, and we must not forget that. We were not made to be comfortable, to fit in, and to go along to get along. We were made to bring glory to our Creator and be faithfully obedient to His Word.
As things certainly look to get harder rather than easier in our political, social, cultural climate, this book is a great read. Pick up a copy!
Mike Cosper, the author of Faith Among the Faithless: Learning From Esther How to Live in a World Gone Mad, has revamped my interest in this book where God is mysteriously silent, Esther and Mordecai are mysteriously silent for a good bit of time regarding their Jewish heritage, and the god-king Xerxes has a second name, “King Headache,” that would earn him some old-fashioned ridicule in middle school.
This is a timely book. We truly live in a world gone mad--a cultural climate that makes it extremely difficult to have strong, faithful convictions rooted in the inerrant Word of God. We live in a culture where bold truth-claims are looked down upon and vehemently fought against on a grand scale. Ours is a world gone mad, and getting madder.
I would highly recommend this book. Cosper may take a few liberties with the story as he puts it into his own words, but the contextual and theological study he provides more than makes up for creative writing. He does a great job of bringing the reader into the story, providing connections from the world of the Persians to the world of today. The comparisons are surprising, and comforting. We are not where we’ve never been before. God is not silent. God is at work.
This is an encouraging book that helps the reader understand more and more than our hope is not in anything earthly, but we belong to a different world. We are strangers and aliens on this earth, and we must not forget that. We were not made to be comfortable, to fit in, and to go along to get along. We were made to bring glory to our Creator and be faithfully obedient to His Word.
As things certainly look to get harder rather than easier in our political, social, cultural climate, this book is a great read. Pick up a copy!
January 1, 2019
In Among the Faithless,” the author writes about the love story of Esther and connects it to the post-Christian world we live in today. Can Christianity survive in a secular age? Can Christians live without compromise in an increasing hostile society? And what if they’ve already given into that society’s vision and value?
The author answers these questions by pointing out the parallels between our world and the story of Esther. A tale of sex, ego, and revenge, the book of Esther reveals a world where God seems absent from everyday life- a world not unlike our own. Christians are just as likely to divorce. Christians are just as addicted to porn as non-Christians. Christians are just as obsessed and addicted to social media and other things of this world.
Have you ever compromised your identity to get somewhere in life? How much of your identity have you compromised? Esther is the only book in the Bible where God’s name isn’t mentioned. Cosper says at the end.
I believe that’s why God is ‘hidden’ throughout the story. It is the story of a group of people finding their way back to God through a darkened world; finding their voice for faithful, vulnerable witness; and seeking to ensure that the generations after them don’t make the same mistake.”
I received a copy of the book from Booklook bloggers. All opinions are my own.
The author answers these questions by pointing out the parallels between our world and the story of Esther. A tale of sex, ego, and revenge, the book of Esther reveals a world where God seems absent from everyday life- a world not unlike our own. Christians are just as likely to divorce. Christians are just as addicted to porn as non-Christians. Christians are just as obsessed and addicted to social media and other things of this world.
Have you ever compromised your identity to get somewhere in life? How much of your identity have you compromised? Esther is the only book in the Bible where God’s name isn’t mentioned. Cosper says at the end.
I believe that’s why God is ‘hidden’ throughout the story. It is the story of a group of people finding their way back to God through a darkened world; finding their voice for faithful, vulnerable witness; and seeking to ensure that the generations after them don’t make the same mistake.”
I received a copy of the book from Booklook bloggers. All opinions are my own.
December 15, 2018
I had a little bit of struggle finishing this - because of my own personal beliefs. While reading this I found myself having to stop constantly because some of the phrasing by this author made me feel uncomfortable, he mixed a lot of his personal political views in with his interpretation of Esther. As someone who believes in same-sex marriage and some of the concepts - the author makes clear he believes to be a part of the 'world gone mad' - it hit a nerve.
Now, I love the story of Esther, she is a representation of who I aspire to be (not because of her beauty - but because she found strength to protect others), so I pushed through - several of the core points of the book about how her faith/story can be used in our often conflicted modern times - because they were brilliant. He made some good points, but overall this book left me a little tired - instead of overflowing with hope.
Mr. Cosper does manage to paint a great picture of how Esther can be used to inspire others. Although I do not agree with all the roads he took while approaching it - but if you believe as he does this book can will be very inspiring for you.
Now, I love the story of Esther, she is a representation of who I aspire to be (not because of her beauty - but because she found strength to protect others), so I pushed through - several of the core points of the book about how her faith/story can be used in our often conflicted modern times - because they were brilliant. He made some good points, but overall this book left me a little tired - instead of overflowing with hope.
Mr. Cosper does manage to paint a great picture of how Esther can be used to inspire others. Although I do not agree with all the roads he took while approaching it - but if you believe as he does this book can will be very inspiring for you.
February 2, 2019
Cosper uses the story of Esther to challenge a Christian audience to think about ways they have been assimilated into the larger culture.
On some levels, this works very well. Although his retelling of the story of Esther includes all kinds of imaginative details, those are compelling and help readers re-see this story and themselves in new ways. He argues that we live in a very distinct time and place, and even if we condemn other Christians ways they have compromised their faith, we may not see the ways we have compromised.
He makes that case, but then he seems to limit this discussion of assimilation and Christian tribes pointing fingers at each other to sexual issues (attitudes toward the LGBTQ community) and consumer, celebrity culture. Even then he didn't really have a lot of application. This was probably intentional--he stayed relatively neutral and so doesn't really offend anyone--but I think his failure to apply this more specifically and broadly keeps Cosper from achieving his purpose.
I was disappointed because I had just finished another book by Cosper, and this wasn't nearly as pointed and focused as that one.
On some levels, this works very well. Although his retelling of the story of Esther includes all kinds of imaginative details, those are compelling and help readers re-see this story and themselves in new ways. He argues that we live in a very distinct time and place, and even if we condemn other Christians ways they have compromised their faith, we may not see the ways we have compromised.
He makes that case, but then he seems to limit this discussion of assimilation and Christian tribes pointing fingers at each other to sexual issues (attitudes toward the LGBTQ community) and consumer, celebrity culture. Even then he didn't really have a lot of application. This was probably intentional--he stayed relatively neutral and so doesn't really offend anyone--but I think his failure to apply this more specifically and broadly keeps Cosper from achieving his purpose.
I was disappointed because I had just finished another book by Cosper, and this wasn't nearly as pointed and focused as that one.
September 16, 2021
Mike Cosper makes Esther's story sound like a modern YA story when I was expecting it to sound more like how old church ladies always tell it - boring and kind of like Esther is a traitor to the Jews in Persia. There are a lot of great parallels between Esther and Persia and us and the modern world. Of course those comparisons need to bring in politics so this probably isn't the best book for everybody.
Cosper's narration of Esther feels like you are there with her. He adds depth to the parts we don't actually see happening in the Bible story and fleshes out what we do see. Esther, Mordecai, the king, and even Haman all become understandable and relatable people. Unlike the way churches tell the story, we can see why Jews act how they do in that time and why Esther is so important.
I love the conversational tone that he uses in this book. It feels like he's talking directly to you, but also that Esther is right in front of you too.
Cosper's narration of Esther feels like you are there with her. He adds depth to the parts we don't actually see happening in the Bible story and fleshes out what we do see. Esther, Mordecai, the king, and even Haman all become understandable and relatable people. Unlike the way churches tell the story, we can see why Jews act how they do in that time and why Esther is so important.
I love the conversational tone that he uses in this book. It feels like he's talking directly to you, but also that Esther is right in front of you too.
May 7, 2018
I enjoyed this book on Esther, but there were some portions that turned towards more of the author's opinion on many different topics woven into what was already an interesting read. I would re-read, and I will eventually purchase a copy for use within ministry. I was just a little bit disappointed in how much seemed to be 'made to fit' the topic of the book. There was more good than bad, but sometimes the opines of the author did detract from the overall arching of the book. I have learned a lot more about the time period during which the events of Esther happened, and it has caused me to research more in Scripture. So, overall it was worth it. I will be purchasing a copy in the future!
Thanks to #NetGalley, I had an advanced PDF to read and review.
*All opinions are my own and I was not require to post a positive review. *
Thanks to #NetGalley, I had an advanced PDF to read and review.
*All opinions are my own and I was not require to post a positive review. *
March 12, 2019
I found this book to be an amazing study of the Biblical story and book called Esther. And it turned out to be a very adult story at that...not the Sunday School version of my childhood. I found several convicting parallels with my own acceptable assimilation into our culture much as Esther and Mordecai had allowed themselves to do. But by the same token I also sense that someday soon I will Be asked to take a stand...to choose a side because it is the truth and correct and right. It won’t be popular and it will go against the accepted culture. Much like Esther I have felt the need to fast about some issues and I fear the backlash of standing on principle at times. I am often silent. Lord give me strength to stand.
May 18, 2018
A look at the lessons from the Book of Esther for the modern Christian in a short nine chapter book. This book is a study of the story of Esther including a retelling of the story by the author and historical context discussions around the events. During the exile the situation of the Jews in Persia can be related to a Christian in today's world. The authors analysis of the story of Esther and his parallels to the life of a Christian today were thought provoking and the information on the study of the Book of Esther from the perspective of a Jewish scholar was also fascinating. I received a Free ARC of this book through Goodreads First Reads giveaways.
May 20, 2018
Today's society allows you to say what you think but for a Christian, you usually get a negative response when talking about Scripture and sharing your love of God. Faith Among the Faithless: Learning from Esther How to Live in a World Gone Mad by Mike Cosper is an interesting read that compares today's world with the book of Esther. A book that is informative and full of explanation that can be used in today's age to help overcome the negativity placed on Christians. I enjoyed reading along and found the additional resources that Cosper provides to be a great addition. ** I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.**
July 26, 2018
This is one of the few books I've read this year that I will be regularly spreading the word about among my book-loving friends. It started a bit slow (I thought of giving it 4 stars but I wanted to honestly give it 4.5, so I rounded up) because it seemed to follow a too-common path, but after the first couple chapters Cosper's points became more & more challenging & engaging, speaking with boldness & grace in his fresh retelling of Esther's story. I will be re-reading this soon, & likely multiple times - it's the sort of content I want burned in the forefront of my mind & heart. Highly suggested reading!
May 30, 2022
This book was better than I thought it would be.
In going through the story of Esther, keeping in mind the context of of the culture at that time, Cosper gives us a side to the people who are Esther and Mordecai that we might not initially grasp. In this, he also parallels with our current culture and how easy it is for Christians to become absorbed in the world around them rather than standing apart from it.
I would definitely recommend this book to any reader, but particularly for Christians who are struggling with standing firm in their faith rather than be swayed by the whims of current culture.
In going through the story of Esther, keeping in mind the context of of the culture at that time, Cosper gives us a side to the people who are Esther and Mordecai that we might not initially grasp. In this, he also parallels with our current culture and how easy it is for Christians to become absorbed in the world around them rather than standing apart from it.
I would definitely recommend this book to any reader, but particularly for Christians who are struggling with standing firm in their faith rather than be swayed by the whims of current culture.
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