At a time when many Christian denominations mistakenly assume that it is their task to give answers — and sadly, often simplistic answers — author Nathan Aaseng invites us to honor our questions. His “wonderings,” like all honest human inquiry, are grounded in a spirit of holy wonder. They are rooted, not in a fragile faith, but in a radical trust for our human intelligence, respect for scriptural symbols, and a profound openness to the mystery of God. An extremely well-reasoned book, I Wonder: Mind-Freeing Encounters With God allows Aaseng to ask all those pesky “God questions” - and for which most are answered as best as any can - that we as followers, as believers have always shunned and shied away from. His personal stories and sense of humor make for delightful reading for with the heart of a Pastor, the wit of a humorist, the eloquence of a bard, and the clarity of a scientist, Aaseng encourages the minds and viewpoints of the reader to journey with him on a quite eye-opening trek into the Holy Lands. Containing many passages of solid scripture along with enticing moments long the way where Aasseng asks the questions and posits possible answers - in a magically joyous manner - I Wonder: Mind-Freeing Encounters With God is one of those readings that, in my humble opinion, could also qualify as a most perfect addition to Confirmation classes (so that confirmands are openly encouraged to ask such questions - and as they are learning and developing their relationship with God - rather than being given a rigid doctrine to follow; so to speak). FULL REVIEW: https://annecarlini.com/ex_books.php?id=275 ~ Exclusive Magazine, Review

Nathan Aaseng asks the “God questions” about which many of us wonder but rarely have the honesty to explore. Weaving together story, life experience, science, humor, and hope, Aaseng stitches together a quilt of Christianity that faithfully lifts up the God of grace and pointedly rejects the easy answers of popular religion. With the heart of a pastor, the wit of a humorist, the eloquence of a bard, the clarity of a scientist, and the depth of a theologian, the reader is led onto holy ground to see the God of mercy, justice, and love. Laypersons will be enlightened. Clergy will delight in the way Aaseng addresses the ponderings of their flocks with the solid grounding of Scripture. ~ Duane Pederson, former Lutheran bishop and Visiting Professor at Yale Divinity School

When I was a questioning teenager in his confirmation class, and later into my adult life, Nate inspired me to ask the questions that many church-goers are too afraid to ask. This book is more timely than ever to remind us that asking important questions is what will deepen our faith and bring us closer together. ~ Sara Mowchan

For nearly a generation people who were asked if they were seeking deeper meaning and purpose in their lives responded with a “yes”. They also indicated that they would not think to seek these values in a church. In “ I Wonder”, Rev. Nathan Aaseng invites seekers to take a second look. His inclusion of “wonder “in the title, gives permission to go ahead and “wonder” in the sense of curiosity and even doubt—ask any and all questions. It also encourages us in every chapter to open ourselves to “wonder” as awe, an appreciation of the depth of mystery found not only in the scriptures and Christian thought, but simply in the abundance of surprise and unmerited blessing in the everyday world. This book will find a place with those of established faith and seekers alike. ~ David S. Moyer, Retired Minister of the United Church of Christ