
I've Got Questions
The Spiritual Practice of Having It Out with God
by Erin Hicks Moon
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Pub Date 4 Feb 2025 | Archive Date 14 Mar 2025
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Description
When your faith as you know it has been commodified, nationalized, scandalized, and rebranded beyond recognition, is it even possible to recover the "good" of Jesus from this cluster of epic proportions?
Writer and podcaster Erin Moon has questions, and this book is her open letter for anyone who feels iffy, conflicted, or just downright devastated by this disconnect. With empathy, insight, and the therapy of memes and a good laugh, Erin maps out not a rigid prescription but an open-hearted pathway for you to reclaim what you once loved about your faith home and light a match to the rest.
As it turns out, God is not afraid of your questions. To the contrary, the fullness of the Christian story is found not in a certainty checklist but a vision of a people who wrestle with God. This is the story to which Erin turns and guides you through, as you
· understand the good, bad, ugly, and just plain bizarre of your faith origins
· find permission to lament, ask questions, and name pressure points
· make peace as you set your own new boundaries and rebuild
Consider this your open invitation to get gut-level honest about where it started, and heart-level hopeful about where it can go from here.
Available Editions
EDITION | Other Format |
ISBN | 9781540904089 |
PRICE | US$26.99 (USD) |
PAGES | 224 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews

This is such a helpful read for anyone who was raised with a stern and shallow view of God. The author, Erin, invites you to really examine what you believe - not to throw it all away - but to build a better foundation. Her words were a balm to my wounded soul and she gives me hope that as I continue wrestling with my own faith, there is a God who loves right there through it all.

With so many reasons to ask questions when things don’t add up, it’s helpful to have the example of someone who has gone first and can speak from experience to be your guide. Even better, Erin will validate how you’re feeling and how you came to the place of asking questions without telling you where you need to end up, which makes sense considering that type of certainty and one-size-fits-all is one of the very things that she challenges and got her asking questions to begin with.

My goodness, I underlined so many portions of this book. For such a weighty, tender, and personal topic -- Erin H. Moon has managed to share vulnerably, infuse laughter into heaviness while not minimizing, and bring hope while not laying out formulas/prescriptions. Would we agree on every last point of every last thing? No, of course not. Who among us would when EVERYTHING is laid out? But she writes with generosity and honesty, and I appreciate that.

The best thing about this book is that it fully delivers on the promise of the title: ALL questions are welcomed here -- God is big enough for every person's doubts, anger, anxieties, and unanswered prayers. Erin Hicks Moon organizes the book around the metaphor of a personal plot of land, one where God shows up perhaps most intimately when we have burned the land to the ground. God wants and deserves our honesty, for as the author writes, "The only thing that will kill you is pretending everything is okay when it's not."
It is important to note that the book moves far beyond personal examination -- instead, it focuses on God's incomprehensible love for us and our obligation to love others, including those who hurt us, disagree with us, or don't believe what we believe. Although Moon shares her own journey, she repeatedly encourages readers to find ways of questioning, doubting, and loving that are authentic to their lived experiences. Some readers may be put off by language and allusions that are centered in the experience of a 40-something white woman, but it's worth pushing past this -- there really is something here for anyone who is intrigued by the book's title.

I've Got Questions was so interesting! It's the conversation about faith that many of us have whispered in our heads, but it's not often open conversation. It's the conversation I need about faith. Moon talks about deconstruction but not in a destructive way.
It's a different take on deconstruction than many resources because it offers more hope than books solely focused on deconstructing your faith. It welcomes questions. It talks about hard topics in a life-giving way. Instead of talking about tearing down your faith in anger, it offers the opportunity to examine your faith, explore your ideas, and rebuild in a way that fits your relationship with God.
Moon knows what she's talking about when it comes to theology. And at times the book takes deep dives into that. But her penchant for humor and honesty makes the discussion accessible.
If you're ready to have conversations about faith and church, and you trust that God can handle your questions, I've Got Questions is a wonderful, deep, grace-filled companion for your journey.

This book resonated deeply, articulating doubts, inconsistencies, and contradictions I've grappled with for years. The writing is both insightful and engaging, making the book approachable and even humorous.
This book arrived at the perfect moment in my life. Erin masterfully captured concepts and questions I couldn't fully articulate myself, leaving me feeling seen and understood.
I highly recommend this book to readers seeking introspection and deeper reflection. And don't miss the acknowledgements – they are truly delightful!
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy.

I wanted to like this one more than I did. It was a skim-read for me as it was full of details and fluff that I found not interesting. Maybe it's a book more for millenials and younger who may want pop-culture mixed with some scripture. Although she is spot-on with her "have no fear to wrestle with God, ask questions, and search for truth", it seemed to drag on. Read if you want permission to question your faith (which you probably already gave yourself if you are reading this book) but there are no real answers... just more permission to seek. That's fine, but it probably could have been summed up in an essay.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC. #sponsored

I continually questioned if this book was for me. It is well written and the questions posed are valid. My issue came in with my faith. At times I felt like the book was too inquisitive and could steer new believers in the wrong direction.

I’m definitely not the target audience for this book as someone who lands somewhere between agnostic and atheist but I picked it up because I love Erin Moon. I was not disappointed. This is a book about deconstructing (and also rebuilding) your faith. As someone outside of that experience, I still found a lot of value in this book’s examination of faith and how that drives how you move through the world. I was left with things that I know I will keep thinking about, which I don’t think I was expecting.

“I’m not afraid for you. If you are honestly seeking God, you will find God.”
Erin is exactly the companion you want as you’re floundering.
She takes seriously the work of de/reconstruction.
She’s encouraging, but neither dismissive, nor pressuring.
She realizes how much strength and faith and genuine DESIRE TO FOLLOW CHRIST it takes to scrape the gangrene from your raw/bleeding/callused/scarred soul.
I absolutely loved the Plot of Land metaphor. The weeds. The controlled burn. The rewilding.
I loved that she speaks from experience.
I love that she encourages “open-handed trust vs tight-fisted certainty”.
I love that she still has hope in things unseen.
I think we all need a little hope right now.
“Wresting with God is your spiritual heritage. The wrestling isn’t the problem. It’s the point.”

Five stars! If you read no further, know that this one is a five star read for me. Erin Hicks Moon's writing is a balm to my soul and much needed at this time in history. Although she is younger than me and comes from a different faith tradition, we have had many of the same experiences as we have worked in the church/faith industry. The way she writes about struggling with faith questions and toxic situations helps me have renewed hope in the church and a hunger to connect with God. Thank you for writing this one Erin!

**3.5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC!
Erin H. Moon has been a part of my life for over 5 years; I am an avid listener of the PMG’s podcasts, The Popcast and Faith Adjacent. Erin is a joy to listen to, so I was very excited when she announced her book.
While Erin and I did not agree about everything, it was interesting to read about her faith journey (drink). While I haven’t, personally, done “deconstructing,” my faith has changed and grown over my whole life, so I understand the questioning and trying to figure things out for yourself, instead of just believing everything you are taught.
I did find it a little repetitive, but I can’t wait to see her on her book tour!

YES YES YES. This is the book I’ve needed for years. I’m so thankful for Erin’s honesty, and she beautifully works through BIG questions with humor and wisdom. Will enthusiastically recommend to everyone and anyone.

Thanks to NetGalley & Baker Books for a digital advance reader's copy. All comments and opinions are my own.
While I recognized her name, I wasn’t really familiar with Erin Moon as a podcaster, writer, or speaker before reading this book. But I immediately liked her writing style, personality, and sense of humor. I felt like I was having a conversation with a very honest and outspoken friend about faith, God, about finding your identity as a Christian, and feeling comfortable with your own spiritual life no matter what others are saying/doing.
Although there were times when reading that I felt like Erin was whining and complaining, I stayed with it and eventually she moved on and I recognized the point she was making. And while she is sort of negative (or maybe that’s just her being honest and sharing her viewpoint), she ends the book on an upbeat note.
Erin quoted several authors and referred to many books that I want to check out. She brought up numerous intriguing questions about faith and shared her thoughts but never in a “this is the one and only correct answer.” This is a book to read if you’re looking for an honest conversation about spiritual growth.
Plus – the footnotes were entertaining and worth reading! Now that’s the sign of a good book!

I’ve been waiting for this one and it did not disappoint. Erin asks the serious questions we’re all asking then kindly walks us through how she came to her answers or at least helps us find a soft place to land. Her writing style is funny and wildly entertaining while still carrying the weight this topic deserves. Her advice is never prescriptive, but somehow written in a way that feels like it was meant for me, personally. I’m on my second reading, for note taking purposes, and still super excited to listen to the audio when it’s available.

This book is for anyone who has ever questioned their faith, struggled with doubts, or felt disconnected from the church. Erin Hicks Moon reminds us that faith isn’t a fixed point—it’s a journey. Uncertainty isn’t a bad thing, and curiosity is a gift.
With humor, honesty, and relatable cultural references, Moon’s writing feels like a friend walking alongside you, making space for hard conversations and deep reflection. She reassures readers that asking questions doesn’t mean losing faith—it can actually strengthen it.
If you’ve ever wrestled with faith and wanted a thoughtful, compassionate conversation about it, this book is worth picking up.
Read and reviewed from a NetGalley eARC, with thanks.

"I've Got Questions" is a breath of fresh air for people who are diving a little deeper into understanding their faith. We are often taught that asking questions about are faith is well, unfaithful. But Erin helps us know that we are not alone and that it can be quite normal. This book is well researched and full of heart. She doesn't tell you what to think but helps get you thinking and feeling good about it.

"It's only when you grow up and start looking around a little bit that you discover it's our actual spiritual inheritance to deconstruct and reconstruct. Scripture is filled with stories of people who had one notion about God, actually encountered God, and then completely changed course." (pg. 96)
If that resonates with you or makes you go "Yes... that's what I've been trying to say..." then I'VE GOT QUESTIONS is a book for you.
I'm verrrrry familiar with Erin's work with the Popcast Media Group shows and practically feel like a friend released a book (Hi, Erin! You don't know me, but I have one-sided conversations with you during your podcasts multiple times a week!), but you don't have to know Erin or her work yet to read this book. And if you do know Erin already, this book is NOT just a recycling of everything you've already read and heard from her.
One of the ways I'VE GOT QUESTIONS felt fresh and special to me was that while Erin's personal story is a part of the through-line of the book, it's not at the expense of depth. I don't mean to throw shade at any other books... I really don't... but I think those of us who have read a lot from the "Christian living" shelves at Barnes & Noble have experienced the let down of picking up a book that sounds like it's really going to help you consider a new perspective or make some headway in an area of your life and then it's just kind of a bunch of stories about that person's life. And maybe that's more of a marketing failure than anything else, because personal stories and testimonies have their place, but all that to say, Erin doesn't just tell us about her own life, she leads us into rich places and gives a Biblical and thoughtful framework for walking through the process of asking big questions and "having it out with God."
Many thanks to Netgalley and Baker Books for a free review copy of this book. I had already pre-ordered my own hardcopy, but was very excited and grateful for the early sneak peek.
(Review on Instagram forthcoming)

I’ve Got Questions already feels like a book I’ll return to over and over again. My audiobook will serve as the friend in my ear when I feel things are going a little sideways and I need the courage to allow myself to feel angry at God and/or the Church. My e-copy will travel with me and be the occasional pickup when I forget to download another, and I expect will nudge me to not ignore my feelings (as I am so wont to do). My hardcover will live beautifully on my shelf until I retrieve her to thumb through, searching for one of the countless highlights I’ve made when I’m sharing Erin’s ideas with a friend. And the other 2 copies that are on the way are for as-yet-unknown friends who most surely will find themselves where I did a few years ago — equal parts broken-hearted and angry, unsure of the ground beneath my feet and feeling surrounded by those who claim to love Jesus but look less like them when it matters most. Thanks to netgalley for the early access so I could get started on this journey and to Erin for writing the book that literally millions of us need.

Erin's kindness and authenticity shine through every word. If you've ever felt isolated by your doubts and questions, this book is here to remind you that you're not alone.
I've basically highlighted the whole thing, but what I'm taking with me as I move forward is this: "We joyfully affirm nothing less than this: we are the people who have it out with God"

This is a great book for those in the Christian community with questions about their faith, being able to hear Erin's questions that she's had along her journey (drink) and what she's learned.

I appreciate the opportunity to read I've Got Questions by Erin Moon, and I admire the author’s willingness to engage with difficult topics surrounding faith. It’s clear she has wrestled deeply with her beliefs, and I have great empathy for anyone who has experienced harmful or incomplete teaching about God’s grace and unconditional love. Church hurt is real and her lament about being treated poorly by people she worships with is valid.
That said, this book was not a good fit for me. While I applaud the author’s honesty and vulnerability, I found it difficult to connect with the tone, particularly the anger, profanity, and repeated calls to "burn down" certain institutions. I also struggled with some theological positions that seemed to emphasize love at the expense of God’s justice and truth. Yes, we are called to love one another, but it isn't loving to tell people to keep sinning because there aren't any consequences. As someone who believes that pointing people toward Christ includes both grace and accountability, I couldn't align with certain perspectives presented in the book.
I imagine this book will resonate with readers who are deconstructing their faith and looking for a voice that affirms their doubts. However, for those who hold to a more traditional evangelical understanding of Scripture, this may not be the right fit. I’m grateful for the chance to engage with the author’s perspective, but this book is not one I would personally recommend to my audience.

Erin is a phenomenal writer, and I’m thrilled that her book has made its way into the world. This book is perfect for anyone who has ever questioned their faith, the church, or the system of beliefs they were raised with. It’s also wonderful for everyone remaining hopeful that they can continue to find something in faith, even if it looks and feels differently—it’s all okay. Erin is wise and funny, and you will want to be best friends with her!

I've been a fan of Erin Moon's podcasts, newsletter, and social media accounts for several years now. This book felt like a natural extension of those presences, which I really appreciated - it felt authentic. I loved the thoughtfulness Erin employed as she discussed the personal facets of deconstruction. I felt that the first 20-30% was the weakest part, as more figurative language (and perhaps more sarcasm) was employed than was necessary to make her points, but she really found her stride about a third of the way in. I found myself highlighting significant portions of the text at that point. Erin tells the reader that her goal is not to provide any answers for the reader, and she lives up to this. She really just wants to walk beside us as we navigate the process of asking our questions.

I've been learning from Erin Moon since someone linked the podcast episode she made about purity culture way back in 2020. She is such a gentle teacher and this book was no different. If you have ever struggled with your faith, or people who practice your faith, this book is for you. If you need someone to take your face in their hands and remind you that Jesus loves you, this book is for you. Reading this book is like talking with a trusted friend. She doesn't talk down to you. She doesn't minimize what you might be going through. And she does it with grace and a big dose of humor while also being quite poignant. Did I expect to cry reading a chapter entitle White Lion Hot Dog Jonathan Jesus? No, no I did not. But I certainly did. Did I expect to cry reading the acknowledgements? Also no. But also I did. I'm so thankful for Erin, her ministry, and now this book. We don't deserve Erin H. Moon but I'm so glad we have her. Also, sorry to all my friends if you didn't want another book from me this year, this is all your birthday presents.

Erin H. Moon has always been one of my favorite people to go to for theological perspectives and understanding so I was already excited about reading this book. I saw that some of my other favorite voices endorsed this book as well, so I knew it was going to be good. I love the way she curiously explores topics and allows herself to be changed by people and stories. She also approaches these topics with the same hilarity that she brings to her podcast. She is bold while also genuinely heartfelt and humble. I highly recommend this book to anyone, especially if you are currently wresting with tough questions or have already wrestled with those questions in order to see how someone else has handled this difficult, but rewarding, journey. Do not sleep on this book! You won't regret it!

Writer and podcaster Erin Moon has questions, and this book is her open letter for anyone who feels iffy, conflicted, or just downright devastated by this disconnect. This book will help a lot of people who struggles with spirituality.

I often joke that there are only two “trends” I have ever been early to in my entire life. I got a Stanley cup in the summer of 2021 (thanks to the Mormon mom influencers I follow who made that possible) and Mike and I left the evangelical church in 2003.
The Stanley cup has definitely made me more hydrated, but leaving the evangelical church is one of the defining moments (and it was a moment - after some weeks of me asking if we could leave, Mike turned to me in the car one Sunday and said, “We’re never going back”) of my adult life. I am not going to lie to you. It was lonely and confusing. We lost friends. We had to rethink everything we knew. Everything we gained more than made up for what we ended up losing, but it was not an easy time.
For that reason, I do not always have a lot of energy for books like Erin Moon’s new book I’ve Got Questions, which is about what is now called “deconstruction.” (I don’t think we had a word for it in 2003 except “everyone you used to know thinks you are going to hell.”) There weren’t books like this available to us, though we did read quite a bit of history and theology as we were painstakingly trying to hold on to our faith. We were also incredibly lucky that our deconstruction took place having already found a community that answered (or, crucially, didn’t answer) our questions, gave us space to process, and loved us through the pain of losing our previous support network and rebuilding a new one. But I don’t necessarily want to relive it.
However, now I work as a minister (lol but seriously lol because that is a super intense deconstruction and then reconstruction all the way to the ministry) and I recognize that books like this can be helpful to people who find their way to my church from more conservative spaces. So I requested this one on NetGalley and was given an opportunity to read it. I have interacted with Erin Moon in a minor way - my instagram account about children’s ministry has been mentioned on her podcast, but I don’t know her.
I think the framework of the book is very strong. This is not a book to help provide you with the answers that you so desperately want when you are deconstructing. She highlights important stages in rethinking and (hopefully) rebuilding your faith, using a metaphor of a plot of land. I will say that the repeated references to burning things down (even a controlled burn) were difficult to read this week as we watched the fires in California, but that is the reality in which we live. She walks the reader through steps of remembering where you came from, lament, asking questions, thinking through what matters, and even asking yourself to go beyond where you feel comfortable. There is a lot of wisdom and I think this is the strongest book I’ve read about this process.
My critique of the book is not about the content, which I think is overall very good. I am not a regular listener of Moon’s Faith Adjacent podcast, but I have listened to a few episodes. The tone of the book, much like the podcast, is both sincere and kind of quippy. For that reason, it is not going to be for everyone. There are some people in my congregation I think would appreciate the content but who would not get the references or the tone. For that reason, I think it is best aimed at people younger than me and I think it would help if they were, if not Very Online, at least Somewhat Online.
Additionally, one of the things I often note when hearing stories like this is that my experiences as a young Christian were much more negative than the author’s. I want to be clear that I did not experience any physical or sexual abuse. At the same time, the church was not a place where I felt completely safe or kept or loved. I felt like a problem at church (which is funny, because overall I was pretty compliant). The main problem was that I was a girl, and in the context in which I grew up, the boys were mentored by the pastors and the girls were taught to do makeup and not talk in church. I like makeup! But what I wanted was for a religious leader to care about my faith. I wanted my faith to matter. For that reason, I have often noted that I read my Bible faithfully and was pretty good with Jesus, but was less convinced about church and church leaders. I didn’t invite my friends to church because it wasn’t a place where I was especially happy. I mostly felt unwanted by the church. So, when I found out there were churches where they acted like God and Jesus actually liked me and weren’t just always trying to Teach Me A Lesson, it was certainly easier for to me to leave than it might be for some. I am always surprised when it worked for other people for so much longer. As my husband reminded me, those systems work for people until they don’t, until death or illness or a gay family member or a sense that people don’t deserve eternal punishment pushes you off kilter. In that sense, we were lucky that our experiences of feeling somewhat rejected led us to be able to leave earlier.
Deconstruction of a childhood faith is a long and messy process! There were a couple of places where, from my vantage point, Moon’s deconstruction still felt a little bit fresh and it seemed that there were things that she was still somewhat tender about. That would make this book a good choice for someone who is still fairly new in the process (let’s say the first five years of deconstruction), but maybe less so if they have already thought through some of the questions and quieted some of the “religion cop” voices inside their heads. If the tone matches your experiences and expectations, I think Moon’s thoughtful process will work as a guidebook and make the reader feel less alone. Out on February 4th.

I have been following Erin Moon since around 2018. She is a breath of fresh and has been so influential to my faith during this time. Obviously I was excited to see she had a book coming out and so grateful to get an advance copy. I loved this book! So much of her faith story looks like my own and it so hopeful to see I am not alone. Profound thoughts, comforting words and inspiring faith. This book had all of these things!

Baker Books eARC
I've been a longtime listener of the Faith Adjacent podcast, so I knew as soon as I heard about Erin's book, I wanted to read it. This was such a great look into deconstruction from a viewpoint that wasn't shame filled, coercive, or manipulative. She slowly lays out her journey and what worked and didn't for her. I appreciated her honesty and deep exploration of her steadfast beliefs and how they changed. I think she showed how it's possible to want better and gave practical tips for starting points. I think this will be such an important book for those wanting to deepen their faith while also examining their tightly held beliefs to figure out where they actually came from and where to go from there.

Erin Hicks Moon adds a needed voice in the spiritual growth category. Not all paths are congruent with John Mark Comer's "Practicing the Way" or the classic "Celebration of Discipline." Many people need to process the pain, damage and questions that emerge in many people's lives -- and are present in the people who also take Comer's or Foster's path,
Many people have questions, some of which are not spoken out loud in church. Some may ride along, avoiding the conflict of leaving a faith tradition for another, or leaving a faith journey entirely, This book helps to provide a framework for those who are electing to stay while welcoming those who are heading away.
Using the analogy of a garden, Moon interacts with the process necessary for discovering what is critical to rebuilding faith.
The title is recommended for leaders and vocal participants in the "Practicing the Way" juggernaut, as well as for people who are in a place of spiritual rebuilding. Even if the reader is not in a phase of reviewing their core beliefs, the perspective is important to see. I will be purchasing the book to put on my shelf with Comer and Foster, along with the materials I have on pilgrimage.
When sharing my review with my bookie, he suggested reading the book in context of Ruth Haley Barton's _Invitation to solitude and silence: experiencing God's transforming presence_, a title that would be more congruent with Comer and Foster. Odds are that many readers would connect with Barton's work, but Moon's book should also be given a voice in the process. M. Robert Mulholland, Jr.'s _The deeper journey: the spirituality of discovering your true self_ is also noted as being a part of the total picture.

Hard-fought faith meets in a garden. Beautifully written, feisty, and full of grace.
Thank you, NetGalley and Baker Books for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

With her trademark fire and heart, Erin Moon writes honestly about the questions she has been asking regarding her faith. I enjoyed it and (having grown up similarly to her) understood it on a personal level. I did feel it was repetitive and wordy in some sections, but overall it was a great read.

There is so much to like about I've Got Questions.
It reads like a feisty, book-length paraphrase of Jude 22: "Be merciful to those who doubt."
Erin is refreshingly candid about her up-and-down faith journey (drink)* and offers loads of mercy and encouragement to those wrestling with God, turned off by Christians' inconsistencies, or asking hard questions about the Bible.
No doubt this book will receive a barrage of not-so-friendly fire from those who either haven't read or don't like Jude 22. And you may not agree with everything here. But for those looking for a reason to keep fighting the good fight of faith, Erin's book will be a reassuring guide.
*You'll need to read the book to get this reference.

Pros: I am a big fan of Erin Moon’s work for the Popcast Media Group—especially with the Faith Adjacent podcast. From listening to her talk about faith for years, I was thrilled to learn she was writing a book—I knew she would approach it with the same nuance and thoughtfulness (and humor!) she brings to the podcast.
This book isn’t just for podcast listeners though. It’s for anyone who has had questions or struggles with (and grief over) their faith because of the current state of Christianity/the church. The author encourages readers to remember that faith isn’t a fixed point, that uncertainty is not a bad thing, and that curiosity is a good thing. As the author and I are millennials of similar ages, I find her (and her cultural references) to be very relatable and makes her writing feel like a friend is walking me through a “journey.”
I think this will be a book I revisit, and I hope to listen to an audio version because I am so used to hearing the author’s voice on the Faith Adjacent podcast.
Cons: The only con that I can think of is that readers must wait until February to read this book!
Thank you to NetGalley and Baker Books for the opportunity to read this book.