Reasons to Believe

As a teenager, John Marks was a born-again Christian, but eventually abandoned his faith. Years later, as a producer for the TV show “60 Minutes,” he interviewed a couple about the Left Behind series, the bestselling Christian novels about the apocalypse. At the end of the interview, they asked John a question: would he be left behind? In other words, had he accepted Jesus as his savior or would he go to hell?

Reasons to Believe is Marks’s answer to that question. As a former Evangelical Christian, he attempts to understand those who now condemn his way of life. He grapples with the message that millions of Evangelicals attempt to deliver to their fellow citizens every day, speaking with missionaries, political activists, theologians, musicians, and filmmakers -- the rich and powerful, the poor and broken, and the pastors who have turned small congregations into megachurches. Marks also tells the story of how, along the way, he finally came to terms with his own faith.

John Marks spent a decade at U.S. News and World Report before becoming a producer at “60 Minutes.” He is the author of three novels and has an M.A. in creative writing from the University of Iowa. He lives in Massachusetts with his family.

“Marks’ testament is a moving memoir of a Texas boy and the rise and fall of his Christian faith ... even when discussing institutional and intellectual developments, though, Marks focuses on individuals, and he is moving and eloquent in describing the folks he meets along the way. Marks provides a sympathetic primer on a diverse movement and people.”

– Chicago Tribune

Freshman Common Read: Georgia College