The Kernel and the Husk: Letters on Spiritual Christianity

"The Kernel and the Husk: Letters on Spiritual Christianity" by Edwin Abbott Abbott is a thoughtful discussion about Christianity, especially how it relates to believing in miracles. Written in the late 1800s, the book speaks to people struggling with their faith, particularly those who are bothered by the old stories of miracles that are often part of Christian teachings. Through a collection of letters, Abbott works to explain what he thinks is the most important part of Christianity, separating the main ideas (“the kernel”) from the miracles, which he calls the potentially misleading "husk." At the beginning of the book, Abbott shares a story where he answers the questions of a church leader who is starting to lose his faith. He knows many people struggle with the idea of miracles and talks about his own journey from doubting to understanding Christ in a spiritual way, without needing miracles to prove anything. He stresses that it's important to grow a faith that makes sense with what we know and experience, arguing that true spirituality can go hand in hand with reason and careful thinking, staying away from blindly believing or completely doubting.