The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert: An English Professor's Journey Into Christian Faith
The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert: An English Professor’s Journey Into Christian Faith by Rosaria Champagne Butterfield
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is simply one of the best books I’ve read this year — in years, actually. It’s billed as her account of her conversion — and after all the articles about/interviews with Butterfield, you might begin to think that there’s no point reading it, you already know her story.

But this is about more than just her conversion experience — nothing so limited as that. It’s about a conversion that’s a complete renovation of a sinner, bringing all her thoughts into subjection of the Scriptures — being transformed by the renewing of her mind. In Luther’s terms a lifetime repentance (“When our Lord and Master Jesus Christ said, ‘Repent’ (Mt 4:17), he willed the entire life of believers to be one of repentance. . . it does not mean solely inner repentance; such inner repentance is worthless unless it produces various outward mortification of the flesh.”).

Some of the parts I’ve seen the most complaints about are just that, strangely enough, while Christians enjoy/appreciate the story of her coming to faith, it’s harder to appreciate her working out her faith in fear and trembling. Whether it’s about her coming to her convictions about worship, or her work as a foster/adoptive parent, or her husband’s pastoral work — it’s about the Lord transforming her, renovating her character. As such, her life is an example for all believers.

Beyond that she has some powerful and wise words for how the church ought to treat homosexuals (any unrepentant sinner, really). As well as what she says about her current sins in comparison to her former life. It’s powerful, moving, inspiring and convicting.

She has a way with words, and can enthrall her reader even as she’s retelling events you know about before starting the book. She’s honest about her past, but doesn’t revel in details, there’s no sensationalism here. It’s a great book, useful on several levels. May the Lord give us many more Rosaria Champagne Butterfields.