Framing Faith by Matt Knisely

Framing Faith by Matt Knisely

Framing Faith by Matt Knisely includes its purpose in the subtitle (From Camera to Pen, an Award-Winning Photojournalist Captures God In a Hurried World). The book uses the vocabulary of photography as a metaphor to describe Knisely’s Christian faith journey. He starts with a great observation about technology (54).

“Somehow all of the available technology has turned into a perceived necessity that we, for whatever reason, desperately cling to. And our dependence on it causes us to lose sight of what’s really important in life.” 

He quotes from an article written by Stephen Marche entitled “Is Facebook Making Us Lonely?” Knisely uses this information to support his observation that we live in a “culture of distraction” which keeps us stimulated with things that don’t matter. (54) Knisely continues this thought as he encourages the reader to find God in “the gaps and moments of our days” (64). This is the antidote to our “busyness.” Knisely states that we build relationships by turning the devices off and sharing stories (74).

This is when the book starts to really shine. He talks about the Christian faith as our personal story in God’s story. Knisely states that stories use flawed people. God uses imperfect people. (93). Stories require authenticity. Stories require that we learn to listen (103). Distractions rob us from listening to the Storyteller. (105)

Personally, I found his story about the interview with George W. Bush interesting. Just as President Bush was able to remember his name years later,(147) God also knows us by name. Knisely ends by talking about the contrast between darkness and light. He claims that darkness creates conflict (230), God’s promise is light because it reveals His truest nature (245).

The book was a nice casual read, yet it was insightful at the same time. Knisely takes a great snapshot in this book about faith. I recommend this book to people who enjoy photography and faith.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”