Yori, I'm a Christian and I Grew Up in a Toxic Church

If you’ve participated in a community of faith before, you’ve probably quickly realized what most people eventually discover- it’s filled with a bunch of imperfect people. Whether you go to a megachurch or a local community church, it’s not uncommon for us to have experiences that get us more than a little off-kilter and disoriented about our faith. Sometimes, we can even get the wires all crossed and mistake who God is with what people speaking in His name do. 

The question is, how do we think through our faith and our relationship to the church well? How can we integrate our experiences and rediscover a faith in God that’s marked by love and grace?

I doubt there’s anyone who can speak more wisely about that than Philip Yancey. 

Philip Yancey has authored over 25 books, in which he has wrestled with God, with the Church, and with fellow believers. After surviving a church background of what he now calls “toxic faith,” he ultimately came to know a God of grace and beauty. With a journalistic, story-telling style, he invites readers to accompany him as he probes the deepest mysteries of the Christian faith, and challenges readers to live as followers of Jesus.

Many have done so. His books have sold more than 15 million copies in English, and have been translated into 40 languages worldwide. Philip’s bestselling titles include What’s So Amazing About Grace? and The Jesus I Never Knew. His most recent book is a memoir, Where the Light Fell, released by Convergent Books on October 5th.

Philip Yancey and his wife lived in downtown Chicago before moving to the foothills of Colorado, where they enjoy mountain climbing, skiing, wildlife, and many other delights of the Rocky Mountains.

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Also on the episode:

Producer & Co-host : Scott Schimmel

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The...