Lisa Fields, a renowned Christian apologist and founder of the Jude 3 Project, dives into her journey of faith formation and the importance of addressing doubt, particularly among students. She discusses the need for open dialogue and understanding in a world where many, especially Gen Z, are leaving the church. Highlighting the often-overlooked roots of African Christianity, Fields champions the significance of compassionate conversations about race and faith, dismantling historical misconceptions, and advocating for an inclusive understanding of Christianity.
Lisa Fields emphasizes the importance of questioning one’s beliefs, which can lead to a deeper understanding and reaffirmation of faith.
The Jude 3 Project actively engages with individuals distancing from the church, revealing emotional challenges that often underlie their doubts about faith.
Deep dives
The Impact of Personal Experience on Faith
A significant experience in college led to a profound examination of personal beliefs, particularly regarding the Bible's trustworthiness. This process of questioning and reflection, described as a form of deconstruction, encouraged a deeper understanding of faith. The motivation to explore these existential questions came from a strong foundational upbringing in a Christian household, making the inquiry feel essential rather than optional. Ultimately, this journey solidified her belief in the Bible as the word of God, influencing the mission of the Jude 3 Project to help others understand their beliefs and the rationale behind them.
Listening as an Apologetic Tool
The Jude 3 Project emphasizes the importance of listening to individuals who have distanced themselves from the church, using the video series 'Why I Don't Go' as a platform for their voices. By actively engaging with individuals and allowing them to express their concerns without interruption, the project creates a safe space for open dialogue. This approach uncovers deeper issues often masked by surface-level objections, revealing that emotional challenges frequently drive disconnection from faith rather than purely intellectual doubts. The success in restoring connections can be seen in instances where individuals re-engaged with church life after feeling heard and respected during these conversations.
Confronting Race and Faith Dynamics
Addressing the question of whether Christianity is a 'white man's religion' is crucial for the Jude 3 Project's mission to serve people of African descent. The project highlights the historical presence of Christianity in Africa before the transatlantic slave trade, showcasing significant contributions from early African Christians to Christian theology and doctrine. By acknowledging both the harmful and helpful uses of Christianity throughout history, the project encourages a nuanced view that rejects a simplistic narrative of oppression tied solely to race. This balanced perspective aims to foster a deeper appreciation for the African heritage within Christianity and challenge prevailing misconceptions.
Welcome to The Culture Translator podcast. Today we’re reposting our conversation with Lisa Fields. Lisa is one of the world’s most sought-after Christian apologists, and combines her passion for biblical literacy with her heart for sharing God’s love with all those she meets. She has received several honors, including being recognized in Christianity Today for her work as an apologist in the African American community. She helped produce and create two documentaries, Unspoken, which is an in-depth look into the Christian heritage of Africa and people of African descent, and Juneteenth: Faith and Freedom, through her partnership with Our Daily Bread. Lisa has a Bachelor of Science in Communications and Religious studies from the University of North Florida, and a Master of Divinity with a focus in Theology from Liberty University. Finally, she is the founder and CEO of the Jude 3 Project, which Axis recently got to partner with to create a resource on talking with Gen Z about sexuality and gender. We’ll be talking primarily today about Lisa’s work with Jude 3 Project.