131: God Didn’t Make Us To Hate Us with Rev. Lizzie
Feb 10, 2025
auto_awesome
Rev. Lizzie, an Episcopal priest and author well-known for her focus on queer affirmation, shares insights from her new book. She discusses the transformative nature of joy in faith and the importance of unpacking inherited beliefs about sin and self-worth. Lizzie delves into the complexities of spirituality and personal identity, advocating for a more loving interpretation of Christianity. Additionally, she reads a poignant excerpt about her own birthing experience, highlighting God’s unconditional love amidst societal judgments.
Rev. Lizzie's book addresses the need for deeper theological engagement, countering the shallow nature of existing devotionals.
Through her work, Rev. Lizzie emphasizes the importance of personal faith experiences for marginalized individuals within the church context.
The podcast highlights the integration of feminist perspectives into theology, challenging traditional portrayals of God to promote inclusivity.
Deep dives
Winter Sickness and Humidity Solutions
The winter season often brings discomfort due to the dry air, which can lead to various health issues such as sore throats, congestion, and dry skin. Maintaining indoor humidity levels between 40 to 60% is essential to alleviate these symptoms. Vicks humidifiers are highlighted as a trusted solution, combining a cough suppressant, menthol vapors, and hydrating mist to provide comprehensive relief for respiratory issues during the winter months. Many families rely on Vicks products, emphasizing their efficacy and widespread pediatrician recommendations.
Reverend Lizzie's Background and Writing Journey
Reverend Lizzie blends her distinct Episcopal tradition with advocacy for queer leadership within the church. She has written a book titled 'God Didn't Make Us to Hate Us,' which addresses the often shallow nature of existing devotionals and seeks to provide deeper theological engagement. Her motivation stems from the multitude of inquiries she received on platforms like TikTok, especially from those questioning how they can reconcile their identities with their faith. This book offers substantial theological insights and encourages a liberating faith experience.
The Impact of Shallow Theology and Personal Growth
Reverend Lizzie shares her frustration with the prevalence of shallow theology in devotional literature, which often lacks depth and inclusivity. Her own faith journey involves navigating complex questions about identity and spirituality while fostering a connection with the divine. The book offers a response to these challenges by examining how many face shame and negative beliefs about themselves as a result of harmful religious teachings. Lizzie believes that addressing these issues through love and liberation can help individuals reconnect with their faith more positively.
Everyday Faith Amid Institutional Flaws
Lizzie discusses the vital yet often overlooked everyday faith experienced by ordinary individuals, regardless of the church's institutional shortcomings. She uses historical context to demonstrate how many people have maintained their faith while the church has been affected by numerous controversies and issues. This emphasis on personal faith resonates with the experiences of marginalized groups who continue to seek a relationship with God despite historical injustices. The conversation highlights the importance of acknowledging both the positive and negative aspects of religious traditions.
Embracing Theology and Feminine Perspectives
The podcast emphasizes the significance of integrating feminist perspectives into theology, as exemplified by Reverend Lizzie's mission to challenge traditional portrayals of God. Through her writing and discussions, she reimagines God beyond the male-centric narrative, advocating for a more inclusive understanding of the divine. This approach allows individuals to find connection and comfort in their faith, particularly those who have felt marginalized. Lizzie's work showcases the potential for a more meaningful spiritual journey by embracing complexity and diversity within religious practices.
I’m excited to have Rev. Lizzie return to the show today to discuss her new book, God Didn't Make Us To Hate Us. Rev. Lizzie is an Episcopal priest who has become a good friend–and is always a fun guest! Join us!
Show Highlights:
Rev. Lizzie’s new book—and why she wrote it
Considering the question, “Why do I believe what I believe?”
The truth about Christianity means telling the WHOLE story.
The comfort in being loved by God when we’ve been told by people that we are “bad and broken”
Living in joy is THE goal.
The four parts of Rev. Lizzie’s book
A list of books which are foundational pieces of Rev. Lizzie’s faith journey
Listen in while Rev. Lizzie reads a moving excerpt from her book about her birthing experience, sin, and God’s perfect love.
We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website:www.strugglecare.com/promo-codes.
