Struggle Care 131: God Didn’t Make Us To Hate Us with Rev. Lizzie
Feb 10, 2025
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.
47:54
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Intro
00:00 • 2min
Faith, Identity, and Liberation
01:32 • 7min
Affordable Luxury and Convenient Nutrition
08:09 • 3min
The Intersection of Shame and Theology in Self-Acceptance
11:17 • 2min
Transforming Faith and Identity
13:36 • 26min
Navigating ADHD Challenges: Faith and Birth Reflections
39:41 • 11min
Blue Like Jazz
Nonreligious Thoughts on Christian Spirituality
Donald Miller
In 'Blue Like Jazz,' Donald Miller shares his journey of faith and spirituality in a unique and relatable way.
The book is a collection of essays that reflect on various aspects of Christian life, from the author's experiences with church and community to his thoughts on God, faith, and the human condition.
Miller's writing is characterized by its honesty, humor, and a willingness to challenge traditional religious narratives.
Mere Christianity
C.S. Lewis
In 'Mere Christianity', C.S.
Lewis argues for the existence of God and defends Christian theology.
The book is divided into four parts: the first argues for the existence of God based on the 'law of human nature'; the second defends Christian theology, including the 'Liar, lunatic, or Lord' trilemma regarding Jesus Christ; the third explores Christian ethics, including the cardinal and theological virtues; and the fourth discusses the Christian conception of God, particularly the Holy Trinity.
Lewis also addresses topics such as free will, morality, sexual ethics, and the institution of marriage.
The book is known for its clear and logical presentation of Christian apologetics and has been praised for its straightforward and humorous writing style.
The Color Purple
Translator Lunine Pierre-Jerome
Alice Walker
The novel is written in the form of letters, primarily from Celie to God and later to her sister Nettie.
It depicts Celie's journey from a life of oppression and abuse to one of independence and self-realization.
The story explores themes of feminism, gender equality, sexuality, and the struggles faced by African American women in the rural South during the 1930s and 1940s.
Celie's life is influenced by various characters, including her lover Shug Avery, her sister Nettie, and her husband Albert, as she discovers her own strength and finds joy despite the hardships she faces.
The Great Divorce
C.S. Lewis
In 'The Great Divorce', C.S.
Lewis presents an allegorical narrative where souls from a gray, dreary town (representing hell) are given the opportunity to visit heaven.
The story follows the narrator and various ghosts as they encounter spirits in heaven, engaging in dialogues that reveal the nature of their choices and the reasons they remain in hell.
The book emphasizes that hell is a self-imposed state, and individuals choose to remain there due to their inability to let go of their earthly attachments and sins.
Through these encounters, Lewis explores themes of redemption, the afterlife, and the importance of spiritual choices, underscoring that true joy and salvation are available to those who seek them sincerely.
Pastrix
The Cranky, Beautiful Faith of a Sinner & Saint
Nadia Bolz-Weber
In 'Pastrix: The Cranky, Beautiful Faith of a Sinner & Saint,' Nadia Bolz-Weber chronicles her life from being a stand-up comedian to becoming a pastor.
The book is a candid and humorous narrative that explores her struggles with faith, addiction, and her role in the church.
Bolz-Weber reclaims the term 'pastrix,' which some Christians use derisively to refer to female pastors, and shares her experiences with a community of misfits, including alcoholics, depressives, and cynics.
Her story emphasizes the transformative power of grace and challenges traditional representations of faith, offering a refreshing perspective on what it means to walk alongside others in their struggles.
The Screwtape Letters
C.S. Lewis
The Screwtape Letters is a Christian apologetic novel written in a satirical, epistolary style.
It consists of 31 letters from Screwtape, a highly placed assistant to 'Our Father Below' (the Devil), to his nephew Wormwood, a novice demon tasked with securing the damnation of an ordinary young man.
The letters provide advice on various methods of undermining God's influence and promoting abandonment of God, while offering insights into human nature and the Bible.
The book is a profound and striking narrative on spiritual warfare and the power of the devil, highlighting the subtle forms of sin such as vanity, pride, and distraction that can lead humans away from God.
Who Deserves Your Love
Who Deserves Your Love
How to Create Boundaries to Start, Strengthen, or End Any Relationship
KC Davis
How to Keep House While Drowning
A Gentle Approach to Cleaning and Organizing
KC Davis
This book by KC Davis offers a gentle and compassionate guide to managing home care despite the challenges of anxiety, fatigue, depression, ADHD, or lack of support.
Davis shares her personal experiences and practical strategies, such as cleaning in short bursts and using creative shortcuts, to help readers transform their homes into functional and peaceful spaces.
The book emphasizes letting go of perfectionism and fostering a healthier relationship between the individual and their home.
Beyond God the Father
Mary DALY
Mary Daly's "Beyond God the Father" is a seminal work in feminist theology, critiquing patriarchal structures within religious discourse and advocating for a more inclusive and empowering understanding of the divine.
Daly challenges traditional interpretations of God as male, arguing that such representations reinforce oppressive power dynamics.
The book offers a radical reimagining of religious language and imagery, promoting a more nuanced and liberating perspective.
It's a challenging but rewarding read for those seeking to deconstruct patriarchal systems and embrace a more inclusive spirituality.
Daly's work has been influential in shaping feminist theology and continues to spark debate and discussion.
Indecent Theology
Indecent Theology
Marcella Althaus-Reid
God, Sexuality, and the Self
Sarah Coakley
Laughing at the devil
Laughing at the devil
Seeing the World with Julian of Norwich
Amy Laura Hall
God Didn"t Make Us to Hate Us
40 Devotions to Liberate Your Faith from Fear and Reconnect with Joy
Rev. Lizzie McManus-Dail
Rev.
Lizzie McManus-Dail's "God Didn't Make Us to Hate Us" is a devotional book that challenges traditional interpretations of faith, offering a message of love, liberation, and joy.
The book tackles difficult questions about God, the Bible, and the nature of sin, providing a more inclusive and compassionate perspective.
It aims to help readers reconnect with their faith and find joy in their spiritual journey.
The book is structured around four sections: reimagining God, redeeming the Bible, liberating Jesus, and the great hereafter.
It's designed to be accessible and engaging for a wide audience.
No Future Without Forgiveness
Desmond Tutu
In 'No Future Without Forgiveness,' Desmond Tutu argues that true reconciliation cannot be achieved by denying the past.
He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the truth of past injustices, confronting the pain and anger that result from them, and choosing to forgive those who have wronged others.
Tutu draws on his experiences as the chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to demonstrate the transformative power of forgiveness in breaking cycles of revenge and hatred, and in creating a more just and peaceful society.
The book highlights the complexities and difficulties of forgiveness, especially in cases of grave injustice and violence, but advocates for forgiveness as a necessary step towards healing and reconciliation.
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.
Resources and Links:
Connect with Rev. Lizzie: TikTok, Instagram, and God Didn't Make Us To Hate Us
Connect with KC: Website, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook
Get KC’s book, How to Keep House While Drowning
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