Lisa Fields, a leading Christian apologist and author of *When Faith Disappoints*, delves into the complexities of faith and doubt. She explores the struggles unique to pastors' kids and the importance of vulnerability in faith communities. The conversation emphasizes compassionate listening over debating in apologetics, addressing the emotional context behind faith questions. Fields shares insights on navigating trauma, highlighting that true healing is found in surrendering to Jesus, while also discussing the vital role of community support and the history of African descent apologetics.
Lisa Fields emphasizes confronting personal doubts and pain points within faith discussions to foster deeper connections and healing.
The Jude 3 Project aims to empower the Black Christian community by reclaiming historical context and addressing misconceptions about Christianity.
Deep dives
The Gap Between Belief and Experience
The episode discusses the disconnect many people feel between their beliefs about God and their lived experiences. The conversation emphasizes the importance of addressing doubts and deconstruction in a healthy way, encouraging individuals to confront their uncertainties instead of suppressing them. The speaker highlights that both he and the guest, Lisa Fields, share a similar mission of helping others navigate this gap. They advocate for authenticity in faith discussions, especially among church leaders and preacher's kids who may feel pressured to uphold a facade of unwavering belief.
The Jude 3 Project's Mission
Lisa Fields outlines the goals of the Jude 3 Project, which is committed to empowering the Black community through Christian apologetics. The organization aims to equip Black Christians and engage skeptics by addressing misconceptions about faith, particularly in the context of the historical misuse of Christianity. Fields emphasizes the importance of highlighting historical African Christian figures to reclaim Christianity as part of African heritage. This focus not only fosters understanding but also counters the narrative that Christianity is solely a product of colonialism.
Understanding Pain Points in Faith
The discussion introduces the concept of 'pain points' as crucial factors in faith deconstruction and personal struggles with belief. Fields identifies various pain points individuals face, such as the quest for identity and a sense of value, especially within the African-American community. She stresses that a lack of understanding of one's worth can lead to a crisis of faith and exploration of alternative belief systems. Importantly, she suggests that recognizing these pain points can facilitate a more compassionate dialogue about faith and doubt.
The Role of Community in Healing
The episode underscores the significance of community in the healing journey of individuals grappling with their faith. Fields highlights that true healing often occurs within the context of supportive relationships among believers who share their struggles openly. The speaker and Fields reflect on how vulnerability and honest discussions about doubt can strengthen community bonds and foster understanding. They conclude that the church, despite its flaws, can provide a unique space for spiritual growth that individuals cannot find in isolation.
When you hear the word apologetics, that’s likely the type of question that comes to mind. But Lisa Fields, one of the world’s most sought-after Christian apologists and the author of When Faith Disappoints, says there are often much more personal inquiries beneath those intellectual inquiries.
In this episode, Fields and Cuss talk about pastors’ kids, pain points, and perfect love. They discuss the importance of listening when it comes to challenging faith conversations and consider the ways that the church can become a place of refuge. Fields shares how the Jude 3 Project, which she founded, is helping the Black Christian community know what they believe and why. This episode covers trauma, chronic anxiety, and the healing that is only found in Jesus.
Resources mentioned in this episode or recommended by the guest include: