Audrey Assad, an acclaimed singer-songwriter known for her deep exploration of faith, doubt, and healing, takes listeners on a transformative journey. She candidly discusses her memoir, "Doubt Becomes Wonder," and how questioning her childhood beliefs has shaped her healing. Topics include the therapeutic power of collective singing, the complexities of gender dynamics in faith, and a compassionate re-framing of sin. Audrey’s personal narrative highlights the importance of vulnerability and courage in seeking deeper connections and understanding.
Audrey Assad emphasizes the therapeutic power of communal singing, which fosters emotional bonds and can aid communication for those with challenges like dementia.
Her memoir 'Doubt Becomes Wonder' illustrates how grappling with doubt can pave the way to personal growth and a deeper understanding of faith.
Deep dives
Finding Harmony in Collective Singing
Corporate singing is highlighted as a deeply nourishing experience within the Christian faith, offering a unique sense of community and healing. Audrey Assad reflects on the power of harmonizing with others, noting that singing together can create a physiological phenomenon known as collective effervescence, where participants experience synchronization of heartbeats and an emotional bond. This practice has not only been a source of joy but has also proven therapeutic for individuals, such as dementia patients, who may struggle with communication. Assad reminisces about her upbringing in a hymn-singing tradition, expressing a longing for that shared musical experience that transcends individual struggles.
Navigating Doubt and Certainty
The journey of faith often involves grappling with doubt, which is articulated as a critical component of personal discovery. Assad's upcoming memoir, titled 'Doubt Becomes Wonder', emphasizes that doubt can lead to transformation when approached with curiosity rather than fear. This perspective allows one to explore faith and belief systems without the pressure of certainty, fostering an environment for more profound understanding and growth. Both she and her conversation partner reflect on the limitations of foundationalism in epistemology, recognizing that a rigid structure of belief can collapse under personal scrutiny and questioning.
The Role of Anger in Emotional Healing
Audrey Assad discusses the complexities of anger, particularly in the context of religious upbringing, where it is often suppressed or misdirected. She notes that acknowledging and understanding anger can be crucial for personal healing, as it serves as a signal of boundaries being crossed, whether in interpersonal relationships or within one’s inner self. This exploration leads to recognizing that emotions like anger should not be viewed negatively but as vital communications about what needs protection. By engaging with her anger, Assad seeks a more authentic expression of her feelings and experiences, shedding societal expectations of emotional repression.
Reclaiming Womanhood within Tradition
The discussion delves into the experiences of being a woman in religious contexts, highlighting the restrictive norms often imposed on femininity. Assad shares her journey of questioning and redefining these conventions, illustrating the damage done by rigid gender roles ingrained in her upbringing. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing the arbitrary nature of these roles, linking them to broader cultural constructs rather than inherent truths. Through her exploration of modern femininity, she aims to embody a more authentic self, free from the confines of traditional gender ideals, and advocates for a more expansive view of what it means to live as a woman in contemporary society.
This is our unabridged interview with Audrey Assad.
“Why shouldn’t I question that?”
This was the question that started Audrey Assad on a journey away from the faith of her childhood and early adulthood. It’s a question that, years later, is still a guiding light for her towards healing and truth-seeking.
But asking such questions after years as an acclaimed singer-songwriter in the Christian music industry comes at a cost. Today, Audrey discusses her unreleased memoir “Doubt Becomes Wonder: Embracing the Loss of Everything You Thought You Knew.” They discuss healing from childhood wounds, the consequent navigation of doubt, and Audrey’s experience as a woman in the church.
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