In 'Accidental Saints,' Nadia Bolz-Weber shares stories from her life as a pastor, detailing her encounters with grace through the lives of people who might be considered 'wrong' or unconventional. The book is characterized by Bolz-Weber's confessional style, where she candidly discusses her own mistakes and shortcomings, as well as those of the people around her. It emphasizes the idea that God uses broken people to do His work and that grace can be found in the most unexpected places. The stories are often funny, sometimes tragic, but always vulnerable and true, reflecting Bolz-Weber's unique blend of humor, intelligence, and theological insight.
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.
“When I left the Christian Fundamentalism of my childhood, I became an activist.”
Christian Fundamentalism is often looked down upon for its dualistic, black-and-white outlook, which is often used for policing behavior. But, Nadia Bolz-Weber explains, these are the same extreme tendencies that she found in secular activism after she left the church.
Later in life, after working as a comedian and entering recovery, Nadia began to untangle the mindset that had taken her from one extreme to the other. Her long journey has since led her to becoming a Lutheran pastor and a three-time bestselling author. In this episode, she tells her story.
Show Notes
Resources mentioned this episode:
“Shameless” by Nadia Bolz-Weber
“Pastrix” by Nadia Bolz-Weber
Similar NSE episodes:
Philip Yancey: Where the Light Fell
Kelly Corrigan: How Vulnerability Leads to Connection
Musa al-Gharbi: We Have Never Been Woke
Suzanne Stabile: Exploring the Enneagram
PDF of Lee's Interview Notes
Transcription Link
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