Today, we continue our identity series by exploring our deep-rooted need to know we are redeemed.

Why? How?

We ask these questions and more of our guest, theologian and author, Branson Parler. We also explore…

• What if we feel we are too far gone to be redeemed?
• How does suffering play into this conversation?
• How does all of this help us walk with friends who wrestle with gender?
  
  

//Highlights:

“In last couple of years, God said to me, ‘Are you anchored in who I am or in who you are? Will you walk away from your job as a tenured professor of theology at a college to do this new thing I am calling you to that is going to serve the church? … Will you let go of this and walk into any room confident because you are a child of God?’” —Dr. Branson Parler

“A key myth in our world is that we can resolve suffering. ‘There are ways we can *now* get rid of all that.’ Unfortunately, a lot of churches perpetuated this notion: ‘If you just prayed this way you wouldn’t have dysphoria or have this sense that there is no alignment!’ … When I look at the body of Jesus, it is a suffering body. It is a body that goes through cross and resurrection. … [However] I can’t say that to somebody who is wrestling with questions of gender identity if I have not myself asked, ‘How is Jesus calling me to take up my cross?’” —Dr. Branson Parler

//Question of the Week:

What is one joke you don’t forget? (Branson has some real cringe ones for us!)

//Do the Next Thing:

• Find Branson’s ministry here
• Read Branson's book here
• We reference Branson’s other episodes with us.
• Find “How to Talk with the Kids” here
• Find “The Problems with Polyamory” here
• We reference the conversation with Pete Scazerro, too. Find “How to Be Emotionally Healthy” here
• We reference Embodied by Preston Sprinkle. Find it here
• Watch the episode here