Jon Collins, co-founder of BibleProject, and his wife Tristen Collins, a licensed professional counselor, delve into the significance of emotions within spirituality. They discuss how emotions reveal our humanity, serving as signals of unmet needs and threats to identity. Childhood trauma's impact on adult emotional responses is examined, particularly how faith communities often struggle with emotion versus rationality. Highlighting the intertwining of emotions and faith, they advocate for greater emotional awareness to deepen relationships with God and others.
Emotions serve as essential signals that reveal our unmet needs and facilitate healthier communication within our relationships.
Understanding ourselves as embodied beings integrates emotions and faith, challenging dualistic thinking and enriching our human experience.
Deep dives
Exploring Personal Stories and Backgrounds
John and Tristan Collins share their personal journeys that led them to explore the intersection of psychology and spirituality. John grew up in a Christian home, developing a fascination with the Bible and ultimately pursuing in-depth studies to understand its complexities. Over time, he expanded his interests beyond scripture, exploring visual communication through explainer videos, which consolidated his skill in making complex ideas accessible. Meanwhile, Tristan's career as a licensed counselor focusing on trauma recovery positioned her to merge psychological insights with theological perspectives, which became central to their collaborative work.
The Role of Emotions in Human Experience
The couple emphasizes the importance of emotions as vital signals that provide insight into unmet needs and the body's way of processing information. They propose that rather than repressing emotions, individuals should understand and engage with them like dashboard indicators in a vehicle, signifying underlying messages about personal well-being. For instance, the emotion of shame may indicate a threat to one's identity rather than a failing of character. This concept empowers individuals to acknowledge their emotions and use them to facilitate healthier communication and understanding.
Reframing Perspectives on Human Nature
John discovers a transformative perspective on what it means to be human, shifting from seeing himself as a detached mind within a body to recognizing the significance of embodiment in emotions and faith. This holistic view challenges traditional dualistic thinking influenced by philosophers like Descartes, emphasizing that emotions and rational thought coexist harmoniously rather than in opposition. He articulates that understanding oneself as an embodied being, created in God's image, dovetails with a richer narrative of human experience in theology. By embracing emotions as integral to being human, individuals foster deeper relationships with themselves and God.
Impact of Emotions on Relationships and Faith
Tristan articulates the crucial role emotions play in building connections, both in therapeutic settings and within family dynamics. When clients engage with their feelings, even painful ones, they often experience deeper connections with others and God, leading to personal transformation and healing. For example, when children articulate their fears with their parents, it cultivates trust and understanding within the family unit. The Collinses advocate for an acknowledgment of emotions' validity, shaping a faith experience that is not merely rational but is deeply rooted in the wholeness of human existence.
It seems that most people live in one of two worlds, all heart or all brain. Christians can also be harsh toward emotions, painting them as borderline useless. Jon Collins, co-founder of BibleProject, and his wife Tristen Collins, LPC, join Curt to talk about why emotions matter to God and how our emotions can show our humanity.
Learn more about their work at whyemotionsmatter.com.
Presented by Q Ideas.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode