Rob Schenck, author of "Costly Grace" and former anti-abortion activist, shares his remarkable journey of de-radicalization and personal recovery. He discusses the importance of hope and resilience in confronting rising autocracy, drawing inspiration from the legacy of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Schenck emphasizes the need for compassionate dialogue to combat misinformation and rebuild community trust. He also addresses how to guide children through their climate fears, highlighting the importance of validating their concerns and encouraging collaborative action.
Rob Schenck emphasizes the importance of resilience and moral integrity, drawing parallels to historical figures like Dietrich Bonhoeffer to inspire hope against oppression.
He advocates for combating misinformation through kindness and respect, promoting authentic community relationships to overcome divisive beliefs.
Deep dives
De-radicalization and Personal Transformation
The discussion centers on Reverend Rob Schenck's journey from radical anti-abortionism to a more compassionate Christian outlook. He candidly reflects on the harm he caused, particularly to marginalized women, during his time in the evangelical right. Schenck reveals how he was motivated by a pursuit of validation and power, ultimately selling his charismatic influence to political interests that misaligned with his faith. This transformation is highlighted as he seeks to make amends and reconnect with a form of Christianity that resonates with his values of love and forgiveness from earlier in his life.
Fear of Autocracy and Historical Inspiration
Schenck expresses a deep-seated fear of autocratic governance re-emerging globally, linking it to historical patterns of oppression. He draws inspiration from the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German theologian executed for resisting the Nazis, highlighting Bonhoeffer's commitment to moral integrity even amidst dire circumstances. This connection emphasizes the importance of resilience and hope in the face of adversity, as Schenck believes that the courage displayed by figures like Bonhoeffer can guide current and future generations. By reflecting on history, he encourages a collective effort to combat fear and foster a culture of resistance against tyranny.
Combating Misinformation with Kindness
Schenck points to the pervasive challenge of misinformation as a significant barrier to forming authentic community relationships. He advocates for addressing this issue with kindness and respect, emphasizing that contemptuous rebuttals only drive deeper divides. By treating conversations surrounding truth as acts of generosity, he aims to help individuals break free from cognitive and social bondage. This approach, grounded in personal experience, suggests that change is possible, and he encourages others to maintain optimism regarding the transformative potential for those around them.
Matthew here with the fourth installment of Five Big Questions Posed to an Extremely Thoughtful Person.
Rob Schenck joined me in Episode 199 to discuss his deradicalization from the Evangelical anti-abortion movement. Today he joins me to discuss some things he’s learned about hope, faith, resilience and building community in hard times.