Good Faith

Kathleen Norris, bestselling author of "Rebecca Sue: A Sister's Reflections on Disability, Faith, and Love," shares powerful insights from her journey of caring for her disabled sister, Rebecca. The conversation delves into the evolution of grief and gratitude within their family. Norris highlights the importance of honest storytelling and how writing can aid in processing grief. They discuss the need for greater inclusion of disabled individuals in religious communities and the lessons learned from caregiving, emphasizing love intertwined with lament.

Myal Greene, President and CEO of World Relief, brings his expertise on humanitarian issues to the discussion. He elaborates on the complex definition of refugees and the staggering rise in global displacement, with over 123 million affected. Greene highlights the historical role of churches in refugee resettlement, recounting inspiring stories of communities coming together to welcome the stranger. He makes a compelling biblical case for action, urging faith communities to engage actively in advocacy and support, ultimately showing how refugees can invigorate churches.

Jessica Hooten Wilson, Fletcher Jones Chair of Great Books at Pepperdine University and expert in literary criticism, dives into Shakespeare's The Tempest and its relevance in today's tech-driven society. She draws parallels between Prospero's magic and our reliance on technology, discussing how the quest for control can corrupt virtue. Jessica emphasizes the importance of wrestling with challenging texts rather than opting for easy answers, advocating for a return to relationships grounded in grace and humility.

David French, a legal commentator and writer known for his insights on religion and politics, joins Curtis Chang for a captivating discussion on the evolution of American Christianity. They explore the fine line between revival and political revolution in today's context. French highlights the significance of personal repentance and genuine faith amid shifting cultural trends. With a focus on Gen Z's engagement and the complexities of evangelical identity, they delve into how Christians can navigate divisive waters while nurturing authentic spiritual growth.

Sarah Billups, a Seattle-based writer and cultural commentator, dives into the complexities of faith and mental health. She shares insights from her upcoming book, discussing how understanding personal and generational anxiety can foster peace. Billups illuminates the concept of 'holy indifference' as a tool for navigating fear, particularly in churches and politics. She highlights strategies for nurturing anxious children and emphasizes the importance of community and presence in countering today's pervasive anxiety.

Pastor Luis "Paco" Amador leads New Life Community Church in Chicago’s Little Village, advocating for immigrant rights amid ICE raids. He shares poignant stories of family separations and the fear gripping the community, likening raids to military occupation. Paco emphasizes the church's role as a beacon of hope and resilience, drawing parallels between the biblical themes of migration and the plight of today's migrants. He calls for compassion, unity, and a biblical response to suffering, urging listeners to support their immigrant neighbors with love and action.

In this insightful discussion, legal commentator David French sheds light on the complex terrain of Christian nationalism in America. He explores the fine line between patriotism and nationalism, emphasizing how this ideology reshapes evangelical identities and values. French examines how historical narratives like 1776 versus 1619 fuel nationalist sentiments and critiques the emotional identity driving the movement. He advocates for a nuanced patriotism that embraces America's flaws while protecting its virtues, aiming for a more inclusive and reflective Christian witness.

Engage in a transformative guided prayer journey focused on the Beatitudes. Reflect on spiritual poverty and invite healing through silence. Mourning and meekness are explored as pathways to comfort and humility. Urgency for justice and mercy is emphasized, alongside prayers for the universal church’s unity. Purity of heart, peacemaking, and support for the persecuted are highlighted. The session concludes with encouragement to rejoice in hope and embody Christ-like peace amid challenges.

A.J. Swoboda is a Bible and theology professor, pastor, and author of A Teachable Spirit. He dives deep into the concept of cultivating a teachable spirit, emphasizing humility and the need to learn from enemies and strangers. Swoboda distinguishes between genuine experts and mere opinion, sharing insights on the importance of community over digital research. He challenges the notion of 'my truth' and encourages engaging with diverse perspectives, even those we may disagree with, to foster empathy and connection.

Elizabeth Neumann, a former counterterrorism official at the Department of Homeland Security and author of *Kingdom of Rage*, discusses the alarming rise of political violence online. She highlights how radicalization flourishes in digital spaces, especially among youth involved in online gaming. Neumann sheds light on the importance of community and faith groups in combating extremist ideologies. She also critiques governmental responses and emphasizes the need for practical, grassroots actions rooted in love and purpose to prevent violence.