Show Notes
In this episode of True Comfort, Teasi talks with Dr. Clark Bates who discusses his journey into studying textual criticism and then opens his heart to share a very tender and excruciating season in which he and his wife walked their daughter through extreme depression which led to self-harm and suicidal thoughts. There is truly no greater pain than the pain parents feel for their children—especially when we feel powerless to help them. But Clark and his wife clung tightly to their faith in God and His love for their family even when things made no sense and the pain was beyond compare.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to True Comfort and Guest Introduction 02:51 Understanding Textual Criticism 06:02 The Journey into Textual Criticism 09:05 The Importance of Manuscripts 11:54 The Reliability of the New Testament 15:04 Personal Struggles and Family Challenges 18:01 Navigating Difficult Times as a Family 20:55 Finding Hope and Healing 23:38 The Role of Faith in Crisis 26:34 The Impact of Community and Support 29:09 The Journey of a Daughter's Recovery 31:52 The Importance of Scripture in Difficult Times 34:41 Final Thoughts on Faith and Trust 37:23 Encouragement for Those Struggling 40:21 Conclusion and Resources
To learn more about Clark Bates visit https://facebook.com/clark.bates.9 and to support his family in their missions visit https://give.missionquest.org/missionary/250
To learn more about Teasi Cannon or to invite her to speak check out www.teasicannon.com
To get started on your own study of apologetics check out these recommended resources: General Apologetics — Teasi Cannon
For an incredible 50% off deal on 200 educational slides from the late Norman Geisler (a tremendous way to get started learning philosophy, theology, and apologetics): go to https://ngim.org/store/ and use promo code NorMTeasi25
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988)
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In this very special and emotional 34th episode of the True Comfort podcast, Teasi Cannon shares a major update and a deeply personal announcement. After over a year of interviewing incredible guests—from renowned apologists to those who have endured unimaginable loss and physical suffering—Teasi reflects on the profound comfort and hope those conversations have brought her and her listeners. The big news is that Teasi is officially launching her new book! Titled Counterfeit Forgiveness: How a Modern Myth Betrays Victims, Protects Abusers, and Corrupts the Gospel, the book will be released on August 28th. She explains how her previous deep-dive episodes into biblical forgiveness inspired her to write this crucial message for the body of Christ. To dedicate her time and resources to the book launch, Teasi will be pausing the True Comfort podcast for the next few months. She shares her heartfelt gratitude to her listeners, shedding tears as she thanks them for their tenderness, solidarity, and encouragement throughout this journey.
What do you do when you are terrified that Christianity might not be true, but you are too ashamed to tell anyone?
What happens when you grow up in the church but secretly battle a paralyzing lack of assurance in your salvation?
How do you hold onto faith when the people who claim to have the truth cause you the most pain?