Show Notes
Lisa opens by sharing about her own realization that the gospel she was taught wouldn't actually be good news for her own enslaved grandmother. This crisis of faith took her to the Book of Genesis, and she reminds us that the text was written by Brown, colonized people. Lisa tells listeners that we have to have eyes to read from this perspective to understand God's actual good news laid out in Scripture. She explains that when God said "This is very good" on the sixth day, the Hebrews understood goodness to exist between things, the relationships between all of creation. Lisa concludes by encouraging listeners that we bear the image of God, so we are called to steward creation and relationships toward radical wellness. This radical wellness is very good news indeed. Following Lisa's talk, Jeff and Sarah discuss learning the stories of our ancestors and the intentionality of pilgrimage as we seek the "holy equalizing" good news for ourselves and our neighbors. Show Notes Evolving Faith Conference Podcast After Party (Community Discussion)
More from The Evolving Faith Podcast
We just couldn't help ourselves. Even though our team is busy behind the scenes preparing for Evolving Faith 2023, we just had to drop one more bonus episode featuring R. Eric Thomas's talk from the 2022 conference. Eric is one of the funniest writers you'll find on the internet, but he's also incredibly thoughtful and genuine as he explores his own relationship to faith, blackness, and queerness. Even as he wrestles with the faith he grew up with, he's a self proclaimed "big old church queen" who hasn't stopped considering what it means to be fully at home in himself and in the world. This is a good one, friends. We're glad you're here.
Surprise! Another bonus episode featuring Barbara Brown Taylor from our 2022 Evolving Faith conference. Barbara skillfully walks us through how to own our ever evolving relationship with scripture. She reminds us that just as the text has stood the scrutiny of our ancestors, it can also handle ours. Barbara challenges us to see our own relationship with scripture as a quilt, with no two being the same. "Working on your quilt isn't the same as designing your own Bible, though we do that too. It's a matter of taking responsibility for how you read it and why along with the honor of putting your fingerprints on it as generations before you have done." You don't want to miss this episode, and you'll most definitely want to share it with anyone in your quilt making circle. Show Notes 2023 Evolving Faith Conference
In this special episode, Kate Bowler joins host Sarah Bessey for a conversation about the search for spiritual language around blessing and praying without certainty. Kate also fields questions from the Evolving Faith community about her own faith journey and how that has shaped her thoughts about hope, "un-spiritual" feelings, and the character of God. They also chat about Kate's latest book, which she co-authored with Jessica Richie, The Lives We Actually Have: 100 Blessings for Imperfect Days, and the process of writing blessings for our honest, human, everyday existence. Show Notes 2023 Evolving Faith Conference
Jeff and Sarah offer a benediction that reminds us of all we've learned from our guests through this season of the podcast. They leave us with the blessing that God loves us, and that with God's Spirit and the community of fellow wanderers, we are never alone in the wilderness. Show Notes Evolving Faith Conference Podcast After Party (Community Discussion)
Jeff and Sarah answer questions from the Evolving Faith online community. They discuss their stories of "deconstruction" and shifts in their faith practices, as well as how to walk through faith evolution when loved ones aren't on board. They also share books that have shaped them along the journey and discuss reading the Bible with room for lament and doubt. Plus Jeff shares his fried rice guidelines, Sarah answers knitting questions, and they both give some comfort TV recommendations. Show Notes Evolving Faith Conference Podcast After Party (Community Discussion)