Even in an age and a culture that claims to talk about anything and everything, some things are still woefully suppressed and shamed when discussed. Unfortunately, what is hidden often grows, and, when evil is hidden, it consumes and destroys like uncontrolled cancer. So we need to ask: Have you ever been unjustly controlled, manipulated, or even physically hurt? Maybe by a family member, a friend, or someone in a position of authority? These experiences are real, painful, and leave lasting scars. 

But here's the thing: you are not alone. The Bible speaks directly to the issue of abuse, from the Old Testament stories of injustice to the New Testament teachings on love and compassion. Tragically, those who may have escaped the destructive ruin of abuse themselves can perpetuate abuse that has occurred by minimizing, excusing, or dismissing what others have endured. Thankfully, there are biblical truths that address all forms of abuse, including physical, emotional, sexual, and spiritual abuse. How does God view abuse, and how is humanity supposed to respond? 

#Faith #Abuse #ImageOfGod #WeDon’tTalkAboutThat

In a world that often seems to devalue human life, it's crucial to remember that every individual is created in the image of God. This means we need to honor and respect the profound dignity and worth of each human life - even of those with whom we profoundly disagree. We need to do this on the basis of many biblical principles that affirm each of our unique value and importance to God. And, if something or someone is important to God, it should be important to us, too.

Every human life is a precious gift from God. In a culture that often prioritizes convenience, pleasure, and personal gain above all else, we need to be reminded of the sacredness of life at every stage. The Bible teaches us to value and protect life, regardless of a person's circumstances or abilities, to see the inherent worth of every individual. And because of this, we need to celebrate that worth and value and dignity in a way that reflects God's love and compassion.

#Faith #HumanDignity #ImageOfGod #ImagoDei #WeDon’tTalkAboutThat

Our world can often feel overwhelming … and finding solace and strength to keep moving forward can be challenging. Major studies across the world have identified an epidemic of mental health concerns, with the CDC indicating suicide as the third highest cause of death in young people in their most recent report. Unfortunately, the church has been prone to dismiss some of the struggles of the mind and the heart, offering instead silence (at best) or derision (at worst). 

Instead, we need to explore the intersection of faith and mental health, offering a compassionate and relatable perspective. By breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health, we can create a safe space for individuals to share their experiences, find support, and ultimately encounter the greatest hope possible - the good news of Jesus. Faith can be a source of comfort and guidance during life's most difficult moments, and it is not intrinsically at odds with psychology, therapy, medication, or other “secular” supports.

#Faith #MentalHealth #aLightInTheDark #DarknessIsReal #WeDon’tTalkAboutThat

Over countless centuries, humanity has wrestled with the issue of how faith intersects with doubt, often resulting in extreme responses. For some, we simply reject faith as a viable option for thinking and rational people, scoffing at and belittling those of religious persuasion. For others, we demonize doubts and questions that are raised in the arena of faith, ostracizing and even excommunicating those who dare to question even the most minor tenets of belief. In recent years, an experience called deconstruction has swept the evangelical world, seeing even prominent and revered members publicly dismantling and ultimately renouncing their previously deeply-held convictions. 

But there is another viable and faithful third-way. If the veracity of our faith is based merely in the strength of our convictions and how passionately we hold them, that faith is susceptible to being quickly eroded by the vicissitudes of life. But if the object of our faith is of true worth and rightly aligns with reality, that faith can withstand and endure scrutiny. And it is of utmost importance for all of us to discern between that which is essential dogma and that which is of lesser importance in our belief systems. 

#Faith #Doubt #WeDon’tTalkAboutThat