You’ve nailed something I’ve noticed for quite a while now. In our desire to get away from conservative fundamental ideas, we often plunge ourselves into progressive fundamental ideas. The heart and attitude don’t really change, just the list of expectations and required behaviors. We are still just as black and white, just as rigid, and just as us versus them in our thinking.
Living in a land of paradox and tension where we don’t claim to have all the answers and are okay with that is tricky, but it’s SO good. Thank you for these words!
Thanks so much for reading, Christy. The Uncertain Podcast had a great episode that my friend Katherine calls “Second Wave Fundamentalism” that’s worth a listen.
And I speak more to the rise of fundamentalism and sociological thoughts in my book coming out next year!
Thank you! I’ll look into that podcast. I spent a decade in Gothard’s IBLP cult (Shiny Happy People) and then successfully got out. So all this fundamentalism everywhere on every side is SO sad to me. Looking forward to your book! I just published with a hybrid company this summer. It’s a crazy and fun experience.
This is such good insight, Jenai. It’s been a strange journey for me to come to recognize that when I take pride in not doing something harmful, that just incentivizes me to not look deeply at my shadow and see how I’m doing that exact thing. For me, that’s been the power of original sin doctrine (although I know it’s not this way for everyone) -- when I can let go of the existential need to be a “good person,” I’m actually more willing and better able to recognize the ways I’m harming people and actually do something to correct it. I’ll definitely be looking more for the ways that I explicitly or implicitly other people, now, as well. Thank you for this.
(And that is a wonderful title, and I’m so glad you get to be your own illustrator!!!)
Jenai! This is stunningly beautiful in so many ways. Your discernment and ability to communicate what is happening is so... maybe prophetic. And I cheered with glee and tears to hear that you will be designing your cover. 🎉 Cheering you on as you model what a softer Christendom could look like.
Thanks so much, Jennifer! I don’t really do much want to create a softer Christendom. I think I want to undo Christendom and trade it in for heaven on earth. I think we’ll ge there inch by inch.
Reading along as I listened to you read your thought provoking and beautiful essay, I am left without words for a response that conveys how much I resonate with so much of what you have expressed here. You articulate your lived experiences, insights, and academic studies brilliantly, but in a very easy to digest way. Now to absorb it all. That will take some time. I can’t wait to read your book. Blessings as you pursue the path you are on.
Sally, thank you so very much for reading. I elaborate a bit more on the nuances I shared in this post in my book coming out next year. My hope is we don’t become another version of harm.
You’ve nailed something I’ve noticed for quite a while now. In our desire to get away from conservative fundamental ideas, we often plunge ourselves into progressive fundamental ideas. The heart and attitude don’t really change, just the list of expectations and required behaviors. We are still just as black and white, just as rigid, and just as us versus them in our thinking.
Living in a land of paradox and tension where we don’t claim to have all the answers and are okay with that is tricky, but it’s SO good. Thank you for these words!
Thanks so much for reading, Christy. The Uncertain Podcast had a great episode that my friend Katherine calls “Second Wave Fundamentalism” that’s worth a listen.
And I speak more to the rise of fundamentalism and sociological thoughts in my book coming out next year!
Thank you! I’ll look into that podcast. I spent a decade in Gothard’s IBLP cult (Shiny Happy People) and then successfully got out. So all this fundamentalism everywhere on every side is SO sad to me. Looking forward to your book! I just published with a hybrid company this summer. It’s a crazy and fun experience.
I want to sit with this post. So much gold here. I cannot wait for the book!!!
Thank you so much for reading, Lottie!
This is such good insight, Jenai. It’s been a strange journey for me to come to recognize that when I take pride in not doing something harmful, that just incentivizes me to not look deeply at my shadow and see how I’m doing that exact thing. For me, that’s been the power of original sin doctrine (although I know it’s not this way for everyone) -- when I can let go of the existential need to be a “good person,” I’m actually more willing and better able to recognize the ways I’m harming people and actually do something to correct it. I’ll definitely be looking more for the ways that I explicitly or implicitly other people, now, as well. Thank you for this.
(And that is a wonderful title, and I’m so glad you get to be your own illustrator!!!)
I’m 💯 tracking with what you mean. Sometimes these thoughts piece together in our brains in different ways.
Jenai! This is stunningly beautiful in so many ways. Your discernment and ability to communicate what is happening is so... maybe prophetic. And I cheered with glee and tears to hear that you will be designing your cover. 🎉 Cheering you on as you model what a softer Christendom could look like.
Thanks so much, Jennifer! I don’t really do much want to create a softer Christendom. I think I want to undo Christendom and trade it in for heaven on earth. I think we’ll ge there inch by inch.
Ooo! Amen!
I’m excited for the book! Love you.
Thank you so much, Jenny. Appreciate you and your family. Love y’all.
So much good here, Jenai. You gave me several things to marinate in.
Thank you, Allan. I really appreciate this.
Reading along as I listened to you read your thought provoking and beautiful essay, I am left without words for a response that conveys how much I resonate with so much of what you have expressed here. You articulate your lived experiences, insights, and academic studies brilliantly, but in a very easy to digest way. Now to absorb it all. That will take some time. I can’t wait to read your book. Blessings as you pursue the path you are on.
Oh! Ditto, Sally!
Sally, thank you so very much for reading. I elaborate a bit more on the nuances I shared in this post in my book coming out next year. My hope is we don’t become another version of harm.
I've shared your unease about this for a while, and you've diagnosed the root cause brilliantly. Thank you.