259. TNE TALKS: Building Bridges with Our Enemies// John Pavlovitz

Summary John Pavlovitz, author of the book, Worth Fighting For: Finding a Faith That Makes a Better Human, discusses his journey from being a conservative evangelical pastor to a more progressive Christian ethos. Tim and John discuss the tensions between personal convictions and pastoral expectations, the challenges of navigating relationships within the church, and the importance of humanizing people in the midst of political differences. Takeaways Many people within conservative evangelical communities feel torn between their convictions and the community they love, making it difficult to navigate their beliefs and relationships. It is important to humanize people and remember that individuals within the Christian nationalist movement are not a monolith. There is diversity of thought and experience within these communities. Dehumanization is a dangerous path that can lead to violence, and it is crucial to maintain empathy and respect for others, even in the midst of political differences. Authentic dialogue, empathy, and compassion are essential in bridging the divide and fostering understanding between different theological and political perspectives.  Navigating relationships with people who hold different beliefs requires curiosity, understanding, and respect for their journey. Being a progressive Christian involves the challenge of maintaining relationships while advocating for systemic change. Unity, empathy, and humanizing the conversation are essential for moving forward and creating a more inclusive society. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 06:15 Humanizing People in the Midst of Political Differences 27:34 Navigating Relationships with Different Beliefs Register for Faith and Politics for the Rest of Us Get Tickets to Theology Beer Camp Check out our website for merch, educational materials, and how to join our community! If you'd like to support our work, you can DONATE here! Follow Us On Instagram @thenewevangelicals  Subscribe On YouTube The New Evangelicals exists to support those who are tired of how evangelical church has been done before and want to see an authentic faith lived out with Jesus at the center. We are committed to building a caring community that emulates the ways of Jesus by reclaiming the evangelical tradition and embracing values that build a better way forward. If you’ve been marginalized by your faith, you are welcome here. We’ve built an empathetic and inclusive space that encourages authentic conversations, connections and faith. Whether you consider yourself a Christian, an exvangelical, someone who's questioning your faith, or someone who's left the faith entirely, you are welcome here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices