What do you do when the Bible offends you? What do we do with seemingly problematic scriptures? From stories of slavery and violence to verses about gender and judgment, many people wrestle with the Bible’s hardest passages. In this unabashedly honest and thought-provoking discussion, Lisa Fields sits down with Dr. Jo Vitale and Dr. Esau McCaulley to unpack the context behind the controversy — and explore how understanding history, culture, language, and God’s heart can turn confusion into clarity. They confront: Divine Justice: Reconciling God's goodness with commands for war and annihilation (e.g., 1 Samuel 15:3, Deuteronomy 20:16). Slavery: Why the apostles instructed slaves to obey masters instead of condemning slavery outright. Sexual Ethics: The New Testament's warnings regarding same-sex relations and exclusion from salvation. Gender: Questions about women in leadership (1 Timothy 2) and ritual purity after childbirth (Leviticus 12:5). Eternal Punishment: How Christians should understand hell. Lot and Rahab: Wrestling with the problematic actions of figures called "righteous" or "faithful". Recorded live at the Museum of the Bible, this conversation will challenge your assumptions and deepen your faith. Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it. Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

Lisa Fields sits down with author and Bible teacher Yana Conner to unpack the real work behind her new book Living Beyond Offense: Doing the Hard Work of Forgiveness God’s Way. Together they explore what biblical forgiveness actually looks like, how to confront conflict with courage, and why “protecting your peace” isn’t the whole story. They discuss: Why forgiveness is not forgetting—and the powerful concept of "faithfully casting" the debt to God. The true meaning of "turn the other cheek" and how it calls for humble confrontation, not passive acceptance. How to counter cultural mantras like "protect your peace" with the biblical call to be a shalom-maker. The difference between biblical forgiveness (releasing the debt) and reconciliation (restoring the relationship). Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it. Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

Too many of us want God’s blessings without giving Him full control. In this inspiring conversation, Lisa Fields sits down with Dr. Tony Evans to unpack what it really means to live unleashed — when faith stops being part-time and becomes your whole life. They dive into:- How to live out your faith without compromise- Why giving God “part” of your life leaves you empty- The difference between religion and a kingdom relationship- The real definition of impact and purpose — beyond followers and fame Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it. Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

What do you do when your prayers go unanswered? In this raw and honest conversation, Lisa Fields sits down with author and speaker Jennifer Lucy Tyler to discuss her book When Dreams Fall Apart—a powerful story about grief and the beauty of trusting God through disappointment. They open up about infertility, loss, and the tension between faith and control—while uncovering how lament, surrender, and God’s comfort can bring healing and hope. Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it. Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

When the people and places meant to bring healing become the source of pain, where do you go from there? In this 2023 Courageous Conversations panel, pastors, psychologists, and theologians — including Dr. Christina Edmondson, Dr. Jessica Brown, Pastor Reginald Sharpe, and John Onwuchekwa — to unpack what church hurt really is, how to distinguish disappointment from spiritual abuse, and practical steps toward healing, wholeness, and compassion. They discuss:🔹 The difference between “church hurt” and “spiritual abuse”🔹 How power, intent, and neglect play a role in wounding🔹 Whether taking time away from church can be healing🔹 Why love and humility must remain at the center of leadership If you’ve ever been hurt by people in the church — or struggled to trust again — watch, reflect, and begin your journey from hurt to healing. Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it. Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

What happens when faith meets hard questions? In this Jude 3 Project 2023 Courageous Conversations panel — “Can God Handle My Questions?” — Dr. Esau McCaulley, Dr. Sarita Lyons, Rev. Janaye Pitts-Murdock, and Dr. Frederick Haynes III join Dr. Bobby Manning for an honest, unfiltered dialogue about doubt, suffering, injustice, and the Black Christian experience. They remind us that God isn’t intimidated by our pain or confusion — He invites our honesty. From biblical examples of lament to real stories of trauma and redemption, this conversation reminds us that faith is not the absence of questions — it’s the courage to bring them to God. Tune in for wisdom on: Why questioning God isn’t necessarily rebellion but relationship How Black Christians have long wrestled with hard questions around faith and oppression When our doubts can lead to deeper belief How the Church can create safe spaces for hard questions Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it. Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

The Jude 3 Project podcast is on hiatus for the next two weeks, but we didn’t want to leave you without encouragement this week! Instead, please enjoy this special message from Lisa Fields, preaching at Wheaton College on the "Chosen But Inexperienced". Lisa reminds us that God doesn’t call the equipped—He equips the called. Drawing from the story of Solomon, biblical wisdom, and her own personal stories, Lisa encourages us to embrace our divine calling, even when we feel unprepared or inadequate. Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it. Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

Lisa Fields sits down with Dr. Dennis Edwards to explore the true meaning of humility from a biblical perspective. Dr. Edwards, Dean of North Park Theological Seminary, shares insights from his book on humility—challenging cultural misconceptions and revealing how authentic humility begins with intimacy and submission to God. Together, they unpack: Why humility is more than being “nice” or self-deprecating How pride is at the root of all sin The tension between humility and speaking up for yourself, especially in marginalized communities Practical ways to embody humility in relationships, leadership, and everyday life If you’ve ever wrestled with pride, offense, or the balance between confidence and humility, this conversation will challenge and inspire you. Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it. Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

Lisa Fields sits down with Dr. Malcolm Foley to talk about his new book The Anti-Greed Gospel. Together, they unpack how greed fuels racial oppression, why Mammon remains one of the greatest threats to Christian faith, and how the church is called to resist exploitation, violence, and lies by building communities of solidarity, generosity, and truth. From the rich young ruler to today’s grind culture, Dr. Foley challenges us to rethink wealth, dependence, and what it really means to follow Jesus in a world shaped by capitalism. Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it. Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

In this episode, Lisa Fields sits down with author, poet, and speaker Blair Linne to talk about her new book Made to Tremble: How Anxiety Became the Best Thing That Ever Happened to My Faith. Blair shares her powerful journey through years of anxiety and panic attacks, how God met her in her struggles, and why community, scripture, and surrendering control are essential in the fight against fear. If you’ve ever wrestled with anxiety, faith, or the weight of life’s challenges, this conversation will encourage and equip you to lean on God’s strength in seasons of weakness. Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it. Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

Join Lisa Fields as she sits down with pastor and author John Thompson to unpack his new book Deliverance: A Journey Toward the Unexpected. They dive into spiritual warfare, misconceptions about the demonic, how to discern between mental health and spiritual issues, and why understanding deliverance matters for the church today. Whether you’ve wrestled with fear, questions about the supernatural, or simply want a deeper biblical perspective, this conversation will challenge and encourage you. Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it. Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

Lisa Fields welcomes Dr. Carmen Imes back to the podcast for an honest conversation about her new book Becoming God’s Family. Together they dive into why the church still matters, the challenges of community, navigating church hurt, politics, AI and technology, and what it truly means to become the family of God. This is a must-watch for anyone rethinking church, community, and discipleship in our modern culture. Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it. Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

Lisa Fields welcomes author and Bible teacher Jada Edwards for a deep dive into her book A New Way to Love Your Neighbor. From family dynamics to church relationships, Jada shares practical wisdom on overcoming pride, healing from the past, and embracing the kind of love that transforms both us and those around us. They discuss what real, Christlike love looks like in a world shaped by division, social media soundbites, and personal wounds.  Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it. Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

From Buddhist roots to bold faith in Jesus, Dr. Susan Lim—former Buddhist, historian, and author of Light of the Word— joins Lisa Fields to share her incredible story of encountering God, wrestling with doubt, and discovering the Bible’s trustworthiness. Together, they explore tough topics, including violence in Scripture, women’s roles, and the misuse of God’s Word, while revealing how history, personal experience, and the Spirit work together to strengthen faith.  Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it. Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

How do we heal when the trauma keeps coming? In this deep and honest conversation, therapist and author Sheila Wise Rowe returns to the Jude 3 Project podcast to explore healing racial trauma in a post-2020 world. They discuss the emotional weight of ongoing injustice, the need for safe-enough spaces, the tension between forgiveness and justice, and how we can build true community amid crisis. They further unpack how to hold on to hope, build real community, and discern your unique call in a world overwhelmed by crisis.  Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it. Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

Is there a contradiction in the Bible between James and Paul? In this compelling episode, Lisa Fields and scholar Hakeem Bradley dive into the often misunderstood tension between James’ call for “faith and works” and Paul’s message of “justification by faith.” They explore how context, audience, and intent shape each writer’s theology—and why pitting them against each other misses the point. This is a must-watch for anyone wrestling with how scripture fits together, what real faith looks like, and why James deserves more respect in modern theology. Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it. Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

In this eye-opening conversation, Old Testament scholar Dr. Paul Wegner joins Lisa Fields to tackle some of the most common questions—and misconceptions—about how the Bible came to be. They unpack tough questions about authorship, translation, scribes, contradictions, and the role of prophecy—plus, how Jesus viewed the Old Testament. Whether you're a Bible nerd or a curious skeptic, this episode is packed with insight! 🕊️ Topics include: How Old Testament books were chosen and preserved Scribes, accuracy, and the preservation of Scripture Was Isaiah written by multiple authors? The formation of the King James Bible Why no original manuscripts (autographs) isn't a dealbreaker How Jesus critiqued scribes but affirmed the Scriptures Don’t miss this rich conversation full of history, theology, and practical insight! Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it. Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

What do you do when your closest friends walk away from the faith? In this honest and heartfelt conversation, Lisa Fields sits down with Christian hip-hop artist and apologist Emanuel “Da’ T.R.U.T.H.” Lambert to discuss the often painful and complicated reality of people walking away from Christianity. They discuss deconstruction, spiritual burnout, the dangers of binary thinking, and how faith must be rooted in more than intellect, experience, or emotion alone. With truth, honesty, empathy, and hope, they explore what it looks like to build a comprehensive, resilient faith rooted in heart, soul, mind, and strength. Whether you're wrestling with doubt or walking with someone who is, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and encouragement. Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it. Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

Renowned New Testament scholar Dr. Craig Keener joins Lisa Fields for an in-depth exploration of the Book of Revelation. From breaking down common fears around the "mark of the beast" to examining the symbolism of the 144,000 and the hope embedded in John's apocalyptic vision, this conversation re-frames Revelation not as a horror story, but as a message of comfort and promise for the faithful. Whether you’ve always been confused or even afraid of Revelation, Dr. Keener offers clarity, context, and encouragement—reminding us that at its core, Revelation is a book of hope for those who endure.  Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it. Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/

In this eye-opening episode, Lisa Fields sits down with Dr. Joseph Byamukama, a New Testament scholar from Uganda, to explore the deep roots of African spirituality, its misconceptions in the West, and its complex relationship with Christianity. They unpack key themes from Dr. Byamukama's powerful chapter in Apologetics in Africa, including African understandings of a supreme creator, the role of ancestors, polygamy, witchcraft, and the theological bridge Christianity can offer through the resurrection. This is a must-watch for anyone interested in contextual theology, African traditions, or the resurgence of African spiritual practices in the diaspora. Subscribe for more conversations that help you know what you believe and why you believe it. Support the mission and vision of Jude 3 Project here: https://www.jude3project.org/donate Grab our curriculum here: https://www.jude3project.org Take an online course that will help you know what you believe and why here: https://learn.jude3project.org/library/