Episode 196: I am Redeemed with Branson Parler
Today, we continue our identity series by exploring our deep-rooted need to know we are redeemed. Why? How? We ask these questions and more of our guest, theologian and author, Branson Parler. We also explore… What if we feel we are too far gone to be redeemed? How does suffering play into this conversation? How does all of this help us walk with friends who wrestle with gender? //Highlights: “In last couple of years, God said to me, ‘Are you anchored in who I am or in who you are? Will you walk away from your job as a tenured professor of theology at a college to do this new thing I am calling you to that is going to serve the church? … Will you let go of this and walk into any room confident because you are a child of God?’” —Dr. Branson Parler “A key myth in our world is that we can resolve suffering. ‘There are ways we can *now* get rid of all that.’ Unfortunately, a lot of churches perpetuated this notion: ‘If you just prayed this way you wouldn’t have dysphoria or have this sense that there is no alignment!’ … When I look at the body of Jesus, it is a suffering body. It is a body that goes through cross and resurrection. … [However] I can’t say that to somebody who is wrestling with questions of gender identity if I have not myself asked, ‘How is Jesus calling me to take up my cross?’” —Dr. Branson Parler //Question of the Week: What is one joke you don’t forget? (Branson has some real cringe ones for us!) //Do the Next Thing: Find Branson’s ministry here Read Branson's book here We reference Branson’s other episodes with us. Find “How to Talk with the Kids” here Find “The Problems with Polyamory” here We reference the conversation with Pete Scazerro, too. Find “How to Be Emotionally Healthy” here We reference Embodied by Preston Sprinkle. Find it here Watch the episode here