Alisa Childers I Blog

Was Jesus Racist? Sarah Bessey's Story of Becoming Affirming: With Amy Hall (Part 1) —The Alisa Childers Podcast #55

8/29/2019

Subscribe: iTunes | RSS

On today's podcast, Amy Hall and I discuss a recent article penned by progressive author Sarah Bessey in which she tells her story of becoming affirming of same-sex marriage. We take a critical look at Bessey's methodology and focus in particular on her interpretation of Matthew 15, in which she claims Jesus demonstrated a racist attitude toward a Syrophoenician woman.

Recommended books:

2 Comments

Amy M Cooper

9/11/2019 04:38:11 pm

Alisa, thank you for your ministry! I was wondering if you had heard about the podcast by Aaron Niequist (husband of Shauna)? I listened to the one he recorded with Sarah Bessey because I was curious about what orthodox beliefs they did or did not hold to. It was part gnostic, part emergent, complete word salad. In about 45 minutes, not one word of scripture. Vague, misleading uses of Christian words such as holy, sacred, resurrection, etc. a huge emphasis on practice- based faith. The Eucharist held a special meaning for them that were all about their own, highly unique experiences, not about the body or blood Christ. Words they especially loved throwing around were embodiment, engagement, your calling, your healing. I don’t think people will be clamoring for what they are selling but clearly some out there “follow” Bessey and Niequist. In the end it is a self-centered, presumptious theology that talks about faith in general, mystical ways because they’ve taken Christ and scripture out that there’s “practice” without any transcendence.

Drewe Llyn Jeffcoat

7/17/2020 04:41:56 pm

I just finished listening to parts 1 & 2 of this podcast. Thank you for it. I'm heart-broken that anyone can think the story of the Syrophoenician woman revealed anything but kindness, grace, and mercy. My favorite interpretation of this story comes from The Matthew Movie Starring Bruce Marchiano. (It's a word for word portrayal of the book of Matthew NIV version.) This particular scene shows Jesus drawing out her faith...highlighting her faith by His words. There is no ounce of condemnation or disdain. Marchiano profoundly portrays the extreme love Jesus had for this woman and her daughter. Shame on those who see it as raciest or cruel!

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.

Was Jesus Racist? Sarah Bessey's Story of Becoming Affirming: With Amy Hall (Part 1) —The Alisa Childers Podcast #55

Leave a Reply.