S3 E 49: Mattie Jo Cowsert: Unraveling Evangelical Identity

Liminal Living

takeaways

• Mattie moved to New York City driven by a strong instinct.
• Growing up in Branson felt like living on a movie set.
• Her upbringing was wholesome but came with pressures.
• She recognizes the good and bad in her evangelical background.
• Stability in community provided comfort during her teenage years.
• Questioning beliefs began at a theater camp in New York.
• Evangelicalism often conflates knowing and believing.
• Love should not have an agenda in evangelism.
• The historical context of women in Christianity is often overlooked.
• Diversity in theater challenged her previous beliefs. The concept of divine love is often restricted by societal norms.
• Personal identity struggles can lead to questioning established beliefs.
• The pressure to conform to evangelical ideals can be overwhelming.
• Many truths taught in evangelicalism can be challenged and deconstructed.
• Faith should accommodate human growth and change.
• Questioning beliefs is a difficult but necessary process.
• Control within religious contexts often masquerades as love.
• Family support can play a crucial role in spiritual shifts.
• The future of Christianity may see a decline in conservative ideologies.
• Cultural factors contribute to the current political landscape.

Links:

Website: https://www.mattiejocowsert.com/

Book: Amazon Page

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All Music for this episode composed by Axeltree