Surprised by Doubt

A Public Forum on Faith and Doubt with Dr. Richard Beck and Dr. Joshua Chatraw

Christians have all had our seasons of doubt about God, and about Christianity. Sometimes the intensity of our doubts can surprise us, calling into question core beliefs and formative experiences, which can lead to serious anxiety.

But it’s possible to understand our doubts and where they come from culturally, psychologically, and theologically. After all, many of our doubts are uniquely modern, and uniquely Western. It’s also possible to deal with them wisely.

Hear from Dr. Richard Beck, author and professor of psychology, and Dr. Joshua Chatraw, as they speak on different aspects of doubt and invite us to consider two ways forward: a broader  understanding of the historic Christian tradition, and adjusting our perception of the world so that we can see God’s work and presence around us.

This event was the first in the Center for Public Christianity’s series for 2022-2023, Flourishing in a Broken World. It took place on Wednesday, October 5, 2022, at 7:00-8:30pm, at Vintage Church in Raleigh, North Carolina.

 

About Dr. Richard Beck

Richard Beck (PhD) is Professor and Chair of the Department of Psychology at Abilene Christian University. Richard also teaches classes in the Fuller Theological and ACU Doctor of Ministry programs. During his teaching career, Richard has been honored twice as ACU Teacher of the Year. Richard has also been recognized as Honors Teacher of the Year and has won the College of Arts and Sciences Classroom Teaching award and Faith Integration award. Outside of the classroom, Richard travels the world as a sought-after speaker and an award-winning blogger and the author of Hunting Magic Eels and Trains, Jesus, and Murder: The Gospel According to Johnny Cash.

 

References

Video shown at 32:39-33:32 – “Awareness Test” created by Transport for London, accessed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ahg6qcgoay4

Photograph referenced at 46:58 – “Hide and Seek” by Eric J. Smith

Photograph referenced at 47:35 – “A Sign of the Times” by Eric J. Smith