Many of us are familiar with theological concepts that have been passed down through years of tradition in seminaries. But what can we learn about theology from the everyday experience of Black girls? Author, minister, and youth advocate Khristi Lauren Adams joins us on the podcast to discuss her recent book Womanish Theology: Discovering God through the Lens of Black Girlhood. Khristi talks about young people today and their unique perspectives on suffering, community, and spiritual practices. Khristi shares her experiences of learning from students with an attitude of humility and respect, and we consider the way kids today are growing up in a different set of cultural circumstances that previous generations. And if you listen to the end of the credits, you’ll hear an excerpt from our conversation where Khristi offers her thoughts about the ways Gen Z will bring gifts into the world as they enter adulthood.

“If we were all created in the image of God, all of us who look so different...there is so much more to learn about God. So, I get one step closer to knowing God from exposing myself to different people...”

These rising generations have a lot to be concerned about. Between living through a pandemic, witnessing the progress of climate change, and watching the twists and turns of cultural and political norms, young people today carry heavy burdens. We’re reminded of Michelle Ami-Reyes’s encouraging words about living life as pessimist and finding hope in Scripture. In the midst of dark moments, it’s good to remember — and to remind others — that there is still light to be found.

“If we only see the good and the beautiful, we blind ourselves to the dark realities around us and become useless to the hurting and those in need. If we only see evil and injustice, we can forget to see God; we can forget to cling to him, let alone hope in him.”

You’re Invited!

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Pray with us! You can join our online, 30-minute guided prayer meetings on Fridays at 8 am, 9 am, and 12 pm (Eastern). Can’t come? Send your prayer requests anyway by emailing us at wsap@intervarsity.org. Ready to pray? Join the Zoom meeting here for those Friday meetings.

A Lenten Prayer Experience. How do you plan to observe Lent this year? Join us for a gentle rhythm of prayer based on the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius. Click through for sign-up information and more details! Begins March 5.

MORE FROM OUR FRIENDS AT INTERVARSITY PRESS

• Faculty exam copies. Professors can request a free exam or desk copy. Register for a professional account to access this benefit!

• Are you an InterVarsity alum? Use promo code IVCFALUMNI to get a 25% discount at ivpress.com.

OTHER EVENTS

Emerging Scholars Network Conversations. Join our sister organization for their upcoming online conversations on important topics!

• On Leadership with Nicole Massie Martin, author of Nailing It: Why Successful Leadership Demands Suffering and Surrender. March 12, 12 pm (eastern)

Four More Things We Loved This Week

1. Three Reasons to Give Up Your New Year’s Resolution

2. “What I know with certainty now is that there is no gospel of thinness.” One woman writes of her own theological journey toward holy embodiment.

3. Krista Tippett on Wishful Thinking Versus Hope (Christianity Today, unlocked) (or listen to the podcast episode this is based on)

4. Do you need a measles booster? (NYTimes, unlocked)