J.S. Park: Hospital Chaplain, Skeptical Christian
From Devout Atheist to Skeptical Pastor: A Blog For Busted-Up, Beat-Down People (Like Me)
Anonymous asked a question: You always seem to rebuke “conservative” types who remake Christ in their political image. What about the liberals who do the same? I remember you shared this great post about how ~Christians~ will end up not falling into neat, political distinctions, and then all I see on your blog is this … Continue reading Are You Secretly a Liberal Who Hates Conservatives?
Anonymous asked a question: I’m only a teenager, but I already feel like my life should just end. For my whole life I’ve felt like I am only a burden to those around me, and feel I don’t deserve to live. Honestly, I cant even get myself to pray because I feel I am undeserving … Continue reading I Want My Life to End—What Do I Do?
Anonymous asked a question Is it unwise to share your doubts with non christians? I don’t think we should make christianity look like you can’t come to Jesus unless you get fixed first bc we should come as we are so He can work and idk that not sharing our doubts with them helps to … Continue reading I Have Doubts: Am I Allowed to Say That?
Anonymous asked a question Will I go to hell if I commit suicide? First, my friend: If you are hurting right now, please reach out to safe people and tell them what’s happening. I hope you will find therapy, community, or medicine to get you through. I’ve been in a really bad place before, and it … Continue reading “Suicide Is a Ticket to Hell” (and Other Bad Theology)
@cindahh asked a question: Hi J.S. Park! I hope you and your wife doing well! I just wanted to thank you again for your book. It has given me a better understanding of depression. So I read it because my good friend battles it, and as someone who is helping him battle it, what are … Continue reading Working Through Depression As a Team: What to Do and Not to Do with Your Friend’s Mental Health
purposedinthecosmos asked a question: Sometimes we do good things that people may perceive as bad especially if they don’t know the heart behind our actions. Is it necessary to clear that up? Also how can you not be hurt by the way people (think) you treated them or who they (think) you are? Hey dear … Continue reading I Think I Hurt Someone: How Do I Clear the Air?
Anonymous asked a question: What are your thoughts on mental illness and religion? I’ve seen some Christians state that you can pray mental illness away and once you’re saved you won’t be depressed or have suicidal thoughts anymore. As someone in the mental health field, it kind of annoys me to hear people say this. … Continue reading Mental Illness Vs. Religion: 4 Thoughts About the Church Against Depression
Art by worshipgifs Anonymous asked a question: What if I am angry at God. How do you cope with the frustration and anger towards Him? Hey dear friend, I’m really sorry. There must be many things happening internally and externally, and I’m with you and for you. So is everyone here. I have to tell … Continue reading Is It Okay to Be Angry with God?
the-pink-and-yellow-girl asked a question: With the “wives submit to your husbands” verse, how do you understand this? My pastor has explained it to me before, but as a woman I often end up feeling kind of sad or frustrated by it when I don’t think that’s what I’m supposed to feel. Hey dear friend, I … Continue reading What’s Up with the Bible Saying “Wives Submit to Husbands”?
illuminirk asked a question: how do you differentiate when you’re being persecuted for christ and being slammed for… for lack of a better word, for being a shitty person? for instance, i see a lot of american christians claiming persecution when really people are mad that they’re racist or homophobic or etc. how do you … Continue reading How Do You Know You’re Persecuted or Just a Terrible Person?
undefeatedx asked a question: how do i stop caring about what people think about me?? 😦 Hey dear friend, I really wrestle with this, too. I’ve discovered in therapy that I’m a people-pleaser, even codependent, and I often have this crazy conspiracy in my head of small-town backroom rumors, where everyone I know secretly dislikes … Continue reading I Care Too Much What Other People Think About Me
sunmoonandmyrtle asked a question: Hi JS, I was wondering about the balance between trusting God and making your plans/taking action. I am a bit OCD about planning. My journey at the moment seems to be learning to let go of trying so hard and have faith in God to provide. On the other hand, I … Continue reading How Do I “Let Go and Let God”? Does Working Hard Mean I’m Not Trusting God?
caito8o asked a question: How do you bring people to God without telling them that they are going to hell? Or “shoving my religion down their throat?” And how do you deal with people that tried Jesus and still don’t believe? I have issues with the way my church discuss these topics so I was … Continue reading How Do I “Bring People to God” Without “Shoving My Religion Down Their Throat”?
iliveinayellowsub asked a question: How can we “gently rebuke” our brothers and sisters who believe in and propogate prosperity doctrine? Because honestly, my first reaction is anger and a desperate need to shut them down 😦 Hey dear friend, this is a really, really tough one. Prosperity Theology is one of the most painful iterations … Continue reading How Do I Call Out Someone Who Believes in Messed Up Stuff?
lovelyishe asked a question: Some find it hard to explain their answers to these questions for other Christians so I would like to know how you would answer: What’s the difference between ”not overlooking sin” and being judgmental? If there are words in the bible that refer to people as adulterers, liars, fornicators or fool … Continue reading Why Is the Bible So Harsh? And Why Can’t We Be as Harsh as the Bible?
iscribblesometimes asked a question: The last post you made is really good, I think that sort of attitude is really important in Christianity. But how do I keep that attitude, and understand that the bible has been interpreted in many ways, while not becoming doubtful of the bible and it’s truth? How do I keep … Continue reading Isn’t Everyone’s View of the Bible Just Their Own Opinion? Whose Interpretation Is Right?
rattlemymilkbonez asked a question: How does one deal with pride and self-loathing? I’d say my mood is pretty healthy most of the time, but when someone else points out when I do the wrong thing, I start hurting and feeling angry with myself because I hate making mistakes more than anything. Which seems silly, I … Continue reading The Difficult Messy Work of Accountability, Humility, and Confronting Pride
waylandheat asked a question: Hi J.S. Park! I’ve been reading your book What the Church Won’t Talk About because I am currently struggling a lot with stuff and on top of that feeling a very dry season with God. I honestly love reading through your thoughts and stories on Tumblr, and reading through this book … Continue reading Can Shaming Really Motivate? 4 Thoughts About Shame, Guilt, and Change
Anonymous asked a question: My roommate used to be my best friend. However, I became incredibly depressed from last year until about a month ago, and that severely strained our relationship. Even though I don’t believe I should apologize for everything that happened (because I was depressed), I have a bunch of times and asked … Continue reading My Friend Won’t Forgive Me for My Depression
gracewan1 asked a question: – In the book of Genesis, there’s a verse where God said that it was not good for man to be alone so He will make a helper for him. I think this extends even beyond marriage to say that we were made to have close relationships in our lives. What’s … Continue reading How Is God Enough Through Loneliness? 9 Truths for The Lonely
J.S. Park: Hospital Chaplain, Skeptical Christian 