Can Doubt Help Us Grow? | Meredith Miller
Summary
Hosts Chris McLeod and Lauren Ranzino welcome pastor Meredith Miller to explore doubt as a healthy, developmental stage of faith rather than a sign of weakness. Miller critiques rigid "foundationalist" belief systems, advocating instead for a flexible "web" of faith anchored in God’s character rather than perfect doctrine. The discussion highlights how embracing uncertainty and questioning can lead to a more resilient, secure relationship with God.
Topics discussed
Intro: The anxiety of doubt and the fallacy of foundationalism
Hosts discuss the shame of questioning faith and introduce guest
Meredith Miller on developmental stages: Foreclosure and Moratorium
Personal histories: Growing up with doubt vs. rigid faith systems
The cultural shift toward prescriptive parenting and sin management
Faith as a web vs. a tower: Flexibility and resilience in belief
The foundation is a person, not a building: Biblical metaphors
Navigating faith collapse: Giving yourself space and grace
Reading the Bible with better guides: Context and cultural differences
The role of scholarship and engaging with difficult texts
Attachment styles in faith: Moving from anxiety to trust
Reframing biblical narratives: God as the main character
Parenting for faith: Creating safe spaces for dialogue
Resources for adults: The Reweaving devotional
The future of American evangelicalism and local church work
Closing thoughts: The benefits of doubt and trusting God's stability
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