The Trouble with Jesus – Constance Hastings

The Trouble with Jesus Constance Hastings Many people struggle with believing in the salvation of Jesus due to misconceptions about biblical stories that seem contradictory or difficult to reconcile with our modern understanding. Stories like the resurrection, miraculous healings, or God’s timing in answering prayers can feel distant or implausible. These misunderstandings often stem from taking passages out of context or viewing Scripture through a purely literal or skeptical lens. Our guest today has decided to take on these misconceptions – and she did so by writing a book about them. Amen! Constance Hastings, an award-winning educator, mental health counselor, and ordained minister. Constance is the author of “The Trouble with Jesus: Considerations Before You Walk Away,” a thought-provoking book that addresses the doubts and barriers many face in their faith journey and helps to provide some of those answers people are seeking. Whether you’re firm in your faith or questioning it, this episode is sure to inspire and encourage you. With all of that being said, help me welcome to the program, Constance Hastings!  Constance, it is a blessing to have you join us today!  I have been looking forward to this conversation! First question I always ask is this… other than that brief information I just shared, can you tell us in your own words, “Who is Constance Hastings?” Can you share a pivotal moment in your journey where you struggled to reconcile doubt with belief? What misconceptions about Jesus or biblical stories do you think most often hinder people from embracing faith? You discuss barriers people place against God—what are some common ones, and how can they be overcome? Why do you think Jesus’ life and message continue to be so controversial? What do you hope readers take away about Jesus from the title The Trouble with Jesus? How does the story of Mary and Martha help us understand God’s timing in our lives? What do you say to someone who feels their life’s struggles are evidence of God’s absence? I guess that leads me to my next question… What role does a person’s willingness to be vulnerable play in developing a deeper relationship with Jesus? How can someone who may be in a place of deep skepticism, how can they take their first step toward discovering the answers they seek? Constance, this has been so interesting. How can someone obtain a copy of your book, “The Trouble with Jesus: Considerations Before You Walk Away.”  I take it is available on Amazon? If someone has a question or would like to get more information, how can they do that? How can they get in touch with you? I’ll put all of this in the show notes below. Folks, today we have had a great conversation. I love what Constance has shared with us about her book, “The Trouble with Jesus: Considerations Before You Walk Away.”  Constance has shared some misconceptions about Jesus and some of the Biblical stories. She has provided some insight into situations where some may have skepticism, doubts and misconceptions about Jesus, the Bible and Salvation. I think, if you paid attention, she addressed these issues today. Praise God! I want to recommend you drop down into the show notes and click the links right there to reach out to Constance. Check out her website, the blog… the blog is awesome – I did not have time to go into some of the