The BEMA Podcast Episode 429: Catherine McNeil — Fearing Bravely
Release Date: December 19, 2024
In Episode 429 of The BEMA Podcast, hosted by BEMA Discipleship under Impact Campus Ministries, host Marty Solomon and co-host Brent Billings engage in a profound conversation with Katherine McNeil, a multifaceted author, speaker, hospital chaplain, and M. Div. student at North Park Seminary. The episode, titled “Fearing Bravely,” delves deep into McNeil’s latest work, exploring the intersection of theology and everyday life through the lens of fear and love.
Introduction to Katherine McNeil
The episode opens with Brent Billings warmly introducing Katherine McNeil, highlighting her roles as an author, speaker, and hospital chaplain. McNeil is noted for her ability to blend theological insights with the practical aspects of daily living. She resides in the Chicago suburbs with her husband and three teenagers, balancing two jobs and managing an impressive garden that boasts between 100 to 170 tomato plants each year (00:05).
Notable Quote:
"My life is very full, but it's full of growth, so that's fun." – Katherine McNeil (01:29)
Balancing Family, Faith, and Farming
McNeil shares glimpses into her bustling life, emphasizing the joy and challenges of raising three teenagers while maintaining her expansive garden. This garden is not merely a hobby but a metaphor for growth—both personal and spiritual. Her dedication to nurturing her plants parallels her commitment to fostering community and faith.
Notable Quote:
"It is between teenagers and plants. My life is very full, but it's full of growth, so that's fun." – Katherine McNeil (01:43)
Journey into Hospital Chaplaincy
Brent Billings expresses curiosity about McNeil’s role as a hospital chaplain, a detail not initially prominent in her biography. McNeil explains that her pastoral inclinations have been a long-standing aspiration. Starting her career as a registered nurse's assistant at 16, she discovered her passion for providing emotional and spiritual support rather than medical care. This realization led her to pursue a Master of Divinity, integrating her chaplaincy with her theological studies.
Notable Quote:
"I love getting called into emergent situations and being able to meet people in some of their hardest moments of life with a calm, hopefully caring presence and help them to get through." – Katherine McNeil (02:34)
Connecting with The BEMA Community
McNeil recounts her connection to Marty Solomon and The BEMA Podcast, which began through their mutual editor at Nav Press. Tasked with writing a blurb for Soloman’s manuscript, McNeil was inspired by his approach to biblical questions, leading to a collaborative and enduring friendship. This relationship underscores the podcast's mission to blend theological discourse with real-life application.
Notable Quote:
"I did differently, but I was always on board that mingling theology with real life." – Katherine McNeil (06:38)
Exploring "Fearing Bravely"
The heart of the episode centers on McNeil’s book, Fearing Bravely: Risking Love for Neighbors, Strangers, and Enemies. Marty Solomon provides a comprehensive overview, highlighting the book’s exploration of fear in contemporary Christian practice and its call to embrace love as a counterforce.
Key Themes:
- Fear vs. Love: McNeil argues that while fear is a natural and sometimes necessary emotion, it is often exploited to foster division and hostility. In contrast, love is presented as a powerful tool for unifying communities and overcoming fear.
- Jesus’ Teachings: The book draws heavily on the Gospels, examining how Jesus’ instructions to love others are both radical and essential for true Christian living.
- Practical Application: McNeil emphasizes actionable steps for believers to incorporate love into their interactions, challenging listeners to move beyond superficial faith into transformative love.
Notable Quotes:
"Jesus is inviting us to live a different kind of life where we are no longer slaves to fear, and instead we are working together to create an environment where love is our guiding light and not our fears." – Katherine McNeil (12:03)
"What it's saying is that are people of resurrection. We believe that God has conquered death... but Jesus is inviting us to live in love, not fear." – Katherine McNeil (19:55)
Reception and Impact of "Fearing Bravely"
McNeil shares the positive reception of Fearing Bravely, noting its enduring relevance and the unexpected ways it has resonated with readers. From pastors and professors incorporating it into sermons and classes to book clubs discussing its themes, the book has sparked meaningful conversations about fear and love in the Christian context.
Notable Quote:
"I've heard from pastors who have used it in a sermon series. I've heard from professors that have used it in their classes. I've heard from book clubs and Bible studies." – Katherine McNeil (10:21)
Fear’s Dual Nature: Guardian and Tool of Division
A significant portion of the discussion addresses the dual nature of fear. McNeil explains that while fear can protect us—such as preventing reckless actions—it can also be manipulated by external forces to create division and control. She highlights how societal narratives often exploit fear to undermine community and encourage isolation, contrasting this with Jesus’ message of courage and love.
Notable Quote:
"Fear is not inherently a bad thing. It's what keeps me from running in front of a car... But it can be exploited." – Katherine McNeil (21:07)
Practical Steps to Overcome Fear through Love
McNeil emphasizes the importance of proactive community engagement as a means to combat fear. By fostering genuine relationships with neighbors, caring for strangers, and extending love to enemies, Christians can embody the resurrection’s transformative power. She shares a poignant anecdote about a neighborhood fire where residents, despite living close by, had never truly connected until a crisis brought them together.
Notable Quote:
"How can I follow Jesus' instruction to love my neighbor the way I love myself if I don't know my neighbor?" – Katherine McNeil (25:39)
Beyond "Fearing Bravely": McNeil’s Literary Contributions
While Fearing Bravely is the focal point, McNeil also discusses her other works, which consistently blend theology with everyday experiences:
- "Long Days of Small Motherhood as a Spiritual Discipline" – Explores how the demands of caregiving complement spiritual practices, arguing that ordinary tasks can be avenues for divine encounter.
- "All Shall Be Well: Awakening to God's Presence in His Messy, Abundant World" – Uses the metaphor of the seasons to illustrate God's continuous presence and the invitation to perceive divine activity in the natural world.
- Upcoming "Mid Faith Crisis" – Set to address the challenges encountered during transitional faith periods, providing guidance for those questioning or struggling in their spiritual journeys.
Additionally, McNeil is the general editor for a forthcoming women’s devotional Bible, slated for a 2025 release through Nav Press. This project aims to infuse devotional material within the Bible itself, addressing topics often overlooked or traditionally interpreted from a male-centric perspective.
Notable Quote:
"We did not pull any punches. I'm extremely excited about that project, which is also coming out through Nav Press in 2025." – Katherine McNeil (37:19)
Engaging with Katherine McNeil
Listeners eager to connect with McNeil can visit her website at kathrynmcneil.com or follow her across social media platforms under the handle @kathrynmcneil. McNeil encourages ongoing dialogue, particularly around navigating fear and embodying love in various life contexts.
Notable Quote:
"I'm hoping to continue to spark conversation about what it looks like to represent God well and God's love in this world." – Katherine McNeil (40:28)
Conclusion: Embracing a Faith-Driven Response to Fear
Episode 429 concludes with Marty Solomon and Brent Billings expressing deep appreciation for McNeil’s insights and unwavering commitment to integrating theology with practical living. They commend her for challenging listeners to move beyond passive faith and actively engage in love-driven actions despite pervasive fear.
Notable Quote:
"Theology done well really changes everything." – Marty Solomon (36:31)
Closing Remarks: Listeners are encouraged to visit baymontastepshop.com for show notes and additional resources related to the episode. The conversation leaves audiences with a renewed sense of purpose to confront and transcend fear through the transformative power of love, as advocated by Katherine McNeil.
Key Takeaways:
- Fear vs. Love: Understanding the dual nature of fear and leveraging love as a transformative force in Christian life.
- Community Engagement: Building genuine relationships within one’s neighborhood as a practical application of theological principles.
- Theological Integration: Blending deep theological insights with everyday experiences to create actionable faith practices.
- Continued Learning: Exploring McNeil’s other works for further enrichment and guidance in navigating faith-related challenges.
For Further Information:
- Website: kathrynmcneil.com
- Social Media: @kathrynmcneil across various platforms
- Upcoming Projects: Women’s devotional Bible (2025), "Mid Faith Crisis"
This detailed summary encapsulates the essence of Episode 429, providing listeners and non-listeners alike with a comprehensive understanding of Katherine McNeil’s discussions on fear, love, and the intersection of theology with everyday life.