Interview - Selika Ducksworth-Lawton

In a thought-provoking episode of the No BS Bishop podcast, Bishop Randy Dean and historian Selika Ducksworth-Lawton explore the struggles of modern Christianity. Bishop Dean highlights a significant decline in evangelicalism, attributing it to the church's reluctance to engage in "adult conversations" about issues like race, LGBTQ+ rights, and gender roles.

Ducksworth-Lawton, a Black Catholic and civil rights historian, shares her unique perspective, drawing from personal experiences of integration in the South and discussing the historical intertwining of faith and social justice movements. She underscores the importance of seeking common humanity through dialogue, contrasting it with the divisiveness often seen in contemporary discourse.

The discussion delves into the "hubris of certainty" prevalent in some religious circles, where a lack of challenge can lead to insular views. Both guests advocate for a faith that is open to scrutiny and engagement with diverse perspectives, arguing that true faith should be robust enough to withstand exposure to differing ideas. They emphasize the need for Christianity to move beyond performative beliefs and instead focus on action and service, as exemplified by the Sermon on the Mount.