What happens when someone who wasn’t raised in church encounters Jesus in the real world?

In this episode of the Valor & Vision Podcast, I sit down with Constance Hastings — mental health counselor, author, and deep thinker — for a raw and honest conversation about faith, doubt, and the often-unspoken reality of church hurt.

Constance shares her powerful story of growing up in a non-religious home, how her personal experiences led her to faith, and why many common Christian narratives about Jesus deserve deeper examination. We talk about skepticism in the church, spiritual wrestling, emotional wounds, and why authenticity is critical for real healing.

We also dive into her book, “The Trouble with Jesus,” a thought-provoking exploration that challenges believers to move beyond clichés and engage their faith with honesty and courage.

If you’ve ever wrestled with doubt, struggled with church experiences, or wanted a deeper understanding of Jesus, this conversation is for you.

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Looking to get a hold of Constance Hastings, check out her website: https://www.constancehastings.com/

Her book: https://www.constancehastings.com/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Constance Hastings

02:17 Constance's Journey to Faith

11:47 The Trouble with Jesus

17:50 Addressing Church Hurt and Skepticism

23:22 The Reality of Brokenness

29:47 Writing the Book: Challenges and Insights

35:33 The Role of Evidence in Faith

42:35 Creating Safe Spaces in Churches

49:11 The Brutality of Life and Historical Context

51:53 Conclusion and Resources

54:01 ending credits VV.mp4

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