How Do Christians Cope with Depression? with Alan Noble

Alan Noble is an Associate Professor of English at Oklahoma Baptist University. He has contributed articles to prestigious publications such as The Atlantic, The Gospel Coalition, First Things, and Christianity Today. He is the author of three books, with his most recent work being "On Getting Out of Bed: The Burden and Gift of Living." His academic interests and writings often explore the intersections of literature, faith, and mental health.

Episode Summary:
Rebecca interviews Dr. Alan Noble, an Associate Professor of English at Oklahoma Baptist University, about his latest book "On Getting Out of Bed." They discuss the profound connections between faith, mental health, literature, and the human experience. Alan emphasizes that while contemporary culture often encourages introspection to the point of self-absorption, the Christian faith invites individuals to find meaning and purpose beyond themselves.

Key Takeaways:

• Christianity provides a unique explanatory power for suffering, purpose, and human experience.
• Support from a compassionate community is crucial for those dealing with mental health issues.
• The Christian faith offers fundamental objective truths that challenge the inward focus encouraged by contemporary culture.
• Meaning and purpose in life are reaffirmed by the unchanging love and sacrifice of Jesus, providing hope for all circumstances.

Notable Quotes:

• "Anxiety and depression like to tell you to turn inward on yourself and fold in, but what you need is your world to get bigger." - Alan Noble
• "There's a profound witness in embracing life and living it for God, even in the midst of suffering." - Alan Noble
• "We can't stop being useful to God because he never made us to be useful in the first place." - Alan Noble

Follow: Alan on Instagram.

Purchase Alan's new book: On Getting Out of Bed: The Burden and Gift of Living

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• Confronting Christianity: 12 Hard Questions for the World's Largest Religion
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• Jesus though the Eyes of Women: How the First Female Disciples Help Us Know and Love the Lord
• No Greater Love: A Biblical Vision for Friendship
• Confronting Jesus: 9 Encounters with the Hero of the Gospels

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Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠