When Elizabeth graduated from a small Baptist college and began pursuing her master’s degree at a large public university, she found herself interacting with culture’s ideas related to gender and sexuality with a prevalence she had not experienced before.
“The climate of the university I attend is socially and politically charged, which often results in a combative approach by some organizations,” said Elizabeth. “It is often that I walk across campus seeing or hearing organizations pushing their agenda in a manner that is uninviting of any opposing view.”
Not only did she face political and socially charged dialogue among her peers and from student groups, but also in coursework and from the students she is teaching.
Elizabeth confided in her mom that she needed a resource to better equip her for these conversations, and her mom directed her to the ERLC Podcast series on gender and sexuality.
After her combative experience on the college campus, she was “surprised by its uplifting and encouraging nature.”
“Oftentimes, I associate politics with argument and hostility,” said Elizabeth. “I understand now that the ERLC is not at all like this, but rather demonstrates what happens when keeping Christ at the center and reflecting his love through Christian values and a Christ-like attitude.”
“The ERLC podcast has helped to give me confidence rooted in faith and the facts,” said Elizabeth. “The guest speakers who come in with specialized experience and knowledge on different subjects have helped me move beyond what I believe, to why I believe it.”
“I think my generation can be best helped with bite-sized and encouraging biblical resources like the ERLC Podcast. Entering the political conversation can be an uphill battle, and it needs to be a battle that we are prepared for.”
“We could also benefit from hearing well respected church leaders and spiritual mentors humbly speak about social issues and their personal experience. This would be both reassuring that we are on mission together and boost our confidence that we too can make a positive impact wherever God has placed us,” said Elizabeth. “Learning to take a strong stance without alienating those who oppose your ideas is a tedious task. Learning how to have quiet influence, cultivate relationships, and gain the respect of those who oppose your views is something young adults need help navigating.”
