Episode 95. Can I Say That? (Brenna Blain)

Many Christians are deconstructing their faith because of unvoiced questions—questions that, when not voiced, can feel like they’re too much for God. In this episode — and her new book Can I Say That? — Brenna Blain addresses questions about her own wrestlings with what felt like “unsafe questions” on the issues she’s faced in her life like mental health challenges, suicidality, same-sex attraction, church hurt, miscarriage, and more.

ABOUTBrenna Blain is a contemporary theologian from the Pacific Northwest and is most passionate about God’s involvement in our pain and personal struggles, including mental illness, same-sex attraction, and abuse. In her book, Can I Say That? she brings her fresh voice to those who feel unsafe or unwelcome in the church, acknowledging the incongruity between the church's actions and believers' lived experiences. As a Bible teacher and an advocate for those who have experienced abuse, molestation, and mental health crises, she creates space for readers to be radically honest and ask tough questions—Am I safe here? Why does your presence feel so lonely, God?—while pointing them to biblical, foundational truth.