Since The Outsider Interviews has been released, Todd, Craig and I have been interacting with a number of journalists. I thought you might enjoy reading the Q&A I recently engaged in with one interviewer.

What did you learn about Christians from these interviews?

“Like normal humans, they come in all shapes and sizes – in general they’re well intentioned but lack insight which in and of itself isn’t so bad but when coupled with a devotion to “certainty”can create mean spirited, arrogant people – nothing like Jesus was aiming for”

What did you learn about people outside the Christian faith?

Same as Christians (which says more about Christians than Non Christians) they’re burdened with the same biases and confidence in “certainty” but when you find one who is humble and curious it’s like finding the treasure
hidden in the field Jesus mentioned

What/who was the most interesting/surprising experience/person you encountered during this experiment?

Rio in Denver – on the face of things she appeared to be the most on fire Christian we encountered which she probably was at one time in her life. Hearing the painful journey she has been on since coming out as being gay was disturbing, heartbreaking and revealing. Her unwillingness to make a commitment to being gay for life made her even more fascinating. Lots for Christians to learn in that interview

What are some practical ways to nurture and engage in real conversation with people outside our faith?

1) Be open to being influenced by THEM
2) Be transparent about what you truly believe
3) Ask more questions about them instead of their beliefs (those are things we adopt to make us feel and appear smarter, more powerful and in charge of things)
4) Tell them about your doubts, failures ( meaning give them some ammo they can use against you and then watch if they do)
5) Ask them these questions…
a) What would you say to Christians if you thought they would listen (then
take notes)
b) How do you navigate life spiritually (or not)
c) How are you? (then put something in your mouth and listen

Tags: Craig Spinks, Gay, Rio, The Outsider Interviews, Todd Hunter