What’s at the root of doubt in Christianity? With Lisa Fields & Mark Matlock

Summary

In this episode of the Urbana podcast, hosts Mark Matlock and Phoebe Jeske are joined by Lisa Fields, founder and CEO of the Jude 3 Project and author of When Faith Disappoints. The conversation opens with reflections on the challenges facing Gen Z—particularly rising rates of anxiety, depression, and loneliness on college campuses. Mark and Phoebe discuss how the overwhelming influx of information and societal pressures have shaped a generation searching for deeper purpose and direction.

Lisa Fields brings a fresh and emotionally intelligent approach to Christian apologetics, addressing the core question: "Does Christianity work?" She explains that many young adults today are skeptical of the faith's practical value and are searching for authenticity and transformation rather than mere dogma. Drawing from her own journey navigating doubt during college, Lisa emphasizes that arguments about faith often mask deeper questions of pain, identity, and hope. She encourages leaders and students alike to look beyond intellectual debates and to address the underlying emotional and existential concerns people carry—including longing for self-worth, purpose, protection, pleasure, and peace.

Lisa highlights the critical importance of embodying hope and living out authentic, joy-filled relationships, arguing that this observable transformation is what draws others to the faith. She challenges Christians to shift from "winning arguments" to "winning people" by empathizing with root causes and living as evidence that the gospel truly works. The episode wraps with encouragement to embrace vulnerability and purpose as pathways to healing and genuine community!

Show Notes

(00:00) Introduction

(05:29) Vocation as a Tree Concept

(06:20) Finding Your Purpose Through Prayer

(13:11) Does Christianity Work?

(17:55) Generation Tension: Revival and Retreat

(22:37) Understanding Atheist Motivations

(24:52) Boredom in Christianity

(27:26) Faith, Protection, and Syncretism

(31:37) Living and Sharing Faith Authentically

(36:25) Reframing Christianity Relationally

(40:40) Countercultural Faith in Action

(42:23) Embracing Imperfection in Christian Communities

(45:05) Closing Thoughts

Links

Mark Matlock

Phoebe Jeske

Urbana

Urbana YouTube

Lisa Fields

Jude 3 Project