In this episode of the Spiritual Brain Surgery Podcast, Dr. Lee Warren introduces guest host Jon Seidl for an enlightening discussion on the theology of suffering.

Jon, author of Finding Rest: A Survivor's Guide to Navigating the Valleys of Anxiety, Faith, and Life, dives deep into his personal experiences of dealing with anxiety and OCD. He shares insights on interpreting life’s hardships through a faith-based lens and challenges the prosperity gospel's approach to suffering. Jon emphasizes the importance of having a correct theology of suffering, relating it to his upbringing and theological journey. Using the Book of Job as a critical reference point, he explains how suffering brings individuals closer to God and ultimately serves for their good and God’s glory. Jon also opens up about his recent struggles, including battling alcoholism, and stresses the importance of an active, ongoing relationship with Jesus for true healing and understanding. The episode rounds off with practical advice for cultivating a deep, consistent faith life.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest Host

01:29 Jon Seidl's Background and Book

02:29 Understanding a Proper Theology of Suffering

04:54 Challenging Prosperity Gospel Beliefs

08:29 Personal Struggles and Faith

11:02 Reggie White and the Question of Suffering

14:55 Defining a Proper Theology of Suffering

19:22 Living with Anxiety and OCD

23:23 The Role of Lament in Faith

25:48 Miraculous Healing and Faith

26:32 The Power of Lament in Psalms

27:21 The Book of Job: Understanding Suffering

29:12 Job's Trials and God's Glory

34:45 Questioning vs. Asking God Questions

37:29 Personal Struggles and Sanctification

40:45 Cultivating a Relationship with God

43:16 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Resources and Links:

• Our sponsor for this episode is TImeline: Visit timeline.com, and use the discount code leewarren for 10% off your first order of MitoPure!
• Jon Seidl's website
• Click here to subscribe to Jon's powerful, daily writing on Substack
• Follow Jon on Instagram
• Sign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here!

• (00:32) - Introduction to Suffering
• (02:20) - The Theology of Suffering
• (09:02) - The Influence of Upbringing
• (14:21) - Personal Struggles and Growth
• (22:14) - Finding God Through Pain
• (27:38) - Lessons from the Book of Job
• (37:12) - The Importance of Relationship
• (42:28) - Cultivating a Relationship with Jesus
• (44:12) - Conclusion and Call to Action