Faith vs Anxiety - Dr. Anita Phillips w/ Dr. Alicia Hodge

·1 hr 2 min·5 clips

Pastor Touré introduces a psychologist who specializes in anxiety after God told him to teach about it.

The episode begins with Pastor Touré Roberts introducing the topic of anxiety, prompted by a divine message and the presence of guest Dr. Alicia Hodge, a psychologist specializing in anxiety. Touré sets a biblical framework using 1 Kings 18, where Elijah confronts the prophets of Baal, drawing parallels to modern anxiety. Dr. Hodge joins to discuss three key areas: compulsive religious behavior, where rituals become fear-driven; avoiding rest and joy, linked to hypervigilance and trauma; and catastrophic thinking, which undermines hope. Touré shares personal anecdotes, such as his ritual of touching planes, to illustrate how faith can devolve into anxiety. Dr. Hodge offers practical techniques, including square breathing and sensory grounding, to manage anxiety. The conversation explores theological themes, like God's dominion versus control, and challenges perfectionism in faith. Touré reads scriptures from Philippians and Galatians to emphasize love, joy, and peace as antidotes to anxiety. They advise bringing emotions to God and practicing humility. The episode ends with the Lord's Prayer as a model for anxiety-free prayer, and Touré promotes his other podcast, The Called.

As heard by us

A church teaching frames rest, stillness, and unstructured prayer as a faith-rooted answer to busy thoughts.

Faith and rest come together in a church teaching that treats pausing as a real part of spiritual life. The episode is strongest when it stays close to the plain mechanics of rest: setting a timer, taking 10 minutes, letting the mind move without forcing it, and picturing a…

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Why you'd press play

Need a calmer mind? You get a timer, L.A. water, and an invitation to sit with God.

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