Today we’re talking about why loving our neighbor feels so hard. My guests, professors Katherine Douglas and Brittany Tausen, pair practical theology with social psychology to show why hurry, scarcity, and shame block empathy and how small, unhurried choices can change everything. If you’ve ever thought, “I want to love people well, but I’m overwhelmed,” this episode is a gentle, doable reset toward Jesus-shaped love.
In this episode Jill welcomes two friends and scholars who unite theology and psychology to help us actually love our neighbors. From Seattle Pacific University to a new season at Baylor, Katherine and Brittany unpack how situational obstacles (hurry, overload), emotions (avoidance, fear), and cognition (scarcity, labels) quietly distract us from empathy. Brittany and Katie offer shame-free, practical shifts: leave early so you can notice people, choose proximity over assumptions, and treat discomfort as spiritual formation, not failure. You’ll hear stories about students engaging in a local encampment, a 40-day “loving better” challenge, and how art, lament, and everyday practices shape faith. If loving like Jesus feels too complicated, this conversation gives you language, tools, and hope to start small and stay faithful.
And as always, we start off the episode with what is bringing us joy and we know you will be so encouraged by this conversation. Listen free on Apple or Spotify, and join us on Patreon for an extended version of this episode as well as exclusive content!
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Brittany and Katie’s Website
Brittany and Katie on Instagram
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Halfway to Sunday is a weekly conversation on life and faith with your friends. We are so glad you’re here!
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SHOW NOTES
Psalm 88 – honest lament in suffering (children’s message reference)
“Love your neighbor” – Jesus’ command framing the episode’s call to action (Mark 12:31)
Bible Resources:
The Journaling Bible I use | Bible Highlighters | Annotating Tabs | **affiliate links
Other Episodes That May Be Helpful:
Episode #75 You’ve Heard it Said…But What Does Jesus Say? w/ Thomas West
Episode #74 Proximity Over Performance w/ Terence Lester
Episode #72 Bearing Witness to Brave Faith w/ Kurt Ver Beek
Episode #59 Loyal in His Love: How Jesus Heals What People Break w/ Tabitha Panariso
Episode #53 Faith Isn’t Fragile w/ Erin Moon
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