Sign in

Catherine McNiel

@catherinemcniel.bsky.social
1.8K followers 1.4K following 1.2K posts

✍️Author. Editor. Speaker. Chaplain. ⛪ ISO: beauty, wisdom, iced coffee. Often seen gardening. MDiv-ing @NPTSem. Please Bible Responsibly CatherineMcNiel.com

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Catherine McNiel
Banjo man @banjoman.bsky.social · 29/09/2025
If you’re free on October 9th at 6:30 PM EST you should join me on zoom with @catherinemcniel.bsky.social & Jason Hague for a chat about their book “Mid-Faith Crisis” I have found so much encouragement from the book & I think anyone going through periods of doubt & discouragement will too
021
Reposted by Catherine McNiel
Banjo man @banjoman.bsky.social · 05/10/2025
I am super excited to chat with @catherinemcniel.bsky.social & Jason Hague about their book mid-crisis Faith on zoom at 6:30 est on 10/9. Anyone can feel free to join the conversation. I love this quote as it’s a reminder that Jesus never changes even when the church gives a false perspective.
031
Catherine McNiel @catherinemcniel.bsky.social · 24/09/2025
When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” Jesus replied...
130
Catherine McNiel @catherinemcniel.bsky.social · 17/09/2025
Take a deep breath, friends. You are loved with an everlasting love.
091
Catherine McNiel @catherinemcniel.bsky.social · 17/09/2025
For the past week I've deeply pondered what to say in the midst of so much pain. This article, which I did not write, reflects all the words I was pondering. Whether you revered or resisted this man, would you read this short reflection? There is wisdom here we deeply need. tinyurl.com/2nj8xymr
tinyurl.com
We are remembering two different Charlie Kirks
The way we see Charlie Kirk, his life and death, and indeed, nearly everything, is determined less by the facts than by our personal paradigms. Less by the truth than by our algorithms. This past w…
4193
Catherine McNiel @catherinemcniel.bsky.social · 13/09/2025
Okay. Let's say I get a month of Netflix. What movies and shows should I prioritize that month?
510
Catherine McNiel @catherinemcniel.bsky.social · 12/09/2025
Do not take revenge, my dear friends...on the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12)
2222
Catherine McNiel @catherinemcniel.bsky.social · 11/09/2025
This friends. This. We absolutely must refuse to allow violence even in our language. We cannot go on insisting that our neighbors are our enemies. There is no future for any of us in this direction.
030
Catherine McNiel @catherinemcniel.bsky.social · 06/09/2025
Imagine how different church history and Christian identity would be if, over the centuries, we kept angry men and disputing men out of our congregations with even half the commitment that we've kept women out of leadership?
1203
Catherine McNiel @catherinemcniel.bsky.social · 06/09/2025
For how often 1 Timothy 2 is taken out of context to limit women's involvement in Christian community, it's funny how most people don't highlight what 1 Timothy 2 says about angry men and disputing men.
1120
Reposted by Catherine McNiel
Chise @sailorrooscout.bsky.social · 04/09/2025
In 1900, 31% of all deaths were children under the age of 5.  

Today it’s 0.7%.  

Vaccines, medications, and modern science are the reason why. Trust the science, it’s been proven to work safely and efficiently time and time again.
6360512011
Catherine McNiel @catherinemcniel.bsky.social · 04/09/2025
I'm old enough to remember when vaccine suspicion was a left-wing conspiracy theory. That was before it became a right-wing conspiracy theory. One of the worst things about being middle-aged is knowing firsthand just how much suffering is caused by foolishness.
0232
Catherine McNiel @catherinemcniel.bsky.social · 02/09/2025
When Jesus said the thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy, he wasn't actually referring to the devil... www.missioalliance.org/wolves-in-sh... @ivpress.bsky.social
missioalliance.org
Wolves in Shepherd's Clothing - Missio Alliance
"God makes clear he will rescue the sheep from the mouths of these wolves-in-shepherd’s clothing and care for them himself. In other words, God fights for the survivors."
031
Catherine McNiel @catherinemcniel.bsky.social · 30/08/2025
"It might be hard to believe Jesus’ vision for God’s kingdom, hard to believe that compassion and mercy will have the final word. It might be hard to believe that God is good some days, that God is love. And that’s okay. It’s okay if your faith feels small right now." From Mid-Faith Crisis
040
Catherine McNiel @catherinemcniel.bsky.social · 29/08/2025
I'm grateful for this thoughtful and thorough review of Mid-Faith Crisis in @christianitytoday.com "Because they write as fellow sojourners who name and validate the pain and confusion that often accompanies a life of faith, they establish themselves as trustworthy guides" t.co/1QsrLVR7bB
t.co
https://www.christianitytoday.com/2025/08/mid-faith-crisis-catherine-mcniel-jason-hague-finding-path-through-doubt-disillusionment-dead-ends/
011
Catherine McNiel @catherinemcniel.bsky.social · 27/08/2025
In his lecture today my (evangelical) Seminary prof stated that as a biblical literalist, he must view women in the Church as called/equipped for full leadership, since we see this so clearly in the New Testament. Furthermore, we must resist the syncretism of chauvinism and sexism.
41139
Catherine McNiel @catherinemcniel.bsky.social · 26/08/2025
After church harm, we're often asked to stay quiet, protect the mission. But God is on the side of the wounded and vulnerable—not the false teachers. We needn't keep quiet to protect God or God’s mission—God’s mission is to protect the flock from the wolves. www.missioalliance.org/wolves-in-sh...
missioalliance.org
Wolves in Shepherd's Clothing - Missio Alliance
"God makes clear he will rescue the sheep from the mouths of these wolves-in-shepherd’s clothing and care for them himself. In other words, God fights for the survivors."
0111
Catherine McNiel @catherinemcniel.bsky.social · 21/08/2025
Here's some news: www.washingtonpost.com/obituaries/2...
washingtonpost.com
James Dobson, evangelical leader behind Focus on the Family, dies at 89
Beginning in the late 1970s, he helped fuel the rise of the religious right, denouncing abortion and same-sex marriage through his radio show and nonprofit.
050
Catherine McNiel @catherinemcniel.bsky.social · 18/08/2025
Christianity is only in peril when Christians stop practicing love and give into fear and violence.
2202
Catherine McNiel @catherinemcniel.bsky.social · 18/08/2025
I will share this memory every year. 🤣
060
Catherine McNiel @catherinemcniel.bsky.social · 16/08/2025
There's nothing like the feeling of cleaning out a kitchen cupboard.... ...and finding piles of mouse droppings in the back. ("This is what I get for cleaning!" I shouted in disgust)
6420
Catherine McNiel @catherinemcniel.bsky.social · 14/08/2025
The introduction to this Devotional Bible is my favorite thing I've ever written. It poured out of me fully formed in one hour, at a Whole Foods cafeteria during my lunch break. If you want to know why I love this project, fought to bring it to life, read these pages. I think you will understand.
070
Catherine McNiel @catherinemcniel.bsky.social · 08/08/2025
I wrote Mid-Faith Crisis because we often follow leaders who are spiritually stunted in an immature stage of faith development. But I also wrote because something wonderful, beautiful, exists beyond the control of these false leaders. I want to walk *towards* this, together. Midfaithcrisis.com
midfaithcrisis.com
Mid-Faith Crisis (Coming June 3 from InterVarsity Press)
MidFaith Crisis: Finding a Path through Doubt, Disillusionment, and Dead Ends is a new book from Catherine McNiel and Jason Hague
020
Reposted by Catherine McNiel
NavPress @navpress.bsky.social · 07/08/2025
Scenes from our release party for The Message Women’s Devotional Bible! Thanks to all the friends who helped us celebrate!
041
Reposted by Catherine McNiel
David A. Zimmerman @dazimmerman.bsky.social · 07/08/2025
Congratulations to @olivia-eldredge.bsky.social and @catherinemcniel.bsky.social on the release of this one-of-a-kind Bible!
121
Reposted by Catherine McNiel
Rebecca Miller @flatheadmama.bsky.social · 05/08/2025
My work is in this! Excited to see it! Grateful to have worked with @catherinemcniel.bsky.social
021
Catherine McNiel @catherinemcniel.bsky.social · 05/08/2025
5 years. 320 devotionals. 52. character studies. 82 contributors. 1 devotional Bible highlighting women of the Bible who are too often overlooked, unnamed, objectified, or sexualized then and now. Being the Project Editor of the Message Women's Devotional Bible has been a gift. WE DID IT.
2232
Catherine McNiel @catherinemcniel.bsky.social · 04/08/2025
Oh friends. This project. I don't even have words to tell you what it means to me. But after almost five years, the Message Women's Devotional Bible releases tomorrow. www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5o_...
youtube.com
The Message Women’s Devotional Bible – Contributors
YouTube video by NavPress
111
Catherine McNiel @catherinemcniel.bsky.social · 04/08/2025
I need someone to discuss the ending of Playground with me. (Suffice to say, I hope there will be spoilers in the comments so if you haven't read it yet, don't look.)
020
Reposted by Catherine McNiel
Lisa Humphries @mtnmommaljh.bsky.social · 03/08/2025
Next book up! Just a bit into it, and already totally digging it!! Huzzah for @catherinemcniel.bsky.social!
1141
Catherine McNiel @catherinemcniel.bsky.social · 24/07/2025
A #MidFaithCrisis reader shared this screenshot of one of her favorite passages. It's one of my favorites, too. It comes from chapter 4 where I write more vulnerably than I ever have. I'd love to hear what you think.
371
Catherine McNiel @catherinemcniel.bsky.social · 16/07/2025
So many people of faith feel like they're hitting a crisis of faith they didn't plan for or expect. It's painful &real. So what do we do when everything crumbles? Jason Hague and I talk to Gravity Commons about #MidFaithCrisis this week. You can listen in! gravitycommons.com/podcast/jaso...
gravitycommons.com
Jason Hague & Catherine McNiel: Working Through a "Mid-faith Crisis" - Gravity Commons
Many of us embarked on our spiritual journeys filled with hope and certainty, only to find ourselves questioning the very foundation of our beliefs as life unfolded. The faith that once seemed unshake...
000
Catherine McNiel @catherinemcniel.bsky.social · 01/07/2025
Every country that has dehumanized a group of its residents felt it had important reasons. It's very difficult to rehumanize our neighbors once we have scapegoated them. The best time for us to turn around is already in the past, but the second best time is now. www.cnn.com/2025/07/01/p...
edition.cnn.com
Analysis: Trump’s visit to a migrant camp called ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ stirs dark echoes | CNN Politics
The name alone surely was enough to lure Donald Trump to Florida.
050
Catherine McNiel @catherinemcniel.bsky.social · 01/07/2025
I just took a whole stack of signed copies of Mid-Faith Crisis to the post office to mail. If you want me to mail one to you next time, let me know and I'll give you the details! (I promise the post office isn't as painful as the face I'm making suggests).
060
Catherine McNiel @catherinemcniel.bsky.social · 27/06/2025
TFW you open the texting app your children's elementary and middle schools have used to communicate with you for the past thirteen years ...but you get an error message BECAUSE ALL YOUR KIDS HAVE GRADUATED.
060
Catherine McNiel @catherinemcniel.bsky.social · 27/06/2025
What do you say when your heart is broken? How many different ways can I describe the same unmet requests? Language is one of God’s greatest gifts but there’s something else that comes first: presence." An excerpt from Mid-Faith Crisis, prayer after everything falls apart. tinyurl.com/335fhvud
open.substack.com
When we don't have the words
Thoughts on silence, solitude, and being with God
040
Catherine McNiel @catherinemcniel.bsky.social · 26/06/2025
I'm thrilled to see Mid-Faith Crisis reviewed by everyone's favorite bookseller, Hearts & Minds Bookstore. Read the whole newsletter here...and order your books from them! share.google/BwHdpnNNCU4m...
030
Catherine McNiel @catherinemcniel.bsky.social · 19/06/2025
You know the "How it started v. How it's going" meme? Well...what would you faith look like in a meme like that? A mid-faith crisis feels like a wilderness, you are most definitely not alone. What's your How it Started & How it's Going? If you'd like to share I'd love to hear.
230
Reposted by Catherine McNiel
Marissa Franks Burt @mburtwrites.bsky.social · 19/06/2025
Join me & @kkramermcginnis.bsky.social In the Church Library for a conversation with @catherinemcniel.bsky.social and Jason Hague, authors of the book Mid-Faith Crisis: Finding a Path Through Doubt, Disillusionment, and Dead Ends. @ivpress.bsky.social
241
Reposted by Catherine McNiel
The Englewood Review of Books @erbks.bsky.social · 18/06/2025
Mid-Faith Crisis was one of our starred new releases this month! Sounds like a great resource...
121
Catherine McNiel @catherinemcniel.bsky.social · 17/06/2025
Friends who use @youversion.bsky.social I wrote a 5-day reading plan based on our new book Mid-Faith Crisis! My publisher @ivpress.bsky.social told me it had 7000 subscribers in the first 10 days. If you search the app you should find it. Or you can look here: www.bible.com/reading-plan...
bible.com
Five Signs You're Having a Mid-Faith Crisis
You’ve heard of “mid-life crisis,” but what about a “mid-faith crisis”? We often assume our spiritual life will naturally grow into maturity without a hitch, so we’re shocked to discover ourselves in ...
141
Catherine McNiel @catherinemcniel.bsky.social · 16/06/2025
Unfortunately, I think this is absolutely true. I've noticed this for years. Why, do you think?
060
Catherine McNiel @catherinemcniel.bsky.social · 13/06/2025
Quick, somebody start that game where the last text you sent is the title of your tell-all memoir because currently the last text I sent was: Do you want my pasta or my wifi? What's yours?
27201
Reposted by Catherine McNiel
Persis 🙏🕊️📚🧶 @thecuriousreader.bsky.social · 10/06/2025
“we cannot earn love — or salvation — by rightness. We are not even asked to defend or prove God's existence by rightness, for Jesus said that the proof would be in our love.” Mid-Faith Crisis, pg. 139 @catherinemcniel.bsky.social & Jason Hague (I identify so much with this chapter. Every word. 💯😭)
Though we were implicitly taught otherwise, we cannot earn love — or salvation — by rightness. We are not even asked to defend or prove God's existence by rightness, for Jesus said that the proof would be in our love. The invitation before us is to walk away from formulaic narratives and into a more robust, mature story. Our destination isn't a new set of precepts and certainties, a new definition of who is "in" and who is "out." Our destination is more expansive than that, more life giving, and much more challenging to get to: resting in the love of God without having all the answers — or, possibly, any of the answers. We are infants in God's arms, and he has never asked us to transcend our mortal limits and attain omniscience or perfection.But to do this, we need to quiet our screaming nervous systems. Everything in how we are wired pushes against this,
desperate for the right answer, the certain path, the proof we are the ones who have it right, the ones who are accepted on the merit of our rightness. How do we learn to rest in unknowing, in mystery, in trust that God never claimed to judge us based on how well we score on a doctrinal test?
1102
Catherine McNiel @catherinemcniel.bsky.social · 08/06/2025
*ahem* I henceforth declare that from this day forward, the phrase "Star Wars Prequel Trilogy" will refer exclusively to the following: Andor Season 1 Andor Season 2 Rouge One
3463
Catherine McNiel @catherinemcniel.bsky.social · 07/06/2025
"When I turned on my computer this morning, I saw breaking news: another well-known Christian leader unveiled as an abuser." It turns out the Bible has A LOT to say about shepherds who consume rather than protect the sheep. enterthebible.org/woe-to-the-s...
enterthebible.org
Woe to the Shepherds
Catherine McNiel on Ezekiel's warning to abusive pastors, and words of promise to those who've been harmed.
1100
Catherine McNiel @catherinemcniel.bsky.social · 06/06/2025
I'm thrilled with how beautifully this excerpt of #MidFaithCrisis turned out. This is from one of the most personal (for me) chapters of the book... @ivpress.bsky.social annvoskamp.com/2025/06/how-...
annvoskamp.com
How to Pray, When Prayer Seems Really Confusing? - Ann Voskamp
You know, many of us embarked on our spiritual journeys filled with hope and certainty, only to find ourselves somedays with questions as the complexities of life unfolded. Do we still believe in pray...
161
Catherine McNiel @catherinemcniel.bsky.social · 05/06/2025
It always feels like such an honor when I get to peek over someone's shoulder as they read one of my books...
050
Reposted by Catherine McNiel
Persis 🙏🕊️📚🧶 @thecuriousreader.bsky.social · 05/06/2025
“I wanted the kind of resolution that would erase the need to keep on trusting Jesus…” Mid-Faith Crisis by @catherinemcniel.bsky.social and Jason Hague, pgs. 40-42. (Ouch and true. How much of what I was taught as a Christian were coping mechanisms because people were too afraid to process doubts?)
Anne Lamott put a finer point on it. "The opposite of faith is not doubt, but certainty. Certainty is missing the point entirely. Faith includes noticing the mess, the emptiness and dis-comfort, and letting it be there until some light returns.”Can you imagine all the stories of Jesus on earth that we'll never hear? But what we have been given is sufficient. Not for certainty, but for confidence. For faith.

One day, there will be no use for faith, for when everything is seen, then nothing will be unseen. There will be no need for brave determination to lean into the unknown. We will see not through a cloudy glass, but face to face.This is what I longed for the day I sat with Jeff. I wanted the kind of resolution that would erase the need to keep on trusting Jesus — a once-for-all assurance that no tragedy could shake. I wanted to go back to the days of youthful self-delusion, when I had amassed a proud arsenal of untested answers. But I knew it was too late. I had to let it go.
371
Catherine McNiel @catherinemcniel.bsky.social · 05/06/2025
Well, this is fantastic. englewoodreview.org/new-book-rel...
englewoodreview.org
New Book Releases – Week of 2 June– Catherine McNiel & Jason Hague
Here are a few new book releases that are worth checking out: Catherine McNiel & Jason Hague, Lydi Conklin, Lynne Olson, more...
071