Kate Bowler grew up in a Mennonite church and has spent her academic career studying the prosperity gospel, aka the belief that God wants you to do well in life. Ever heard the phrase, "Everything happens for a reason"? Yep, that's based in prosperity gospel! When Kate is told she has Stage 4 cancer, the diagnosis rocks her professional and personal world. Her illness is totally out of line with what she expected from faith, and it makes her begin to question her life's work. It’s easy to believe in a higher power when things are going well, but what about when everything turns to crap? Support our independent production (and get bonus content galore!) by joining TTFA Premium. We now offer tiers as low as $4.99 / month. Sign up. Our email subscribers get first dibs on ticket sales, new merch, show announcements and more. Join our mailing list here. Nora also writes sad & funny books! You can buy them here. Did you know we’re on TikTok? Yep, it’s true. Follow Nora. You can catch up with TTFA on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook using @ttfapodcast. Nora's Instagram is @noraborealis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices