Part 1: Understanding Suffering and Breakthrough
Major and Minor Themes
In Part 1 of Major & Minor Themes, John Eldredge, Craig McConnell, Bart Hansen, and Gary Barkalow engage in a raw and personal conversation about suffering, disappointment, and how to interpret the struggles we face as followers of Christ.The team explores the concept of two central themes in the Christian life—what Francis Schaeffer termed the major and minor themes. The major theme represents the hope, triumph, and restoration promised to us through Jesus. The minor theme confronts the harsh realities of living in a broken world: loss, unanswered prayers, grief, and disappointment.This episode is deeply vulnerable, as the men share personal stories of grief, including John’s reflection on the loss of Brent Curtis, co-author of The Sacred Romance. They discuss how suffering, while never God’s preferred tool, can become redemptive when surrendered to Him. However, the invitation is always to move through suffering—not to dwell there.If you’ve found yourself resigned to the belief that “this is just how life is,” this conversation offers a different perspective: a compelling invitation to remember the promises of healing, breakthrough, and the resurrection life of Christ.
Part 2: Moving from Suffering to Freedom
Major and Minor Themes
Part 2 continues the conversation on suffering and healing, shifting the focus toward the major theme—the resurrection power of Jesus and the tangible healing He offers now.John Eldredge and the team delve deeper into what it means to resist resignation, recognize spiritual warfare, and ask God the right questions—not “why is this happening?” but “what do You want to do here, Lord?” Through stories of physical healing, emotional breakthroughs, and spiritual battles, the team testifies to the truth of Romans 8: the Spirit of life has set us free from the law of sin and death.This episode invites us to reclaim a Gospel that includes victory—that Jesus not only died but rose, and so shall we. It’s a call to fight for life, to invite God’s presence into our suffering, and to remember that the major theme of our story is not loss, but resurrection.If you’ve settled for mere survival, this episode will reignite your hope.