Author Lisa Fields Presents "When Faith Disappoints" -- Dean's Speaker Series
From the Pepperdine Caruso Law Office of Diversity and Belonging:
In recent months, the Pepperdine Caruso School of Law and the broader Pepperdine University community have faced challenges that have tested our faith. From the devastation brought by the wildfires to the uncertainties and personal struggles that arise because of them, these experiences have required us to lean into our shared principles of faith, service, and community more than ever before.
In the face of these challenges, our community has risen to the occasion with grace and love. This response has been a testament to the values that define us: unity in diversity, strength in faith, and resilience in the face of adversity. True belonging is not measured during times of ease but is most evident in moments of difficulty. It is during these moments that our bonds are tested and strengthened, as we come together to support, encourage, and uplift one another.
Recently, our community had the privilege of hosting Lisa Fields, author of When Faith Disappoints: The Gap Between What We Believe and What We Experience. Her visit was a timely reminder of the power of asking hard questions and leaning into moments of doubt. Fields’s message resonated deeply with our students and faculty, as she emphasized that questioning God or struggling with faith is not a sign of weakness but a pathway to growth. It is often through these moments of wrestling with doubt that our faith deepens and our purpose becomes clearer.
Her insights are particularly relevant to the challenges we have faced as a community. The wildfires have forced us to confront uncertainty and loss, testing our faith and resilience. Fields reminded us, faith is not about avoiding difficulty but about finding God’s presence within it. It is about holding fast to hope, even when the path forward feels unclear.
At the Office of Diversity and Belonging, we believe that belonging is rooted in the commitment to stand together, even when the ground beneath us feels unsteady. Belonging is about creating a space where people feel seen, heard, and valued, especially in their moments of vulnerability. It is about fostering a community where questions, doubts, and struggles are met with compassion and support.
The engagement and thoughtfulness displayed during the Q&A session with Fields, led by Dean Paul Caron, was a beautiful reflection of this spirit. The candid questions posed by our students, and Fields’s thoughtful responses, highlighted the beauty of a community that values dialogue, growth, and authenticity. This willingness to engage in meaningful conversations—even about difficult topics—is part of what makes Pepperdine unique.
As we continue to navigate the challenges before us, let us hold fast to the principles that bind us together: faith, service, and community. Let us lean into our shared commitment to unity, and let us strive to be a place where everyone feels they belong—not despite the trials we face, but because of how we rise together through them.