Review of Birth In God's Presence - Good intentions, but

Good intentions, but questionable theology and potentially damaging.

☆

“I’m sorry to say I have to come back and edit my original (mostly positive) review. After listening to almost every last episode because I so crave a Christian birth podcast, there was just something that felt more and more off to me about the repeating premise and language used in each birth story. At first I thought it was just more charismatic and cliche sounding language than I’m used to. But after looking deeper into the theology this podcast promotes, it has become clear to me that it’s not super biblical (juuust biblical sounding/uplifting enough to sound legit). This idea of “taking authority” over pain and “commanding” certain outcomes into existence sounded like something wonderful but left me feeling skeptical despite having a strong faith in God and the power of the Holy Spirit myself...so I read the book Kierra is always referencing (Supernatural Childbirth) as well as some helpful reviews and commentary written about the book. I’m convinced that the reason there are no stories of infertility, loss, physically hard pregnancies or epidurals mentioned in any of these stories is because the “word of faith”/prosperity gospel being preached in both the book and this podcast would ultimately consider all of those things to be a failure of faith. I know Kierra would not say it that way...but she does repeatedly imply the inverse — that more faith = better outcomes. Like for example I was starting to wonder why almost EVERY last guest on the podcast got pregnant RIGHT away...as someone who struggled to conceive that really stuck out to me. Basically, it’s obvious that the stories have been handpicked to meet a very specific criteria, and it’s one that only a minuscule subset of the population can truly relate to or achieve. I have not found a single story of true infertility/loss or *gasp* epidural use on the podcast...but I’m pretty sure God is every bit as present in those scenarios as he is when the mama is fortunate enough to naturally experience no pain or avoid tearing or whatever other specific thing she asked for. In reading Supernatural Childbirth I found the author literally believes that all you need to do to “overcome” things like infertility and nausea and pain is to have enough faith to speak against it and God will fix it. This is such a hurtful claim to tell a Christian who has experienced infertility and physically crippling pregnancies who has prayed over and over for healing. I agree that God wants good things for us and that he is sovereign and powerful and hears our prayers, but nowhere in the Bible does it say we are entitled to the experience of heaven’s promises while living here in what is still a very broken world. Christ NEVER claimed his sacrifice would save us from pain and suffering! He actually said the opposite! I just feel that the podcast should have a different name, because God is present in pain every bit as much as when he chooses to take the pain away (and I find that it is much less common that he does choose to take it away). Anyway, I am pregnant with my second and instead of coming up with a wish list of perfect birth outcomes to “declare” to my already all-knowing Father, I will be praying that my heart is empowered to sense his presence and give all glory to him as I labor comfortably with my epidural. ;)”

ThadaMama930 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 04/30/19

More reviews of Birth In God's Presence

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Amazing

☆

“This podcast is a huge blessing!! This ministry is one that every mom or potential mom needs to be involved in. They are stories of encouragement. We are redeemed from the curse, and these are beautiful reminders of God's faithfulness to His children.”Read full review »

RachZ81 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 09/08/16

Momma of three

☆

“This is such an encouraging podcast! The best birth podcast out there. So thankful for a Jesus filled perspective!”

C Money 96 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/13/18

First time Christian mom

☆

“As a Christian woman being pregnant for the first time and early in my pregnancy this has been such a blessing to hear and learn from other mamas about their wonderful birth stories and how God removed fear and anxiety from their minds. So refreshing and uplifting. THANK YOU!”

Madidon Brooke via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 05/02/19

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