Erica Campbell & Dr. Freddie Haynes Discuss Faith & Mental Health
Erica Campbell and Dr. Freddie Haynes Discuss Faith, Mental Health, & Inclusion
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On a recent episode of Get Up Mornings with Erica Campbell, Erica welcomed Reverend Dr. Freddie Haynes III, senior pastor of Friendship West Baptist Church in Dallas, for an in-depth discussion. The conversation touched on crucial topics, from mental health to the role of faith in civic duty, as well as the ongoing divide within the church on issues like LGBTQ+ inclusion and reproductive rights.
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Dr. Haynes emphasized the importance of mental health, especially for those within the Black community during these trying times. He advised listeners to “guard [their] mental health” and take breaks from the constant influx of news. “The craziness can drive you crazy,” he said, encouraging deep breathing, meditation, and moments of silence as essential practices for spiritual grounding and clarity. “Faith without works is dead,” he reminded, highlighting the need for civic engagement alongside faith.
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Campbell then shifted the focus to divisions within the church, particularly on issues surrounding pro-choice beliefs and LGBTQ+ acceptance. She raised the question of how Christians can “draw somebody to Jesus” if they’re simultaneously ostracizing them. Dr. Haynes responded by quoting the Bible’s message of inclusivity: “God so loved the world…God did not send his son into the world to condemn…but that the world through him might be saved.” He noted that this boundless love should shape how people interact with others and cast their votes.
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To underscore this point, Dr. Haynes shared a quote from Bishop William Barber, critiquing those who “major in what [Jesus] minored in,” often fixating on topics Jesus mentioned sparingly while overlooking his teachings on justice, poverty, and compassion. “He said a whole lot about love,” Dr. Haynes added, urging Christians to prioritize what Jesus truly focused on.
Listeners can expect more from Reverend Dr. Haynes as he continues the conversation on Get Up Mornings with Erica Campbell.
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