Website

Liz Cooledge Jenkins

Christian Theology Expert

Liz Cooledge Jenkins is a Christian Theology Expert based in Seattle, Washington. She is a freelance writer and preacher. Liz’s writing is focused at the intersections of faith, feminism, and social justice. She is the author of Nice Churchy Patriarchy: Reclaiming Women's Humanity from Evangelicalism. She also blogs at her own Substack, and has written for outlets such as Sojourners, The Christian Century, Premier Christianity, Christians for Social Action, Red Letter Christians, and Feminism & Religion. She worked as a Chaplain for King County Fire District in Burien Washington. Prior to that, she served as College Ministry Director at Peninsula Bible Church in Palo Alto, California.

Education

  • Master of Divinity, Fuller Theological Seminary
  • BS, Symbolic Systems, Stanford University

Certifications & Organizations

  • Ordained Elder, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A)
  • Her book reached the #1 spot in Amazon's Women's Spirituality category

Favorite Piece of Advice

Don't be afraid to ask big questions and keep looking for answers that resonate with you. Keep love and justice at the center as you do so. It's okay– really, it's healthy–for our beliefs to change over time, and I hope you find communities that embrace this!

wikiHow's Editorial Process wikiHow partners with over 1000+ experts from a wide range of fields to ensure our content is accurate and based on well-established research and testimony. Content Managers conduct interviews and work closely with each expert to review information, answer reader questions, and add credible advice. Learn more about our editorial process and why millions of readers trust wikiHow.

Q&A Comments (10)

Am I going to get punished for smoking weed?
There is no particular verse in the Bible that speaks of smoking marijuana, but many Christians look at broader biblical principles to determine if it is something they should do. The Bible teaches people to take care of their bodies, calling them "temples of the Holy Spirit." For some, this can also interpret the use of marijuana, especially if it's used recreationally to alter one's state of mind. Punishment in Christianity is not the same as in a legal system where certain actions lead to certain penalties. Instead, it is based on the relationship between an individual and God.
What else can I do to be more Holy?
Being holy also means you set apart in how you think, act, and treat others. One of the best places to start looking at living a more holy life is where Jesus taught his followers in the Sermon on the Mount. It’s full of practical ways to live differently, like showing mercy, being a peacemaker, and forgiving others, even when it’s hard. Also, think about how you treat people around you. Do you show kindness, patience, and generosity? Caring for the poor, comforting the hurting, and standing up for justice are all ways to live out holiness. It’s about looking at the world through God’s eyes and acting with compassion.
Why do bad things always happen?
Bad things happen in life, but that doesn’t mean God isn’t good or doesn’t care. But the good news is bad things don’t always happen, and God is always present, even in our worst moments. God doesn’t abandon us when life gets hard. Christianity teaches us that God draws even closer during the bad times, and Jesus knows what it feels like to be in difficult times. The promise of having His presence can be a comfort and strength when things are going bad. Remember that God can bring good out of the hardest situations. You will often see how God is working things out in ways you might not anticipate when you stay close to Him, even in the middle of challenges. The real hope in Christianity is that this broken world isn’t the end of the story. God has a plan to heal and restore everything, and those who trust in Him will one day experience a life free from suffering.
See more comments

Co-authored Articles (27)

100+ Heartfelt Birthday Wishes for a Pastor, Priest, or Minister

Plus, gift ideas to show your pastor your appreciationLooking for a heartfelt message to wish your pastor a happy birthday in a card or text? We’ve got you covered! In this article, we’re providing the ultimate list ...

85 Christian Birthday Wishes for a Friend or Family Member

Religious birthday wishes filled with love, hope, and faith Looking for a religious message or prayer to wish your loved one a happy birthday? We’ve got you covered! In this article, we’re providing the ultimate list...

Why Are Goats Associated With Satan?

Discover the significance of goats in Christianity & JudaismAside from the inverted pentagram (an upside-down star), the goat is one of the most prominent symbols associated with satanism. Part of this stems from its oc...

The Main Differences (& Similarities) Between Methodists & Baptists

Explaining the practices that unite and divide these Protestant traditionsEver wondered what the differences between the Methodist and Baptist denominations are? Both are considered branches of the Christian tree but hav...

Who were Eve and Lilith? The Myth of the Two “First Women”

Uncover the truth behind the two Judeo-Christian “first women”If you’re a fan of the show Lucifer (or just trying to brush up on your Old Testament knowledge), you may have heard of a woman named Lilith. She’s so...

What Is My Spiritual Gift Quiz

According to the Apostle Paul in Romans 12:3-8, all Christians are granted special spiritual gifts from God that allow them to be productive members of the Church, like prophecy, encouragement, and serving.. 12 November ...

Catholic Confession: How to Perform the Sacrament of Penance

How confession works and what you should say Confession can be a little intimidating, but it’s worth it to receive God’s grace and forgiveness. Remember that the priest is there to help, not judge, and that there’s...

Signs of a Lukewarm Christian & How to Dedicate Your Life to God

What the Bible says about lukewarm faith and how to repentLukewarm Christians consider themselves members of the church, but may not truly dedicate their lives to God. If you're feeling numb and inactive about your faith...

Are God and Jesus the Same? An In-Depth Look

Answers to all of your questions about God, Jesus, and the Holy SpiritIf reading about God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit makes your head spin, you’re definitely not alone. Agnostics and lifelong Christ...

Cannabis in the Bible: How to Decide Whether or Not Smoking Weed Is a Sin

Helping you determine if Christians can smoke weed based on Bible verses As marijuana use becomes more and more mainstream, many Christians find themselves wondering: is smoking weed a sin? What does the Bible say about ...

How to Choose a Baptism or Christening Name

Saints names, angel names, and other Christian namesBaptism is a sacrament often received by infants several months after they’re born, particularly in denominations of Christianity (including Catholicism), and it invo...

How to

Be Holy

Devote your life to God and your fellow manInstead of striving for fame, fortune, or material happiness, Christians must strive for holiness. Holiness comes from God, and as such, one must first understand God's holines...

How Many Times Is Love in the Bible?

Take a look at some of the most common words used in the BibleThere’s no denying that the Bible is chock full of words—over 770,000 of them, in fact, depending on which translation you’re reading! With so much text...

How to

Believe in God

As similar as some views of God may be, building a relationship with God is a quest an individual must take for oneself. This personal quest does not necessarily mean Christianity, any of the Abrahamic faiths, or any oth...

105+ Baptism Quotes, Verses & Blessings

Welcome them into your faith community with these loving messages A baptism is a special day in a person’s faith journey, whether they’re baptized as an infant or decide to take the plunge (potentially literally) as ...

What Does “Blessed Beyond Measure” Mean?

Learn how and why God’s blessings are infiniteYou’ve likely heard the words “blessed beyond measure” in church, but what do they mean exactly? “Blessed beyond measure” is a common Christian saying that descri...

Can You Get to Heaven with Tattoos?

Is your body art a barrier to getting into heaven? Whether you’ve seen the ridiculous meme or are simply curious about the relationship between tattoos and Christianity, one thing’s for sure: tattoos can definitely b...

How to

Know That You Are Going to Heaven As a Christian

Surely, knowing where you will be after you die is the most important thing you will ever need to be sure of. And this is the short, simple answer for how to get to heaven: Jesus. He said, ''"I am the way, the truth, a...

How to

Confess Sins

Do you seek repentance for all your sins? Do you want our Lord to forgive you for all your trespasses? While not all religions have a formal process for confessing your sins like the Catholic Church, atonement is a major...

How to Recognize a Bad Pastor and How to Take Action

Your church leaders are supposed to be sources of solitude and strength—how, then, do you deal with a pastor who doesn’t seem to be right for the job? Bad church leadership can lead to a bad church, and ultimately, ...
See more articles