Darkness Didn't Win: A Father's Faith Through Excruciating Pain with Dr. Clark Bates
Darkness Didn't Win: A Father's Faith Through Excruciating Pain with Dr. Clark Bates  
Podcast: True Comfort
Published On: Fri Aug 29 2025
Description: In this episode of True Comfort, Teasi talks with Dr. Clark Bates who discusses his journey into studying textual criticism and then opens his heart to share a very tender and excruciating season in which he and his wife walked their daughter through extreme depression which led to self-harm and suicidal thoughts. There is truly no greater pain than the pain parents feel for their children—especially when we feel powerless to help them. But Clark and his wife clung tightly to their faith in God and His love for their family even when things made no sense and the pain was beyond compare.  Chapters00:00 Introduction to True Comfort and Guest Introduction02:51 Understanding Textual Criticism06:02 The Journey into Textual Criticism09:05 The Importance of Manuscripts11:54 The Reliability of the New Testament15:04 Personal Struggles and Family Challenges18:01 Navigating Difficult Times as a Family20:55 Finding Hope and Healing23:38 The Role of Faith in Crisis26:34 The Impact of Community and Support29:09 The Journey of a Daughter's Recovery31:52 The Importance of Scripture in Difficult Times34:41 Final Thoughts on Faith and Trust37:23 Encouragement for Those Struggling40:21 Conclusion and ResourcesTo learn more about Clark Bates visit https://facebook.com/clark.bates.9 and to support his family in their missions visit https://give.missionquest.org/missionary/250 To learn more about Teasi Cannon or to invite her to speak check out www.teasicannon.comTo get started on your own study of apologetics check out these recommended resources: General Apologetics — Teasi CannonFor an incredible 50% off deal on 200 educational slides from the late Norman Geisler (a tremendous way to get started learning philosophy, theology, and apologetics): go to https://ngim.org/store/ and use promo code NorMTeasi25 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988)