16 - Is Your Jesus Too American? (w/ Steve Bezner)

In today's episode of What is Good, Katie and John talk to CLC Commissioner and senior pastor of Houston Northwest Church, Dr. Steve Bezner about his new book Your Jesus is Too American. We find out what led him to write this book, discuss some of the main ideas, and of course ask him "What is Good?" Join us for this challenging and thoughtful discussion.

TIMESTAMPS:

2:25 - Katie asks Steve how he first come up with the idea for this book.

5:05 - John asks Steve about the overall tone of the book. Was it intentionally optimistic?

8:40 - Steve provides an overall summary of what the book is about - helping the Church look more like the kingdom of God.

12:12 - John asks Steve about the importance of community and asks him to expound on the idea in his book of "collective effervescence."

19:14 - If Jesus redefines leadership as serving rather than wielding power, how should Christians view the opportunities to obtain power (for example, politically) in order to effect change?

28:03 - How do we reconcile the capitalistic mentality of America with what Jesus had to say about finance?

31:30 - Katie asks Steve to expound on his vision of Christian political involvement, which involves prophecy, embodiment, and participation.

37:00 - Katie shares her thoughts on Steve's chapter on suffering. Steve and John respond.

40:27 - Announcement! Advocacy Day is coming March 3-4, 2025, and Steve is one of our keynote speakers!

43:00 - What is Good?

49:25 - Outtakes

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