16 - Is Your Jesus Too American? (w/ Steve Bezner)
Nov 27, 2024
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Steve Bezner, Senior Pastor of Houston Northwest Church and author of 'Your Jesus Is Too American', dives deep into how American culture shapes perceptions of Jesus. He discusses his inspiration for the book and emphasizes the need for the Church to reflect the kingdom of God. Bezner challenges the norm of power dynamics in leadership, advocating for serving others. He also explores the intersection of faith, economics, and political engagement, urging Christians to seek justice with empathy. Prepare for a thought-provoking conversation!
Steve Bezner's book advocates for a Christianity that transcends cultural boundaries, urging believers to reflect Kingdom values beyond American individualism.
The discussion emphasizes the importance of community in embodying Christian values, suggesting that collective experiences enhance individual faith and generosity.
Bezner addresses the role of power in advocacy, promoting a redeemed vision that prioritizes benevolence and support for marginalized communities over control.
Deep dives
Exploring the Call to the Kingdom
The podcast discusses Dr. Steve Besner's book, which emphasizes the idea that the teachings of Jesus transcend cultural boundaries, including American culture. It argues that the essence of Christianity should not be confined to any single nationality or culture but should reflect the broader values of the Kingdom of Heaven. This perspective was born out of a sermon series aimed at directing the church back to the Sermon on the Mount after a period of cultural distractions during the COVID-19 pandemic. By focusing on the radical and counter-cultural messages of Jesus, the book aims to inspire individuals and church leaders to realign their lives and teachings with the core principles of Jesus' ministry.
The Power of Optimism in Faith
Dr. Besner conveys a message of optimism about the future of the church, suggesting that believers should hold onto hope grounded in scripture as they navigate a tumultuous cultural landscape. He points out that the church should embody life and hope, countering the prevailing narratives of gloom often found in religious circles. This optimistic foundation is rooted in the belief that God ultimately aims for life, not death, and trusting in His promises can lead to transformative change in both individuals and communities. Dr. Besner believes that this hopeful outlook is essential for inspiring positive action and genuine faith among believers.
Community vs. Individualism
The podcast highlights the inherent tension between American individualism and the communal nature of Christian faith. Dr. Besner illustrates that acts of generosity and love are often more easily accomplished within a community, as members support and encourage one another. By focusing on collective experiences, such as participating in shared challenges, individuals can more fully live out their faith and exhibit the teachings of Christ. He argues that true Christian living is best realized through communal engagement rather than isolation, emphasizing that personal faith should thrive within a supportive network of fellow believers.
Understanding Power and Influence
The discussion touches on the complex nature of power in relation to advocacy and influence within society. Dr. Besner emphasizes that power itself is not inherently negative, but rather the intent and application of that power can lead to either benevolent or corrupt outcomes. He advocates for a redeemed vision of power, which prioritizes using influence to uplift and protect the marginalized and the weak. By understanding advocacy as a means of doing good rather than seeking control, believers can engage in the political process while remaining true to their gospel values.
The Challenge of Money and Generosity
A significant theme discussed is Jesus' radical teaching on finances and generosity, which contrasts sharply with contemporary attitudes towards wealth and capitalism. Dr. Besner argues that while capitalism has its merits, the underlying issue often lies in the greed that can accompany wealth accumulation. In contrast to this, Jesus advocated for a lifestyle of generosity and care for the less fortunate, which fosters true community and connection. The podcast encourages listeners to reconsider their relationship with money and to align their financial practices with the values of the Kingdom of God, focusing on supporting those in need rather than seeking personal gain.
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
For more information on the Christian Life Commission visit our webpage (texasclc.org), and follow us on Facebook (@TexasCLC) and Instagram (@txclc).
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