Most Christians would probably say that relaxing in the presence of God sounds like a beautiful idea. But do we know how to do that? And do we understand what gets in our way?

On this episode of Being Human, Steve Cuss helps listeners identify the reactivity in their lives that keeps them from experiencing connection with God, themselves, and others. He walks through a brief history of systems theory, noting the key figures who have built a body of work exploring how relational dynamics affect us. He explains the ways that ego drives decision-making, how to recognize and respond to stuck patterns, and what it looks like to “get off the treadmill” of expending energy and effort on trying harder. 

Cuss shares stories from Scripture, history, and his own life that shed light on how to look at the nature of our beliefs. And he digs down to the surprising roots of the word “gospel,” illuminating the ways that only Christianity has a God who sacrifices that humanity might benefit.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

• Bowen Family Systems Theory
• Edwin H. Friedman
• Generation to Generation: Family Process in Church and Synagogue by Edwin H. Friedman
• Managing Leadership Anxiety: Yours and Theirs by Steve Cuss
• Gregory Bateson
• Margaret Mead
• Mental Research Institute
• The False Self
• Pax: War and Peace in Rome’s Golden Age by Tom Holland
• Virgil
• Timothy Keller
• Faith Within Reason by Herbert McCabe

“Being Human with Steve Cuss” is a production of Christianity Today

Executive Produced by Erik Petrik and Mike Cosper

Produced and Edited by Matt Stevens

Associate Producers: McKenzie Hill, Raed Gilliam, and Abby Perry

Theme song by Dan Phelps

Original Music by Andy Gullahorn

Mix Engineer: Kevin Morris

Graphic Design: Amy Jones

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