"We've Got the American Jesus" w/Steve Bezner

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: [email protected] this conversation, Josh Burtram and Will Wright interview Steve Bezner, the senior pastor of Houston Northwest Church, about his book 'Your Jesus is Too American.' They discuss the problem of American culture co-opting the teachings of Jesus in the American church and the need to prioritize kingdom values over cultural conformity. They explore the tension between American patriotism and Christian faith, the influence of pastors in shaping interpretations of the Bible, and the redefinition of success in the church to align with Jesus' teachings. In this conversation, Steve Bezner discusses the intersection of faith, patriotism, and politics. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships and embodying the teachings of Jesus in order to bring positive change to communities. Bezner addresses the issue of Christian nationalism and cautions against imposing extreme Christian morality on the nation. He hopes that his book, 'Your Jesus is Too American,' will inspire everyday Christians to prioritize following Jesus and lead to stories of racial reconciliation and radical generosity.Buy the Book: Your Jesus Is Too American: Calling the Church to Reclaim Kingdom Values over the American Dream: https://a.co/d/h251XS4Guest Bio:Steve Bezner has been the Senior Pastor of Houston Northwest Church since January 2013. His passion is to see Houston—and the world—become more like Heaven as people become more like Jesus.Steve loves to preach, teach, write, and speak about the Bible in a way that is easy to understand but also challenges people to live the life that God has designed for each of them. In Houston, Steve works to foster collaboration between local churches, serving on the board of the Houston Church Planting Network (to start new churches locally) and Houston Pastors United We Stand (to foster racial reconciliation). He also works through Glocalnet to build bridges with other faiths in the city, particularly Jews and Muslims.Steve is passionate about training other pastors. He works with World Hope Ministries International to train pastors in remote global locations, coaches planters and pastors, and teaches seminary occasionally.  Support Sarah Stankorb’s work and preorder Damned If She Does: Why Women Quit Church and What It Means for the Future of Religion, Releases September 15, 2026.  Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/112456/9798889837091Website: https://www.sarahstankorb.com/Support the showKeep the conversation going.Want to learn more about Faithful Politics, suggest a future guest, or connect with us directly?Visit our website:faithfulpoliticspodcast.comBrowse our bookstore, featuring books from many of our guests:faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/bookstoreSupport the show and help us keep these conversations going:patreon.com/cw/FaithfulPoliticsSubscribe for behind-the-scenes content, reflections, and updates:faithfulpolitics.substack.comContact the hosts:Josh Burtram, Faithful Host: [email protected] Wright, Political Host: [email protected] Faithful Politics:Instagram: faithful_politicsFacebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast