Subscribe to this Podcast:
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
Annual & Monthly subscriptions available.
- Print & Digital Issues of CT magazine
- Complete access to every article on ChristianityToday.com
- Unlimited access to 65+ years of CT’s online archives
- Member-only special issues
- Learn more
Read These Next
- From the MagazineEric Liddell’s Legacy Still Tracks, 100 Years LaterWith his refusal to race on Sunday, the Scottish sprinter showcased a bigger story about Christians in sports.日本語
- Editor's PickN.T. Wright: What Jesus Would Say to the ‘Empire’ TodayHow Jesus and the Powers, cowritten with Michael F. Bird, calls Christians into the political sphere.