David Gushee - author, ethicist and global influencer - returns to talk about his new book entitled The Moral Teachings of Jesus: Radical Instruction in the Will of God. Professor Gushee, like Ken, interacts with many folks of all ages and stages who have become disillusioned with Christianity - particularly the evangelical version that has become identified with political conservatism. Often, while deconstructing religion, these same people will report - Jesus’ life and teaching remain relevant and compelling. Ken takes the opportunity to ask some questions he’s had for a long time: Why did my tradition focus way more on Paul than Jesus? Since the four gospels were written years after Jesus, how can we rely on them as an accurate account of the teachings of Jesus? Has the “Great Commission” in Matthew 28 been misrepresented and misunderstood to justify colonialism? Imperialism? To make the world like us? What about Matthew 25? Was Jesus influenced by the community at Qumran? Ken and Dr. Gushee review a collection of Jesus’ teachings that are surprisingly relevant today. They include a review of Gushee’s graduate school mentor, Glen Stassen’s reading of the Sermon on the Mount, “no one can serve both God and mammon;” the “Golden Rule;” the house built on a rock; the rich man, Lazarus and “eternal conscious torment;” the woman caught in adultery; the Samaritan woman at the well, and more. Dr. Gushee finishes with a surprisingly powerful conclusion. SHOW NOTES

The Moral Teachings of Jesus: Radical Instruction in the Will of God

Become a Patron | Ken’s Substack Page

Support the show