(NOTE: This is a Summary from the video transcript. Click on the link above to view Video.)

Introduction

Welcome to the Unheard Words podcast, where today’s conversation explores transformation, faith, and enduring spirit. Our guest is Brian Zahnd, a man of many dimensions—a pastor, a pilgrim, an author, and above all, a seeker who has passionately embraced his spiritual journey for over five decades. Brian takes us through his personal experiences, his journey through the Jesus movement, and how he’s continued evolving his faith amid societal shifts.

This episode examines some critical questions: What can we learn from 50 years of walking in faith? How do we reconcile moments of doubt and struggle with enduring belief? And what does it mean to lead a community through constant change? Throughout the conversation, Brian offers his candid reflections on the evolution of his church, his critiques of religious movements, and the importance of patience and peace in navigating life’s challenges.

Listeners can look forward to exploring categories like “The Jesus Movement: Lessons and Legacy,” “Leaving the Charismatic Movement,” “Patience and the Wisdom of Stillness,” and “Radical Transcendence.” Each category captures critical aspects of Brian’s journey, his insights into the human condition, and his commitment to truth. Get ready for a heartfelt and insightful exploration into faith, life, and the meaning of it all.

Categories Summary

1. The Jesus Movement: Lessons and Legacy

Brian Zahnd reflects on the Jesus movement, a time he describes as “extraordinary and very precious.” He acknowledges the movement’s focus on Jesus as its greatest strength while critiquing its “bad eschatology” and “anti-institutional stance.” He notes that, despite its flaws, the movement produced lasting fruit: “I meet pastors all over the world who came to Jesus during that era.” Zahnd appreciates how this movement connected countercultural youth with Jesus as the “ultimate counterculture movement.” Still, he also sees the ways it was a product of its times—both beautiful and flawed. “The best thing I can say about the Jesus movement is that it was aptly named—it really was focused on Jesus.”

2. Leaving the Charismatic Movement

Describing his decision to step away from the charismatic movement, Brian shares that it wasn’t a destructive act of deconstruction but rather a journey toward finding something better. “I was leaving things behind but only because I was finding something better,” he explains. His book, *Water to Wine*, encapsulates this transition, which he refers to as being “born again again.” Brian shares how he moved away from being a “radical Jesus freak” and avoided settling into being “just a Republican with a Jesus fish on an SUV.” “I had to get away because I was becoming not myself. I started off as a radical Jesus freak, and I didn’t want to end up as just another culture warrior.” His journey was about rediscovering the essence of faith that was less about institutional allegiance and more about true spiritual transformation.

3. The Role of Patience and the Wisdom of Stillness

Brian highlights the importance of patience, quoting St. Teresa of Avila: “Let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you… God alone suffices.” He emphasizes patience as almost synonymous with wisdom, reflecting on how his most foolish moments have always been his most impatient ones. “Patience obtains all things,” he shares, suggesting that, especially in volatile times, embodying an ethos of stillness and trust in God’s enduring presence is crucial. Brian recalls, “There was a time when I almost quit, but I felt like the Lord spoke to me out of Psalm 27: ‘I would have despaired unless I had believed I would see the goodness of God in the land of the living.’ That moment taught me to hold on, to trust in patience.” His message is a call to step back from the noise of culture wars and embrace peace, Stillness, and quiet faith.

4. Radical Transcendence

Brian distinguishes between political radicalism and the truly radical nature of Jesus. He points out that Jesus was not about aligning with the “radical left” or “radical right” but about a higher, transformative radicalism—”the radical above.” Zahnd shares how Jesus brought together unlikely figures, such as Simon the Zealot and Matthew the tax collector, to demonstrate the power of unity in the face of divisiveness. “Think about it,” he says, “Simon the Zealot wanted to overthrow the Romans by force, and Matthew the tax collector was collaborating with them. Jesus brought them together. That’s what’s truly radical.” He argues this is the true nature of radical transcendence: “The radical middle, or better yet, the radical above.” His focus here is on transcending the limitations of earthly politics and ideologies in favor of a spiritual unity that genuinely mirrors the teachings of Jesus.

5. Faith Over Fear

Another critical theme Brian explores is the contrast between faith and fear. He warns that “perfected fear will cast out all love,” urging listeners to choose the path of faith that fosters love rather than succumbing to fear that ultimately isolates and destroys. Citing the teachings of the Apostle John, Brian reinforces the idea that perfect love casts out all fear and that choosing love over fear is essential for a fulfilled Christ-like life. “How much better to live a fearless life than a loveless life?” he asks, challenging listeners to reflect on the foundation of their beliefs. “If you cultivate fear, eventually it will cast out love entirely, and you’ll end up with a heart that cannot love. That’s the real danger.”

6. The Enduring Word in a Shifting World

Reflecting on Jesus’ prediction that “all will be thrown down,” Brian brings this powerful message into the present day. He reminds listeners not to become too attached to the “edifices and institutions” of this age. Instead, he suggests embracing “moderate expectations” regarding earthly institutions, focusing instead on the enduring word of Jesus. “All things are passing away, but my words will not pass away,” encouraging listeners to trust what truly lasts rather than in transient worldly powers. “We live in a time where everything feels unstable, but Jesus reminds us that while everything else may crumble, his words endure. That is where we should anchor our hope.” This perspective helps reframe how we understand our place within ever-changing political and social landscapes.