The BEMA Podcast: Episode 436 – Brant Hansen on 3D Chiastic Chess

Release Date: February 6, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 436 of The BEMA Podcast, hosted by Marty Solomon and Brent Billings, special guest Brant Hansen joins the conversation. Brant Hansen is an accomplished author, nationally syndicated radio host, and a passionate advocate for healing children through CURE International. The episode delves deep into Brant's multifaceted work, exploring themes of anger, forgiveness, masculinity, and discipleship within the Christian context.

1. Brant Hansen’s Background and Passion for CURE International

Brant Hansen opens the discussion by sharing personal insights and his profound commitment to CURE International. He describes CURE as a ministry that not only heals physically but also spiritually, emphasizing the proclamation of the Kingdom of God alongside medical care.

Brant Hansen [02:07]: "These hospitals, they're pediatric, neurosurgical, and orthopedic surgical hospitals that are all about proclaiming the kingdom and then healing people. And last year, these hospitals did 18,000 plus surgeries."

Brant highlights the impactful work of CURE International, including training national surgeons in Uganda, thereby ensuring sustainable healthcare solutions. His dedication stems from a desire to witness the tangible expression of Jesus' teachings, moving beyond religious rhetoric to genuine acts of compassion and healing.

2. Exploring “Unaffendable”: Anger and Forgiveness

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Brant's bestselling book, Unaffendable. Brent Billings recounts the book's widespread influence, noting its impact on church groups and individuals seeking guidance on handling anger.

Brant delves into the origins of Unaffendable, expressing his initial skepticism about tackling theological concepts without formal scholarship.

Brant Hansen [07:55]: "I really don't. I really don't. People ask you for advice on how do you do this or that. I'm just trying to do today's thing and then see what happens. But it's working out. That's what's so awesome about it."

Brant challenges the conventional understanding of righteous anger in Christianity, arguing that true discipleship requires surrendering personal anger in favor of forgiveness. He critiques interpretations that validate human anger by selectively quoting scripture.

Brant Hansen [10:51]: "That's the half scripture that's used to justify this whole theology of why my anger is good."

Brent and Brant discuss the counterintuitive nature of this perspective, emphasizing that letting go of anger can lead to more effective action and deeper personal growth. They reference thinkers like Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Dallas Willard, who support the notion that true discipleship involves overcoming personal grievances.

3. The Writing Process and Inspiration Behind Brant’s Work

Brant shares an inspiring account of how he overcame perfectionism to write Unaffendable. Influenced by Seth Godin’s Linchpin, he adopted a pragmatic approach to writing, focusing on progress over perfection.

Brant Hansen [14:06]: "I'm going to go to the coffee shop on Saturday. I'm going to sit down, I'm going to order a coffee... and I'm going to do it."

This disciplined yet humble method allowed Brant to produce meaningful content that resonated deeply with readers, leading to substantial sales and lasting influence. His experience underscores the importance of taking actionable steps in one's creative and spiritual endeavors.

4. Impact and Outreach: From Churches to Maximum Security Prisons

Brant discusses his outreach efforts beyond traditional church settings, including a transformative experience at a maximum security prison. He conducted a workshop on following Jesus with over 100 inmates, providing them with copies of Unaffendable and his book Men We Need.

Brant Hansen [29:43]: "Those books have been a huge discipling tool, and there's a waiting list that the guys are waiting."

This outreach highlights the practical application of his teachings on forgiveness and masculinity, demonstrating the profound impact of his work on individuals in challenging circumstances. Brant emphasizes the universal applicability of his messages, regardless of the audience's background or present state.

5. Redefining Masculinity: “Men We Need”

Another cornerstone of Brant’s work is his book Men We Need, which redefines masculinity through the metaphor of a "keeper of the garden." This concept portrays men as protectors of the vulnerable, fostering environments where others can thrive.

Brant Hansen [34:51]: "When you realize what it means to be a keeper of the garden, you get it. Like it's something even a kid can get."

Brent relates this to the biblical notion of stewardship versus domination, advocating for a balanced and compassionate model of masculinity that aligns with Christian values. Brant’s approach addresses contemporary cultural challenges, offering a clear and relatable framework for men seeking to embody true strength and security.

6. Perspectives on Discipleship and Partnership with God

The conversation shifts to broader themes of discipleship, with Brant emphasizing the importance of faithful engagement over perfection in spiritual practices. He advocates for a partnership model with God, where believers actively participate in His work without being burdened by the need for flawless execution.

Brant Hansen [40:34]: "All you can do is be faithful with what you have. And so I do think it's real."

Brent echoes this sentiment, highlighting the challenges and rewards of maintaining authenticity in ministry. Brant's insights encourage listeners to embrace their roles within God's kingdom, focusing on consistent and heartfelt contributions rather than striving for unattainable standards.

7. Reevaluating the Parable of the Talents

In an illuminating discussion, Brant offers a fresh interpretation of the biblical Parable of the Talents, viewing it through the lens of partnership rather than individualistic success.

Brant Hansen [43:41]: "The master is trusting these people to partner with him and his work."

This perspective shifts the focus from mere accumulation of wealth to active collaboration with God’s mission. Brant argues that the parable emphasizes the importance of engaging with and advancing God's work, rather than simply safeguarding what has been entrusted to us.

Marty Solomon [46:38]: "It doesn't matter what the numbers are. It doesn't matter how you did it. The point is, you're doing the work that I'm doing, and it's a partnership."

This interpretation encourages believers to view their talents and resources as tools for divine collaboration, fostering a more community-oriented and mission-driven approach to faith.

8. Final Reflections and Resources

As the episode concludes, Brant highlights available resources for listeners seeking to delve deeper into his teachings. He promotes his website, BrantHansen.com, and mentions a series of 15-minute videos based on Unaffendable, designed for group discussions and discipleship meetings.

Brant Hansen [43:15]: "If you're interested in the books, it's on Amazon. It's Brant with a B R A N T. And then Hansen is H A N S E N if you want to look it up."

The hosts express their gratitude for Brant's contributions and the profound insights shared during the episode. They encourage listeners to explore Brant’s work further and engage with the resources provided to foster personal and communal spiritual growth.

Conclusion

Episode 436 of The BEMA Podcast offers a rich and nuanced exploration of Brant Hansen's impactful work. Through discussions on anger, forgiveness, masculinity, and discipleship, Brant provides listeners with practical and transformative insights grounded in authentic Christian practice. His dedication to genuine ministry work, coupled with his approachable and humble demeanor, makes this episode a valuable resource for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of living out their faith in meaningful ways.

For more information and resources, visit BrantHansen.com.