Pope Francis has taken the world by storm, captivating Catholics,

Protestants, and non-Christians alike. Sneaking out of the Vatican at night, washing

the feet of inmates, and taking selfies with young fans is certainly unlike any

religious leader we’ve seen in a while, and some of the religious establishment is

uneasy about it. The revitalization Francis is bringing to the Catholic Church is

not without precedent, however. Jesus had a similar effect in his day, drawing

crowds with his humility, kindness, and wisdomaEURO even as he drew the disapproval of

established religious leaders. The things that have brought Francis such media

attention are the same things that made Jesus so peculiar and attractive in his

day.

Thoughtful examination of Jesus’ example and legacy, as

well as an honest look at the similarities and differences between Catholic and

Protestant faith, invites reflection on the heart of Christianity and how we relate

to our fellow Christians. Readers will discover the power of heartfelt joy, radical

love, and passion for justice to shake people out of religious complacency and into

dynamic, contagious faith. Jesus, Pope Francis, and a Protestant Walk into

a Bar looks at what is universal among Christians, what is unique to

Catholics and Protestants, and how all Christians can practice understanding and

cooperation across differences. Perfect for individual or group use, discussion

questions are also included to encourage further thought and conversation.