Press Kit

J. Steve Bruner — Author Press Kit

Author Overview

J. Steve Bruner is the author of fifteen books and hundreds of essays, articles, and Substack reflections exploring faith, identity, contemplation, and what it means to live fully human in a complex world. Often described as an archeologist of the soul, Bruner writes at the intersection of Christian spirituality, philosophy, psychology, and lived experience.

His work blends poetic prose with theological depth, inviting readers to slow down, listen deeply, and rediscover the ancient rhythms woven into creation, scripture, and the human soul. Bruner’s writing is known for its honesty, intellectual rigor, and accessibility—welcoming both lifelong seekers and those newly curious about faith and meaning.

Writing Focus & Themes

  • The Beatitudes and the teachings of Jesus
  • Contemplation, silence, and spiritual formation
  • Identity, the soul, and the Imago Dei
  • The Enneagram and self-awareness
  • Non-dual awareness and spiritual maturity
  • Faith, suffering, hope, and transformation
  • Ancient wisdom applied to modern life

Books

J. Steve Bruner is the author of 15 books, including works in the Code and Prophetic Rhythms series. His writing spans contemplative theology, spiritual formation, and reflective prose designed to be read slowly and lived deeply.

Media & Platforms

  • Substack: Hundreds of published essays and reflections
  • Spotify: Original audio content, readings, and reflections
  • YouTube: Video teachings, contemplative insights, and discussions

Bruner regularly engages audiences through written, audio, and visual formats, making his work accessible across multiple mediums.

Speaking & Events

J. Steve Bruner is available for:

  • Author talks and book signings
  • Church retreats and contemplative gatherings
  • Conferences and workshops
  • Podcasts, interviews, and panel discussions

His presentations are thoughtful, engaging, and grounded in lived experience—often blending storytelling, scripture, and reflection to invite meaningful dialogue rather than deliver rehearsed answers.

Professional Background

In addition to his work as an author, Bruner’s background includes senior leadership in both nonprofit and corporate settings, social work, mentoring, and spiritual coaching. This breadth of experience informs his writing with realism, compassion, and practical wisdom.

Short Bio (for Media Use)

J. Steve Bruner is the author of fifteen books and hundreds of essays exploring faith, contemplation, and the soul’s journey toward wholeness. Known as an archeologist of the soul, he writes with poetic depth and theological clarity, inviting readers to rediscover the ancient rhythms of truth, grace, and transformation.

Contact & Booking

For media inquiries, speaking engagements, or event bookings:

Email: stevebruner@gmail.com

Website:  https://beatitudecode.com/ and/or https://soulprint.press/

Books: https://soulprint.press/248-2/

Substack: https://stevebruner.substack.com/

Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/show/75Cd1jnP9AnrWiZX9Tbd5d

Youtude:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyhKk7_7RB8

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Biography

Steve Bruner has written fifteen books and hundreds of essays, articles, and Substack reflections. His work spans print, audio, and video, including original content on Spotify and YouTube.

J. Steve Bruner writes as an archeologist of the soul—excavating faith, suffering, and paradox with poetic intensity and unflinching honesty, shaped by a life fully lived through success and failure, mountaintop victories and valleys of clinical depression, loyalty and betrayal, ambition and defeat, loving family and layered contradiction—bearing witness to both the best and worst this life has to offer, and to the truth and love that hold it all together.

J. Steve Bruner writes as one who has wandered far beneath the surface and returned with soil still on his hands. His work is marked by an artistic intensity—rich with metaphor, layered with truth, and woven into landscapes of deep philosophical and spiritual inquiry. Some readers say his writing feels like poetry, but it moves beyond lyricism alone. Bruner does not merely stir emotion; he names it, examines it, and invites the reader to dwell within it until meaning begins to emerge.

His literary kinship is often traced to Fyodor Dostoevsky, not in imitation, but in courage. Like Dostoevsky, Bruner refuses to flinch from the weightiest questions of existence—good and evil, faith and doubt, suffering and redemption, love and loss. He writes where certainty fractures, where belief is tested by experience, and where the human condition reveals both its terror and its beauty.

Bruner understands life as a tapestry of paradoxes, and he would tell you—without hesitation—that paradox is where truth quietly resides. His prose does not seek easy answers or tidy conclusions. Instead, it creates space for contemplation, for wrestling, for the slow and honest work of becoming human before God.

He has been called an archeologist of the soul, a writer who excavates what most of us would rather leave buried. His words dig patiently beneath defenses, beliefs, and habits, uncovering the sacred imprint—what he calls the Soulprint—left by the Creator in every life. For Bruner, truth is not fragile, and love is not threatened by scrutiny. They are the most resilient forces in existence—capable of enduring doubt, suffering exploration, and emerging more radiant for it.

As Steve puts it, “I can sketch the map and read the signs—etched in history, Scripture, philosophy, world religions, and my own long walk with Jesus—but no one can walk the road for you. Each soul must make its own pilgrimage. I’m only a companion along the way. It’s why I make myself available to my readers along the way, and some become friends.”

At its core, his writing is an act of faith: faith that truth can withstand the deepest questions, faith that love is the gravity holding all things together, and faith that God meets us not only in clarity, but in mystery. Bruner does not write to instruct from above; he writes to walk alongside—inviting readers into a deeper awareness of who they are, why they ache, and how grace quietly threads itself through the whole of human life.

by Eli Modacai Stone

 

Books
Other Writing
Media Coverage

Marl Noble Book Review: Beatitude Code: The Art of Living Perfectly Imperfect Lives 

"Beatitude Code: The Art of Living Perfectly Imperfect Lives" is a valuable addition to any spiritual library. J. Steve Bruner's insightful reflections and practical wisdom make this book a must-read for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of the Beatitudes and apply their timeless teachings to the challenges of modern life. 

It is a testament to the enduring relevance of Jesus’s words and a powerful guide to living a life of purpose and meaning.

Marl Noble Book Review

Title: Beatitude Code: The Art of Living Perfectly Imperfect Lives

Author: J Steve Bruner 

Publisher: Xulon Press (July 1, 2024)

ISBN-13: 978-1662897795

Pages: 167 pages

Genre: Existentialist Philosophy, Christian Personal Growth, Christian Inspirational, Politics & Social Sciences, Philosophy

Reviewer:  Hailey Copeland | Marl Noble Book Review

"BEATITUDE CODE" is not just a book to be read; it is an experience to be lived. Bruner invites readers to embark on their own journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth, using the Beatitudes as their guide. His message is one of hope and empowerment, encouraging readers to embrace their imperfections and strive for a life of authenticity and wonder.

"BEATITUDE CODE: The Art of Living Perfectly Imperfect Lives" by J. Steve Bruner is a profound exploration into the Beatitudes, the opening segment of Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount. This book is more than a simple interpretation; it is a deeply personal journey that intertwines Bruner's life experiences with his spiritual discoveries.

Bruner's journey began in his college years, where a thirst for understanding life and the human condition led him to immerse himself in the works of great thinkers and sacred texts. However, it wasn't until a particularly challenging period that the Beatitudes truly resonated with him, illuminating the path to spiritual and intellectual awakening. This moment of enlightenment not only revitalized Bruner's mind and spirit but also provided him with a fresh perspective on his faith and purpose.

The book is structured around the Beatitudes, each chapter delving into the rich, transformative wisdom they offer. Bruner presents them not just as ancient teachings but as a compass for navigating the complexities of modern life. His reflections are both profound and practical, offering readers a guide to embracing their imperfections while striving for a more meaningful existence.

One of the standout features of "Beatitude Code" is Bruner's ability to connect the Beatitudes to contemporary issues. He addresses the cultural wars and societal challenges through the lens of these ancient teachings, demonstrating their relevance and power in today's world. His insights are thought-provoking, encouraging readers to reconsider their beliefs and attitudes.

Bruner's writing is both eloquent and accessible, making complex theological concepts understandable for a broad audience. His background as a social worker, senior executive, entrepreneur, mentor, and Enneagram coach enriches his narrative, providing a multifaceted perspective on the application of the Beatitudes in various aspects of life. This diversity of experience adds depth to his interpretations, making the book relatable to readers from all walks of life.

 J. Steve Bruner writes and post here to compliment his book 

BEATITUDE CODE: stevebruner.substack.com

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Copyright 2026  J. Steve Bruner 
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