The Deconstructionists
Religion & Spirituality
About
A podcast about building new faith. Its all about construction, but sometimes that means you have to deconstruct a little. Questions, exploration, mystery...
Episodes
- Ep. 239 - Dr. Bart Ehrman "Love Thy Stranger" pt. 2
In part two of a conversation, Bart Ehrman discusses his book "Love Thy Stranger," examining the influence of Jesus' teachings on Western moral thought, including ideas of compassion and care for outsiders, and contrasts these with institu…
- Ep. 238 - Dr. Bart Ehrman "Love Thy Stranger" pt. 1
In this episode, historian Dr. Bart Ehrman discusses his book "Love Thy Stranger," examining how the teachings attributed to Jesus, such as caring for the poor and extending compassion beyond one's tribe, reshaped Western moral thought. Th…
- Ep. 237 - Lillian Daniels "Failure, Accountability & the Future of the Church" pt. 2
This episode features Lillian Daniel discussing the implications of her story for the modern church, focusing on accountability, institutional systems, and the church's ability to process failure constructively.
- Ep. 236 - Lillian Daniel "Defrocked: Good News from a Bad Pastor for a Better Church" pt. 1
Lillian Daniel shares her experiences in ministry, exploring challenges and re-evaluating assumptions about leadership and faith, as detailed in her book "Defrocked: Good News from a Bad Pastor for a Better Church". The episode examines th…
- Ep. 235 - Dr. Cristy Carr "Reclaiming the Forgotten Self" pt. 2
In this episode, Dr. Cristy Carr discusses the process of healing and reconnecting with parts of oneself that were silenced by trauma or societal pressures. The conversation focuses on the slow and sometimes uncomfortable journey toward wh…
- Ep. 234 - Dr. Cristy Carr "The Forgotten Self" pt. 1
🧭 Episode Summary Who were you… before you were told who to be? For many of us—especially those shaped by religious systems—identity isn’t something we discovered. It’s something we inherited. Beliefs. Roles. Expectations. All layered ove…
- Ep. 233 - Violence and the Bible
Episode: Violence and the Bible – What Do We Do With It? 🧭 Episode Summary Violence is everywhere in the Bible—and for many, it’s one of the most difficult aspects of scripture to reconcile with the idea of a loving God. In this episode,…
- Ep. 232 - Dr. Michelle Keener "Comfort in the Ashes" pt. 2
The Deconstructionists Podcast Guest: Dr. Michelle Keener In Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Michelle Keener , we go deeper into the themes of her book, Comfort in the Ashes: Explorations in the Book of Job to Support Trauma Survivors…
- Ep. 231 - Dr. Michelle Keener "Comfort in the Ashes" pt. 1
In this first part of our conversation, we’re joined by Dr. Michelle Keener , author of Comfort in the Ashes: Explorations in the Book of Job to Support Trauma Survivors . The Book of Job is often cited in conversations about suffering—but…
- Ep. 230 - John Dominic Crossan & Michael Okinczyc-Cruz "Jesus and Justice" pt. 2
In Part Two of our conversation with John Dominic Crossan and Michael Okinczyc-Cruz , we move from historical foundations to present-day consequences. Once Jesus is understood within the realities of Roman imperial power, the implications…
- Ep. 229 - John Dominic Crossan & Michael Okinczyc-Cruz "Jesus and Justice" pt. 1
In this episode of The Deconstructionists Podcast , we’re joined by John Dominic Crossan and Michael Okinczyc-Cruz for the first part of a wide-ranging conversation about Jesus, empire, and why historical context matters now more than ever…
- Ep. 228 - Valentyn Syniy - "God Under Siege: How War Transformed a Ukrainian Community" pt. 2
In this deeply moving conversation, John sits down for part two with Valentyn Syniy , a Ukrainian pastor, theologian, and author whose life and ministry have been profoundly shaped by the reality of war. This interview was recorded under e…
- Ep. 227 - Valentyn Syniy - "God Under Siege: How War Transformed a Ukrainian Community" pt. 1
In this deeply moving conversation, John sits down with Valentyn Syniy , a Ukrainian pastor, theologian, and author whose life and ministry have been profoundly shaped by the reality of war. For many of us—especially those who have never s…
- Ep. 226 - Immigration "Process, Not Performance" pt. 3
This episode dismantles the most persistent myths surrounding immigration and replaces them with how the system actually works . We walk through immigration policy historically and in real time—naming the racial roots of U.S. immigration l…
- Ep. 225 - Immigration "When Power Asks for Blessing" pt. 2
This episode steps back and asks a harder question: What has the church done in moments like this before—and what does faithfulness actually require now? We begin with church history, tracing how Christians have repeatedly been asked to bl…
- Ep. 224 - Immigration "When Fear Becomes Policy" pt. 1
When Fear Becomes Policy In this episode, we address what’s happening right now in the United States as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations escalate in visibility, intensity, and violence. This is not a political episode.…
- Ep. 223 - Dr. Alexander Shaia "A Holiday Conversation" pt. 2
Episode Description In Part Two of our conversation with Alexander Shaia , we move beyond theory and into practice—exploring what spiritual transformation actually looks like in real life. In Part One, we traced the foundations of Dr. Shai…
- Ep. 222 - Dr. Alexander Shaia "A Holiday Conversation" pt. 1
A Holiday Conversation with Dr. Alexander Shaia — Part 1 For many people, the holiday season isn’t filled with joy and nostalgia — it’s filled with grief, loneliness, exhaustion, and complicated memories. This episode is especially for tho…
- Ep. 221 - Peter Rollins - "Communion, Community, and the Transformative Power of Doubt" Part 2
Episode Summary: Part 2 of our conversation with philosopher and friend of the show Peter Rollins goes even deeper into the psychological, existential, and communal dynamics of faith and identity. If Part 1 set the stage, Part 2 pulls the…
- Ep. 220 - Peter Rollins - "Communion, Community, and the Transformative Power of Doubt" Part 1
Episode Summary: In this long-awaited return to the podcast, philosopher, storyteller, and longtime friend of the show Peter Rollins joins us for a rich, mind-bending conversation about faith, identity, and the transformative potential of…
- Brand New Patreon!
🎉 We’ve Launched a Brand New Patreon! After years of letting our old Patreon quietly collect dust, we’re excited to officially announce that The Deconstructionists Podcast now has a fully rebuilt Patreon — with brand new tiers, fresh cont…
- Ep. 219 - Original Sin or Original Blessing?
Episode Summary In this deep-dive episode, we explore one of the most influential — and controversial — doctrines in the history of Christianity: Original Sin . For many of us, Original Sin was presented as a foundational truth. We were to…
- Ep. 218 - Joe Ingle "God behind bars: Dignity, Justice & Prison Ministry" pt. 2
Episode Overview In this second half of John’s conversation with Pastor Joe Ingle , we continue exploring the deeply human, often heartbreaking realities of prison ministry — particularly Joe’s decades of work with individuals on death row…
- Ep. 217 - Joe Ingle "God behind bars: Dignity, Justice & Prison Ministry" pt. 1
In this long-awaited and nearly lost conversation, John sits down with Pastor Joe Ingle , a longtime prison minister, advocate, and spiritual companion to people on death row. Joe’s work challenges our assumptions about justice, punishment…
- Ep. 216 - Kerstin Hedlund "Faith on the Frontlines" pt. 2
In this episode, we continue our conversation with Army Chaplain Lieutenant Colonel Kerstin Hedlund. If you haven’t listened to Part 1 yet, we recommend starting there for context. Kerstin has spent years serving alongside soldiers in mome…
- Ep. 215 - Kerstin Hedlund "Faith on the Frontlines" pt. 1
Episode Summary In this two-part conversation, John sits down with Pastor Kerstin Hedlund , a U.S. Army Chaplain whose story offers a rare window into what faith looks like when it’s lived out in the hardest and most human places. From her…
- Ep. 214 - Hell, The Devil, and Atonement Theories
Episode: Hell, the Devil, and Atonement Theories What exactly do Christians mean when they talk about hell? Where did the idea of the devil come from, and why does it look so different across the Bible? And why are there so many different…
- Ep. 213 - Is Deconstruction Bad? (...it's not)
Episode Description In this episode, John takes on a question that’s been floating around the public conversation for years — often asked with fear, frustration, or misunderstanding: Is deconstruction a bad thing? After years of listening…
- Ep. 212 - Does the Bible Really Condemn Same-Sex Relationships?
Episode Summary You’ve probably heard it before: “The Bible clearly condemns homosexuality.” But is that actually true? In this episode, we put that claim under a microscope. We dig into the six main passages most often cited against same-…
- Ep. 211 - Sarah Hurwitz "As A Jew: Reclaiming Our Story" (pt. 2)
In Part Two of our interview with Sarah Hurwitz, we dive deeper into the big questions raised in Here All Along . Drawing on her experiences in both politics and faith, Sarah reflects on the role of ritual, the meaning of community, and ho…
- Ep. 210 - Sarah Hurwitz "As A Jew: Reclaiming Our Story" (pt. 1)
In this first half of our conversation with Sarah Hurwitz—author, former White House speechwriter, and chief speechwriter for First Lady Michelle Obama—we explore her journey from the political stage to a deeply personal exploration of fai…
- Ep. 209 - The History of the Bible: How We Got the Scriptures We Have Today
Episode Summary The Bible is often treated as if it arrived perfectly bound, leather-covered, and gold-edged, straight from heaven. But the reality is far more complex—and far more interesting. In this episode, we dig into the real history…
- Ep. 208 - Bailey Krawczyk "Lights, Camera, Control: Hillsong from the Inside" (Part 2)
🧵 Episode Summary: In Part 2 of our conversation with Bailey Krawczyk , we move from the experience of life inside Hillsong to the harrowing process of getting out . Bailey opens up about the aftermath of leaving, the emotional toll of sp…
- Ep. 207 - Bailey Krawczyk "Lights, Camera, Control: Hillsong from the Inside" (Part 1)
🧵 Episode Summary: In this first of a two-part conversation, we sit down with Bailey Krawczyk , a former Hillsong member who bravely spoke out in the Hillsong: A Megachurch Exposed documentary. Bailey shares what initially drew her to the…
- Ep. 206 - Zionism, Gaza, and the Western Church: Untangling a Complicated History
🔍 Episode Summary In this episode, we step into one of the most emotionally and politically charged issues in modern history—the war in Gaza and the roots of Zionism. With so much confusion around the history, theology, and current events…
- Teaser Episode: History on the Margins - The Corpse Synod
Episode Description: In the year 897, Pope Stephen VI ordered the rotting corpse of his predecessor, Pope Formosus, to be dug up, dressed in papal robes, propped up on a throne, and put on trial. Yes, this actually happened. This bizarre a…
- Ep. 205 - Dr. Paul Swindle "Religious Trauma"
📌 Episode Summary: In this deeply insightful episode, John sits down with Dr. Paula Swindle —a licensed therapist and professor who has spent a career studying religious trauma —to unpack the concept of spiritual bypass , the psychologica…
- Ep. 204 - Adey & Tom Wassink "Sanctuary: Queering a Church in the Heartland" pt. 2
📌 Episode Summary: In Part 2 of this powerful and emotional interview, Adey and Tom Wassink continue their story of navigating faith, integrity, and exclusion. After years of dedicated service in the Vineyard Movement, their decision to a…
- Ep. 203 - Adey & Tom Wassink "Sanctuary: Queering a Church in the Heartland" pt. 1
📌 Episode Summary: In Part 1 of this deeply moving conversation, John sits down with Adey and Tom Wassink—former Vineyard pastors who found themselves quietly pushed to the margins for their commitment to LGBTQ inclusion. The Wassinks sha…
- Trailer: New Season!
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- Adam & John "Spoiled Fruit: Faith & Power"
🎙️ Episode Title: John Gets Interviewed: The Story Behind Spoiled Fruit 🎧 Episode Description: We’re back—and kicking things off with a role reversal. In this special episode of The Deconstructionists , Adam returns to the mic (yes, real…
- RE-RELEASE - Richard Rohr "Rohr 101"
Welcome back to The Deconstructionists Podcast ! Today, we’re excited to re-release one of our most beloved conversations with Father Richard Rohr — a deep-dive interview we originally titled “Richard Rohr 101.” This is different from the…
- RE-RELEASE - Father Richard Rohr "Falling Upward"
Episode Description: In this special re-release, we revisit our 2016 conversation with Father Richard Rohr , a renowned Franciscan friar and ecumenical teacher celebrated for his profound insights into Christian mysticism, contemplation, a…
- RE-RELEASE - Walter Bruggemann "Struggling with Scripture"
Episode Description: In this special re-release, we revisit our profound conversation with renowned theologian Walter Brueggemann. Known for his influential work on the prophetic imagination, Brueggemann challenges us to envision a world r…
- Introduction: From The Void Season 7!
In this thrilling season of From the Void, join us as we delve into history's most perplexing mysteries. From the eerie disappearance of the Roanoke colony to the controversial fate of Adolf Hitler, we explore the stories that continue to…
- Ep. 202 - Dr. Garrick Allen "Words Are Not Enough" pt. 2
Welcome to the Deconstructionist Podcast! Join host John Williamson as he embarks on a captivating exploration of ancient biblical manuscripts with esteemed guest Dr. Garrick V. Allen. Delve into the intriguing world of historical texts, t…
- Ep. 201 - Dr. Garrick Allen "Words Are Not Enough" pt. 1
In this episode of the Deconstructionist Podcast, host John Williamson sits down with Dr. Garrick Allen to delve into his groundbreaking book, Words Are Not Enough: Paratexts, Manuscripts, and the Real New Testament. Discover the fascinati…
- BONUS: Nora Creech "The Shroud of Turin"
Guest/Bio: This week I welcome Nora Creech to talk about the Shroud of Turin! Nora has been interested in the Shroud of Turin since the 1970s and has extensively studied the linen cloth. As an experienced lecturer on the history, science,…
- Ep 200 - Tucker S. Ferda "Jesus and His Promised Second Coming" pt. 2
Join host John Williamson in part two of an enlightening discussion with Tucker S. Furda about his new book, "Jesus and His Promised Second Coming, Jewish Eschatology and Christian Origins." Furda, an associate professor of New Testament a…
- Re-Release: Dr. Alexander Shaia "Radiance within the Darkness"
Guest Info/Bio: This week we bring you a Christmas treat! This is a re-release of one of our absolute favorite guests in one of our absolute favorite interviews! This is a special Christmas episode we recorded with our dear friend Alexande…