The Deconstructionists

John Williamson
  • 4.5 (101)
  • RELIGION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

A podcast about building new faith. Its all about construction, but sometimes that means you have to deconstruct a little. Questions, exploration, mystery...

  1. 5D AGO

    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 served or lived in a war-torn region—war can feel abstract. Something debated from a distance. Should troops be sent? Should they not? But for Valentyn and millions of others, war is not theoretical. It is daily life. It is uncertainty, fear, loss—and for many, hell experienced in the here and now. This interview was recorded under extraordinary circumstances. Scheduling had to account for the very real possibility of Russian airstrikes and power outages. Valentyn’s wife graciously joined the conversation to assist with translation at moments, helping ensure that everything Valentyn wanted to communicate was conveyed with clarity and care. Together, we explore: What it means to live, pastor, and hold onto faith in the midst of active warHow violence and trauma test long-held theological assumptionsThe difference between discussing war and surviving itWhere hope, honesty, and spiritual resilience are found when everything familiar is under siege Some stories shared in this episode may be difficult to hear, but they are necessary—and deeply human. About the Book Valentyn is the author of God Under Siege, a powerful and unflinching reflection on faith, suffering, and God’s presence amid the devastation of war. Drawing from lived experience rather than distant theology, the book challenges easy answers and invites readers into a more honest, grounded faith. Get the book: AmazonMajor booksellersWherever books are sold Support the Show — Join Our Patreon We’ve just launched a brand new Patreon, and it’s packed with content many of you have been asking for. Subscribers get access to: Brand new exclusive videos on requested topicsStudy guides for deeper reflection and group useReference materials and sources to support further learningBehind-the-scenes content and extended conversations If you value thoughtful, well-researched conversations like this one—and want tools to keep exploring—Patreon is the best way to support the work and dive deeper. Support: https://patreon.com/TheDeconstructionistsPodcast 👉 Join us on Patreon and help make conversations like this possible. For all things Deconstructionists check out: www.thedecontructionists.org Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-deconstructionists1035/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    41 min

  2. JAN 30

    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 law, explaining why “just do it legally” is not a serious policy position, and breaking down the real costs, timelines, and barriers people face today. We also look at crime data, benefits myths, economic contributions, and the very real impact current enforcement strategies are having on American farmers and food systems. Topics covered Why immigration law has always been shaped by racePolicies that restricted Italians, Asians, and other groupsObama-era deportations vs. today’s enforcement tacticsWhy deportation numbers vary depending on who’s countingReal immigration pathways, timelines, and costsWhy asylum is slow—and dangerous to wait throughCrime data vs. fear narrativesTaxes, benefits, and economic contributionFarm labor shortages and food supply impactsWhy immigration reform is urgent—not theoretical Key historical policies referenced Chinese Exclusion Act (1882)Immigration Act of 1917Emergency Quota Act (1921)Immigration Act of 1924 (Johnson–Reed Act / National Origins Act) Immigration system & policy resources U.S. State Department — Visa Bulletinhttps://travel.state.gov/visa-bulletinU.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services — Asylum & Work Authorizationhttps://www.uscis.gov/asylumhttps://www.uscis.gov/i-765Migration Policy Institutehttps://www.migrationpolicy.org Crime & data resources National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine — Immigration & Crime Summaryhttps://nap.nationalacademies.org/resource/21746/issue_brief_crime.pdfPNAS peer-reviewed study (Texas arrest data)https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2014704117Cato Institute — Incarceration Rates by Immigration Statushttps://www.cato.org/policy-analysis/illegal-immigrant-incarceration-rates-2010-2023 Benefits, taxes & economy National Immigration Law Center — Benefits Eligibilityhttps://www.nilc.org/resources/overview-immeligfedprograms/Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP)https://itep.org/undocumented-immigrants-taxes-2024/ Agriculture & labor impact Wisconsin Public Radio — Farm labor shortageshttps://www.wpr.org/news/deportations-worry-farmers-labor-shortage-harvestDairy Herd Management — ICE raids and dairy workforce losshttps://www.dairyherd.com/news/labor/overnight-exodus-how-ice-raid-cut-dairys-workforce-more-half Reflection question If the system looked then the way it looks now—who would have been allowed in at all? Support the Show — Join Our Patreon We’ve just launched a brand new Patreon, and it’s packed with content many of you have been asking for. Subscribers get access to: Brand new exclusive videos on requested topicsStudy guides for deeper reflection and group useReference materials and sources to support further learningBehind-the-scenes content and extended conversations If you value thoughtful, well-researched conversations like this one—and want tools to keep exploring—Patreon is the best way to support the work and dive deeper. Support: https://patreon.com/TheDeconstructionistsPodcast 👉 Join us on Patreon and help make conversations like this possible. For all things Deconstructionists check out: www.thedecontructionists.org Special music provided by: Forrest Clay from the Recover EP. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-deconstructionists1035/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    20 min

  3. JAN 28

    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 bless state violence in the name of order and safety. We examine how labels like “criminal,” “terrorist,” and “threat” have historically been used to short-circuit moral responsibility. We then turn to Scripture—not as proof texts, but as story—allowing the biblical narrative to confront modern assumptions about power, violence, and the stranger. Topics covered Historical patterns of Christian complicity with state violenceWhy labels matter more than we thinkFalse equivalence arguments (“what about…”)Why due process is a moral issueJesus, the stranger, and state powerWhy faith rooted in the margins looks different Scripture referenced Exodus 22:21Leviticus 19:33–34Deuteronomy 10:18–19Isaiah 1Amos 5Micah 6:8Luke 10:25–37Matthew 25:31–46Matthew 26:52John 18–19Romans 12–13 (read together, not selectively) Historical & analytical resources Migration Policy Institute — Immigration & Enforcement Analysishttps://www.migrationpolicy.org/research/explainersTransactional Records Access Clearinghousehttps://tracreports.org Reflection question Who are we being asked to look away from—and what does that cost our faith? Support the Show — Join Our Patreon We’ve just launched a brand new Patreon, and it’s packed with content many of you have been asking for. Subscribers get access to: Brand new exclusive videos on requested topicsStudy guides for deeper reflection and group useReference materials and sources to support further learningBehind-the-scenes content and extended conversations If you value thoughtful, well-researched conversations like this one—and want tools to keep exploring—Patreon is the best way to support the work and dive deeper. Support: https://patreon.com/TheDeconstructionistsPodcast 👉 Join us on Patreon and help make conversations like this possible. For all things Deconstructionists check out: www.thedecontructionists.org Special music provided by Forrest Clay from the Recover EP. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-deconstructionists1035/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    23 min

  4. JAN 26

    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. It’s a human one. We examine verified facts, video evidence, and legal realities surrounding recent enforcement actions, including documented cases involving American citizens, the failure to follow established protocols after lethal force, and the growing pattern of intimidation, escalation, and public spectacle. We also talk about confirmation bias—how fear and identity shape what we’re willing to see—and why Christians and the spiritually curious alike have a responsibility to trust evidence over narratives. Topics covered What ICE can and cannot legally doWhy due process matters even when immigration law is involvedThe danger of pre-justifying violenceConfirmation bias and moral shortcutsWhy “order” is not the same thing as justiceThe role of witnesses, neighbors, and allies Key resources & links American Civil Liberties Union — Know Your Rights (Immigrants & Bystanders)https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/immigrants-rightsNational Lawyers Guild — Legal Observers & Recording Rightshttps://www.nlg.org/legal-observers/Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse (TRAC Immigration)Independent reporting on ICE enforcement and immigration court datahttps://tracreports.org/immigration Reflection question When fear is loud and authority is visible, how do we decide what we’re willing to accept—and what we’re willing to question? Support the Show — Join Our Patreon We’ve just launched a brand new Patreon, and it’s packed with content many of you have been asking for. Subscribers get access to: Brand new exclusive videos on requested topicsStudy guides for deeper reflection and group useReference materials and sources to support further learningBehind-the-scenes content and extended conversations If you value thoughtful, well-researched conversations like this one—and want tools to keep exploring—Patreon is the best way to support the work and dive deeper. Support: https://patreon.com/TheDeconstructionistsPodcast 👉 Join us on Patreon and help make conversations like this possible. For all things Deconstructionists check out: www.thedecontructionists.org Special music provided by Forrest Clay from his Recover EP. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-deconstructionists1035/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    34 min

  5. JAN 12

    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. Shaia’s work and why his approach to the Gospels resonates so deeply with people navigating faith, doubt, and deconstruction. In this episode, we go deeper—into lived experience, inner change, and the courage it takes to move forward when certainty falls away. Dr. Shaia shares how spiritual frameworks are meant to form us, not control us, and why the Christian tradition—at its best—has always been about movement, growth, and becoming. This conversation speaks especially to those who feel stuck between belief and disbelief, longing for a faith that can hold both honesty and hope. About Our Guest Alexander Shaia is a theologian, speaker, and author best known for his work on the transformational structure of the Gospels. His book, Heart and Mind, explores the fourfold journey found within the Christian tradition and presents a compelling alternative to rigid, belief-based models of faith. Dr. Shaia’s work has become especially meaningful for those who are deconstructing inherited belief systems while still seeking depth, wisdom, and spiritual grounding. Education: Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, California Institute of Integral Studies, San Francisco, CA, 1991 Graduate Certificate, Pastoral Psychotherapy, University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, WA, 1982 Master of Religious Education, Seattle University, Seattle, WA, 1981 M.A., Counseling Education, University of Alabama in Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 1976 B.A., Cultural Anthropology, University of Notre Dame du lac, Notre Dame, IN, 1974 Jungian and Sandplay Studies, 1973 - Current; month intensive with Dora M. Kalff – Jungian analyst & originator of Sandplay, Zollikon, Switzerland, July/August 1989 Psychosynthesis Certificate, Psychosynthesis Training Institute, San Francisco, CA, Two year training, 1986-1988  Website: www.quadratos.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quadratos/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/Quadratos1/featured Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlexanderJohnShaia/ Support the Show If you’d like to help support The Deconstructionists Podcast and go deeper with the kinds of conversations we’re having here, check out our brand-new Patreon. Support: https://patreon.com/TheDeconstructionistsPodcast 🎧 Book of the Month Club is back📚 Educational resources & study guides available for anyone supporting the show at $5/month or more—less than the price of most Starbucks drinks💛 Your support helps keep the show independent and sustainable Listen & Connect Subscribe wherever you get your podcastsFollow us on social media for clips and updatesShare this episode with someone navigating faith, doubt, or transition Website: www.thedeconstructionists.org Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-deconstructionists1035/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    34 min

  6. 2025-12-23

    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 those who find this time of year difficult. In Part One of this two-part holiday conversation, we’re joined by our dear friend Alexander Shaia for a reflective, unhurried dialogue about meaning, presence, and the wisdom found in honoring seasons rather than fighting them. Rather than offering platitudes or quick fixes, Dr. Shaia invites us to slow down — to consider what it looks like to live faithfully and humanely when certainty feels thin and the world feels overwhelming. Drawing from ancient Christian wisdom, lived experience, and deep compassion, this conversation offers space to breathe, reflect, and feel less alone. This is not a teaching session or a debate. It’s a pastoral, contemplative conversation — meant to be received gently, especially by those who are carrying more than they can name this season. Part Two will continue the conversation, moving deeper into themes of hope, transformation, and what it means to move forward without rushing resolution. 🕯️ About Dr. Alexander Shaia Dr. Alexander Shaia is a theologian, speaker, author, and Quadratos-trained scholar best known for his work on the ancient Christian fourfold Gospel model, a framework that predates modern linear approaches to Scripture and spiritual formation. His work focuses on helping individuals and communities rediscover cyclical wisdom, spiritual maturity, and transformative faith — especially for those who feel disillusioned, wounded, or worn down by rigid or overly simplistic expressions of Christianity. Dr. Shaia is widely respected for his ability to bridge scholarship, spirituality, and real human experience, offering language for faith that is honest, compassionate, and deeply grounded in history. 📚 Learn More & Connect with Dr. Shaia Official Website:https://www.alexandershaia.com & https://www.quadratos.org/Books by Dr. Shaia:Heart and Mind: The Four-Gospel Journey for Radical TransformationReturning From Camino Speaking & Teaching:Information about events, workshops, and courses can be found on his website. Education: Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, California Institute of Integral Studies, San Francisco, CA, 1991 Graduate Certificate, Pastoral Psychotherapy, University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, WA, 1982 Master of Religious Education, Seattle University, Seattle, WA, 1981 M.A., Counseling Education, University of Alabama in Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 1976 B.A., Cultural Anthropology, University of Notre Dame du lac, Notre Dame, IN, 1974 Jungian and Sandplay Studies, 1973 - Current; month intensive with Dora M. Kalff – Jungian analyst & originator of Sandplay, Zollikon, Switzerland, July/August 1989 Psychosynthesis Certificate, Psychosynthesis Training Institute, San Francisco, CA, Two year training, 1986-1988  🎧 Coming Up Next ➡️ Part Two of this holiday conversation continues with deeper reflection on wisdom, hope, and what it means to live faithfully in uncertain times. If this episode resonates with you, consider sharing it with someone who might need a quieter, gentler voice this season. Follow us:www.thedeconstructionists.org or on social media! Support: https://patreon.com/TheDeconstructionistsPodcast Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-deconstructionists1035/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    34 min

  7. 2025-12-15

    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 curtain all the way back. This is one of those conversations that lingers. It’s dense, it’s provocative, and it’s full of the kind of insights that Pete has become known for all around the world. Resources & References: Peter Rollins’ official website: https://peterrollins.comPyrotheology gatherings, seminars, and resourcesPeter’s books and lectures on belief, identity, and desire Connect With Us: Website: www.thedeconstructionists.orgInstagram: @deconstructionistspodcastEmail: deconstructionistspodcast@gmail.comIf you enjoyed this two-part conversation, share it with a friend and tag us on social media. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-deconstructionists1035/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    43 min

  8. 2025-12-08

    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 doubt. Peter was one of our earliest guests and someone who understood the heart of this podcast from day one. After far too much time away, he’s back — and this conversation does not disappoint. In Part 1, we dig into some of the themes Peter has become known for: embracing uncertainty, challenging religious narratives that promise certainty or comfort, and exploring how belief functions psychologically and communally. One of the biggest takeaways in this episode is Peter’s insight into Communion vs. community — a deeply fascinating reframing of what spiritual connection actually is and what it isn’t. Whether you’ve been following Pete’s work for years or you’re encountering him for the first time, this episode is packed with ideas that will challenge, encourage, and maybe even unsettle you (in the best way). Resources & References: Peter Rollins’ official website: https://peterrollins.comBooks by Peter Rollins, including The Idolatry of God, The Divine Magician, and How (Not) to Speak of GodPyrotheology community and events Connect With Us: Website: www.thedeconstructionists.orgInstagram: @deconstructionistspodcastEmail: deconstructionistspodcast@gmail.comStay tuned for updated Patreon tiers launching soon! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-deconstructionists1035/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    32 min
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4.5
out of 5
101 Ratings

About

A podcast about building new faith. Its all about construction, but sometimes that means you have to deconstruct a little. Questions, exploration, mystery...

Information

  • Creator
    John Williamson
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2026
  • Episodes
    264
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Deconstructionists

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