The Deconstructionists

John Williamson

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

  1. 2025/12/23

    Ep. 222 - Dr. Alexander Shaia

    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分
  2. 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分
  3. 2025/12/05 · ボーナス

    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 content, and one beloved classic perk we kept just for you. This podcast has always been — and still is — 100% independent. We cover the costs out of pocket, not because it’s easy, but because we believe in the conversations we’re having and in the community that’s grown around this work. Your emails, messages, and stories are what keep us going. ✨ What’s New on Patreon? Brand new Patreon hubUpdated support tiersLong-form educational video contentExtended versions of topics you may have seen on TikTokResources and references to go deeperAnd more exclusive content on the way The short-form clips you see on social media are just the beginning — on Patreon, we take the time to slow down, provide full context, and really explore the questions beneath the surface. ❤️ Thank You Whether you’re a brand new supporter or someone who’s been with us for years, we cannot thank you enough. As we approach our 10-year anniversary, we have some special surprises planned to celebrate with you. 🔗 How to Join You can support the show and join our Patreon: Through the link here: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheDeconstructionistsPodcastOr on our website at thedeconstructionists.org More interviews, deeper dives, and exciting new content are already in the works for the year ahead. Thank you for being part of this journey with us. — The Deconstructionists Podcast Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-deconstructionists1035/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    2分
  4. 2025/12/01

    Ep. 219 - Original Sin or Original Blessing?

    Episode SummaryIn 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 told it explained everything wrong with humanity: our impulses, our desires, our bodies, our failures. But where did this idea actually come from? How did early Christian communities understand human nature? And how did one interpretation, shaped by the life and worldview of Augustine, grow into a theological framework that still impacts psychology, sexuality, gender, and modern Christian identity? This episode unpacks the text, the history, the cultural influences, and the lasting consequences of the doctrine — and invites listeners to reconsider what it means to be human, good, flawed, and beloved. In This Episode, We Explore: 📜 1. What Is Original Sin? The doctrine as many of us inherited itWhy it came to dominate Western ChristianityHow it differs from concepts of sin in early Jewish and early Christian thought 👤 2. Augustine’s Influence Augustine’s life, trauma, and worldview — and how each shaped his theologyHow his readings of Paul became the backbone of Original SinWhere he diverges from earlier Christian writers and the Greek Fathers 📖 3. The Biblical Passages Used to Support Original Sin Romans 5 and its contested interpretationsGenesis 3 as story versus doctrineHow translation choices influenced meaningWhy Jewish interpretations of the same texts are radically different 🔍 4. The Theology Behind the Theology How ideas about sex, bodies, and desire shaped the doctrineShame vs. guilt — and how Western Christianity confused the twoThe psychological cost of believing we are “born broken” ⛪ 5. What Early Christians Actually Believed A look at diversity in early Christian thoughtEastern Christian views on sin, growth, and human potentialHow the doctrine evolved over centuries, not overnight 💔 6. The Modern Impact How Original Sin shaped purity cultureHow it influenced sermons, parenting, and “Christian counseling”Its role in reinforcing fundamentalism’s fear-based frameworksWhy many of us internalized shame as spirituality 🌱 7. Reclaiming a Healthier View of Humanity Alternatives rooted in scripture and traditionWhy many theologians argue the doctrine is not essentialWhat happens when we start from belovedness rather than brokenness Why This Episode MattersSo many deconstruction journeys begin with questions like: “Am I really this messed up, or did I just inherit a harmful framework?”“Is the human story fundamentally about failure?”“Why does the church talk about sin more than love?” Understanding where the doctrine of Original Sin came from — and how historically recent and culturally shaped it actually is — can be freeing. It opens the door to new ways of understanding ourselves, our bodies, our past, and our future. It also challenges the narrative that progressive or post-evangelical Christians are the ones “not taking the Bible seriously.” In reality, reassessing the doctrine through context, language, and scholarship is exactly what taking scripture seriously looks like. Resources Mentioned / Recommended ReadingThe Birth of Satan – Pagels & B. McGinnThe Sin of Certainty – Peter EnnsThe Evolution of Adam – Peter EnnsThe Story of Original Sin – John E. ToewsSin: A History – Gary A. AndersonWritings of Augustine, especially Confessions and On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins Connect & Share Your ThoughtsHave a topic you’d love to hear explored in 2026? Reach out anytime: Website: www.thedeconstructionists.org Email: deconstructionistspodcast@gmail.com Instagram/TikTok: @deconstructionistspodcast Want to support the show? The Patreon relaunch is coming early next year with new tiers and some returning favorites. Thank you to everyone already supporting — it truly makes the work possible. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-deconstructionists1035/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    26分
  5. 2025/11/28

    Ep. 218 - Joe Ingle "God behind bars: Dignity, Justice & Prison Ministry" pt. 2

    Episode OverviewIn 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. If Part 1 introduced the calling and contours of his work, Part 2 steps fully into the emotional, spiritual, and ethical complexities of walking with people whom society has condemned and often forgotten. Joe shares stories from his time working with incarcerated individuals, the end-of-life moments he has witnessed, the failures and blind spots of our justice system, and the surprising ways grace and humanity still break through in the darkest circumstances. This is not a conversation about abstract theology or distant policy — it’s about presence, dignity, and the costly practice of seeing people when no one else does. In This Episode, We Explore: 👉 Joe’s experiences accompanying individuals through their final days and hours 👉 What capital punishment looks like from the inside — spiritually, emotionally, and practically 👉 The toll this work takes on families, communities, and those who minister in these spaces 👉 How systemic failures and racial inequities shape incarceration and sentencing 👉 The difficult conversations Joe has had with death row inmates — and the moments that stay with him 👉 The theological and moral implications of state-sanctioned execution 👉 Why Joe believes presence, not answers, is the most powerful form of ministry 👉 How his experiences have shaped his own understanding of justice, mercy, and the Gospel Why This Conversation MattersPastor Joe’s work forces us to confront the human cost of our justice system — not through statistics or talking points, but through stories of real people with real families, real trauma, and real hope. His ministry challenges us to consider: What does justice actually mean?What does mercy look like when lives hang in the balance?What does faith ask of us when the systems around us fail?And how do we honor the humanity of those our society has discarded? These questions aren’t easy — but they’re necessary. And Joe brings decades of lived experience to help us wrestle with them. About Pastor Joe InglePastor Joe Ingle is a long-time prison minister, author, activist, and advocate for people on death row. For decades he has been a steady presence for individuals facing execution, providing pastoral care, support, and companionship in some of the most difficult circumstances imaginable. His work has shaped national conversations on criminal justice reform and continues to call the Church toward deeper compassion and accountability. Listen to Part 1If you missed the first half of this conversation — including the origin of Joe’s calling and the stories that shaped his approach to justice — be sure to listen to Part 1. Support the Show If this episode resonates with you, you can help support the podcast by: 🔥 Leaving a 5-star review 🔥 Sharing this episode with a friend 🔥 Following us on social media 🔥 Subscribing so you don’t miss future interviews Your support helps new listeners find the show and keeps conversations like this possible. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-deconstructionists1035/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    31分
  6. 2025/11/19

    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, compassion, and what it means to show up for people society has thrown away. This interview was recorded last year and was almost lost forever when the laptop it was saved on died unexpectedly. Miraculously, the file was recovered just in time — and we are finally able to share Part 1 of this important two-part conversation. Following our recent episode with Chaplain Kerstin Hedlund, who offered insight into spiritual care within the military, Joe continues our exploration of ministry in difficult, often unseen places — where grief, hope, and humanity collide in profound ways. In This Episode In Part 1, we cover: Joe’s early call to prison ministryHow he became involved with individuals facing executionWhat it actually looks like to walk with someone on death rowThe spiritual, emotional, and human complexities of prison chaplaincyHow society frames “criminals” — and what we miss when we refuse to see their humanityThe cost of compassion, and why Joe refuses to turn awayWhy faith traditions often struggle to handle justice and mercy wellThe surprising places Joe has seen grace show up behind bars Why This Conversation Matters Joe’s work invites us to confront just how uncomfortable — and necessary — compassion can be. His stories shine light on systems we rarely see and raise hard questions about accountability, punishment, redemption, and what Christian faith looks like when lived out in the shadows. For listeners who appreciated our recent conversation with Chaplain Kerstin Hedlund, Joe’s perspective provides a powerful complement. Together, their episodes explore ministry in spaces most people never encounter, each revealing a different facet of what deep presence and care look like. About Pastor Joe Ingle Pastor Joe Ingle has spent decades ministering to incarcerated individuals across the United States, particularly those on death row. His work centers on accompaniment, advocacy, and restoring dignity to people society has deemed irredeemable. Joe is also an author and activist committed to criminal justice reform and the abolition of the death penalty. Links & Resources Grab a copy of Joe's book, "Too Close to the Flame: With the Condemned inside the Southern Killing Machine." Support the Show If this episode resonates with you, please consider: Sharing it with a friendLeaving a 5-star reviewSupporting the podcast on PatreonFollowing us on Instagram, X, TikTok, and YouTube Your support helps new listeners find these important stories. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-deconstructionists1035/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    36分
  7. 2025/11/10

    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 moments of grief, trauma, transition, and deep personal struggle. Her work isn’t about offering easy answers. It’s about presence, listening, and holding space for real human complexity. This conversation is for anyone who has wrestled with suffering, loss, or disillusionment. It’s also for those who care deeply about someone who has served. Kerstin’s insight offers a grounded and deeply humane perspective on what it means to stay present with one another through the hardest parts of life. Resources & Further Reading If you’d like to explore more about topics mentioned in this episode: “Soul Repair: Recovering from Moral Injury After War” – Rita Nakashima Brock & Gabriella LettiniThe Moral Injury Project – Syracuse UniversityVA National Center for PTSD: https://www.ptsd.va.govMilitary Chaplaincy Overview: https://www.goarmy.com/chaplain Connect with UsWebsite: thedeconstructionists.orgInstagram: @deconstructionistspodcastX (Twitter): @deconstructcastSupport the show: patreon.com/deconstructionists Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-deconstructionists1035/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    33分

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

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