The Deconstructionists

John Williamson
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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...

  1. 23 hr ago

    Ep. 246 - Dr. Janet Kellogg Ray "Fish With Feet: Human Evolution and the Image of God" pt. 1

    What if accepting evolution didn’t require abandoning faith? Dr. Janet Kellogg Ray returns to The Deconstructionists to talk about her new book, Fish with Feet: Human Evolution and the Image of God. Janet is a science educator, author, and Jesus follower who was herself raised within creationism. In her latest book, she tackles one of the most persistent points of tension between modern science and certain expressions of Christianity: human evolution. In Part One of our conversation, we dig into the remarkable story of how life developed on Earth and eventually produced us—from our ancient aquatic ancestors to primates, early humans, and Homo sapiens. Along the way, Janet helps unpack some of the evidence for evolution found in fossils, anatomy, genetics, and even the strange imperfections built into our own bodies. We also explore why human evolution remains particularly difficult for many Christians to accept, why familiar objections like “If humans evolved from monkeys, why are there still monkeys?” misunderstand how evolution actually works, and what happens when the scientific evidence appears to conflict with the way we were taught to read Scripture. And underneath it all is a much bigger question: If human beings are part of the evolutionary story of life on Earth, what does it actually mean to say that we are made in the image of God? That’s where things get really interesting. This is Part One of our conversation with Dr. Janet Kellogg Ray. Fish with Feet: Human Evolution and the Image of God is available from Eerdmans Publishing and wherever books are sold. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  2. Trailer

    What Comes Next: The Future of The Deconstructionists

    After more than ten years of conversations about faith, doubt, theology, identity, and the questions that reshape us, The Deconstructionists is entering its final chapter. In this special update, John reflects on how the show began, the philosophy that guided it, what has changed in the deconstruction space over the past decade, and why the time feels right to bring the weekly podcast to a close at the end of 2026. But this isn’t goodbye just yet. There are still new guests and conversations ahead, the full archive will remain available, and the door will always be open for future special episodes. John also introduces what comes next: Who We Become, a new podcast exploring the moments that divide our lives into before and after — and the people we become on the other side. Learn more and join the mailing list at thisiswhowebecome.com. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  3. 3 Aug

    Ep. 245 - Rev. Sally Miller "The Modern Chaplain" pt. 2

    What does it really mean to be present with another person? In Part Two of John's conversation with Rev. Sally Pelinka Miller, the discussion moves beyond defining modern chaplaincy and into the heart of spiritual care itself. Rather than offering easy answers or trying to fix people's pain, today's chaplains often practice something much more difficult: accompanying people through uncertainty, grief, trauma, and profound life transitions. In a culture that values certainty, productivity, and quick solutions, this conversation explores the transformative power of simply showing up. Rev. Sally shares how contemporary chaplains understand their work—not as experts dispensing wisdom, but as compassionate companions helping people navigate some of life's most sacred and challenging moments. Together, John and Rev. Sally discuss: Why presence can be more powerful than having the right words.What chaplains can teach all of us about listening.The role of empathy, curiosity, and accompaniment in spiritual care.How grief, suffering, and meaning intersect.Why human connection is becoming increasingly valuable in an age shaped by technology and AI.What it looks like to care for people across different faiths, beliefs, and worldviews.How we can all become better companions to those who are hurting.Whether you're a person of faith, someone deconstructing long-held beliefs, or simply interested in becoming more present for the people around you, this conversation offers practical wisdom and a hopeful vision of what compassionate care can look like. Guest: Rev. Sally Pelinka Miller, MDiv, MA (DMin candidate), is a Board Certified Chaplain (APC), an ACPE Certified Educator, and Manager of Clinical Pastoral Education at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. She is the author of the forthcoming New Images of Spiritual Care, which highlights the diverse voices and innovative practices shaping contemporary chaplaincy. Follow The DeconstructionistsIf you enjoyed this conversation, we'd love your support. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, leave a rating or review, and share this episode with someone who might find it meaningful. Follow us on social media for episode clips, behind-the-scenes content, and updates on upcoming conversations exploring faith, doubt, history, psychology, and what it means to be human. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  4. 27 Jul

    Ep. 244 - Rev. Sally Miller "The Modern Chaplain" pt. 1

    What comes to mind when you hear the word "chaplain"? For many of us, it's an older Christian minister carrying a Bible into a hospital room to pray with patients. But what if that image no longer reflects the reality of modern spiritual care? In Part One of this conversation, John sits down with Rev. Sally Pelinka Miller, board-certified chaplain, ACPE Certified Educator, and Manager of Clinical Pastoral Education at Johns Hopkins Hospital, to explore how chaplaincy has transformed over the past several decades. Today's chaplains come from an extraordinary range of religious and philosophical traditions—including Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Humanism, Unitarian Universalism, and more. Rather than focusing on converting people or providing religious answers, modern spiritual care emphasizes presence, curiosity, accompaniment, and compassionate listening during life's most vulnerable moments. Together, John and Rev. Sally discuss: Why most of us have an outdated picture of what a chaplain is.The fascinating history and evolution of chaplaincy.What board-certified chaplains actually do.Why spiritual care is about far more than religion.How hospitals care for patients with widely different beliefs and worldviews.The shift from authority and hierarchy toward relationship and mutuality.Why "being present" can sometimes be more healing than having the right answers. Whether you're deeply religious, spiritually curious, deconstructing your faith, or simply interested in what it means to care well for another human being, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on one of the most misunderstood professions in healthcare. Guest: Rev. Sally Pelinka Miller, MDiv, MA (DMin candidate) is a Board Certified Chaplain (APC), an ACPE Certified Educator, and serves as Manager of Clinical Pastoral Education at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. She is currently writing New Images of Spiritual Care, a book exploring the diverse voices and evolving practices shaping modern chaplaincy. Follow The DeconstructionistsIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend. Your support helps more people discover thoughtful conversations about faith, doubt, spirituality, history, and the questions that matter most. Follow us on social media for episode clips, behind-the-scenes content, and updates on upcoming interviews. Website: www.thedecontructionists.org Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheDeconstructionistsPodcast Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  5. 1 Jul

    Ep. 243 - Jacob & Esau: The Misunderstood Brothers

    What if one of the Bible's most famous stories isn't really about a hero and a villain? For centuries, many of us have been taught to read the story of Jacob and Esau through a familiar lens: Jacob, despite his flaws, is God's chosen son, while Esau becomes little more than the cautionary tale of the brother who "despised his birthright." But what happens when we slow down, revisit the text, and listen to voices from within the Jewish tradition? In this episode of The Deconstructionists, John explores one of Genesis' most fascinating—and misunderstood—relationships. Drawing on insights from Rabbi Jonathan Sacks in Essays on Ethics and Not in God's Name, as well as reflections from Rabbi David Wolpe, this conversation examines how the story of Jacob and Esau challenges simplistic readings of Scripture and invites us into a richer understanding of reconciliation, identity, and what it means to become fully human. Rather than reading Genesis as a collection of moral fables with obvious heroes and villains, we consider the possibility that the biblical authors were doing something far more profound: exposing the cycles of sibling rivalry, fear, favoritism, and violence that have echoed throughout human history. Along the way, we explore why Jacob spends so much of his life wrestling—not only with God, but with himself—and why his eventual reunion with Esau may be one of the most emotionally powerful moments in all of Scripture. Could it be that the real transformation wasn't simply Jacob becoming Israel... but two brothers finally seeing one another clearly? In This EpisodeWhy Jacob and Esau are far more complex than they're often portrayedThe ancient Near Eastern world behind the Genesis narrativeWhy Jewish interpretations often differ from traditional Christian readingsWhat Rabbi Jonathan Sacks means when he argues that Genesis repeatedly challenges sibling rivalryHow Not in God's Name reframes stories of election and chosennessThe surprising significance of Jacob's wrestling match before meeting EsauWhy Jacob sends gifts ahead of himself—and whether they are simply a bribe or something deeperRabbi David Wolpe's reflection on mirrors in the ancient world, and how Jacob and Esau may have seen themselves in one another after decades apartThe emotional power of forgiveness and reconciliation in Genesis 33What Jacob and Esau still have to teach us about family, conflict, identity, and grace todayBooks ReferencedRabbi Jonathan Sacks — Essays on EthicsRabbi Jonathan Sacks — Not in God's Name: Confronting Religious ViolenceAdditional insights discussed from the teachings of Rabbi David WolpeA Few Questions We ExploreWas Jacob always intended to be understood as the hero of this story?What does it really mean to be "chosen" in Genesis?Why does the Bible spend so much time telling stories about rival siblings?What changes when we read Genesis through the lens of Jewish scholarship?Is reconciliation ever possible without first confronting who we've become?  Like the music? Check out Forrest Clay anywhere you find your music! The song featured on this episode is "Does God" off his Recover EP. Love the work we're doing?! Support us by joining the Patreon family here: https://www.patreon.com/c/thedeconstructionistspodcast/membership Stay up on all things Deconstructionists here: www.thedeconstructionists.org Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  6. 10 Jun

    Ep. 242 - Shelby Forsythia "Grief, Healing, and the Stories We Carry" (Part 2)

    In Part 2 of our conversation with grief coach, author, and podcaster Shelby Forsythia, we dive deeper into her brand-new book, Of Course I'm Here Right Now. Most of us want to help when someone we love is grieving. The problem is that we've never been taught how. Instead, we fall back on clichés, platitudes, and well-meaning advice that often leaves grieving people feeling even more isolated. Shelby argues that what grieving people need most isn't fixing, solving, or explaining. They need presence. In this episode, we explore why grief makes people uncomfortable, how our culture's lack of grief literacy creates secondary losses, and the surprisingly simple phrases that can help someone feel seen and supported during life's hardest moments. Whether you've experienced profound loss yourself or want to be a better support for someone who has, this conversation offers practical wisdom, compassion, and a fresh way of understanding grief. In This EpisodeWhy grief isn't a problem to solveThe hidden ways people become isolated after lossWhat NOT to say to someone who is grievingWhy "at least..." statements often do more harm than goodThe difference between helping and fixingHow grief changes friendships and relationshipsThe role of presence versus adviceThe importance of grief literacy in modern culturePractical phrases anyone can use to support a grieving friendWhat inspired Shelby to write Of Course I'm Here Right NowWhy grief can become one of life's greatest teachersAbout Shelby ForsythiaShelby Forsythia is a grief coach, author, podcast host, and founder of Life After Loss Academy. After losing her mother at a young age, she became what she calls a "student of grief," dedicating her work to helping people navigate life after devastating loss. She is the author of Permission to Grieve, Your Grief, Your Way, and her newest book, Of Course I'm Here Right Now: Three Actually Helpful Things to Say to Someone Grieving. Connect with ShelbyWebsite: Shelby Forsythia Official WebsiteBook: Of Course I'm Here Right NowPodcast: Coming Back Podcast ArchiveSupport The DeconstructionistsIf you're enjoying these conversations, consider supporting our newly relaunched Patreon. Members receive: Ad-free episodesExtended conversations and bonus contentVideo versions of select interviewsEarly access to new episodesExclusive Patreon-only contentJoin us at: The Deconstructionists Patreon Follow The DeconstructionistsWebsite: www.thedeconstructionsits.org Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/thedeconstructionistspodcast If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and review wherever you listen to podcasts. It helps others discover the show and supports independent creators. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  7. 3 Jun

    Ep. 241 - Shelby Forsythia "Grief, Healing, and the Stories We Carry" (Part 1)

    What happens when grief changes not just your life… but your identity? In part one of this conversation, John sits down with author, grief guide, and speaker Shelby Forsythia to discuss her new book and the complicated, deeply human realities of loss, healing, and personal transformation. Together, they explore the myths we inherit about grief, why so many people feel pressure to “move on” too quickly, and how grief can quietly reshape our relationships, spirituality, and sense of self. Rather than offering clichés or easy answers, Shelby approaches grief with honesty, compassion, and a willingness to sit with uncertainty — something longtime listeners of The Deconstructionists will likely find familiar. Topics include: Why grief is not a linear processThe cultural pressure to “get over” lossHow grief impacts identity and spiritualityEmotional honesty versus performative healingWhy many people feel isolated in their painThe connection between grief and personal growthLearning to live alongside loss rather than “defeating” itShelby’s work offers a compassionate alternative to the toxic positivity and oversimplified narratives that often surround grief conversations. If this conversation resonates with you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share the episode with someone who may need it. Support The DeconstructionistsWe’ve officially relaunched our Patreon with new perks and content tiers. Supporters now get access to: Full ad-free episodesBonus contentExclusive educational materialsVideo versions of interviewsCommunity discussionsAnd more content coming soonYou can support the show and join the community here: [Insert Patreon Link] Connect With Shelby Forsythiahttps://www.shelbyforsythia.com/ Connect With The DeconstructionistsWebsite: www.thedeconstructionsts.org Patreon: If you enjoy the show, leaving a rating or review really does help independent podcasts continue to grow. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  8. 27 May

    Ep. 240 - Dualism — The Battle Between Spirit and Matter

    What if one of the most influential ideas in modern Christianity… didn’t actually come from Jesus? In this episode of The Deconstructionists Podcast, we explore the history and impact of dualism — the ancient belief that spirit is good while matter, bodies, and the physical world are somehow lesser, corrupt, or evil. From Plato and Greek philosophy to Gnosticism and modern evangelical culture, we trace how dualistic thinking quietly shaped theology, sexuality, purity culture, views of the body, the afterlife, politics, and even the way many Christians understand salvation itself. We ask questions like: Why have so many Christians viewed the body with suspicion?Did the Bible actually teach a sharp divide between “spiritual” and “physical”?How did Greek philosophy influence early Christianity?Why do some forms of Christianity focus so heavily on “escaping the world”?What happens when faith becomes disconnected from embodiment, justice, and humanity?And what might a more holistic, integrated spirituality look like? Along the way, we discuss: Plato and the influence of Greek metaphysicsGnosticism and the material/spiritual divideThe Hebrew understanding of embodied humanityPaul’s writings and common misunderstandings about “flesh”Heaven, resurrection, and the renewal of creationPurity culture and body shameThe lasting influence of dualism on modern evangelicalismDeconstruction, embodiment, and recovering wholeness This conversation explores how ideas developed historically — and how those ideas still shape people’s lives today, often in ways they don’t even realize. Whether you come from an evangelical background, are in the middle of deconstruction, or are simply interested in theology, philosophy, and history, this episode offers a deeper look at one of the hidden frameworks underneath modern Christianity. Topics CoveredDualism in ChristianityPlato and Greek philosophyGnosticismEmbodiment and spiritualityResurrection theologyPurity cultureBiblical anthropologyEvangelical theologyDeconstruction and reconstructionMind/body divideSpiritual formationSupport The DeconstructionistsIf you enjoy the show and want to support independent conversations like this, consider joining us on Patreon for: Ad-free episodesBonus contentExtended interviewsEducational deep divesCommunity discussionsLink: https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheDeconstructionistsPodcast You can also grab merch and find all of our links here: www.thedeconstructionists.org Follow The DeconstructionistsInstagramFacebookYouTubeIf this episode resonated with you, leaving a review and sharing the episode helps more than you know. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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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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  • Creator
    John Williamson
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2026
  • Episodes
    284
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Deconstructionists

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