The Deconstructionists

John Williamson
  • 4,7 (3)
  • Religion
  • Varje månad

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

  1. −5 h

    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 Sally discuss: Why most of us have an outdated picture of what a chaplain is.The fascinating history and evolution of chaplaincy.What board-certified chaplains actually do.Why spiritual care is about far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

  2. 1 juli

    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

  3. 10 juni

    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

  4. 3 juni

    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

  5. 27 maj

    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

  6. 13 maj

    Ep. 239 - Dr. Bart Ehrman "Love Thy Stranger" pt. 2

    In Part 2 of our conversation, Bart Ehrman returns to discuss his latest book, Love Thy Stranger, and the lasting impact Jesus’ teachings had on moral thought in the Western world. We continue exploring how ideas surrounding compassion, forgiveness, charity, and care for outsiders emerged within early Christianity — while also wrestling with the ways institutions and political movements have often failed to embody those same values. In this episode we discuss: The tension between the teachings of Jesus and modern political ChristianityImmigration, nationalism, and “loving your neighbor”How moral frameworks evolve over timeThe role Christianity played in shaping Western ethicsHistorical misunderstandings about the ancient worldWhy empathy and human dignity remain central themes in Jesus’ message Be sure to check out Dr. Ehrman’s new book, Love Thy Stranger, available now wherever books are sold. Guest BioBart Ehrman is a New Testament scholar, historian of early Christianity, and the author of numerous bestselling books including Misquoting Jesus, Heaven and Hell, Jesus Interrupted, and How Jesus Became God. He is the James A. Gray Distinguished Professor of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Support The DeconstructionistsIf you enjoy the show, there are several ways to support us: Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes, bonus content, educational videos, study guides, and moreCheck out our merch store for brand-new designs and returning favoritesLeave a rating and review on your favorite podcast platformShare the episode with a friendMore info at: www.thedeconstructionsts.org Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  7. 6 maj

    Ep. 238 - Dr. Bart Ehrman "Love Thy Stranger" pt. 1

    Dr. Bart Ehrman – Love Thy Stranger: How the Teachings of Jesus Transformed the Moral Conscience of the West (Part 1)In Part 1 of our conversation with renowned New Testament scholar and historian Dr. Bart Ehrman, we dive into his latest book, "Love Thy Stranger: How the Teachings of Jesus Transformed the Moral Conscience of the West". For centuries, people have debated whether Christianity has been a force for compassion or division. But what if one of the most radical moral ideas in human history came directly from the teachings of Jesus himself? In this episode, Bart explores how concepts like caring for the poor, loving enemies, and extending compassion beyond one’s tribe were not common moral assumptions in the ancient world—and how the teachings attributed to Jesus helped reshape Western moral imagination over time. We also discuss: What morality looked like in the ancient Greco-Roman worldWhy compassion was often viewed as weakness in antiquityThe historical context surrounding Jesus’ teachingsThe difference between Jesus’ message and later Christian institutionsWhether modern secular morality still carries the fingerprints of ChristianityWhy many people misunderstand the historical JesusThe tension between the teachings of Jesus and modern Christian nationalismHow history complicates simplistic narratives about religion’s role in society As always, this conversation approaches faith, history, and culture through the lens of scholarship, curiosity, and honest dialogue. About Dr. Bart EhrmanDr. Bart Ehrman is one of the world’s leading scholars on the New Testament and early Christianity. He is the James A. Gray Distinguished Professor of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the author of numerous bestselling books including: "Misquoting Jesus""Jesus, Interrupted""Heaven and Hell""Armageddon" His work focuses on the historical Jesus, the development of early Christianity, biblical manuscripts, and how religious ideas evolve over time. Support The DeconstructionistsIf you enjoy conversations like this and want to help support independent podcasts and educational content, there are several great ways to support the show: Join Our PatreonWe recently relaunched our Patreon with brand-new content and community features including: Ad-free episodesBonus episodesEducational videos and study guidesMonthly book clubMembers-only discussions and chatExclusive behind-the-scenes content👉 Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thedeconstructionists Merch StoreWe also launched brand-new merch designs along with returning fan favorites. 👉 Merch Store: https://thedeconstructionists.printify.me/ Leave a ReviewOne of the easiest free ways to support the show is by leaving a positive review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It genuinely helps more people discover the podcast. Connect With UsWebsite: https://www.thedeconstructionists.org Bart Ehrman LinksOfficial Website: https://www.bartehrman.com Books & Courses: https://www.bartehrman.com/books/ Blog: https://ehrmanblog.org Thank you for listening to The Deconstructionists Podcast. Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Bart Ehrman will be available soon. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

  8. 16 apr.

    Ep. 237 - Lillian Daniels "Failure, Accountability & the Future of the Church" pt. 2

    In Part 2 of our conversation with Lillian Daniel, we move deeper into the tensions at the heart of her story—and the bigger questions it raises for the modern church. If Part 1 explored what happened, this episode asks what it means. We talk about accountability, institutional systems, and whether the church is actually capable of handling failure in a way that leads to healing rather than harm. 📚 About Lillian Daniel Lillian Daniel is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ and currently serves as a Conference Minister, overseeing churches and clergy across Michigan. She has taught preaching at institutions including Yale Divinity School and the University of Chicago, and is the author of multiple books on faith, ministry, and the evolving role of the church. Her latest book, Defrocked: Good News from a Bad Pastor for a Better Church, explores her own experience with discipline, failure, and restoration—and what it reveals about the systems meant to hold leaders accountable. 🔗 Stay Connected • Website: https://www.thedeconstructionists.org • Patreon: Support the show and get ad-free, extended interviews: https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheDeconstructionistsPodcast • Follow along for more conversations with scholars, authors, and thinkers exploring faith, doubt, and everything in between 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...

Information

  • Skapad av
    John Williamson
  • Aktiva år
    2016 - 2026
  • Avsnitt
    281
  • Åldersgräns
    Vuxet innehåll
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Programmets webbplats
    The Deconstructionists

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