The Deconstructionists

John Williamson
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  • Religion
  • Every two weeks

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

  1. 18 hr ago

    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

    37 min

  2. 13 May

    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

    25 min

  3. 6 May

    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

    45 min

  4. 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

    46 min

  5. 9 Apr

    Ep. 236 - Lillian Daniel "Defrocked: Good News from a Bad Pastor for a Better Church" pt. 1

    📝 Episode Summary Drawing from her new book, Defrocked: Good News from a Bad Pastor for a Better Church, Lillian shares her journey through ministry, the unexpected challenges she encountered, and the moments that forced her to rethink long-held assumptions about leadership, faith, and belonging. This episode is an honest look at what happens when certainty begins to crack—and why that might not be the end of faith, but the beginning of something more real. 📚 About the Book Defrocked: Good News from a Bad Pastor for a Better Church A candid and often humorous reflection on ministry, failure, and the possibility of a more honest and compassionate church. Lillian Daniel offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at pastoral life—challenging assumptions while pointing toward a healthier future. 👤 About the Guest Lillian Daniel is a United Church of Christ minister, author, and speaker known for her wit, honesty, and thoughtful critique of modern church culture. Her work often explores faith, doubt, leadership, and the evolving role of the church in contemporary life. 🔗 Resources & Links • Find Lillian’s book wherever books are sold • Learn more about her work and writing: www.lilliandaniel.com 🎙️ Support the Show If you enjoyed this episode, you can support The Deconstructionists Podcast by: • Joining our Patreon for ad-free episodes, bonus content, and educational videos: https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheDeconstructionistsPodcast • Checking out our merch store (ships worldwide): https://thedeconstructionists.printify.me/ • Leaving a rating & review—it really helps others find the show Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    33 min

  6. 1 Apr

    Ep. 235 - Dr. Cristy Carr "Reclaiming the Forgotten Self" pt. 2

    What happens when the version of you that survived… isn’t the version of you that’s whole? In Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Cristy Carr, we move deeper—beyond awareness and into the work of healing. Together, we explore what it looks like to reconnect with the parts of ourselves that were silenced, shaped, or suppressed by trauma, religious systems, and the need to belong. This episode isn’t about quick fixes or easy answers. It’s about the slow, often uncomfortable process of becoming whole again. Dr. Cristy Carr is a therapist, speaker, and author of The Forgotten Self. Her work focuses on trauma, identity formation, and helping individuals reconnect with their authentic selves—especially those navigating faith transitions and deconstruction. ❤️ Support The Show If you found this conversation meaningful, there are a few ways to support The Deconstructionists Podcast: • ⭐ Leave a rating & review • 🔁 Share this episode with someone who might need it • 👕 Check out our merch store (ships worldwide!) www.thedeconstructionists.org • 🎥 Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and educational deep dives: 👉 https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheDeconstructionistsPodcast Special music provided by: Forrest Clay from the Recover EP. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    39 min

  7. 26 Mar

    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 over time until the line between who we are and who we were told to be becomes hard to see. In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, we sit down with Cristy S. Carr to explore the core ideas behind her book The Forgotten Self—and what it means to lose connection with ourselves in the pursuit of certainty, belonging, and faithfulness. This episode is less about what we believe… and more about who we’ve become in the process of believing. 📚 About the Guest Cristy S. Carr is an author, theologian, and speaker whose work focuses on identity, spirituality, and the process of reconnecting with the self. Her book The Forgotten Self explores how we lose touch with who we are—and how we begin to find our way back. Grab a copy of her new book: https://www.amazon.com/Forgotten-Self-Remember-Who-Truly/dp/B0G51WPJZN 🔥 Support the Show If you want to support The Deconstructionists Podcast: 🎥 Join our Patreon Get access to exclusive content, deep-dive educational videos, and bonus conversations 👉 https://www.patreon.com/c/TheDeconstructionistsPodcast 👕 Check out our merch store New designs + classic favorites 🌎 Ships worldwide www.thedeconstructionsts.org ⭐ Leave a review It helps more people find the show Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    31 min

  8. 18 Mar

    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, John explores one of the most pressing and personal questions facing modern readers of the Bible: What do we do with the violence in scripture—and what does it mean for us today? Prompted by a recent discussion group and unfolding global events, this episode wrestles with: • Whether violence is ever justified • The ethics of war, self-defense, and state power • How ancient texts have been used—and misused—to justify modern violence Rather than offering easy answers, this conversation leans into the tension, drawing on biblical scholarship, theology, and ethical philosophy to better understand what the Bible is—and what it is not. 📚 Scholars & Works Referenced 🧠 Foundational Biblical & Ethical Scholarship • Peter Enns — How the Bible Actually Works → Argues that the Bible reflects the perspectives of ancient people trying to understand God, rather than functioning as a rulebook dictated from heaven. • Greg Boyd — The Crucifixion of the Warrior God → Proposes that violent portrayals of God in the Old Testament are refracted through human understanding and ultimately point toward the nonviolent revelation of God in Jesus. • Eric A. Seibert — Disturbing Divine Behavior → Explores troubling depictions of God in scripture and argues that not all portrayals of God in the Bible should be accepted as morally authoritative. • John J. Collins — Does the Bible Justify Violence? → Examines how biblical texts have historically been used to justify violence and urges careful, contextual interpretation. • Miroslav Volf — Exclusion and Embrace → Reflects on violence, justice, and reconciliation in light of human conflict and the Christian call to forgiveness. 🧠 Ethical & Philosophical Perspectives • Jonathan Sacks — Essays on Ethics → Engages deeply with moral questions surrounding violence, responsibility, and the misuse of religious texts. • Stanley Hauerwas — The Peaceable Kingdom → Advocates for a distinctly Christian ethic rooted in nonviolence and the teachings of Jesus. • Reinhold Niebuhr — Moral Man and Immoral Society → Explores the tension between personal ethics and collective political responsibility, including the justification of force. 💬 Join the Conversation What do you think? Is violence ever justified? How do you interpret the difficult passages in scripture? Join us on social or continue the conversation on Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/c/TheDeconstructionistsPodcast Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    30 min
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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
    277
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Deconstructionists

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